Paralyzed Veterans of America Commends the VA for Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grants

Paralyzed Veterans of America issued the following this week:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:  March 30, 2016
Media contact:                  
Lani Poblete 202-416-7667        

Funding will help disabled veterans live more independently 

Washington, DC—Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is pleased that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded $784,421 in total in Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grants to four awardees: Auburn University, Philips Research of North America, Simply Home LLC., and St. Ambrose University. The four awardees will use the grant funds to develop new technologies that will enhance veterans and servicemembers’ abilities to live in specially adapted homes.

 

“Veterans with catastrophic disabilities, such as traumatic spinal cord injury, are living longer and redefining expectation by exceeding their limitations. This starts at home, where accessibility and adaptive solutions help condition a post-injury sense of independence in these men and women,” said Sherman Gillums, Jr., acting executive director of Paralyzed Veterans. “Science and new technologies will enhance a paralyzed veteran’s ability to achieve greater independence, which increases the likelihood of finding and sustaining a career, as well as eases the burden on caregivers. So the benefits of VA’s new Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grants will pay dividends in terms of good quality of life for many veterans and their families. I commend the Department of Veterans Affairs for taking this step.”

The SAHAT Grant Program was authorized by Congress to design assistive technologies to expand home modification options for veterans who apply for VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) benefit. VA administers the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program directly to veterans and servicemembers with certain service-connected disabilities. The SAH program provides funds to modify or construct an adapted home to meet their needs. Typical adaptations include ramps, wider halls and doors, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.

 

To learn more about the SAH program, or to contact a Paralyzed Veterans National Service Officer to see if you qualify for an adapted housing grant, visit www.pva.org/nso.

ENDS


About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.
As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

veterans