May 11, 2009
Independent Living Grant helps Minneapolis resident keep moving forward
An unpredictable disease in nature, multiple sclerosis can often lead to unforeseen expenses. The National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter provides Independent Living Grants to help people with MS and their families purchase products and services to adapt to the disease throughout its course.
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| Susan Stellmacher |
Susan Stellmacher, a resident of Kingsley Commons in Minneapolis, knows firsthand the impact Independent Living Grants can make in the day-to-day lives of people with MS. Before she had a motorized scooter, Stellmacher used a walker to get from one place to the next. But as her MS symptoms began to worsen, the walker became less and less practical.
“To walk 25 feet was a huge undertaking,” Stellmacher said. “It got to a point when I rarely left my apartment; I just didn’t have the energy to go anywhere.”
Stellmacher felt isolated and unproductive. Her physician recommended a motorized scooter. Since her insurance company wouldn’t cover the entire purchase however, Stellmacher was left with remaining cost of the scooter. That’s where the Minnesota Chapter came in. An Independent Living Grant for adaptive equipment helped Stellmacher purchase the scooter without breaking the bank.
Today, Stellmacher is making the most of her new-found independence. She volunteers regularly at the chapter office, serves on the Public Outreach Advisory Group, participates in the Mentor Program and is a grassroots activist for people with MS — organizing meetings with state legislators and spreading awareness about the disease at the state Capitol. Stellmacher also organized and led a team of Kingsley Commons residents for Walk MS Twin Cities 2009.
What you need to know
Independent Living Grants are available in the categories listed below. To learn more, click here or contact Scott Ahlgren at 612-335-7967 or 800-582-5296.
Aids for Daily Living Grant
Non-medical devices that simplify daily tasks, like accessible garden tools or cooling vests.
Care Partner Relief Grant
Respite care so care partners can take time off to relax or attend to personal matters.
Adaptive Equipment/Home and Vehicle Modification Grant
Items range from walking aids to scooters to scooter lifts for vehicles.
Chore Services Grant
Daily chore and house maintenance services such as laundry, meal preparation or snow removal.