Does anyone know of groups or foundations that can grant or help me
purchase a handcycle? Or how to get my state insurance to pay for it?

Hi Wheelheart,

I am guessing from your name that you would dearly love to get a
handcycle. I searched extensively for grant/scholarship programs which
may help defray your costs.


*****************************
HANDCYCLE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
*****************************

Lightning Handcycle Sponsorships
Online form for your completion.
http://www.handcycle.com/contest.htm

Challenge Cycling Handcycling Subsidy Giving Program
Grants are available for individuals in Massachusetts and Rhode
Island. Their application is available online (scroll about one third
of the way down the page.)
http://www.challengecycling.org/

Challenged Athletes Foundation How to Apply for a Grant
Instructions to apply for an equipment funding grant.
http://www.challengedathletes.org/caf/template.asp?ID=55

Disabled Sports USA Chapter Listing
You may contact your state's chapter to inquire about assistance
programs.
http://www.dsusa.org/chapter-state.htm



********************
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
********************
Contacting state governmental agencies, such as your state vocational
& rehabilitation department may yield some helpful contacts.

State Listing of Vocational & Rehabilitation Agencies
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/crh/vocational.htm

Disability Resources
Select your state from the drop-down box for more agency listings.
http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm



*****************
INSURANCE PAYMENT
*****************
It can be difficult to make the case that a handcycle is a
medically-necessary piece of equipment which should be covered by
insurance. But I did find one article from someone who managed to do
just that!

Winning the Health Insurance Game
http://www.paralysisproject.org/newmobility/health_insurance.html
Scroll down to the “Bargain and Barter” section, and you will find
this paragraph:

" 'I once had a handcycle covered as a prophylactic device to prevent
weight gain,' says Ludlow, 'by pointing out the amount of PT/OT needed
by sedentary wheelchair users who are very prone to excessive weight
gain.' "



*****
LINKS
*****
The following links may interest you.

Yahoo Groups: Handcyclists
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/handcyclists/

Handcycle Friends
Find handcyclists in your area.
http://www.handcycle-friends.org/

How to Select the Right Handcycle
http://www.spinlife.com/zine/newarticle.cfm?artid=243&typeid=134

Handcycling Links
The color and small font make this page somewhat difficult to use, but
there is a lot of information here.
http://www.quinntecentral.com/quinnshandcycling/links.html


Search terms: handcycle, handcycling, medicaid + handcycle, handcycle
grant

Please request a clarification if the information I've provided isn't
helpful or any of the links do not work for you. I extend you my
warmest wishes that you will soon get the handcycle you desire!
 

fsw

---

Clarification of Answer by fsw-ga on 04 Dec 2002 16:53 PST

Wheelheart,

I just found another resource, but unfortunately you've missed the
deadline for eligibility this year.

Perimeter Bicycling Handcycle Scholarship Fund
Awards one handcycle each year.
http://www.bikegaba.org/Hand%20Cycle%20Fund.htm

I have continued searching for insurance reimbursement information for
handcycles, but didn't find anything helpful.

Best wishes,
fsw

from: wheelheart. 
to: fsw-ga>That was the best 5 bucks I've ever spent! know that I know
theres such a great service, I'be back & tell my friends too.