How can ARPA help me?
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law to boost the U.S. economic recovery from COVID-19. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) received ARPA funding to promote accessibility and agency responsiveness for individuals with disabilities.
The ARPA funds will support Home and Community Life initiatives.
We are committed to assisting those who receive resources through MRC programs by offering the following programs:
- Improving Mobility Access (Wheelchair Ramps)
- Increased Access to Assistive Technology (AT)
- Adaptive Vehicle and Housing Modifications
- Expansion of Assistive Technology Training and Support
- Specialized Transition Supports
How can I apply for ARPA Funds?
If you are an MRC service recipient and are interested in accessing one of these ARPA projects please reach out to your program coordinator at Supported Living (SL), Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP), or Home Care Assistance Program (HCAP). We can connect you with up-to-date information and an application.
Using ARPA Funds to Aid Individuals
A 56-year-old man diagnosed with ALS, uses a wheelchair and has limited accessibility. Steve requested support for a ramp to improve his home accessibility and reduce his fall risk. A ramp was installed as soon as the request got to MRC through the ILC ARPA Wheelchair Ramp program. He shared, "I love the ramp; they did an excellent job."
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) recently provided an 83-year-old female living with her family in a two-floor family house in Springfield. The individual asked for a stairlift, and she required continued support from family members because her mobility had deteriorated. With the help of Starvros, Independent Living Center, she requested a stairlift through MRC to be installed. Recently, she shared, "I loved the stairlift. I can safely go up and down the stairs with little support.
A 50-year-old man living with his family in Westfield lost both legs and is homebound because his home wasn't accessible. With the help of Stavros, an Independent Living Center (ILC), he applied to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to get construction funding for a wheelchair ramp to enhance his independence and safe entrance and exit of his home. With his new ramp, he can enter and exit his house, get to his medical appointments, explore his community, and get to other engagements.