Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network Assistive Technology Resource Guide

🔖 Add to my saved resources

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, known in the MS community as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services that address the critical needs of people with MS and their families, helping them maintain the best quality of life.

The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and may increase in severity over time. This presents physical, emotional, and financial challenges families must face. MS Focus is here to provide the support, education, and assistance needed to adapt to these challenging circumstances. Our primary focus is on providing individuals with MS the help they need to maintain their health and well-being, to continue to be productive and independent, and to keep a roof over their heads and a safe environment in their home. We do so with empathy, resourcefulness, and conscientious care.

Grants and Programs

Emergency Assistance Grant

• MS Focus’ Emergency Assistance Grant provides full or partial financial assistance for urgent needs related to rent or utilities. Our medication copay assistance is currently suspended.
• Disclaimer – MS Focus does not provide assistance with mortgage payments.
• Funds are limited and restrictions apply. Applicants must provide documentation of the need, authorization for the program coordinator to communicate directly with the party to whom the money is owed, and a doctor’s verification of their MS diagnosis. Please note: this is a one-time-use program. Individuals who have previously received help with rent, utilities, or medications through this program may not apply again.
• To learn more, call our National Toll-Free Helpline at 888-MS Focus (888-673-6287), email support@msfocus.org, or start your application now. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation – Emergency Assistance Grant

Healthcare Assistance Grant

• The MS Focus Healthcare Assistance Grant assists uninsured individuals with the cost of visiting their MS specialist as well as dental assistance. The grant, which can pay for one visit and one follow-up, is designed to assist those already diagnosed with MS who may need a visit to their treating physician to renew a prescription or handle other important needs.
• Applicants give MS Focus staff authorization to negotiate costs directly with the provider, and the fee is paid directly to the doctor.
• To learn more, call our National Toll-Free Helpline at 888-MS Focus (888-673-6287), email support@msfocus.org, or start your application now. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation – Healthcare Assistance Grant

Homecare Assistance Grant

MS Focus understands the daily needs and challenges that must be met by both those with MS and their caregivers. In order to meet these needs in the most timely and efficient way possible, our Homecare Assistance Grant connects you to the best available local services. Should resources within your community not be available, direct support may be provided on a temporary basis.

Available Services include

• Home Care – Personal hygiene services, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation to and from appointments are all services that can be provided for a limited time.
• Therapy Visits – Based upon individual need, an appointment with an occupational, physical, or speech therapist can be arranged. Through education and training, these therapists can help to foster independence, self-esteem, and better quality of life for the person living with MS.
• Respite Care –  Respite allows primary caregivers the opportunity to tend to themselves, or other family business, with the assurance that their loved one is being cared for by a properly trained individual. This service is provided on a short-term basis for a scheduled period of time.
• Coming Home – Returning home from a stay at the hospital can be a difficult time of transition. We offer a four-hour visit from an aide who will meet the patient at the hospital, provide transportation home, and then get the patient settled comfortably at home.

This program is limited to:

• Respite Care requests
• Those who have recently had an exacerbation of symptoms
• The Coming Home Program – a recent hospitalization or nursing home admission
• Uninsured individuals
• Physical Therapy requests
• Occupational Therapy requests

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation – Homecare Assistance Grant

Assistive Technology Program

The Assistive Technology (AT) Program may help locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for one of a wide range of devices. These allow those with MS to function more independently in their daily lives, as well as more easily participate in recreational, educational, and vocational activities. These include:

• Aids for daily living
• Communication devices
• Computer aids
• Environmental control systems
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Orthotics
• Seating, positioning, and mobility devices
• Aids for vision and hearing
• Cooling aids

Application available online Multiple Sclerosis Foundation – Assistive Technology Program or via print/mail.

Computer Program

• There is a wealth of information and resources available online. The Internet allows people to join communities, share their stories, and learn about anything they choose. Unfortunately, people with disabilities sometimes don’t have the means to afford a computer in order to access that information. Our Computer Program provides laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on limited or fixed incomes.
• Either a laptop computer, or a desktop computer with a monitor, keyboard and mouse, will be granted. Internet access and technical support will be the responsibility of the grant recipient.
• Application available online Multiple Sclerosis Foundation – Computer Program or via print/mail.

Transportation Assistance Grant

The Transportation Assistance Grant program was established to help members of the MS community remain as independent as possible, and ensure all people with MS have the transportation necessary to get the best medical care.
The program provides funding for reasonable paratransit fees. In partnership with Lyft and Uber, the program can also provide funding for transportation to and from appointments for MS care, limited to neurologist visits and infusion centers, at no cost to the person with MS.

How does it work?

To qualify for the program a person must have a documented diagnosis of MS. For transportation through Lyft or Uber, the applicant must be able to enter the vehicle independently or with the help of a caregiver who will accompany them, and any mobility aids they require must fit in a standard vehicle trunk. They must also have a cellular device capable of receiving and sending text messages.

How to Apply

Individuals with MS can apply for this program online at msfocus.org; or request an application form by emailing transportation@msfocus.org, or call 888-673-6287.

Please note: Restrictions may apply.

 Application available online Multiple Sclerosis Foundation – Transportation Assistance Grant or via print/mail.