MI Paralyzed Veterans of America's Online Auction

The BFA LLC. team has known the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America for years now. They are an immensely valuable resource to the community. As a nonprofit, they need our help to continue to directly serve their organization’s mission. 

The MI Paralyzed Veterans of America has opened their online Auction! Take a look at the great items or do some holiday shopping, while supporting their mission. Wondering what kind of items are in the Auction?

• 2 tickets to the November 23rd, 2017 Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vickings Game
• 4 tickets to Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village
• City of Livonia Golf Division Foursome Gift Certificate for 9 holes of golf
• Bagger Daves Gift Certificate and so much more!

Click here to check out the Auction!

Happy shopping and Thank You for your support.

Are you a Disabled Veteran?

BFA LLC. is proud to be on the Department of Veteran Affairs Contractor List for the State of Michigan. We have worked with disabled Veteran clients, whom have received Housing Grants from the VA. The purpose of the Housing grants are to enhance disabled Veterans quality of life by providing a safe, barrier free home, where they can live as independently as they can.

Through our experience, many of our Veteran clients have no knowledge that they have these grants available to them. And, much to our surprise, we found it difficult to find detailed explanations of their options. Thankfully, we found a document from Julian Gray Associates , where Cindy S. Alvear,  clearly explained the grants available and the specifications to qualify for them.

The VA offers a few different Housing Grants:

Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH)

• Veteran may receive up to $67,555 for accessible home modifications.
• Veteran is only qualified if they were permanently disabled during service.
• Click here for details.

Special Home Adaptation Grant

• Veteran may receive up to $13,511 for any accessible home modifications.
• Veterans qualify if permanently and totally disabled as a resulf of Military service.
• Click here for details.

Click here for more information on SAH and SHA grants from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Home Improvement and Structural Assistance (HISA)

• Veteran may receive $2,000 to $6,800 for accessible home modifications.
• Veterans qualify if disabled as a result of service related or non service related conditions.
• Requires a perscription from VA facility or physician.
• " A HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability. The HISA program does not cover major modifications that are generally covered by the SAH grant program. For instance, handrails installed in showers are covered under HISA, while widening a bathroom doorway is not. A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant or a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant."
• Click here for more details.

Are you wondering if you qualify? Do you know where or how to get started?

If you are asking yourself these overwhelming question, contact the BFA LLC. team today!    We have contacts at the Department of Veteran Affairs that we can directly connect you to. Don't wait any longer.

Ask for Gwen, mention this article and receive a 10% Discount! Call 734-414-9525

**Discount Expires on 11/13/2017**

Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America Annual Salute to Veterans Gala

November 11th, 2017 is Veterans Day, where we  honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The BFA LLC. Family has been involved with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America for years. We are proud sponsors for the Annual Salute to Veterans Gala. The MPVA is passionate about enhancing the quality of life of Veterans and focuses on the local community. 

The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) Annual Salute to Veterans Gala will be taking place on Friday, November 10, 2017. This event is a way for all of us to take time out to remember what Veterans Day is all about and it is a day to honor those who are serving, those who have served, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The Salute to Veterans Gala will be held at the Suburban Collection Showplace from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Suburban Collection in Novi, Michigan.

This benefit is the MPVA’s largest annual fundraising event and proceeds will not only assist MPVA programs, but it will also support other organizations serving Michigan’s veterans.

During this time, the MPVA will also striving to host an Online Auction from November 3-17, 2017 in hopes to raise more funds that directly serve our organization’s mission. The Salute to Veterans Online Auction will be available on the website: http://www.biddingforgood.com/mpva/2017.

For more information go to www.michiganpva.org or download the event brochure here

Accessible Bathroom 101

Accessible Bathroom. Roll-in shower with folding bench. ADA toilet with Flip bars and bidet toilet seat.

Over the years, working with the disability community, bathrooms have been our top priorities. The majority of our clients injuries at home, are from the bathroom. 

"Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home."

Above MS, is a helpful resource for people with MS. There, I found an Occupational Therapist giving advise on bathroom modifications. I found her tips useful, so below, I broke it down for you ,as well as, added advise from our experience.

1. Flip Grab bar, 2. Bidet toilet seat

Grab bars

Grab bars come in different sizes and shapes. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. Flip bars are also a great option, especially next to the toilet. The flip bar, flips up and down, depending on your needs. It is helpful for transferring to the toilet.

ADA toilet

A raised toilet seat, or placing a commode with arms over a toilet, can help with transferring by reducing the distance from sitting to standing, or standing to sitting. Along with the ADA toilet, many of our clients request bidet toilet seats. For many people who have any sort of problem with decreased sensation, trunk rotation, decreased spine-motor coordination, or dexterity, bidet toilet seat help our clients with wiping and proper cleaning, a bidet toilet seat is a Godsend.

1. Grab bars, 2. Folding shower bench

 

Shower seat

A shower seat is a must for an ADA shower. We recommend a folding shower bench. This is connected to the wall, so there is no sliding of the seat. You can fold it up to be out of your way, or fold it down when you need it. If you notice the image, we install grab bars right next to the shower seat for safe transitioning. 

 Hand shower

A Hand shower allows our clients or their caregivers, to shower easily and safely. You can use it standing up or sitting down.

1. Grab bars, 2. Hand shower, 3. Folding shower bench, 4. Roll-in Shower

Roll-in Shower

As an ADA specialists, we recommend an open floor design or Roll-in shower. There are no barriers to step over. Our clients can roll in and out of the shower.

Automatic Light Switch

When it comes to light switches, push pads are much easier than switches. There are different kinds, some are a glow-in-the-dark with wall templates, that are helpful for nighttime use. We also recommend automatic light switches. They turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom, using motion sensors.

Like the Occupational Therapist says, "Again, bathrooms could be inherently dangerous rooms, so it’s probably one of the most important rooms to start with certain changes or modifications. "

Reach out to us:

by commenting below

 Like our Facebook page

email us at admin@adaforall.com

or call the BFA LLC. team at 734-414-9525

 

Water Therapy?

Sofia and her PT Christie, enjoying therapy in the pool.

I recently came across a nonprofit organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of kids with Autism and their families. And, well, that is right up our alley! 

Izzy, a pro-surfer and father of two, found out his son, Isaiah, had Autism at the age of three. After a rough day and no one being able to reach Isaiah, Izzy took him on the surf board with him in hopes that the waves would help Isaiah in the way they help him. The waves did exactly that, so he started his non profit, Surfers Healing, a surf camp for kids with Autism and their families.

Besides relating to the passion for enhancing the quality of lives of people with disabilities and their families, I could also relate to seeing the water, especially the ocean, be therapeutic for Sofia. As many of  you know, Sofia is the inspiration to our families business. Just like Izzy, Luis and Gwendolyne knew that there were other families dealing with the same difficulties and wanted to a resource to them. 

Sofia and Gwendolyne on the beach in Turks and Caico.

Sofia loves Adventure, so our family cruise to the Caribbean was her cup of tea! Did I mention she loves being in the water? I have never seen her be in a bad mood when she is in the water, even in the shower. Her favorite part of summer is going to PT in the pool. So, of course we had to take her to the beach. After figuring out a way to take her to the shore, in her wheelchair, and successfully complete it, she was finally in the water. Sofia radiated pure joy. You could tell her body was relaxed, her muscles didn't hurt and she was in paradise. Literally!

The point I am trying to make, is that I am finding more and more people in the disability community, find relief and a sense of calm in the water. Have you tried  any kind of water therapy? What is your experience with your loved one with disabilities and the water? 

Let us know in a comment below.

Make sure to follow our facebook page to see updates on current projects and events we participate in!

Pets and their Special Abilities

 Sofia and Hana (family pet)

Our family loves animals, especially dogs! What can I say, we are dog people :)

Truthfully, the main reason for getting a dog was for Sofia, our loved one with Cerebral Palsy. We knew many people in the disability community who had dogs and mentioned that the dogs enhanced their quality of life. This resulted in extensive research on different breeds and deciding what we wanted in a dog. Once we decided, we welcomed Hana, a red Shiba Inu, to the family. As you can see, Hana is always by Sofia, she even sleeps with her. There is a special bond between human and animal, but I believe it is even more special when the dog has a purpose/ job. In our case, Hana is not a professionally trained dog, but she knows Sofia needs special attention and care, making Hana her helper.

From research I have read, there is a common misconception that service dogs are meant for people with visual impairments, but that is not the case. There are many ways a service animal can help anyone, especially with physical disabilities, M.S. in particular.

Sofia, Grandma and Hana (family pet)

In the National MS magazine, Momentum, I found a great article about pets helping people with MS. They mention that there is no specific animal that is good for MS. Really, any animal that gives you joy and that can motivate you to be responsible for something other than yourself. They also  explain that trained service animals help improve balance, compensate for numb or spastic hands, provide visual assistance.

What I love the most about this article, is that it has stories of people with MS and their experiences with pets.

Brenda Bolster said, “Every day, Sam (her dog) made me get up and focus on him and not my MS. Along with the joy and comfort he gave me, I found myself working harder to regain my strength in my arms and legs so I could walk him and carry him.”

Pets aren't only therapeutic for the person with disability, but also their caregivers and family members. Worrying about your loved one with the disease is a lot of stress. Bolster found that Sam helped her husband release stress as well.

Whether your furry helper is a service dog or family pet, “nothing can compare to the unconditional love and emotional support they give you,” Bolster says. “They are such a healing thing for the whole family.”

We cannot agree more!

Read the full article here to learn more about service animals and their benefits.

Let us know your experience with your pets or service animals by commenting below.