Welcome to the North Dakota Association for the Disabled, Inc. (NDAD) blog! This blog will feature news items and stories of interest to people with disabilities and advocates in the state of North Dakota, including upcoming events, informative articles, success stories, reviews, and interviews. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook to get all the latest news and updates.
Who we are:
NDAD is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1975 by concerned citizens for the purpose of assisting people with mental and physical disabilities in the state of North Dakota, many of whom are not eligible for services from other agencies. NDAD is not affiliated with any other agency or organization. Consequently, no portion of the NDAD budget is sent out of the area to support a regional or national organization.
NDAD does not attempt to define the term “disabled,” because there are many different types of disabilities and each person has unique needs. Every effort is made to provide appropriate services to eligible clients.
Often, disabling conditions can be very costly. NDAD follows a philosophy that individuals with disabilities can live more satisfying, productive lives if they have the opportunity. Many times, this requires the purchase of specialized equipment, medical treatment, or other services. NDAD works with local school districts, Vocational Rehabilitation, Human Service Centers, etc. so as not to duplicate assistance provided by these organizations. As a nonprofit organization, funds are limited. Therefore, NDAD is unable to grant every request. Assistance is provided on a priority basis, according to established guidelines.
How we help:
- Fundraising: NDAD can provide financial assistance in two ways. Funds generated by our organization can be used for medication, medical equipment and supplies, home and vehicle accessibility, medical travel expenses, personal attendant care, transportation, and recreational activities. These funds are restricted according to NDAD guidelines. NDAD can also act as custodian of funds raised by community projects and benefits. These funds are raised on behalf of a person by members of his or her community. Because these funds are raised by the community and not NDAD, they can be used to help the person with the disability with any appropriate expense within IRS guidelines. Because NDAD is a 501(c3) organization, donations made to NDAD for the community project are tax deductible if you itemize your taxes. NDAD can provide consulting information on fund raising and also pay bills and expenses out of the fund as directed by the fund chairperson. One hundred percent of funds raised go to the individual.
- Equipment for Loan: NDAD offers a short-term loan program at no charge for individuals to borrow a piece of equipment. NDAD offices in Grand Forks, Fargo, and Minot have a van with a lift available for loan to individuals in the community who are wheelchair users. The ramp van can be used for out of town medical appointments or for local appointments and/or events. Any out of state trips must be for medical purposes only and be approved by NDAD. The vans are not equipped with hand controls.
- Information and Referrals: One of NDAD’s goals is to assist people in receiving help through other agencies whenever possible. Often the person either is not aware of available services or does not know how to gain access to them.
- Advocacy: Protecting the rights of of people with disabilities is a primary concern of NDAD. Every effort is made to ensure that they receive services to which they are entitled from the appropriate agency.
- NDAD Financial Loan Program: The purpose of this program is to expand personal financing options for North Dakotans to purchase assistive technology (AT) devices and services. Individuals who may have difficulty obtaining conventional financing may be eligible for financing through this program.
- ND Organ Transplant Fund: In addition to NDAD’s direct financial assistance for organ transplant recipients and donors, NDAD also administers the North Dakota Organ Transplant Fund. The Organ Transplant Fund was established by the ND Legislature in 1991 to provide funds to help individuals alleviate demonstrated financial needs related to costs associated with transplant operations not normally covered by insurance. Dollars for the Organ Transplant Fund are generated from state income tax refunds of under $5.00.
Contact us:
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, we welcome you to contact us at one of our regional offices to learn more and submit an application.
Grand Forks:
2660 S. Columbia Road
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701)775-5577
800-532-NDAD (6323)
grandforks@ndad.org
Fargo:
21 N. University Drive
Fargo, ND 58102
(701)281-8215
888-363-NDAD (6323)
fargo@ndad.org
Minot:
1808 20th Ave. SE
P.O. Box 1826
Minot, ND 58701
(701) 838-8414
888-999-NDAD (6323)
minot@ndad.org
Williston:
309 Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 1503
Williston, ND 58801
(701)774-0741
877-777-NDAD (6323)
williston@ndad.org
Website: http://www.ndad.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NDAD/235062989901477?ref=ts