The Maurer-Heinsen Home Access Program is a compassionate and practical initiative dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This program was generously funded by the Tim Maurer and Petra Heinsen family and is aptly named in their honor.
The program recognizes the importance of accessibility for those with mobility challenges and covers a significant portion of the cost associated with the installation of temporary modular ramps to ensure that people living with ALS can easily navigate in to and out of their homes. We partner with professionals who specialize in installing modular ramps to ensure that the ramps are not only safe and durable but also comply with relevant accessibility standards.
Key Features of the program include:
- Modular Ramp Installation: The program utilizes a modular ramp system made up of reusable and interchangeable components. These modular ramps can be easily assembled and disassembled, making them adaptable to different homes and settings.
- Assessment and Installation: The program begins with a thorough assessment of an individual's accessibility needs. Once the requirements are determined, the vendor assembles the appropriate ramp configuration using the modular components and installs it professionally.
- Temporary Usage: The ramps provided are designed to be temporary, ensuring that no permanent alterations are made to the home. This allows for flexibility in the living situation and ensures the option to recycle the ramp for future use.
- Recycling and Reuse: Once an individual or family no longer requires the ramp, the program retrieves the modular components. Instead of discarding them, the components are refurbished and made available for another family in need. This recycling process reduces waste and extends the life of the ramp system.
- Accessibility for All: The program's commitment to recycling and reusing modular ramp components ensures that more individuals can benefit from the availability of these ramps and makes them more affordable.
By addressing these vital aspects, the Maurer-Heinsen Home Access Program offers crucial support for those living with ALS and their families. It strives to create an environment that promotes independence and dignity, making day-to-day life more manageable. Through the generosity of the Maurer-Heinsen family, this program stands as a testament to the power of compassion and practical assistance in improving the lives of those affected by ALS.
To qualify, a person must:
- Have a diagnosis of ALS/PLS/PMA.
- Have no other resources that will cover needed items (e.g. County Assistance, VA, long-term care policy).
- Agree to a virtual or in-person home safety assessment
- Agree to an evaluation by an ALS Association approved vendor.
- Sign an ALS Association Consent and Release form.
The ALS Association will contact a family regarding their ability to cost share for equipment. The ALS Association will cover a portion of the ramp costs through funding and/or materials for the overall project. The remaining costs will be the responsibility of the person with ALS/family receiving the ramp, as agreed upon following vendor evaluation and program acceptance. Approved payments are made directly to vendors and installers upon receipt of an invoice. Please note that all purchased equipment and components remain the property of The ALS Association.
To ensure the fair allocation of resources among all those we serve, the ALS Association cannot contribute funding to a pre-existing project. Additionally, the ALS Association reserves the right to evaluate and pre-approve requests through a virtual home consultation to evaluate the needs and capabilities of a patient’s physical status, evaluate the ongoing appropriateness and safety of the patient to use the modification equipment, and/or remove the equipment if deemed unsafe. The ALS Association can reject a project for any reason at its discretion.
Virtual Home Assessment
Most homes are not designed or constructed to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities in terms of accessibility, safety, independence, and location. The ALS Association offers virtual home safety consultations by a registered Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant to help people with ALS, and their families, make decisions about the best modifications for accessibility and safety.
Who to Contact
To find out more about how the Maurer-Heinsen Family Home Access Program can help you, review our Frequently Asked Questions document or contact homeaccessnct@als.org.
“We extend our gratitude to the ALS Association for their invaluable support to individuals and families affected by ALS in our region. They are a beacon of hope, providing comfort and assistance. The Maurer-Heinsen Home Access Program is a means to enable more families to continue residing in their homes, even as numerous aspects of life are transformed by an ALS diagnosis. A home ramp isn't merely a structure; it's a lifeline for those with ALS, providing the independence to connect with loved ones and preserve a sense of normalcy. Our goal is to provide this lifeline to as many individuals as possible.” - Tim Maurer & Petra Heinsen
