Additional Resources & Services
In this section:
SAFETY AND PROTECTION
TRANSPORTATION AND DRIVING
UTILITIES
Safety And Protection
California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
- Provides telephone equipment and service for persons with disabilities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Institute on Aging – Support Services for Elders (SSE)
- Personal Response Service available 24-hours-a-day at the push of a waterproof button on a wristband or pendant.
Marin County Department of Health and Human Services – Marin Adult Protective Services
- 24-hour Hot Line: (415)507-2774
- If you are concerned about the well-being of a friend or neighbor, this agency will send a social worker to make a home visit to evaluate the person’s needs and recommend a course of action to meet those needs on an ongoing basis.
Marin County Department of Health and Human Services – Ombudsman Program (For Long-Term Care)
Medic Alert Foundation International
- Provides bracelets or necklaces with emergency medical information and cautions, and a central number to call which will provide all pertinent patient medical information.
US Department of Justice/Access Issues
- The Americans with Disabilities Act entitles disabled persons equal access to all public facilities. Contact the local building inspector for information.
Transportation And Driving
For additional resources, see the Yellow Pages for listings under Van Conversions and Accessories, and Wheelchair Lifts and Ramps.
- Source of handicap placard and/or license plate. To re-test driving skills, ask for Driver Improvement Section.
- Installs accessible transportation products from various vendors into cars and vans; full van conversions.
- Toll Plaza Discount. Can be either disabled driver or disabled passengers. Call after 9:00 a.m. for information regarding picture I.D.
- Transit cards which entitle the holder to a discount fare also are issued at Whistlestop for those 65 and over and those certifiably disabled; call: (415) 456-9062.
Karen Smith OT and Driving Services
- Driving evaluation program, training, and recommended adaptations or equipment needed to provide greater safety.
Marin County Department of Health and Human Services – Project Independence
- Marin Transit funds local bus service, community shuttles, paratransit, and Novato Dial-A-Ride. Check for senior/disabled rates, bus schedules, service maps and other rider resources.
- Scooter and wheelchair vans, service and sales; used conversions available; broad spectrum of accessible products, including swivel seats, hand controls, lifts, dash modifications, etc.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
- Transportation for Novato Seniors.
Utilities
Gas & Electric
PG&E Customer Assistance Program
- PG&E’s Medical Baseline Allowance Program allows electric and gas baseline allowances to be increased with a doctor’s confirmation. PG&E offers information on finding ways to pay utility bills, to weatherize homes, and to find other types of help in the community regarding energy needs. Assistance is provided by PG&E and other community human service agencies.
Telephone
California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
- This program provides products and services to assist with telephone use free of charge (i.e., speaker phones, large dial pads, etc.).
Television
- Some cable companies may offer reduced fees for older adults or disabled persons receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI). Check with your local cable provider.