Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.
The Quality of Life (QL+) Program is currently seeking Veterans with disabilities who could benefit from having custom specialized devices built for them. Whether it’s to support an active lifestyle or simply to enhance daily living, QL+ is here to help.
Transformative solutions for active lives
QL+ has a proven track record of assisting everyone from Paralympic athletes to Veterans aiming to regain their ability to engage in everyday activities. The projects span a wide range of innovative solutions, including:
• Running and hiking prosthetics.
• Bike lifts.
• Lifts for moving Veterans from wheelchairs to tractors.
• 3D archery targets.
• Modifications to convert wheelchairs into walkers.
These projects are just a glimpse of what can be achieved. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans.
Your ideas, our mission
Do you have a great idea for a device that could change your life? QL+ invites any Veteran with a disability to apply for this program—service-related or otherwise. Importantly, there is no cost for Veterans to participate in the program.
How the QL+ Program works
Partnering with future engineers
The QL+ Program collaborates with engineering students from 25 universities across the United States. These students take on QL+ projects as part of their senior Capstone Projects. Here’s how the process unfolds:
1. Fall Semester: Students work with the Veteran (referred to as the Challenger) to develop designs for the device.
2. Spring Semester: Students build the device based on the developed designs.
Facilitating collaboration
If in-person fittings, measurements or other interactions are necessary, QL+ will cover travel expenses to ensure a successful meeting between the Challenger and the students.
Application and selection process
Once an application is submitted, QL+ collaborates with faculty advisors to select the projects. If your project is chosen, you will be connected with a team of senior engineering students who will be dedicated to your project. Engineering faculty and outside mentors will assist the students throughout the process.
Weekly meetings are held to keep everyone updated on the project’s progress. Typically, projects begin in the fall semester and conclude by May. QL+ asks Challengers to actively participate and communicate with the students as needed. Veterans will find these students to be brilliant, hardworking and eager to meet their project’s needs and desires.
Get involved
To learn more about the QL+ Program and to apply, visit www.qlplus.org. There, you can:
• Explore past projects.
• Watch videos on the QL+ YouTube channel.
• Fill out the online application to become a Challenger.
Additionally, stay updated by following QL+ on Facebook and Twitter for general announcements and updates on ongoing projects.
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Statement of Endorsement
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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They are saying, your worthless you have no responsibility’s. Can you work, you can not work you go to the war and come back all messed up. I have no respect for you.
I have some ideas for disabled vets who needs some physical rehabilitation
i served 3 yars in the marine corps 14 months in south korea prior to to the signing of the peace treaty after discharge i went to college and received a degree in engineering and took a job with the Navy. worked for them 32 years and retired. Loved my job and advanced in grade to a very high grade. served 3 years in Philippines as QA officer and retireted as GM-14. today i an 89 years old; cannot walk, hear, baily see and widowed. a few years ago i applied twice for va help an was turned down twice. i own a home but would not be able to live in it alone. my daughter live with me 24/7 all year. I do not want any money or care but would like my daughter to ge a stipend of some type for her work. i’m talking big money but like 100 a week pocket money. she will not take it from me. saw va article about family caretakers so thought i would write. health problems now no from Marines but Navy.
This would be a huge project. Vietnam veteran with 100 percent service connected disability. Service connected complete hearing loss and cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are known to cause balance problems eventually in almost all users. We live in three story townhouse with kitched on second floor and I carry groceries and other packages upstairs. Am careful but occasionally fall on stairs and recently felll and head injury and was hospitalized. Need elevator but due to intricacy of the stairs, they have to cut a hold through bedroom. have tried to get financial help towards it. Have called VA, AMerican legion, DAV, wounded warriors…and nothing available.
I am a veteran with a disability due to cancer. But the cancer was years after I was honorably discharged. Does the article about veterans with disabilities that need a brace to walk, can help me?
I use a walker to get from room to room. Stairs are not a good idea. I use only first floor and want to go upstairs but my wife and I can’t get up there. Please help.
Hi,
I lost the use of my legs as far as driving is concerned. I started taking some training at Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Their vehicle is no longer in service and they are not sure when another one will be available.
Are you aware of any handicap driving programs? If needed I am willing to go out into the community and pay out of pocket if needed.
Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated… Jeff Chavis
My husband has MS, resulting in the loss of using his legs. He uses hand controls to drive. If the VA can not help you, you can go to any mobility assisted business that sells wheelchairs, hand controls, lifts, handicap adapted vehicles, who will help you to become independent in driving a vehicle adapted especially for you and your capabilities. Look for companies that service ( certified } what they sell. You may have to go to larger city to find a mobility shop that will fit what you need and your abilities you still have. If you have the time and resources, shop different businesses.
Do you help with getting some teeth or implants.
I was crushed in a motor vehicle accident. My teeth were chipped and cracked, then some cancer help make it worse. Later diabetes took the rest of my immune system. Now there are only two teeth left.
Can you Help with this????
Thank You
William Moon
I just need railings on both sides of my front porch. Currently I can’t get out of the front door of my house without help due to my arthritis. If I had railings, I could hold onto them and go down the 3 concrete steps. I fell 4 years ago and am much more afraid and frail.
Would this qualify?
Would be nice if we had a bathroom my husband could use he has not been able to take a shower where we live in years
This looks like a great program
VA turn me down on getting a walk in shower, even though I have heart ,diabetes, lung problems, kidney problems,, so can i recover the $11,000 I had to pay out of pocket expense, still have the receipt’s,,,
Richard E Britt
I have the same issue that Mr. Britt has. VA turned me down and I have joint deuteriation, arthritis, diabetes and degenerative disk. I’m currently getting the work started for my bathroom to make is safer. Can I get reimbursed?