The ALS Association

About The ALS Association

The ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world. The Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The ALS Association is working to make ALS a livable disease while urgently searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.als.org

Programs & Services Offered

  • Education is available through materials and programs for people with ALS, caregivers and families.

  • Equipment, Assistive Technology & Adaptation Program provides people living with ALS and their families evaluation of equipment and assistive technology needs; identification of the best source of recommended devices and adaptations; and an equipment loan program with items ranging from power wheelchairs and electronic communication devices to small things like button fasteners.

  • Resources & Referral: The Care Services Team members link people with ALS to appropriate resources to navigate the complex system of health, social, legal and financial services.

  • Advocacy & Public Policy Program: The ALS Association’s Chapter network plays a lead role in advocating for increased public funding and private support of ALS research and public policy initiatives that respond to the needs of people with ALS.

  • The Care Services Team provides education and awareness of ALS and the programs/services of the ALS Association to the healthcare community and those who work with patients and families throughout the Chapter's service area via new client kits, physician kits, professional education and presentations.

  • The Care Services Team provides support to family members and caregivers through a variety of programs and services including support groups, circles of care, caregiver programs and children’s resources referral.

  • The ALS Treatment Centers/Clinics Program is our most valuable program where people living with ALS and their families are seen every 3 months by a specialized, multidisciplinary clinic team, are provided an individualized care plan and have access to research trials.

  • Medical Research efforts focus on finding treatments and a cure for ALS.

  • Virtual Home Safety Assessment Program provides a virtual walk-through assessment of ALS families homes, focusing on safe entry/exit mobility within the home, transferring, bathroom access and safety and ability to call for assistance. This program is completed by an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP).

  • SMART Home program - provides consultation, education, setup instructions, and purchase of some specific items that can increase comfort and safety in the home for people living with ALS.  Tasks these devices can assist with include: hands-free phone calls, communication across smart speakers (in-home intercom), control of lights and other powered devices, and the ability to answer the door (and control an entry) while also reducing the need for potentially unsafe transfers, etc

  • Ramp Re-use Program – The Ramp Re-Use Program is dedicated to assisting individuals living with ALS in achieving greater independence and improving their overall quality of life. This innovative initiative focuses on providing modular ramps that cater to the specific needs of each individual. Through this program, individuals can access financial support for obtaining ramps and benefit from free consultations to ensure they select the most suitable ramp for their requirements.

    By participating in the Ramp Re-Use Program, individuals with ALS can experience heightened accessibility within their homes. The program aims to empower individuals by offering tailored solutions that facilitate easier movement and navigation, ultimately enhancing their daily lives.

  • My ALS Journey is an interactive, web-based tool that allows people living with ALS and their loved one to take control of their journey with the disease. Users can browse articles, view videos and find other helpful resources and information specific to any stage in their ALS journey. https://www.alsjourney.org/

Did You Know?

  • 100 people living with ALS in Nebraska are being served by the Chapter.

  • Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with or passes away from ALS.

  • 2-5 years is the average life expectancy.

  • $2 billion is the estimated cost to develop a drug to slow or stop the progression of ALS.

  • $250,000 is the estimated annual out-of-pocket cost for caring for a person with ALS.

You Can Help

  • $10 provides adaptive equipment such as utensils or zipper pulls to aid in activities of daily living.

  • $25 covers the cost of an LCD writing tablet, allowing a person with ALS to communicate with those around them.

  • $50 provides 12 Living with ALS guides to help individuals and families better understand the progression of ALS.

  • $100 pays for a consultation by an ALS Navigator to respond to the physical and emotional needs of a family dealing with ALS.

  • $250 funds an individualized health care plan from the multidiscipline team at an ALS Treatment Center of Excellence.

  • $1,000 covers the cost of mobility and communication devices not covered by insurance.

Dollars at Work

  • In the past year, The ALS Association’s ALS Treatment Centers and clinics supported 334 newly diagnosed ALS patients with a total of 1,285 clinic visits, delivering specialized and comprehensive care to guide them through their ALS journey.

  • The ALS Association’s Virtual Home Modification & Safety Assessment Program received 518 referrals and has completed 369 visits across the nation.

  • The ALS Association’s ALS Connection Virtual Caregiver Support Groups has served 223 women and 87 men for a total of 310 attendees this year.

Contact Info
The ALS Association Omaha Office | 531-202-8760 | website