Grants are awarded to parents of infants and preschool age children who have been diagnosed with moderate to profound hearing loss to attenuate expenses associated with obtaining services such as auditory support services, speech-language therapy, tuition and assistive technology.
Infants and children must be less than 6 years old by December 31 in the year that they apply for the award and must not be enrolled in first grade or higher. Applicants must be diagnosed with a moderate to profound hearing loss at birth or before acquiring spoken language, averaging 55 dB or greater in the better ear in the speech frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Children from birth to 5 years old and diagnosed as moderately or profoundly deaf can apply for this program. The parent or guardian must be committed to an auditory/oral philosophy of education and must demonstrate a financial need. Applications must be requested between June 1 and September 1 by either contacting the number or visiting the website listed above and are due by November 1 for funding for the following year.
Serves individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss from birth to 5 years of age, Nationwide
Grants are awarded to students with moderate to profound hearing loss who must plan to attend or be currently enrolled on a full-time basis in an independent or parochial elementary, middle, or high school that primarily enrolls students with normal hearing. These funds may be used to cover expenses, including assistive technology, associated with early intervention, educational and rehabilitation services.
Children must be 6 years and older and have been diagnosed as moderately or profoundly deaf to apply for this program. Applicants must have had moderate to profound hearing loss since birth or before acquiring spoken language, with a 55 dB or greater loss in the better ear in the speech frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2,000Hz. Applicants must use speech, residual hearing and/or speech reading as their primary form of communication. Note: This program is for elementary and secondary students only. It is not meant for college students. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in elementary or secondary private settings that enroll students with normal hearing. Candidates must include three letters of recommendations with their application forms. Application forms are available. Incomplete, late or unsigned application will not be considered.
Serves individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss from 6 years of age to High School graduation, Nationwide
The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individual's access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. Applications will be reviewed by the Assistive Technology Committee (ATC) and recommendations will be submitted for board approval. If applicants are selected to receive a technology grant, applicants will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns, bank statements and any other documents that the ABC board or its designee would deem necessary to assess financial need for the grant.
Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Applications must be submitted by June 30th and December 31st for each grant period (two per year). Applicants will be notified if their request for a grant is approved. Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. All applications must be submitted via e-mail. You will be notified by ABC within 45 days after the application deadline. The grantee will have 30 days after notification to purchase the product. If the purchase cannot be made within 30 days ABC reserves the right to withdraw the award and assign it to another applicant. All decisions are final.
Serves Blind/Visually Impaired individuals of all ages, Nationwide
The purpose of the fund is to purchase prosthetic limbs for amputees who cannot otherwise afford them. The creation of the fund was made possible by a generous donation from the Barr Foundation. William G. Barr, co-author of the book "Whole Again", tells of his and his son's struggles to find a proper fitting prosthesis and overcome their disabilities.
The Barr Foundation Amputee Assistance Fund (BFAAF) is administered by the Barr Foundation in Boca Raton, Florida, and coordinated by local and foreign prosthetists. The Fund will pay for materials and fitting of a new prosthesis after financial need has been established by the prosthetists. To establish that need, the amputee and prosthetist would need to show there are no other sources of funding available. To apply for the funding the prosthetist and amputee will complete application forms which will then be reviewed and verified by a committee of professionals. In most cases, the amputee should have an answer within two weeks.
Serves individuals with loss of limb of all ages, Nationwide
The Children's Charity Fund is a national organization dedicated to serving the needs of children with disabilities and their parents. The fund will assist any child regardless of age, race, color, sex or national origin. The fund can provide for the purchase of medical equipment and other aids including wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and hearing aids.
Decisions on funding are based upon criteria such as medical need and income level. Documentation must include a letter from the child's Physician stating his/her disability, a prescription from the child's Physician for the requested equipment, and denial from an insurance company, Medicaid or Medicare, your most recent tax information, the child's photo and the request form notarized. An application form and additional information may be obtained by calling the listed number or printing out a form found on their web site.
Serves children with all disabilities, Nationwide
A Child's Wish Foundation was founded to ease the pain and suffering of children afflicted with a life threatening or terminal illness. For these unfortunate children, A Child's Wish provides an experience of a lifetime in the form of a special wish. A Child's Wish Foundation is a project of Children's Charity Fund, Inc. The officers and directors have been providing services and medical equipment to handicapped and disabled children and their families throughout the United States for the past 12 years. Many of the children helped have succumbed to their illness
A Child's Wish Foundation will consider the wish of any child with a life threatening or terminal illness and who has attained the age of 4 and have not reached their 18th birthday. The wish child must not have received a special wish from any other wish granting organization. A Child's Wish Foundation has no restrictions as to the child's residence or where the child is being treated. The basic criteria are that the child's illness must be medically confirmed as life threatening or terminal, the child must be able to participate in the special wish and the special wish must be the child's very own. Children are referred to us from doctors, nurses, teachers, and people just like you. Assistive technology will be considered if it is truly the wish of the child
Serves terminally ill children, birth to 18 years of age, Nationwide.
The Children's Wish Foundation International, Inc, was founded on the premise that terminally ill children, regardless of race, color, religion, or economic status, are denied the basic right to grow into adulthood. For these unfortunate children, Children's Wish Foundation provides an experience of a lifetime in the form of a favorite wish.
Children's Wish Foundation will fulfill the favorite wish for any child not expected to live until the age of 18. Each wish, truly the child's own wish must be completed while the child is healthy enough to fully enjoy it. The immediate family is included in the wish fulfillment, so that the child and family will share in the experience. Assistive technology will be considered if it is truly the wish of the child.
Serves terminally ill children, birth to 18 years of age, Nationwide.
Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down's Syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged. In some cases, DCRF may be the last resort
The DCRF focuses special attention on children up to the age of 18 that do not have health insurance, especially children with physical disabilities. An application for an 'Assistive Technology Grant' can be obtained from the address above. Applicants should seek the assistance of a health care professional in filling out the application. Referral from such a professional is required along with at least one cost estimate. Families (parent or guardian) for an individual child, non-profit organization for a small group of children may submit applications for the child.
DCRF grant applications may be used for modest awards for assistive devices, rehabilitative services, arts and humanities projects, or for efforts to bolster compliance with existing laws for the benefit of children with disabilities. Applications may be submitted by families (parent or guardian) for an individual child or by a non-profit organization for a small group of children. Applications are available between April and September of each year
Special emphasis on children with physical disabilities, birth to 18 years of age, Nationwide
First Hand is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization supported by the generosity of Cerner Corporation, its associates, its business partners, and friends. The Foundation assists individual children who have clinical, health-related needs and no financial safety net to cover these expenses. By focusing on the individual child, First Hand reaches children and their families who would otherwise fall through the cracks of insurance coverage and state aid. The Foundation strives to provide assistance that creates independence, rather than dependence for its recipients.
First Hand encourages Cerner associates, business partners and clients, as well as the public, to refer cases to the Foundation. Applications are processed and evaluated by First Hand's Clinical Decision Committee composed of healthcare professionals and associates from Cerner Corporation. In order to be considered for funding, the following criteria must be fulfilled: 1) The child must be under the care of a pediatrician 2) The case must involve a specific child with a specific need 3) The grant request must be clinically relevant to the health of the child 4) There must be no existing financial net (such as Medicaid or private insurance) to cover the requested expenses 5) The case must be in a proactive stage. An application for debt reduction for expenses already incurred will not be considered for First Hand Foundation funding 6) Because First Hand believes in empowering the families it helps, the families must do their own legwork in seeking medical advice and treatment for their children. First Hand provides its support by funding the procedures and equipment recommended by experts. First Hand partners with other organizations to help the same child, to maximize the impact of its funding and 7) The child must be 18 years of age or younger (a child 18-21 can be considered if under the care of a pediatrician and in a child-like state)
Serves individuals of all disabilities, birth to 20 years of age, Nationwide
Hear Now is a national non-profit program committed to assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources who permanently reside within the United States. The work of Hear Now is supported through the contributions of many benefactors. We receive no government funding. All donations - money, time, hearing aids - allow the program to survive and give the gift of hearing domestically. Eligible devices and services include hearing aids and fittings.
Applications can be downloaded from the website listed above. In determining eligibility, HEAR NOW considers the following: 1) household size 2) monthly or annual income from all in the household who have income and 3) assets.
Serves individuals with hearing loss, all ages, Nationwide
The HIKE Fund, Inc. is a not for profit charity incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska and registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charity. The Fund is the continuing philanthropic project of Job's Daughters International.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and twenty years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially. Estimates of 100 children are provided with hearing devices each year. Examples of eligible hearing devices include hearing aids, enclosed caption converters for television, tactile units, FM units (into which a hearing aid is plugged for amplification), computers to assist deaf children in communicating, as well as other technical devices may be prescribed.
Children are eligible to receive a grant providing the need is verified by a prescription from an audiologist or physician. Applications can be downloaded from the website listed above. The following list of items must be included in the application packet to be considered for funding: 1) a letter from parent(s) or guardian(s) explaining the financial need 2) statement of income and expenses 3) a copy of the previous years income tax return and the most recent pay stub(s) from each wage earner 4) a recent (within the past 12 months) audiogram AND quote from a licensed and/or certified audiologist and/or physician and 5) an itemized cost quotation from the supplier which should include cost of hearing aid(s) or device(s), cost of ear mold(s), and professional fees.
Serves individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss, birth to 20 years of age, Nationwide
Kids Wish Network is a federally recognized 501(c) 3 nonprofit charitable organization whose sole mission is to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Kids Wish Network actively seeks out children who haveslipped through the cracks of society that is, children without parents or other advocates. Although, our primary mission is to grant first wishes, under extraordinary circumstances, our Board of Directors may approve a second wish for a child who has already had a wish granted. Some examples of wishes include: computers with assistive technology, theme park visits, shopping sprees, meeting celebrities and traveling are all popular choices. We have also fulfilled many requests for special commodity wishes such as accessible playground sets. The wish cannot accommodate pets, travel outside the US, hunting trips, motorized vehicles, hospital equipment, land/housing or medical treatments.
To qualify for assistance, an individual must have a terminal or life-threatening illness and must be between 3 and 18 years of age.
The Limbs for Life Foundation's Diabetic Prosthetic Rehabilitation Program, assists individuals who have had an amputation caused by diabetes. Diabetes is the nation's number one cause for amputation.
The Prosthesis Fund assists individuals who have had an amputation caused by reasons other than diabetes. Each qualified applicant is provided with partial or complete funding for an advanced prosthesis, fitted by a certified prosthetist.
For both programs, initially, we ask that a brief letter be sent to our foundation explaining the amputees financial need and amputation level. It may be written by anyone but must include the address of the amputee. This is so that we may mail them an application.
Once the amputee receives our application, they are to fill out the forms thoroughly, having a prosthetist of their choice review, fill out, and sign the prosthetist pages. (This includes the Proposed Fee Schedule and Current Prosthetist). Once both the amputee and prosthetist sections are completed, entire packet should be mailed back to Limbs for Life.
At this point, a criminal background check is processed for each applicant. This step is taken in order to verify that the amputee fits these criteria: 1) must be a legal resident of the United States and 2) must not have a felony in their criminal history. If the applicant fails to meet either one of these criterion, they will be notified by letter.
Finally, if the applicant passes the background check, their application will go before the board of directors for confirmation. If selected, we will send a letter to the amputee and their prosthetist informing them that the applicant has been approved for financial assistance.
Individual with loss of limb, all ages, Nationwide.
Miracle-Ear Children's Foundation provides free hearing aids and services to children from low-income families.
To receive assistance through the Children's Foundation, the child must be: 1) a resident of the United States 2) 16 years old or younger and have a hearing loss that requires amplification 3) in possession of an audiogram and medical clearance dated within the last 6 months. FDA requires medical clearance be signed by a physician 4) in a family with an income level which does not allow the family to receive public support, $20,000-$50,000 gross and 5) in a family committed to intervention, rehabilitation, and necessary follow-up services as the child grows. Applications are evaluated on a case by case basis.
Serves individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss, birth to 16 years of age, Nationwide
Individuals and families with muscular dystrophy across the United States are served by the MDFF. The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation focuses on a persons ABILITY...not their disability. With proper adaptive equipment there should be No Boundaries for anyone with muscular dystrophy. MDFF can provide financial assistance toward: purchase and repair of orthopedic equipment and appliances, manual and power wheelchairs, leg braces, breathing machines, shower chairs, lifts, hospital beds, purchase and installation of wheelchair lifts and ramps in family vans, purchase and installation of ramps at family home, and counseling, among others.
The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation provides service to children and adults regardless of race, or income level. All available resources must be utilized prior to contacting the foundation and a completed financial aid request and proof of diagnosis is required.
Serves individuals with Neuromuscular diseases of all ages, Nationwide
The MSF Assistive Technology (AT) Program strives to educate and assist individuals with MS across the country about the myriad of AT options available and how to access these options. The MSF AT Program may provide an AT product, help locate a product, or help with funding for a wide range of devices that allow individuals with MS to function more independently in activities of daily living, as well as recreational, educational, and vocational activities.
Applications for the MSF Assistive Technology Program are available online or via postal mail. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, level of disability, income, family support, and assistance requirements. This information helps the AT coordinator to assess the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of the patient. Financial status also plays a role in determining eligibility for the MSF Assistive Technology Program.
Upon review, the AT coordinator will determine what AT will be provided through the MSF or if a referral to another resource is needed. All equipment is ordered from a licensed medical equipment supplier.
Serves individuals with Multiple Sclerosis of all ages, Nationwide
Each year the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation makes dreams come true for individuals with multiple sclerosis across the country through the Brighter Tomorrow grant. The goal of the grant is provide individuals with MS with goods or services (valued at up to $1000.00 per recipient) to improve their quality of life by enhancing safety, self-sufficiency, comfort, or well-being. Recipients of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation's Brighter Tomorrow grant have received car repairs, ramps, wheelchairs, walkers, eyeglasses, computers, appliances, televisions, furniture, therapeutic equipment, hobby supplies, retreats, and various home modifications.
To qualify, a person must be 18 years of age or older and diagnosed with MS, or the parent of a minor child diagnosed with MS, and be a permanent U.S. resident. They must not have any other means of fulfilling the need they express. Applicants are asked to provide basic personal and financial information, and to write a brief essay of 100 words or less to describe how the grant would help them have A Brighter Tomorrow. To receive an application, please contact the number listed above
Serves individuals 18 years of age or older, Nationwide
The Travelers Protective Association of America established the TPA Scholarship Trust for the Deaf and Near Deaf in 1975 to provide financial aid to children and adults who suffer deafness or hearing impairment and who need assistance in obtaining mechanical devices, medical or specialized treatment or specialized education as well as speech classes, note takers, interpreters, etc. and in other areas of need that are directly related to hearing impairment.
Persons who suffer deafness or hearing impairment may obtain an application for aid from the Trust at The Travelers Protective Association. Completed application must be returned to the Trust by March 1st each year. Trustees review all applications on file in April notify recipients in May and scholarship checks are mailed after August 1st. Recipients may receive additional aid and must complete a new application for aid each time they seek additional aid. Selection of recipients and amount of the scholarship awarded shall be decided upon by the majority of the Trustees meeting in April to review the applications. Applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need are given preference regardless of race, creed, age or sex. Distributions are made from the interest earned by Trust investments. Applications can be downloaded online completed applications are due by March 1st, annually.
Serves individuals with hearing impairments, all ages, Nationwide
A Special Wish Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children under the age of 21 and diagnosed as having a life- threatening disorder. A Special Wish Foundation is the only major wish-granting organization in the United States that grants wishes to qualifying infants, children, and adolescents from birth through and including the age of 20 years.
The Special-Wish-Foundation has two criteria that must be met before a wish is considered: 1) A child must be diagnosed as having a life-threatening disorder and 2) A child must be under the age of 21. The foundation grants wishes across the US. Assistive technology will be considered if it is truly the wish of the child.
Serves children with Chronic or Terminal Illness, birth to 21 years of age, Nationwide
Sunshine answers the dreams of seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children, ages 3-18 from all over the country. Although the most frequently filled wish is a trip to Disney World or Disneyland, another common dream that the foundation fills is the purchase of a computer or other assistive technology.
In order to receive a dream through Sunshine Foundation, a child must meet the following requirements: 1) they must be between the ages of 3-18 2) the child must be seriously ill, physically challenged or abused 3) the parents/guardians annual income may not exceed $75,000 and 4) the child may not have had a dream granted through any other wish-granting organizations
Serves seriously ill, physically challenged and/or abused children, between the ages of 3-21, Nationwide
Teddy's Star provides Assistive Technology to quadriplegics and other severely disabled persons who have the will and the determination to become more self reliant, more independent, and more productive, but who do not possess the financial means with which to do so.
Individuals with spinal cord injuries who do not posses the financial requirements to purchase the assistive technology are eligible for this program.
Individuals with Spinal Cord injuries, all ages, Nationwide
Applicants must request specific modifications or equipment to apply for a Travis Roy Foundation grant requests for "anything you can give" will not be considered. Examples of eligible items include upgrade and maintenance of wheelchairs, vehicle modifications (i.e., hand controls or lifts), and home modifications including ramp and elevator installation, and other adaptive equipment. Grants are disbursed directly to suppliers of the desired equipment or modifications. Individuals making the grant application are required to submit estimates from potential suppliers. Please complete all sections of the application incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted year-round and are considered at quarterly Trustee meetings. Grants typically range from $4,000 to $7,500 there is no minimum award.
Assistance is awarded to paraplegics or quadriplegics paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury (Please Note: paralysis must be due to a spinal cord injury paralysis due to other causes, such as MS or Spina bifida, is not eligible). Applicants must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation. There is no age requirement. Applicants must reside in the United States. Due to the volume of grant applications, we respectfully request no phone calls or emails inquiring about the status of applications. Grant recipients will be notified by phone or mail upon approval. Applications are available online at the website listed above
Serves individuals with Spinal Cord injuries, all ages, Nationwide
This foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of optimum lifetime vision. The foundation awards grants to individuals who demonstrate financial hardship and are in need of vision care. Pearle Vision Foundation funds low vision equipment or aids.
Any individual residing in the U.S. who needs low vision equipment and demonstrates financial hardship is eligible to apply. You must apply before receiving any treatment. Show financial hardship with tax records, letter of denial from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. Applications are reviewed by the foundation on a quarterly basis: February, May, August, and November, annually.
Serves individuals with visual impairments, all ages, Nationwide
Pi Kappa Phi is heavily involved in the construction of accessible environments nationwide on campuses, in communities, at camps for people with disabilities, and even at individuals homes. Members of Pi Kappa Phi work year round, providing funds and man power, to help create a barrier free society for people with disabilities.
Push America's construction programs play a vital role in the development of camps and organizations in the United States supporting people with disabilities. We support camp development through grant funding and supplying volunteers to complete all accessible construction. Typically, 30-40 Pi Kappa Phi volunteers will spend a week or weekend working hard to build barrier-free environments for people with disabilities.
Disability related programs and organizations can contact the Push America National Outreach Project at the contact information listed above
Serves disability related programs and organizations, Nationwide
Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) provide textbooks professionally recorded on 4-track tapes (special machine required). 75,000 titles are currently available other titles are recorded upon request. All textbooks from kindergarten on are included in RFB&D´s collection. Electronic text versions of some technical and reference books are available for a nominal fee. There is a $75 fee for new individual members. If a book has not been recorded, RFB&D will record it if it is provided two copies. The copies will be returned.
RFB&D offers a selection of 4-track tape players and recorders for use with its audio books, and AudioPlus digitally recorded textbooks on CD.
Individuals who are blind/visually impaired, learning disabled, or physically disabled to the extent that they are unable to effectively use standard printed material can complete RFB&D´s application for service and return it with a $65 registration fee and $35 annual membership fee. The application does include a disability verification section.
For schools and other institutions that serve individuals with print disabilities, simply complete RFB&D's Annual Institutional Membership application and return it with the appropriate fees for the level of service needed.
Serves individuals who are blind/visually impaired, learning disabled, or physically disabled, Nationwide
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KATS Network Coordinating Center
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Local: (502) 429-4484
Toll Free: (800) 327-5287
Fax: (502) 429-7114