Due to the high costs of ASD therapies, many families are unable to provide the early intervention or on-going therapy their children so desperately need. The Lil MAC Kids Foundation has given out more than $100,000 in grants to children in the State of Ohio. Some of the most needy have received grants of up to $5,000 for therapy, living expenses or even buying reliable transportation. Others might just need help paying for an iPad or other teaching aids.

Individuals, parents, caretakers, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, private organizations and public organizations within the United States are eligible to apply for this grant. The grants are currently targeted to the use of iPod and iPad devices to assist individuals in improving their ability to function independently in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Successful grantees will receive either an iPod or an iPad preloaded with all Conover Company Functional Skills System videos to assist individuals in developing freedom and independence.

The purpose of the Conover Mobile Technology Grant is to promote the use of mobile technology and their apps to improve an individual’s freedom and independence. Apply on line at http://conovercompany.com/grants/mobile-technology-application 

Families can apply for as much as $1,000 in unrestricted funds to help ease the expenses -- food, lodging, gasoline, no matter what -- that often accompany long-term medical treatment. Parker's Purpose is one of the few organizations that pay directly to families, not providers for services.

The hope of the foundation is to not only help people that are in need but to also foster a positive self worth and self esteem to the individuals giving. Parker's Purpose believe's there is nothing more uplifting than knowing you are helping someone and making their life better for it. Through this they are hopeful it can spark a change in our society on how we treat each other and ourselves (Decrease abuse whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, verbal, domestic, physical etc.).

Make sure to check out www.parkerspurpose.net

The Mission of the Aubrey Rose Foundation

Their mission is to help families caring for children with life threatening illnesses with their focus being on the family unity. They strive to lift families from life's complexities during this difficult time by providing emotional and financial support.

Application Timelines

Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The Foundation's Board of Trustees meet in March, June, September and December. Applicants will be notified no later than 60 days after the Board of Trustees' meeting.

Eligibility

The Aubrey Rose Foundation helps families with children who are currently living with a life-threatening medical condition. Grants are awarded based on need. If a family has outstanding medical bills that insurance will not cover, our Foundation can possibly help out a family in need until our annual funds have been exhausted. As our funds grow, so will the number and the amount of help we will be able to give. We appreciate families just asking for one grant per family so that we can help as many families as possible.

Ineligible Requests

Ineligible requests such as medical bills already paid, submitting for food, clothing, laundry fees, mortgage payments and associated homeowner bills and anything deemed non-medical for your child will not be acceptable criteria to submit a grant request.

Apply at www.aubreyrose.org and if you have any questions contact 513-265-5801.

As I have mentioned before, I do contact each funding source before posting them as a Tuesday Treasure. That being said, I haven't been getting as quick of responses as I had earlier in the year. I like to try and get specifics on services and equipment they do fund. Also any restrictions or suggestions they can give in applying. Anything to make it easier for our families!!!

One step that a lot of funding organizations are requiring families to do BEFORE applying for a grant is submitting a claim through insurance for the therapy, item or service they are looking to get funded. THEN if not covered by insurance you apply for a grant. The hope is that insurance will cover it. Right?

Having an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) or a copy of your benefit coverage showing that the service/item is not covered then allows you to apply for grants. I always suggest appealing though. So that is why I have taken this week to share a couple helpful suggestions for Billing and Coding when trying to get an iPad and/or APPs covered by insurance. (Thank you Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L for sharing your vast knowledge in Assistive Technology!)

97755- Assistive Technology Assessment

*To restore, augment or compensate for existing function, optimize functional tasks and/or environmental accessibility (for assessment and reassessment only)

E2511- Speech Generating Software (TapToTalk, Proloquo2go, & other AAC apps)

97532- Cognition skill Development

*Development of cognitive skills to improve attention, memory, problem solving, (includes compensatory training)

97535- ADL/Home Management

*Activities of daily living (ADL) and compensatory training, meal preparation, safety procedures, and instructions in use of assistive technology devices/adaptive equipment (including home environment/modif analysis)

97537-Community/work reintegration training

*eg. shopping, transportation, money management, avocational activities and/or work environment/modification analysis, work task analysis, use of assistive technology device/adaptive equipment.

Please note that Medicare does not consider "consumer products" as assistive technology. State Rehab Services: Typically, yes, if vocationally relevant.

The Allison Keller iPad Program is restricted to schools and organizations in New England, New York & New Jersey at this time.

Realizing the gains that many children with autism have achieved using the iPad, The Allison Keller iPad Program was created in honor of Flutie Foundation's Board member Kevin Lane Keller's daughter Allison to help fill the financial and technological gap for schools and organizations that assist individuals with autism.  Through this program, the Flutie Foundation will grant a limited number of iPads to schools and organizations for programs specifically serving individuals with autism that have an established technology program in place utilizing the iPad, or have expressed an interest in starting a program using the iPad.  Check out www.flutiefoundation.org

Other helpful organizations for assistance with getting iPads....

http://www.fundsnetservices.com/

BenefitsCheckUp is free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit service and advocacy organization in Washington, DC.

Many adults over 55 need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other basic needs. There are over 2,000 federal, state and private benefits programs available to help. But many people don’t know these programs exist or how they can apply.

BenefitsCheckUp asks a series of questions to help identify benefits that could save you money and cover the costs of everyday expenses.

After answering the questions, you will get a report created just for you that describes the programs you may get help from. You can apply for many of the programs online or you can print an application form.

Here are the types of expenses you may get help with:

• Medications
• Food
• Utilities
• Legal
• Health care
• Housing
• In-home services
• Taxes
• Transportation
• Employment Training

Another great search engine.....

National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment

They help organizations enroll seniors and younger adults with disabilities with limited means into the benefits programs for which they are eligible so that they can remain healthy and improve the quality of their lives.

Blooming with Autism provides families internationally the opportunity to apply and be given a $2,000 grant each year. Families must make less than $60,000 a year, have a child with a written diagnosis of autism and be willing to release their name for public use.

The grant can be used to fund alternative therapies that children may not receive in school, including equine therapy, chiropractics, applied behavior analysis, speech and the treatment of allergies.

When asked if an iPad would be funded, the reply was with proper documentation showing that this would be an appropriate device and that APPs being used on the device would help the child become more proficient and helpful in main streaming they MOST DEFINITELY WOULD!!! So a great resource for therapy and iPads!!

Check out their founder's radio show on www.W4WN.com every Mon-Fri at 4:00pm EST. Their website to apply at is www.bloomingwithautism.com

To give you a heads up these are what most organizations require when applying.

Proof of household annual income

Copy of most recent two pay stubs,

Copy of most recent year tax return,

Copy of the past two months bank statement(s)

Copy of all other income sources, if applicable

Written quotation/estimate from at least TWO vendors (including labor and related costs)

Proof of denial or partial payment by other sources (Medicaid, Medicare, insurances, etc.)

Prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity from physician or OT

Vendor provided statement of soundness of vehicle and cost effectiveness of proposed modifications

Proof of insurance that will cover the lift or other modification parts if vehicle involved in accident and require replacement

State specific---INDIANA

www.mdff.org Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation

The vision of most of these organizations is that everyone should be able to participate in society and not be limited by mobility needs due to disability or lack of physical ability.

Wheelchairs      Scooters        Vans

The one suggestion I can offer is that you follow all specific instructions and guidelines when applying. ALL need from you:

1. A completed application for service
2. Proof of medical need
3. Proof of financial need
4. Denial letter from insurance
5. Seating evaluation

So check out the following organizations.....

Alternatives in Motion

The focus of Little Bear Gives will be to provide CVI (Cortical visual impairment)iPad packages to families in need who have children with CVI(Cortical visual impairment). A family at any income level may be considered for this project. The term “family in need” applies to any family who may not be able to afford an iPad for a variety of reasons. They know that many children with CVI (Cortical visual impairment) have complex medical or other needs that can be very expensive, making it difficult to find the money to invest in an iPad. They believe the iPad can be an amazingly powerful tool in the life of a child with CVI. iPads are uniquely suited to the needs of those with CVI because they are backlit, easy to interact with, and there is a huge variety of apps available to suit the particular needs and preferences of each child.

For these reasons, Little Bear Sees is excited to announce that they are giving away their first iPad through their Little Bear Gives project! The iPad package will included.

• An iPad (first generation) with a link to their website: www.littlebearsees.org
• A copy of our CVI-specific app: Tap-n-See Zoo*!
• A copy of the new book about CVI: Little Bear Sees: How Children with Cortical Visual Impairment Can Learn to See

All applications for the first round must be submitted by 8/30/12 to be considered. The first recipient will be chosen by 9/15/12. This is only their first iPad package giveaway. Qualified applications not chosen will be kept on file and considered for future giveaways.

If you would like to be considered for an iPad, please fill out the online Little Bear Gives Application or download the PDF of the application. Anyone who has a child with CVI is welcome to apply!

MyGOAL Autism exists to Support Families Facing Autism. They do this through education, marriage counseling, and advocacy as they navigate through the complex challenges associated with the journey of autism from diagnoses to recovery or a better quality of life.

A new non-profit organization called Reach for the APPS launched recently. Their aim is to partner with individuals and corporations to increase access to iPads in schools across the country for use with students on the autism spectrum. The organization was founded by Nancy and Marc Reisner, the parents of a child with autism whose language and communicative skills have improved from using the iPad. Schools and parents can fill out a grant request form on their site requesting iPads for their children and students to use. Individuals and corporations can contribute with either a cash donation or by sending in an old iPad. The iTaalk Autism Foundation only grants iOS devices to individuals, but we get asked often about who else helps organizations get these devices. Well here is one resource for school districts to look into.

Over the past two months I have had a couple families ask me about these wonderful programs. After much research I have found a couple organizations that assist with the cost, training and making sure it is an appropriate choice for families.

www.pawswithacause.org

Paws with a Cause was at the top of my Google search. Some of the questions that they highlight on their website are

Who is eligible to apply for a PAWS dog?
People with a physical disability, hearing impairment, seizure disorder, or a child with autism who can demonstrate that an Assistance Dog will enhance their independence or their quality of life are qualified to apply.

PAWS can only accept a limited number of applications per year. Although many individuals with disabilities are eligible and in need of an assistance dog, PAWS will determine and select those individuals where the tasks provided by PAWS's highly trained dogs will be of the greatest benefit.

What are the age requirements to apply?
Individuals applying for a Service or Seizure Dog must be at least 14 years old with an established, stable home life. Individuals applying for a Hearing Dog must be at least 18 years old with an established, stable home life.  Families applying for a Service Dog for a Child with Autism must have their child enrolled in ongoing education and supplemental therapy programs, and the child must be between 4-10 years of age.  Children must be at least 8 years old to be considered for a Social Support Dog.

How much does it cost?
The sponsorship of a PAWS Assistance Dog is $30,000.  However, the dog is provided at no cost to the Client.

How long is the application process?
The application process from start through completion of the in-home interview may take 12-24 months.  If accepted at the end of the process, the client will go onto the waiting list for funding; it may take up to three years for PAWS to secure funding for your Assistance Dog. PAWS clients are encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts on their own behalf, under the guidance of a PAWS Development Relations Officer.  Once funding is secured, the search to find an appropriate dog will begin.  Depending on the individual needs of the client, it may take many months to find an appropriate dog. 

Some other organizations to check as well are...

www.4pawsforability.org

                                    www.arfkids.com      www.cci.org

                                              www.northstardogs.com

                                                                      www.servicedogworld.com

www.wags4kids.org                 www.assistancedogsinternational.org

Since 2001, The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project has provided support and services to parents with physically disabled children all across the nation, regardless of their underlying disease or disorder.  "It has been our goal to provide parents of children with special health care needs with the 'tools' they need to easily and safely care for their child in the family home", said Kristen Malfara, Founder and Executive Director of The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project.  "Tools that are not considered medically necessary by insurance but that make their job as caregiver easier, thereby enhancing the quality of life for their child and their entire family."  In addition to providing gently used pediatric disability equipment, new specialized bath chairs and assisting parents in attending medical support group conferences, in early 2012 they opened the doors to Morgan's Place - located at 411 Ocean Avenue in Melbourne Beach, Florida!!!

With all the many support group/educational conferences going on this particular grant caught my eye. The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project's 2012 Small Grant Application Period is open from May 20, 2012 to June 30, 2012. There are two grants open currently: Personal Care for adaptive bath/shower chairs and Support Group Travel. This category will include up to $500 to off-set the travel expenses of a first-time attendance at a disease-specific family support group/medical conference that includes the entire family. Eligible expenses include airfare, hotel, gas, conference fees, etc. 

Somethings to keep in mind.....

1. If your child has a diagnosis that qualifies him/her for funding assistance from another organization, you MUST provide proof that you have applied to them and been denied before you will be considered for funding through their programs.  

2.The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project, Inc  is a non-profit organization providing small grants to the parents of chronically-ill children with life-long physical disabilities.

3.There is a maximum of $500 in services per recipient.     

Grant guidelines at http://www.themorganproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2012-Small-Grants-Application-Package1.pdf 

iPads! iPads!! iPads!!! So here is a wonderful charity that is helping families with children that have autism in so many ways. They have a blog at http://www.letschatautism.com/

They are raising funds to grant 100 iPads to children that are affected by autism and need the device. Apply for their iPad's for Autism grant...

http://www.letschatautism.com/ipads-for-autism-application/

They have set up the process of charitable giving. Danny's father, Dino Sgueglia, used his expertise from running a credit-card processing company to set up a program called Hope Process that enables merchants to make charitable donations via credit-card transactions.

Merchants who take credit-card payments typically pay fees on every card transaction. But Hope Process doesn’t keep those transaction fees like regular processing companies. Instead, the program collects the payments and mails out a check to a charity of the merchant’s choice on a quarterly basis. So many great resources in one place. Check out www.dannyswish.org and find out more about them all.

Thought I would pass on some of these wonderful resources for families that will be doing some air travel over the summer.
 
 
This is the OFFICIAL word on what is allowed through security. Notice lots of things exempt for families traveling with children that have special healthcare needs.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm
 
Some tips for once on the aircraft.
http://video.about.com/travelwithkids/Avoid-Meltdowns-on-Airplanes.htm
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgpzUo_kbFY This is Delta Airline's actual safety video. With most families looking for non stop flights remember to consider all airports within a two hour radius of your home. (Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus and maybe even driving to Chicago to get a non stop flight would be what I would recommend for my Toledo families.) 
 
And of course here is an APP for what to expect when going on an airplane.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/off-we-go-going-on-a-plane/id388916935?mt=8#
 
Realistic sounds of airplane taking off and landing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mqwv5Lb6Lw
 
As a flight attendant with 22 years experience, I am required by the FAA to ADVISE passengers to fasten their seatbelts when the Captain has the seatbelt sign illuminated. That being said, I can NOT physically make you put your (or your child's) seatbelt on. Arguing with a flight attendant about safety procedures is pointless and could just escalate the situation and involve additional authorities. (Not necessary). I would suggest saying you understand and that you will take care of it. Keeping your child seated and safe is obviously something parents care about as well. Finding a way to do that calmly and without causing a MAJOR incident is what we all want. I would be more than happy to talk to any families that would like other suggestions for traveling with their child this summer.

Now for some grants that could possibly help with the cost of airtravel. Most are to assist with medical related necessity.

http://www.aircareall.org/ This looks like an amazing search engine for air travel specifically.

 
http://aircharitynetwork.org/ 

http://www.angelflightsoars.org

http://mercymedical.org/

 
http://www.patienttravel.org/

I saw a news story of this mom that was selling 1 MILLION paper puzzle pieces to build the "World's Largest Puzzle". Funds raised will help families with autism therapies. $1 can make a difference.

Well that mom was Val McFarland. CAA was founded by two Michigan moms who have loved ones affected by this devastating neurological disorder. Their mission is to promote autism awareness and generate much-needed revenue to assist as many families as possible.

Not alot of guidelines but from their Facebook page and website it looks like they help fund a wide range of therapies for MICHIGAN families. So if you live in Michigan check them out at www.celebritiesagainstautism.org

Disabled Children’s Relief Fund

I feel over the past nineteen weeks I have really went out of my way to list organizations that assist a wide range of families. We realize that all diagnosis, all financial needs, and all states (even other countries) come to iTaalk for funding resources. What I think maybe hasn't been made clear is the MAJOR difference between a legitimate NON-PROFIT that is registered with the IRS under the tax exempt code 501(c)3 and an organization having a raffle or giveaway. So I feel I need to shed some light on this matter before proceeding with my Tuesday Treasure.

Grants are monetary aide not required to be paid back. When setting up our non profit we had to decide what guidelines we would have in place to determine eligibility of recipients receiving an iOS device from iTaalk. The criteria a potential non profit puts in place for their grant is written in their by-laws and can be audited at anytime by federal, state and local government agencies. Transparency is something we at iTaalk pride ourselves on. 

*Geographical restrictions

*Household Income restrictions

*Diagnosis/Provider restrictions

*Services/Therapies eligible

*Age/race/gender restrictions 

*Maximum amount funded

*Grants for organizations or to individuals

All these things are criteria options that each and every non profit funding organization sets up when applying for their non profit status with the IRS. Showing that they are not just giving to friends and family is definitely something the government looks at before approving tax exempt status. Being a legitimate non profit with 501(c)3 status holds us accountable for each and every dollar that we bring in. Businesses and organizations that have raffles and giveaways are not.  

CALIFORNIA

Florida

• http://adonisautism.org/grants/ resident in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry or Glades county.

GEORGIA

MICHIGAN

OHIO

INDIANA, NEW YORK & RHODE ISLAND

Grant Application for Medical Equipment or Educational Grants

Children's Charity Fund, Inc. will assist any child regardless of age, (birth to 18 ) race, color, sex or national origin. They are a national organization dedicated to home bound disabled and handicapped children. Application can be found on line at www.childrenscharityfund.org and if you have any questions feel free to contact 1-800-643-5787.

The Canyon Rice Hope Scholarship offers grants, to children with developmental disabilities (until the age of 22), items not covered by insurance or waivers. There are two main types of grants currently available: grants for caregiver supports (respite) and grants for therapeutic items (bean bags, body socks, weighted vests, etc). If you wish to apply for a grant or would like more information, please contact Jenny Rice @ JENNY_L_RICE@YAHOO.COM

www.ThinkAlive.org 

“Thinking Alive” :1. better your life by exploring your passions and taking risks

Check out www.pparx.org

How does New Eyes help these children and adults?

• U.S. residents in need are given vouchers which are used to purchase new prescription eyeglasses.
• Reusable donated eyeglasses are sent to medical missions and international charitable organizations for distribution in developing nations in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Mid-East and Europe.

Lions Clubs

provide financial assistance for eye care to individuals through local clubs. Services vary from club to club.

OneSight Program

may provide free eye care to individuals based on a referral from a local charitable agency such as the American Red Cross, United Way, Boys Club and YMCA.

Sight for Students

(            1-888-290-4964      ) operates nationally through a network of community partners to provide free eye care to low-income, insured children 18 years of age and younger.

Vision USA

The Mission Statement “Maggie’s Hope is a not for profit organization founded to restore hope, fund solutions and support families affected by autism”.

How do they support those families affected by autism? They give them money to help pay for alternative treatments not covered by insurance. Now I am not going to even attempt to list the treatments that Insurance Companies, Doctors, co-workers, friends and family deem “alternative”. When you say alternative, they hear “desperate, crazy and unproven”. Who cares? Those of us who know they work will swear by them. Trouble is, they are expensive, and since they do not come in a burnt orange bottle with a white lid, they are not only omitted from most insurance plans, they are downright ridiculed.

Maggie’s Hope offers two tier levels of grants. The first tier is $500.00. This grant is designed to be utilized as a seed fund and is not intended to be an ongoing financial resource. By providing this start-up money Maggie’s Hope wishes to help provide a head start in an area not currently funded. I also see potentially that $500.00 that now is helping with Hippotherapy costs can be applied to purchasing an IPAD. Shifting the funds around.

Their second tier and newest initiative is the $10,000.00 annual grant designed to take a candidate from D Day (Diagnosis Day) through one year of treatment. The mission is to show measureable benchmarks that corporations can understand and hopefully get behind. Noah Roberts is their first recipient so make sure to check back with their website to see his progress. www.maggieshope.org

I realize this is later than usual but I assure you, well worth the wait.

Let's start with this amazing organization's motto:

 Everyone has a wish. 

Anyone can be a hero.

www.wishuponahero.com

The whole pay it forward philosophy is taken to the internet here. Combined it with the passion to help and you have an amazing network. Not only can you get your wish granted here, you too can become a hero. It could be as small of a request as a pair of socks, to a trip to Hawaii. No special need required either!

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better; we have put together a list of over 40 other Wishing Granting Organizations. YES, 40 other funding sources!!!! Check them out and hopefully one can help your family.

Click here for the Wish Granting Organization List

I am always getting asked how I keep finding grants and other resources for children with special healthcare needs. GRANTED it is a little luck:) Being in the right place at the right time, taking the time to read bulletin boards everywhere, and thoroughly checking out the many great websites that are setup to assist families on their journey. So here are a couple of my favorites.

1. http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services
2. http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/patients/child/special-needs/directory/default/
3. http://www.mommiesofmiracles.com/Resources/resource_list.php 
4. http://www.themorganproject.org/get-help/resources/
5. http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com
6. http://www.tacanow.org/tag/resources/

Another great resource is the United Cerebral Palsy. www.ucp.org That is how I came upon the Bellows Fund. The UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund is a national program operated by UCP that provides funds to ALL individuals with disabilities for assistive technology equipment. Individuals are recommended by UCP affiliates. UCP affiliates submit an application on behalf of an individual to the UCP national office. So first thing you need to do is find your local affiliate. http://www.ucp.org/resources/find-local-resources

Some Examples of Allowable Requests for Assistive Technology

• Wheelchairs (manual and electric)
• Augmentative Communication Devices  ***iPad*** included
• Environmental Controls
• Computer Equipment
• Lifts in the nominee's own/parent's van or home
• Hearing Aids

If you have questions, a helpful resource is Jack Schillinger and he can be reached at (305)757-8989 or jschill497@aol.com

Over the past few months I have had so many families contact me sharing their story of how recently their financial security has changed drastically. AutismCares is a consortium of leading autism organizations and was formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to coordinate relief efforts for the thousands of families who were victims of the disaster.  AutismCares subsequently assisted families displaced by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma and now supports all families affected by autism who fall victim to natural disasters. Children with autism often require intensive biomedical and behavioral therapies and thoroughly planned routines. AutismCares has created a network to support families whose struggle with autism is intensified by natural disaster, forced relocation and scarce resources. 

• Applications are reviewed by the Partners following the 22nd of every month. 
• Eligible families have a child (children) medically diagnosed with ASD
• Family income of $40,000 or less
• Have experienced at least one of the following qualifying event in the last 90 days:
  - Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake
  - Death or critical illness in the immediate family
  - Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster
  - Termination of employment for the primary income-earner
  

Any questions contact AutismCares via Serena Selkin, Autism Speaks Family Services Grants Manager at (917) 475-5059 or e-mail autismcares@autismspeaks.org.

Peter Bell, CEO of Cure Autism Now, explained, “AutismCares was born out of the compassion that members of the autism community have for one another.  Many of us know firsthand how challenging it is to care for a child with autism.  Add on top of that a natural disaster like Katrina that strips a family of everything they have, and it’s a recipe for yet another disaster.”

What drew me to Joni and Friends was their grant that they administer called the Christian Fund for the Disabled. CFD provides one-time grants to qualifying individuals in the United States and Internationally in cooperation with mission organizations or churches that are willing to provide matching funds. CFD is administered through their Area Ministries in the U.S. -- Area Ministry staff provide CFD applications which are assessed and then sent to the CFD committee for final review. Requests must reflect a practical equipment or educational need relating to a disability concern, or a disability outreach project or program which includes an evangelism component. Grants are also available to churches desiring to become accessible. For Guidelines and application contact:

Small Steps in Speech is such an amazing organization I don't even know where to start. The story of how this organization was started truly shows where their heart and motivation is.

The motivation behind Small Steps in Speech is to remember Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small. Marc was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the United States Army. On February 12, 2009 Marc was was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan.

The foundation was created in honor of SSG Marc Small, fiancé of Amanda Charney, foundation director. Marc had dreams of Amanda opening her own private practice and came up with the name, "Small Steps in Speech" to symbolize her soon to be last name along with the small steps children must take to build their communication skills. When the heart breaking news came of Marc's passing, starting this non-profit foundation seemed like a good way to start keeping Marc Small's memory alive and keep him close to her heart.

Marc's mom, Mary MacFarland, is President of SSIS and oversees the financial and administrative matters of the foundation. SSIS's goal is to give children the chance to better express themselves in the world in which we live. Much like Marc was doing in Afghanistan before he died.

Variety the Children's Charity is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Through a network of 43 Tents (or Chapters) in 13 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with special needs.

Through hard work, thoughtful stewardship, and single-minded focus on the needs of the young, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families, our communities, and the world...one need at a time.

 www.varietychildrenscharity.org

Find your local chapter and check in with them and see what programs and services they offer. Variety the Children's Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world. Ex.

1.Variety Australia- www.variety.org.au has helped thousands of children each year gain mobility and communication and thereby, their freedom, independence and the chance to join in with other kids in the community.

2.Variety Club of Great Britain- www.varietyclub.org.uk has three broad areas of help. Mobility. Caring & Health. Youth & Education.

3.Variety of the United States- www.usvariety.org Kids on the Go is their national mission but their 23 chapters through out the country empower their local kids who are disabled and disadvantaged to live, laugh, and learn.

Check with your local chapter!