By Tammy's Treasures | January 31, 2012 at 11:39 PM EST |
No Comments
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.
Applications are reviewed and grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Grants are considered for children and/or organizations that need funding to improve communication skills. Grants are not limited to private therapy. If there are communication needs such as devices/equipment, workshops, organizational needs, or therapy please apply. If applying for a grant to be used toward an assistive technology device, an assistive technology evaluation from a qualified service provider must be included. Funding for AT devices will only be considered if the device is recommended by such a provider and to be used solely for the purpose of communication. So here is an organization that will fund an iPad for communication.
Follow the guidelines and hopefully your child will get the chance to be heard!
www.smallstepsinspeech.org
As part of celebrating Benefits.gov's 10th anniversary of citizen service, they are pleased to offer you a new and exciting way to stay connected with Benefits.gov: our YouTube channel, now featuring their first tutorial video.
