Monday, December 29, 2008
AutismLink
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Lil MAC Autism Grant
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Autism Assistance Fund of Arizona
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Goh Foundation Scholarship Grant for Children with Autism
Friday, December 19, 2008
Hannah’s Helping Hands Grant Program Open to Individuals with Autism
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Autism Support Network
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Utah Special Needs Scholarship
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Autism Puzzle Foundation
Monday, December 15, 2008
Seeds of Hope Autism Support Fund
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Aid for Autistic Children Foundation
Saturday, December 13, 2008
National Autism Association of Pennsylvania Helping Hand Mini-Grant
Friday, December 12, 2008
Autism Hangout
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Easter Seals Provides In Home Services for Adults with Autism
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
FSU Autism Project
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ohio Autism Scholarship Program
Sunday, December 7, 2008
LaPeer Autism Family Relief Fund
Saturday, December 6, 2008
SPEECH PATHways Foundation Can Help People with Autism Afford Speech Therapy
Friday, December 5, 2008
Give Me A Break Fund Provides Respite to Families Coping with Autism
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Autism Pathway Foundation
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Golden Fund for Autism
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio Grants
Monday, December 1, 2008
Affordable Speech Therapy for People with Autism
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Easter Seals Provides Medical Rehabilitation to People with Autism
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Colorado Helps Families Affected By Autism through Home and Community Based Support Waivers
To qualify for waiver services, children and adults must meet financial, medical and program criteria. Applicant’s income must be less than $1,986.00 (300% of the Supplemental Security Income allowance) per month and must have countable resources of less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. The applicant must also be at risk of placement in a nursing facility, hospital or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR).
Individuals approved for waiver services are eligible for all basic Medicaid covered services except nursing facility and long-term hospital care. Waiver services are provided in home and community settings. Services must be provided by certified Medicaid providers or by a Medicaid contracting managed care organization.
Colorado residents with autism may qualify for one of the following HCBS waivers: the Children with Autism Waiver, the Children’s HCBS Waiver, the Children’s Extensive Support Waiver, the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver, the Supported Living Services Waiver or the Waiver for Persons Developmentally Disabled.
Following is a brief description of each of the aforementioned waiver programs.
Children with Autism Waiver-provides children with autism under age six with case management and behavioral therapies.
Children’s HCBS Waiver-provides disabled children through age 17 with case management and in home support services (IHSS).
Children’s Extensive Support Waiver-provides children with developmentally delays through age 17 with specialized medical equipment and services, community connection services, home modifications, personal assistance and professional services.
Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver-provides developmentally disabled children and youth in foster care who have extraordinary needs with cognitive services, communication services, community connection services, counseling and therapeutic services, emergency assistance training, independent living training, personal care services, self-advocacy training, supervision services and travel services.
Supported Living Services Waiver-provides developmentally disabled adults with specialized medical equipment and supplies, counseling and therapeutic services, dental services, day habilitation services, hearing services, home modifications, personal assistant services, supported living consultation, transportation, vision services and employment services.
Waiver for Persons Developmentally Disabled-provides developmentally disabled adults living outside of their family home with day habilitation, residential habilitation, transportation, specialized medical equipment and supplies, supported employment, skilled nursing, behavioral services, dental services and vision services.
For more information, call Michelle Cason at (303) 866-3895.
Friday, November 28, 2008
RiteCare Childhood Language Program Helps Children with Autism
Sliding fee scales and financial assistance are available. Check with your local facility for more information.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Children’s Therapy Fund Grants Help Children with Autism and Other Special Needs
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Joseph Snyder Autism Fund
Saturday, November 15, 2008
McKay Scholarships for Students with Autism and Other Disabilities
Students who have an IEP, were enrolled in a public school in the state during the prior school year, whose parents file intent at least 60 days prior to the date of the first scholarship payment, and who have been accepted to a private school are eligible to receive a McKay Scholarship.
Monday, November 10, 2008
NeighborHeart Grants for Children and Adults with Autism
Click on the link to find out how you can support NeighborHeart by making a donation or volunteering.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Autism Support Daily Grant Programs
Autism Support Daily also offers Back to School Sensory Support Grants. The grants are offered in the form of $40 gift certificates to be used at Southpaw Enterprises.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Autism Help Network Grants
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Autism Resource Foundation Parent Partnering Program
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Micro-Loans for Biomedical Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Visit Lend4Health for more information about obtaining or providing a micro-loan to pay for biomedical treatments for children and adults who have autism.
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Take Charge of Your Health Carnival
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Kids and Money Carnival
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Rich Life Carnival
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in 10 Posts About Realizing Your Potential
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Autism Foundation of the Carolinas
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tax and Public Benefit Eligibility Reforms Needed to Help Families Affected By Autism Avoid Poverty
Autism treatment is expensive. The cost of ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy and other therapies, interventions and equipment used to improve the functioning and quality of life of people who have autism typically costs thousands of dollars. In fact, the cost of intensive autism treatment could easily exceed a typical family’s annual housing, transportation and food costs combined.
Not surprisingly, many families affected by autism cannot afford to provide the treatments their children need. Overwhelming autism treatment costs combined with gaps in health insurance coverage lead some families of children who have autism to refinance mortgages, sell cars, deplete savings, make hardship withdrawals from 401ks and file for bankruptcy. University of Missouri researcher Deanna Sharpe reported cases of families skipping meals in order afford autism treatment.
Families should not have to choose between eating or obtaining treatment for their children. Policymakers need to reevaluate eligibility criteria for public benefits, taking into consideration that families raising children with autism have excessive financial burdens that typical families do not incur. Special guidelines need to be implemented for families affected by autism, including raising income limits and using net income rather than gross income to determine eligibility for SSI, LIHEAP and other income-based financial assistance programs.
Many families of children who have autism have to give up an income because a parent must become a full-time caregiver. Child care assistance benefits need to be made accessible to families of children with autism so parents who are able to can pursue part-time employment and so parents can afford respite care when needed.
In addition, lawmakers need to consider the exceptional expenses of families coping with autism when making tax reforms. Dependent care tax deductions and flexible spending account eligibility need to be restructured to take into consideration the needs of families affected with autism. In addition, families need to be allowed to deduct the full amount of autism treatment as a medical expense—not just that portion which exceeds 7.5% of their adjusted gross income.
Policymakers and lawmakers need to become knowledgeable about autism and its financial impact on families. Furthermore, they need to be willing to make changes in laws, policies and the tax code to keep families who are struggling financially because of autism from slipping into poverty.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Ann Arbor Autism Foundation
Click on the link if you would like to make a donation to the Ann Arbor Autism Foundation.
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Education Carnival
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Lowcountry Autism Foundation
to pay for developmental screenings, diagnostic evaluations, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, counseling and other services.
Click on the links to download an application for financial support or to make a donation to the Lowcountry Autism Foundation.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Benzer Autism Foundation
Click on the link to find out how you can make a donation to the Benzer Autism Foundation.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Parker Autism Foundation
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Autism International Foundation
In the U.S., the Autism International Foundation helps parents obtain assessments and connect with attorneys and advocates to help their children access legally-mandated services. Internationally, the foundation is currently supporting the efforts of the Armenian International Child Development Center, a model program that is providing intensive services to children on the autism spectrum in home and school settings.
Click here if you would like to support the work of the Autism International Foundation.
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in the Festival of Frugality
Monday, October 6, 2008
Nonprofit Provides Funding for Early Intensive Autism Treatment
According to the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), EIBI for children who have autism consists of 20-40 hours per week of individualized instruction. EIBI can be delivered in a home, clinic or school setting.
The average annual cost of EIBI is upward of $33,000. EIBI is generally recommended for 2-3 years to achieve optimal outcomes. EIBI is widely considered a highly effective treatment for autism.
The cost of EIBI can place it out of reach for many families. That’s where Today’s Hope comes in. This month, the organization will begin providing financial support to families to cover the cost of a variety of early intervention services for children who have autism for a period of three years. Today’s Hope will pay providers who meet its criteria for providing early intervention services with up to $1,000 monthly. Families that are selected to participate in the program will receive up to $36,000 in EIBI services over 3 years.
Today’s Hope will provide assistance to families that meet the following criteria:
- Has a child recently diagnosed with autism up to 8 years old
- Other financial resources have been exhausted
- Struggling with the cost of multiple interventions, such as ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy
Lekotek Makes Play Accessible to Children with Autism and Other Disabilities
Lekotek’s mission is to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life through the use of interactive play. Lekotek play sessions, lending libraries, Compuplay computer centers and community-specific programs are available to children with special needs and their parents, siblings, extended family members and caregivers.
Lekotek was founded in Sweden in the early 1960’s by two parents of children with disabilities who were seeking ways to help their children during their formative years. Their goal was to develop a program that would both foster their children’s development and facilitate their full inclusion in society. Their efforts resulted in the creation of the first Lekotek facility in Stockholm. Today, Lekotek centers are widespread in Scandinavian countries and are a mandatory component of the social welfare service delivery system in Sweden and Norway.
Each Lekotek site has its own fee schedule, and many sites offer sliding fee scales. For more information, contact your local Lekokek center or call (800) 366-PLAY. Click on the link if you are interested in starting a Lekotek site in your community.
Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Tax Savings Carnival
Sunday, October 5, 2008
O’Berry Center Foundation Family Support Grants
Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded to families who have exhausted other resources to purchase durable equipment such as communication devices, sensory integration equipment, recreational equipment and other assistive technology equipment and devices.
O’Berry Center Foundation Family Support Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Application deadlines are December 1, April 1, June 1 and September 1.
For more information about applying for a grant or supporting the O’Berry Center Foundation, send an email message to monunc@nc.rr.com or call Dennis Mays at (919) 581-4015.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Special Needs and Money
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Autism X 6
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Funding Autism Treatment Takes Resourcefulness and Determination
A Los Angeles Times article cited $70,000 per child per year as a typical cost for autism treatment. The cost of a 3-year intensive autism treatment program has been estimated as high as $300,000.
Although the cost of autism treatment can be staggering, through a combination of resourcefulness and determination, parents can find funding to help pay a significant portion of the costs of autism treatment. Here are some strategies for funding autism treatment:
· Pare Down Personal Expenses- Eliminate all unnecessary personal and household expenses. Minimize any expenses that cannot be eliminated. The money you save by eliminating waste and reducing costs can be used to pay for autism treatment.
· Squeeze Every Cent Possible out of Your Health Insurance Plan- Find out which autism treatment costs your health insurance will pay. File timely, thoroughly documented claims for all covered evaluations, treatments, therapies and other expenses.
· Sign-up for a Medical Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)-Allocate the maximum dollar amount your employer will allow that you are certain you will use annually to your medical care FSA. The funds can be used to pay for autism treatment costs directly or to reimburse you for out of pocket treatment costs.
· Apply for SSI- If your child qualifies for SSI, the funds he or she receives could be used to pay a portion of the costs of autism treatment.
· See if You Qualify for Medicaid or Other State-Funded Health Care Programs- Medicaid or other state-funded health care programs could be used to pay for certain autism treatment costs.
· Apply for Financial Assistance from State and Local Human Services Agencies- Some states and municipalities offer direct payments, vouchers and other forms of assistance that could be used to fund autism treatment.
· Apply for Grants- A number of charitable organizations offer grants to help pay the costs of autism treatment.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Trusera Autism Community
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Excellent Resources for Parents Raising Children with Autism
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Autism Foundation of Ingham County Grants
Friday, September 19, 2008
Social Networking Community for Moms of Children Who Have Autism
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Children’s Disabilities Information
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Fathers Autism Guide
Click on the link to learn how you can support the work of Dictionary for Dads Operation Fund.
Use Passive Savings Programs to Fund Autism Treatment
Web sites that offer rebates for making purchases can be excellent passive savings programs.
The best thing about passive savings programs is they are an easy way to save money by doing things you normally do anyway—like shopping online, shopping in retail stores, buying groceries, filling prescriptions, eating out, traveling, and more.
Once your funds are available, you can use them to pay for autism interventions such as ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology or augmentative communication devices. The funds can also be used to pay for a college education as well as other expenses of your choice.
Click on the link to learn how to earn money to fund autism treatment through passive savings programs.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fathers Network Offers Support to Dads of Children with Disabilities
The Fathers Network offers a variety of resources to assist fathers of children who have disabilities and other special needs, including workshops, trainings, news, inspirational stories, newsletters, curricula and an events calendar.
Click here for information on how you can support the work of the Fathers Network.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Develop and Implement an Autism Treatment Plan
Once you have created an Autism Intervention Action Plan for your child, you can use it to develop and implement an Autism Treatment Plan.
Here’s how:
1. Use what you learned about how autism affects your child to determine which therapies, treatments and interventions you feel would currently be most appropriate and beneficial for your child. Write a rationale for each treatment you are considering to help you clearly communicate your reasons for choosing to pursue each treatment option—based, of course, on your child’s strengths, deficits, behaviors, capabilities and needs—to treatment providers, school personnel, service coordinators and funding sources.
2. Discuss your proposed treatment plan with loved ones and individuals who are knowledgeable about autism interventions that you respect and trust. Discuss the pros and cons of each autism treatment option you are considering. Carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each autism intervention you are thinking about implementing.
3. After you have finalized your basic autism treatment plan, prioritize the autism interventions you intend to implement. Place the therapies, treatments and interventions you believe are most essential for your child at this time at the top of your list.
4. From your own research, recommendations from other parents of children who have autism and referrals from physicians, therapists, consultants and specialists you trust, compile a list of potential service providers.
5. Contact the autism treatment providers you feel will best meet your child’s needs. Arrange to meet with the service providers whose qualifications, treatment approaches, fees and locations meet your requirements without your child present. Arrange for the autism treatment providers whom you would most like to have work with your child to actually meet your child. Make final decisions about which autism intervention professionals to work with after you have observed the prospective service providers interacting with your child.
Funding Autism Treatment with Health Insurance
Analyze Your Health Insurance Policy
The first thing you need to do is conduct a bit of (health insurance) policy analysis. Read your health insurance handbook and statement of coverage, as well as any other document you can get your hands on that spells out exactly which services related to your child’s autism treatment your insurance will cover. Write down any questions you have and contact your health plan’s member services hotline to address your concerns.
Find out specifically what coverage and benefit limitations your plan has; how much your out-of-pocket costs (such as co-payments and deductibles) will be; whether your health insurance plan offers specific benefits for autism, the maximum number of therapy visits (speech, OT, PT) your plan allows on both annual and lifetime basis; whether your plan limits coverage for specific diagnosis codes; and which, if any, mental health service your health insurance plan covers.
Be sure to ask what procedures you need to follow in order to file a successful claim for covered services. Find out whether you need a referral, a prescription, a letter of medical necessity, support letters from therapists, school personnel, etc.
Inquire about procedures for filing an appeal if your claim is denied. Obtain the address, fax and phone numbers for your health insurance provider’s appeals department.
Keep Thorough Records
Once you’ve found out what is covered and what you need to do in order to file a successful claim, start a documentation file for keeping copies of all paperwork related to your child’s autism treatment. Keep copies of receipts, prescriptions, invoices, explanation of benefits (EOB) forms, letters of medical necessity and support letters from physicians, therapists, teachers, case managers and social workers.
Good recordkeeping practices will help you immensely in terms of managing your claims, appealing claim denials and preparing to file your income taxes.
Determination and Persistence Will Pay Off
Despite the well-publicized difficulties and frustrations some families have encountered while attempting to fund autism treatment through health insurance policies, it is very much worth your effort to find out which autism treatments your insurance will cover and to proactively seek payment of any eligible covered expenses by your health insurance carrier. Your dogged determination and relentless persistence will help you pay for the autism treatments and interventions your child needs in order to thrive.
For additional information and resources regarding funding autism treatment with health insurance, visit Blessed with Autism and Insurance Help for Autism.
Funding Autism Treatment with a Medical Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A Medical Care FSA be used to pay for diagnostic evaluations, co-payments, treatment and therapy fees, therapy equipment, over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements, medical travel expenses, disabled dependent care expenses, special education and specialized tutoring, among other expenses. For a full list of expenses that can be reimbursed by a Medical Care FSA, consult IRS Publication 502.
Autism treatment expenses that may be eligible (depending on your particular Medical Care FSA) for reimbursement for reimbursement may include ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietary supplements, diagnostic evaluations, assistive technology equipment, augmentative communication devices, tuition for therapeutic day schools and travel expenses for treatment in out-of-state facilities. Call the Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 and check with your Medical Care FSA plan administrator for more information about which autism treatment expenses are reimbursable through your Medical Care FSA.
In addition to reimbursing you for out-of-pocket expenses for autism treatment, FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that reduce your tax liability by reducing your taxable income. This may make you eligible for certain refundable tax credits.
This is how Medical Care FSAs work. If your employer allows you to place a maximum of $3,000 in a Medical Care FSA and you elect to take advantage of the full amount of the benefit, you will have the $3,000 deducted from your paycheck in equal installments. For example, if you are paid every other week and receive 26 annual paychecks, approximately $115.38 will be deducted from each of your paychecks. The funds will be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis so your taxable income will be lowered by $115.38 per paycheck and a total of $3,000 for the year. Having a lower annual taxable income could help you qualify for tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit or the additional child tax credit.
When you incur eligible expenses, you simply complete your particular FSA plan’s reimbursement form and submit it—along with receipts, invoices and any other required documentation— to your plan’s processing department. You may request reimbursement for eligible expenses as soon as you incur them, even if you haven’t yet paid for the service. Reimbursement is usually made promptly via direct deposit or check. Some Medical Care FSA plans provide debit cards that can be used to pay for expenses upfront. For more information, read IRS Publication 969.
Here are some tips for deriving maximum benefit from Medical Care FSAs:
1. Sign up for the maximum Medical Care FSA benefit amount you will actually use. If you do not use your entire benefit amount during your plan year, you will lose the unused portion. Create an itemized estimate of the amount you will spend on eligible medical expenses during the plan year before deciding how much you’d like to place in your Medical Care FSA.
2. Find out what type of documentation you need for each type of claim you will be submitting for reimbursement from your Medical Care FSA. Medical Care FSA plans generally request receipts, explanation of benefits (EOB) statements and itemized statements. To obtain reimbursement for some services, some plans may require prescriptions, letters of medical necessity, confirmations of appointments or other documentation. Be sure to keep copies of all documentation for your records.
3. Request reimbursement promptly after incurring an eligible expense.
4. Use all of the funds in your Medical Care FSA during your plan year.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
College Resources for Students with Autism
Monday, September 8, 2008
Funding Autism Treatment
Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity
Click here to make a donation to Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity.
Lend A Hand Society Provides Emergency Financial Assistance to People with Disabilities
Donations may be made by sending a check to:
Lend A Hand Society
89 South Street, Suite 203
Boston, MA 02111
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Lenox Baker Special Assistance Fund
Special Needs Learning and Therapy Software at 50% Discount
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Disaster Assistance for Indiana Residents with Disabilities
Contributions can be made to The Arc of Indiana Disaster Relief Fund by mailing a check to:
The Arc of Indiana
Attention: Disaster Relief Fund
107 N. Pennsylvania Street
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Resources for Families of People with Disabilities Affected by Natural Disasters
Stephen M. Shore has published a document about preparing people with autism and their supporters for natural disasters.
The Red Cross has prepared a booklet about disaster preparedness for people with disabilities.
Katrinadisability.info provides a collection of tips and information to prepare people with disabilities, caregivers and first responders to cope with natural disasters and other emergencies.
Family Village has compiled a list of links to hurricane relief resources for people with disabilities.
United Cerebral Palsy lists information, phone numbers and links for disaster relief assistance hotlines and organizations.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Financial Assistance for Families of People with Disabilities Who Have Been Affected by Hurricane Gustav and Other Natural Disasters
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial assistance to families that have been affected by natural disasters. FEMA provides assistance with the costs of temporary housing, home repairs, home replacement and home construction for families that have been displaced by a hurricane or other natural disaster. In addition, FEMA provides financial assistance for other necessary expenses and serious needs caused by a disaster. FEMA also provides crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, legal services and information about tax breaks for families that have survived a natural disaster.
Click on the links for information about financial assistance available from FEMA or to apply for disaster-related federal financial assistance. Check out FEMA’s helpful list of resources for people who have been affected by specific disasters.
AutismCares provides up to $1,500 in assistance to families that have survived a natural disaster. Mesa Angeles Foundation provides grants and loans to families that have critical financial needs as a result of a natural disaster or other crisis.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Special Needs Network Back to School Inclusion Event
The event will feature activities for the entire family, including free dental and vision screenings, games, therapeutic music, dance and yoga, singing, sport circles, arts and crafts, sensory activities and a resource fair. There will also be giveaways of school supplies, backpacks and prizes. For more information, email events@specialneedsnetwork.net or call (323) 295-8358.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Elsie S. Bellows Fund Assistive Technology Grants
For information on how to apply for assistance from the Bellows Fund, contact your local UCP affiliate or Jack Schillinger.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Carolina Children’s Charity Grants for Children with Special Needs
Click on the link to make a donation to Carolina Children’s Charity.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
CafeMom is a Great Resource for Moms of Children Who Have Autism and Other Special Needs
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Children with Special Needs (CSN) Fund Helps Michigan Families
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Avery-Fuller-Welch Children’s Foundation
Friday, August 15, 2008
Cloud County Community Trust Helps Kids with Special Needs
Thursday, August 14, 2008
South Dakota Statewide Family Support Program Helps Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities
The program also provides a flexible pool of funding to assist families with extraordinary expenses, including but not limited to diapers, medications, special foods, recreational opportunities, special clothing, adaptive equipment, home modifications, vehicle modifications, respite care, family counseling, parent/sibling education and medical travel expenses. Clink on the link to obtain an application.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Massachusetts Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Assists Families of Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs
CICRF reimburses families for a wide variety of eligible expenses ranging from payments to healthcare providers to travel expenses for out of state treatment. Click on the link to apply for assistance.
New Jersey Department of Human Services Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Helps with Medical Expenses
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund helps families with a wide variety of medical expenses ranging from experimental medical treatment to medically related home modifications. To apply for assistance, click here or call 1-800-335-FUND.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Kid One Transports Children to Better Health
Click on the link if you would like to support the work of Kid One Transport.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Home Options Program Helps Families Affected by Disabilities Become Homeowners
The program is administered by Community Service Options, Inc. For more information, contact Dennis Howard or call him at (773) 838-4616
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Child Wellness Fair Helps Families of Kids with Special Needs
Achievable Helps Families Affected by Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
Achievable helps people with developmental disabilities gain mobility by providing vans, van adaptations, specialized wheelchairs and wheelchair adaptations.
Achievable helps people with developmental disabilities enhance their ability to communicate by providing adaptive equipment such as specialized computers and software, hearing aids and sensory integration tools.
Achievable helps people with developmental disabilities obtain modifications and supports to help them move more freely and independently within their homes such as ramps, enlarged entry ways, accessible bathrooms, ceiling lifts, stair lifts, specialized beds, special strollers and specialized wheelchair equipment.
Achievable also provides life necessities and emergency assistance of all types—including food, furniture, supplies, clothing, emergency medical attention and help with burial expenses—to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
To find out more about its programs, call (310) 258-4256 or send an email to info@achievable.org. Click on the link to make a donation to Achievable.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Asperger’s Association of New England Grant Programs
The Edwin Phillips Foundation Family Grants Program is open to families that reside in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, who have a child has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or a closely related condition on the autism spectrum. Grants range from $50-$1,000.
The Doug Flute Jr. Foundation Family Grants Program is open to families that live anywhere in New England except Plymouth County, Massachusetts, who have a child who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or a closely related condition on the autism spectrum and who meet the criteria for financial need. Grants range from $50-$500.
The AANE Family Grants Program is open to families that live in New England, have a child who has been diagnosed with Asperger’sSyndrome and meet the criteria for financial need. Grants range from $50-$500.
All of the grants may be used for anything that directly improves the life of a child on the autism spectrum.
Click on the link to learn how you can support AANE.
The Christian Fund for the Disabled Helps Meet the Spiritual and Practical Needs of People with Disabilities
In addition to providing financial assistance to people who have disabilities, the Christian Fund for the Disabled connects disabled people with churches, works to raise disability awareness in churches and communities and trains Christians in disability ministry. The Christian Fund for the Disabled is a program of the Joni and Friends International Disability Center.
Click here if you would like to make a donation to support Joni and Friends.
Helping Hand Foundation Grants for Kansas and Missouri Residents
Click here to make a donation to the Helping Hand Foundation.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Challenged America Foundation Offers Grants to Children with Physical Challenges
Click here if you are interested in volunteering or making a donation to The Challenged America Foundation.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
NTI Connects Disabled Americans with Work-at-Home Jobs
Sunshine Foundation Grants Wishes to Children with Autism
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Chhavi Therapy Reimbursement Program
The purpose of the Chhavi Therapy Reimbursement Program is to help families explore, continue or increase the intensity of treatments, therapies and other services that are not funded by insurance companies, school districts or other organizations. The program will pay the cost of therapeutic services for developmentally disabled children whose parents are facing financial hardship for up to one year. For more information about the program, contact Beejal Gajjar.
Upromise is a Promising Resource for College Savings
Upromise is a free service that allows parents to earn money for their child's college education by doing things they already do: making purchases at your favorite grocery and drugstores; shopping in stores and online; eating out at restaurants; booking travel, hotel reservations and car rentals; and buying and selling homes. Whenever you make a purchase from a participating store or service, you get up to 25% of the amount of your purchase credited to your Upromise account. Grandparents, other family members and friends can join and contribute their Upromise savings to your child. You can even sweep your Upromise savings into a participating 529 plan and let your child's college savings grow tax-free.
To begin earning money to help send a child you love to college, just follow these three simple steps:
1. Sign up for a free account a Upromise.
2. Register your grocery and drugstore loyalty cards, as well as the credit or debit cards you use to make purchases, to your Upromise account.
3. Continue to shop as you normally do.
You will be amazed how quickly your child's college savings can grow through Upromise.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Scholarships for College Students Who Have Autism
AHEADD offers book scholarships in the amount of $500 to qualified students who have autism or Asperger Syndrome. Click here for details on how to apply. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2008.
The Autism Society of America administers the CVS/All Kids Can Scholars Program. The program awards scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to qualified individuals with autism to pursue an accredited postsecondary educational or vocational program of study.
The Schwallie Family Scholarship Program provides scholarships in the amount of $3,000 for qualified students who have autism or Asperger Syndrome to attend college, a university or a trade, technical or vocational school. The application period for Fall 2009 will open on January 2, 2009.
The Special People in Need Foundation awards scholarships in varying amounts to college students who have disabilities. For more information, send a letter of inquiry to:
Special People in Need
Attn: Irene Peterson
500 West Madison Street
Suite 3700
Chicago, IL 60661-2511
Recommended Books About Preparing Students Who Have Autism for College
Preparing Students with Autism for a Successful College Experience
A few postsecondary education institutions, such as Marshall University, have programs specifically designed to support students with autism spectrum disorders. Others are able to offer assistance through campus disability and student services offices. The Organization for Autism Research has even produced a video to help college professors understand the needs of students with autism. In addition, organizations such as Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities (AHEADD) and College Living Experience (CLE) assist students who have autism and other disabilities hone their academic, social and independent living skills.
The transition to college life will likely be more challenging for students with autism than for their neurotypical counterparts. The key to making this process as smooth and seamless as possible is to begin preparing for college as soon as possible in your child’s academic career.
Here are some tips for preparing your child who has autism for a successful college experience:
1. Incorporate college planning into your child’s IEP process as soon as possible.
2. Make developing the academic, social and independent living skills necessary to succeed in college part of your child’s transition plan.
3. Discuss college and career options with your child early and often.
4. Play an active role in helping your child choose a college home.
5. Prepare thoroughly for visits to prospective colleges with your child. You will want to inform admissions counselors about your child’s unique individuals needs, arrange to sit in on classes and spend the night in a dorm, inquire about the availability of peer mentoring and determine what services and supports the institution is prepared to provide in order to meet your child’s needs.
A comprehensive assessment of your child’s needs, a holistic approach to college planning and thorough preparation for the college transition process will help make moving on to college a positive, productive and successful experience.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Kaitlin Marie Bell Foundation Grants Help Children with Special Needs
Saturday, August 2, 2008
1-800-CHARITY CARS Provides Free Cars for Families Who Need Transportation to Access Medical Care
Please contact 1-800-CHARITY CARS if you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the organization.
The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project Provides Grants to Families of Children Who Have Special Needs
Click on the links to learn about the grant application process or to make a donation to The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Brent Woodall Foundation Grants to Families of Children Who Have Autism and Other Special Needs
Click on the links to learn about programs offered by the Brent Woodall Foundation or to support the foundation’s work.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Mesa Angels Foundation Provides Financial Assistance
Please contact Mesa Angels Foundation if you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
First Hand Foundation Helps Families Pay Their Children's Healthcare Expenses
First Hand Foundation reviews requests for assistance monthly. The foundation has spent over $7 million to assist 48,226 children from 57 countries to date. Click on the link to support the mission of the First Hand Foundation.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Grants Provide Assistance with Treatment Costs
UHCCF grants pay for a variety of medical services, therapies, assistive technology devices and adaptive products. You may apply for a grant or make a contribution to UHCCF online.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tips for Applying for SSI to Fund Autism Treatment
1. Document how your child’s disability affects his or her ability to participate in the activities of daily life.
2. Have copies of your child’s medical records, evaluations, treatment plans, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Program (IEP) and therapy reports readily available.
3. Compile the names and contact information for your child’s pediatrician, neurologist, therapists, teachers, social workers and case managers.
4. Obtain letters from medical professionals, therapists and service providers who are familiar with your child.
5. Keep copies of paycheck stubs, W-2s, income tax returns, utility bills, medical bills, therapy bills, insurance statements, rental contracts, mortgage statements, bank statements and other financial records.
6. When you visit a Social Security Administration office, arrive early and prepare for a wait.
7. Make sure you take copies of all necessary documents with you.
8. Take something to read, a crossword puzzle, a small craft project or some paperwork you need to complete with you to help you pass the time.
9. If you take your child with you, bring along a few favorite toys and/or books.Bring snacks for your child. Be prepared to step outside the office when your child wants to eat a snack because many Social Security Administration offices do not allow eating or drinking.
10. Keep a log that contains the name, contact information, date of contact and a summary of your conversations with Social Security Administration personnel.
Aubrey Rose Foundation Helps with Medical Bills for Sick Kids
Aubrey Rose Foundation
Grant Request
4480 Oakville Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Click on the link to donate.
Building Blocks for Kids Foundation Offers Grants to Children with Cincinnati Ties
Download an application packet and mail the completed documents to:
Building Blocks for Kids
7577 Central Parke Blvd.
Suite 131
Mason, OH 45040
Click here to make a donation or to volunteer.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Family Stipends for Chicago Parents of Young Children with Special Needs
For more information, click here or call (773) 553-5593.
Disabled Children’s Relief Fund
Donations by check can be sent to:
Disabled Children’s Relief Fund
P.O. Box 89
Freeport, NY 11520
Federal employees may contribute to DCRF through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) by selecting #0862.
Monday, July 21, 2008
National Autism Association Offers a Helping Hand
Click here to make a donation to the National Autism Association.
REACT Foundation Family Scholarships
You can make a donation to REACT Foundation by clicking on the link on its Web site.
National Autism Association of Pennsylvania Helping Hand Mini-Grant
Click here to make a donation to NAA-PA.
ASCONN Mini-Grants
Click here for information about donating to the Autism Society of Connecticut.
Pennsylvania Autism Mini -Grant Program
Autism Can End Grant Fund
Click here to learn about fundraising events for Everyday Miracles.
Autism Family Resources Grants
Click here to learn how you can make a donation to Autism Family Resources.
ACT Today! Grant Program
Donations may be made to ACT Today! through its Web site.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
AutismCares Family Support Awards
AutismCares provides Family Support Awards of up to $1,500 to help families coping with autism who have experienced a natural disaster; a death, critical illness or injury of an immediate family member; a loss of home; or a loss of job. The funds may be used to pay for housing, utilities, insurance premiums, prescriptions, daycare, automobile repairs, funeral expenses or other approved items. Eligible families may apply for an AutismCares Family Support Award online.
Donations may be made to AutismCares via the organization’s Web site.
A.N.G.E.L. Inc. Autism Grants
Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The deadline for third quarter 2008 grants is August 1, 2008. Grant applications are available on the organization’s Web site. Click here to make a donation to help A.N.G.E.L. Inc. continue to support our community.
Thanks to Marcia Biordi Brown for submitting this resource!
Bridges for Autism Foundation Grants
Bridges for Autism Foundation makes grant awards semiannually. During its last grant cycle, Bridges for Autism Foundation awarded $12,000 in grants to 10 families. The next round of grants will be awarded by September 30, 2008. The application deadline is August 15, 2008, so mark your calendars and be sure to get your grant applications in on time. Previous grant recipients are welcome to reapply. Grant applications are available on the foundation’s Web site.
In addition to awarding grants to families affected by autism, Bridges for Autism Foundation has designed a provider network which is the first of its kind in Illinois and perhaps in the U.S. The foundation invites therapy providers to join the network and posts their information on its Web site. Families can then search the Bridges for Autism Foundation Web site for available providers. Each provider in the network discounts its rates to Bridges for Autism Foundation grant recipients so their grant dollars can stretch farther.
Bridges for Autism Foundation has a goal of creating a resource center where parents can obtain therapy and participate in support groups, and both parents and professionals can participate in trainings and educational programs.
Bridges for Autism Foundation is growing rapidly and is currently seeking to hire a grant writer and a professional to solicit corporate sponsorships. The foundation is also in need of additional volunteers.
Bridges for Autism Foundation is a wonderful resource for Illinois families that are affected by autism. Click here to make a donation to help Bridges for Autism Foundation continue to support our community.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
FoggyRock is the Autism Community’s Answer to MySpace
Funding Autism Treatment with Medicare
Medicare has four parts. Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps pay for hospital care, care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care and hospice care. Part B (Medical Insurance)helps pay for doctor visits and other medical services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance. Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) is available to people who have coverage under Medicare Part A and Part B in some areas. Part C coverage is provided by private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare. Part D (Prescription Insurance) helps pay for prescription medications.
States have program that assist Medicare recipients who have low incomes and limited resources with the cost of Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and the cost of prescription drugs. To learn more about how to obtain assistance with these costs through Medicare Savings Programs, a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPs), check out Medicare & You 2008 or call 1-800-MEDICARE. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Blog Archive
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2008
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December
(23)
- AutismLink
- Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program
- Lil MAC Autism Grant
- Autism Assistance Fund of Arizona
- Goh Foundation Scholarship Grant for Children with...
- Hannah’s Helping Hands Grant Program Open to Indiv...
- Autism Support Network
- Utah Special Needs Scholarship
- The Autism Puzzle Foundation
- Seeds of Hope Autism Support Fund
- Aid for Autistic Children Foundation
- National Autism Association of Pennsylvania Helpin...
- Autism Hangout
- Easter Seals Provides In Home Services for Adults ...
- FSU Autism Project
- Ohio Autism Scholarship Program
- LaPeer Autism Family Relief Fund
- SPEECH PATHways Foundation Can Help People with Au...
- Give Me A Break Fund Provides Respite to Families ...
- Autism Pathway Foundation
- The Golden Fund for Autism
- Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio Grants
- Affordable Speech Therapy for People with Autism
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November
(9)
- Easter Seals Provides Medical Rehabilitation to Pe...
- Colorado Helps Families Affected By Autism through...
- RiteCare Childhood Language Program Helps Children...
- Children’s Therapy Fund Grants Help Children with ...
- Joseph Snyder Autism Fund
- McKay Scholarships for Students with Autism and Ot...
- NeighborHeart Grants for Children and Adults with ...
- Autism Support Daily Grant Programs
- Autism Help Network Grants
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October
(21)
- Autism Resource Foundation Parent Partnering Program
- Micro-Loans for Biomedical Treatment of Autism Spe...
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- Autism Foundation of the Carolinas
- Tax and Public Benefit Eligibility Reforms Needed ...
- Ann Arbor Autism Foundation
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- Lowcountry Autism Foundation
- Benzer Autism Foundation
- Parker Autism Foundation
- Autism International Foundation
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- Nonprofit Provides Funding for Early Intensive Aut...
- Lekotek Makes Play Accessible to Children with Aut...
- Autism Assistance Resources and Information Partic...
- O’Berry Center Foundation Family Support Grants
- Special Needs and Money
- Autism X 6
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September
(21)
- Funding Autism Treatment Takes Resourcefulness and...
- Trusera Autism Community
- Excellent Resources for Parents Raising Children w...
- Autism Foundation of Ingham County Grants
- Social Networking Community for Moms of Children W...
- Children’s Disabilities Information
- Fathers Autism Guide
- Use Passive Savings Programs to Fund Autism Treatment
- Fathers Network Offers Support to Dads of Children...
- Develop and Implement an Autism Treatment Plan
- Funding Autism Treatment with Health Insurance
- Funding Autism Treatment with a Medical Care Flexi...
- College Resources for Students with Autism
- Funding Autism Treatment
- Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity
- Lend A Hand Society Provides Emergency Financial A...
- Lenox Baker Special Assistance Fund
- Special Needs Learning and Therapy Software at 50%...
- Disaster Assistance for Indiana Residents with Dis...
- Resources for Families of People with Disabilities...
- Financial Assistance for Families of People with D...
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August
(29)
- Special Needs Network Back to School Inclusion Event
- Elsie S. Bellows Fund Assistive Technology Grants
- Carolina Children’s Charity Grants for Children wi...
- CafeMom is a Great Resource for Moms of Children W...
- The Children with Special Needs (CSN) Fund Helps M...
- Avery-Fuller-Welch Children’s Foundation
- Cloud County Community Trust Helps Kids with Speci...
- South Dakota Statewide Family Support Program Help...
- Massachusetts Catastrophic Illness in Children Rel...
- New Jersey Department of Human Services Catastroph...
- Kid One Transports Children to Better Health
- Home Options Program Helps Families Affected by Di...
- Child Wellness Fair Helps Families of Kids with Sp...
- Achievable Helps Families Affected by Autism and O...
- Asperger’s Association of New England Grant Programs
- The Christian Fund for the Disabled Helps Meet the...
- Helping Hand Foundation Grants for Kansas and Miss...
- The Challenged America Foundation Offers Grants to...
- NTI Connects Disabled Americans with Work-at-Home ...
- Sunshine Foundation Grants Wishes to Children with...
- Chhavi Therapy Reimbursement Program
- Upromise is a Promising Resource for College Savings
- Scholarships for College Students Who Have Autism
- Recommended Books About Preparing Students Who Hav...
- Preparing Students with Autism for a Successful Co...
- Kaitlin Marie Bell Foundation Grants Help Children...
- 1-800-CHARITY CARS Provides Free Cars for Families...
- The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project Provides Grants to Famili...
- Brent Woodall Foundation Grants to Families of Chi...
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July
(27)
- Mesa Angels Foundation Provides Financial Assistance
- First Hand Foundation Helps Families Pay Their Chi...
- UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Grants Prov...
- Tips for Applying for SSI to Fund Autism Treatment
- Aubrey Rose Foundation Helps with Medical Bills fo...
- Building Blocks for Kids Foundation Offers Grants ...
- Family Stipends for Chicago Parents of Young Child...
- Disabled Children’s Relief Fund
- National Autism Association Offers a Helping Hand
- REACT Foundation Family Scholarships
- National Autism Association of Pennsylvania Helpin...
- ASCONN Mini-Grants
- Pennsylvania Autism Mini -Grant Program
- Autism Can End Grant Fund
- Autism Family Resources Grants
- ACT Today! Grant Program
- AutismCares Family Support Awards
- A.N.G.E.L. Inc. Autism Grants
- Bridges for Autism Foundation Grants
- FoggyRock is the Autism Community’s Answer to MySpace
- Funding Autism Treatment with Medicare
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December
(23)