Connecting for Kids - How To: Funding

How to Find Funding

One of the biggest challenges families often face is funding all the therapies, camps, equipment and other services their children need. This guide provides resources Northeast Ohio families.

Step 1: Call your insurance provider.

Before beginning your search, call your health insurance provider to determine what they will cover. Many insurers offer coverage for a limited number of therapy visits with associated diagnosis and still others may have complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) programs that cover therapies like aquatics, etc. If therapies aren't covered, you may want to consider whether an insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is an option for your family. See the Insurance section for more information.

Step 2: Check with the Children with Medical Handicaps Program.

The Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH) is a supplemental insurance program that helps families to cover out-of-pocket costs for diagnosis and treatment of conditions classified as “medical handicaps.” See the Children with Medical Handicaps Program section for more information.

Note: Families with significant income limitations may also qualify for SSI, a safety-net program which includes Medicaid health insurance.

Step 3: Ask your school district.

Depending on your child’s age and disability status, you may be entitled to therapy services through early intervention or through your home school district. For more information on these options, see Early Intervention (birth to 3) and Schools (3 and up).

Step 4: Look for state or county resources.

Depending on your income and county of residence, you may be eligible for a state- or county-based family assistance program. See the County & Sate Resources section for more information.

Step 5: Apply for a scholarship.

The state of Ohio offers scholarships for children with an autism diagnosis and for children with other disabilities attending a public school under an IEP. Both scholarships have rolling enrollment deadlines and require students to “opt out” of home school districts. For more information, see the Scholarships section.

Step 6: Apply for grants from nonprofits or charitable foundations.

There are many nonprofit and charitable foundations across Northeast Ohio (and the state) that offer grants to families in need.
Criteria for grants vary, so be sure to read and study requirements for each grant to determine whether you qualify. See the Nonprofits & Charitable Foundations section for a list of options.

Step 7: Contact a lending library.

Nonprofit “lending libraries” sometimes purchase therapy equipment and allow families to borrow these big-ticket items to provide at-home therapies. Check the Lending Libraries section for a list of these resources.

Step 8: Try fundraising.

More and more families are using online fundraising websites to help pay for therapies and treatments that are not covered by medical insurance. The Fundraising Sites section identifies a few of the largest online fundraising sites.

Using Insurance

When calling your insurance provider, have your diagnosis codes ready and be sure to ask about:

If therapy is covered under medical or mental health benefit
Number of allowed visits per year
Types of therapies covered
Exempted diagnoses (some insurance providers exempt therapies for specific diagnoses, like autism, for example)
Copays
In versus out-of-network providers

If Therapies Aren't Covered:

Unfortunately, many insurance providers do not cover therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational and speech therapies. If your provider does not cover the therapies your child needs, you may wish to consider a separate insurance plan for your child through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "Obamacare."

To research ACA-compliant plans, visit HealthInsurance.org. Through the site, you can even obtain free health insurance quotes or receive free help from licensed agents by calling 1-844-608-2739.

If Medications Aren't Covered:

Families who use medications to help their children get the most from therapies may see a cost savings (which can result in additional money for therapies) by using several different prescription cost reduction options:

Search for prescription discount cards. Many manufacturers offer prescription discount cards in order to keep patients from using generic label medications. Check the manufacturer websites for these offers.
Purchase prescriptions from warehouse clubs. Warehouse club pharmacies (such as Costco and Sam's) often offer members prescriptions at a lower cost. Call the pharmacies to check the prices when refilling your child's medications.
Use GoodRX for prescription discount coupons. GoodRX is a free website that allows you to search for your prescription, compare costs from local pharmacies and print discount coupons.
Ask your child's healhcare provider. Sometimes similar medications with a lower cost can work as well as another medication. Ask your child's healthcare provider for other options with lower costs.

What is a diagnosis code?

Diagnosis codes are used to identify a specific illness or injury and will be assigned by your health care professional. These codes are then used by your insurer to determine eligibility for benefits.

Read more about diagnosis codes on Wikipedia.

Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH)

CMH offers three core programs (in addition to several smaller, diagnosis-specific programs):

Diagnostic: Children can receive services from CMH-approved providers to rule out a health care need, diagnose a condition or develop a plan of treatment.
Treatment: Children can receive services from CMH-approved providers to treat an eligible condition. The family must also be financially eligible.
Service Coordination: Helps families locate and coordinate services for their child. This program does not pay for medical services. Financial eligibility is not required for this program.

You can learn more about CMH and begin the application process from the Ohio Department of Health website. Please note that only a CMH provider can submit your application. Ask your child's health care provider if they are a CMH health care provider or use the locator from the Ohio Department of health to find a provider near you.

The Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH) is a state-run program that provides supplemental insurance to families of children diagnosed with a medical handicap. These diagnoses may include (but are not limited to):

Birth defect
Hearing loss
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Cancer
Sickle cell disease
Hemophilia
Chronic lung disease
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
PKU and other metabolic conditions
Congenital heart disease

Early Intervention (birth to 3)

Ohio's Early Intervention (EI) Program is available at no cost to all Ohio families with qualifying children under three years of age. Call 1-800-755-4769 or complete the online referral to get started with this service.

Autism & EI

The Federal Government requires EI to provide Applied Behavior Analysis services (or pay for a qualified outside firm to provide them) for children under the age of three. Several firms have are certified to provide these services in Cuyahoga County. For more information, contact your EI caseworker.

Schools

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), school-aged children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Depending upon the student’s disability status, elements of FAPE may include therapy services, such as speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Disability status is evaluated and determined by the student’s home district. For more information or to request an evaluation, contact your local school board.

Whose IDEA is This?

For more information on IDEA, the process of determining disability status, and the latest standards, download the free guide, "A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education."

County Resources

Both Lorain and Cuyahoga counties offer services through departments of developmental disabilities ranging from therapy and educational services to camps, transportation, assistive devices and financial support.

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)

In addition to therapies, training and service and support administration offered through the board of developmental disabilities, Cuyahoga County residents with a financial need may apply for family resource dollars. CCBDD also offers financial support for camps through its campership program. For more information, see the Family Support Program page. For all other services, see the main site.

View in Connecting for Kids Service Provider Directory

Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Murray Ridge Center)

In addition to service and support administration offered through the board of developmental disabilities, Lorain County residents with a financial need may apply for family resource dollars. For more information, see the Family Support Program page. For all other services, see the main site.

View in Connecting for Kids Service Provider Directory

State Resources

The State of Ohio has created programs to help families access resources to recoup learning loss related to the pandemic. These include the ACE program and Ohio's Learning AID program. Eligible families must experience financial hardship, as defined by the state of Ohio.

Ohio ACE Program

Offers up to $1000 per qualified child for enrichment. Providers who take ACE funds include zoos and museums, aftercare programs, music and arts programs, athletics, and more. ACE funds remain in the student's account until the student either turns 19 or graduates from high school.

aceohio.org

Learning Aid Ohio

Can pay for up to $1500 of tutoring services for eligible children per semester. Families who qualify can choose from many different types of educators and tutors.

learningohio.com

Types of services the may be covered by county boards of developmental disabilities:

Respite Care
Special Equipment
Home Modifications
Special Diets
Counseling, Training and Education
Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy
Diapers/wipes and/or underpads for individuals five years of age or older.

Waivers

Waivers are another funding stream that some families can access through their county boards. The Arc of Ohio offers this guide for the different types of waivers available.

SSI

Some children with disabilities may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if the family meets income requirements. For more on SSI, see this topic.

Scholarships

Two state-level scholarships are available to families of eligible school-aged children with disabilities.

Autism Scholarship Program (ASP)

This scholarship allows parents of children between the ages of 3-21 who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders to waive public education and use state reimbursement to cover education and services outlined in a child’s IEP or AEP. Services must be provided from the approved autism scholarship provider list. Learn more about the application process and check for eligibility here.

1-614-466-5743
1-877-644-6338 (toll free)
autismscholarship@education.ohio.gov
education.ohio.gov

Jon Peterson Scholarship Program (JPSN)

Allows parents of children in kindergarten - 12th grade who have an IEP to waive public education and use state reimbursement to cover education and supportive services. Services must be provided from the approved Peterson scholarship provider list. Learn more about the application process and check for eligibility here.

Peterson.scholarship@education.ohio.gov
education.ohio.gov

TIP: Additional family-friendly information on scholarships offered by the state of Ohio can be found on the School Choice Ohio website.

Nonprofits & Charitable Foundations

A number of nonprofits and charitable organizations offer funding in the form of grants and scholarships. Application periods vary as do application criteria. For more information, please contact the nonprofit or foundation directly.

The following grants can be used for more general concerns, such as education, therapies, respite services, camps or recreation:

Chive Charities
Offers grants for individuals with rare diagnosis to assist with costs of therapy equipment & sessions not covered by insurance, handicap accessible home & car modifications, purchasing of developmental & learning devices and other medical needs as recommended by a medical professional.
chivecharities.org

Community Fund Management Foundation (CFMF)
Offers grants to Ohio residents with disabilities for disability-related items and services.
1-216-736-4540
info@cfmf.org
cfmf.org

Deepwood Run Foundation
(Lake County residents only) Provides grants and gifts to programs and individuals with developmental disabilities. Assistance includes equipment, activities, camps/recreation, respite, and medicines. Income requirements apply.
1-440-350-5208
deepwood.foundation@lakebdd.org
thedeepwoodrun.org

Giving Angels Foundation
At the Giving Angels Foundation, our mission is to enhance the daily functioning of a child with a disability from a lower income family by awarding grants for life-changing equipment, medical supplies, essential family bills, specialized camps, and therapeutic toys.
1-267-332-1320
grants@givingangelsfoundation.org
givingangelsfoundation.org

Humanitarian Foundation - Grottoes of North America
Nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with disabilities by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, excluding hospital and hospital anesthesia costs, for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders, those with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome and dental treatment for organ transplant recipients.
1-614-933-9193
hfgrotto.org

Jewish Education Center of Cleveland: Gurland Camp Application
(Greater Cleveland residents only, must identify as Jewish) Through the Hyman, Blanche, Gladys, Rita and Norma Gurland Memorial Fund, the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland is able to offer limited grants to Jewish children with disabilities. The student should have an IEP. These funds are available to first and second timers going to a variety of camps offering special programming to the campers.
1-216-371-0446
campgrants@jecc.org
jecc.org

NuPrisma Grant
Awards up to $500 to help cover expenses otherwise not covered by insurance, but very much needed to help enrich their life experience, whether they have a diagnosis of Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders; Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing; Visually Impaired with Blindness or Low Vision; Developmental Coordination Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Disabilities; Psychiatric Disabilities; Speech and Language Disabilities, and/or any other physical or neurological disability or disorders.
1-631-403-0566
info@NuPrisma.com
nuprisma.com

Oracle Health Foundation
Oracle Health Foundation (formerly First Hand Foundation) is a public 501(c)(3) organization that provides funding for individual children—both domestically and globally—who need assistance with clinical necessities (such as surgery, medication and therapy), medical equipment and travel related to care.
816-201-1569
casegrants_ww@oracle.com
oraclehealthfoundation.org

Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids provides grants for sports, fine arts, camps, and tutoring programs during a parent’s deployment or recovery, for children aged 3-18.
1-703-734-6654
omkinquiry@ourmilitarykids.org
ourmilitarykids.org

The Maggie Welby Foundation
Offers tuition assistance to families with children in grades K-12 who have a financial need. Scholarship applications open March 1st-31st and October 1st -31st.
1-314-330-6947
info@maggiewelby.org
www.maggiewelby.org

Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities
Provides family grants to assist with the costs of providing medical treatments and therapies not otherwise covered by health insurance. Ohio grant application form can be found at the bottom of the page.
1-630-539-5977
www.mccdcares.com

Mike's Kids
Provides assistance via services, equipment, education, special care and respite support to children with special needs and their families.
info@mikes-kids.org
www.mikes-kids.org

My Gym Challenged America Foundation
Supports individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities through gifts of services or programs (up to $500). Types of items include adaptive chairs, educational programming, therapy equipment, etc.
1-818-907-6966
info@mygymchallengedamerica.com
www.mygymfoundation.org

James R. Nicholl Memorial Foundation
(Lorain County residents only – at least 2 years residence) Contact the foundation via mail with a letter describing your child and their therapy needs. The foundation will reply with the appropriate forms to submit a full application.
Kimberly L. Thomas
Trust Officer & Vice President
J. P. Morgan Private Bank
28660 Northwestern Hwy. l
Southfield, MI 48034-1829
1-248-738-6169
Kimberly.L.Thomas@jpmorgan.com

Pediatric Angel Network
Nonprofit charity created to help chronically ill and disabled children live their healthiest life possible by providing them with supplies and resources to meet their basic needs and to provide some relief for the families that are struggling with a hardship in their care.
1-800-620-3620
info@pediatricangelnetwork.com
www.pediatricangelnetwork.com

Rec2Connect Foundation
Provides scholarships to families of children with special needs for recreation programming in northeast Ohio. Examples of programming that will be covered: Horseback riding, dance classes, camps, sports classes, adapted aquatics, aquatic therapy and recreation therapy programming.
1-330-703-9001
rec2connectfoundation@gmail.com
www.rec2connect.org

Parker Lee Project
Provides feeding and care supplies for families of children who are medically dependent. Examples include enteral supplies (feeding bags, extenders), trach supplies (care kits, ties, cleaning supplies, HMEs), incontinence supplies (different size diapers and briefs), oxygen tubing and cannulas, IV tubing and care supplies, formula, and more.
1-469-441-1485
megan@theparkerleeproject.org
theparkerleeproject.org (Site may not load unless you click "Disable Preloader")

Parker’s Purpose
Provides up to $1,000 to any family who has a minor (18 and under) with a life-altering illness or disability and is in financial crisis due to unforeseen medical expenses. Funds may be used as the recipient deems fit to help with their situation.
1-419-334-7275
parkerspurpose@gmail.com
parkerspurpose.net

Trust the Journey
Provides funds to children who have disabilities, challenges and medical complex needs. Trust the Journey is a funder of last resourt and families with income at or below $150,000 are given preference.
1-330-635-0599
info@trust-the-journey.org
trust-the-journey.org

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation
Provides financial relief (up to $5,000 with lifetime max of $10,000) for families who have children (16 or younger) with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. Must have commercial healthcare/dental to apply.
1-855-MY-UHCCF
www.uhccf.org

Variety: The Children's Charity
Variety focuses on multiple unmet needs of children who are sick, disadvantaged or live with disabilities and other special needs at a local and national level. Our aim is to maximize the real long term positive social impact for all children. NOTE: there is no local chapter for the Cleveland area - inquiries should be directed to the national level.
1-323-954-0820
info@usvariety.org
usvariety.org

Zane’s Foundation, Inc.
(Northeast Ohio residents only) Provides funding assistance to families with children with disabilities so that they may receive necessities not covered by insurance, government agencies or other organizations. Applicants must have an IEP, ISP, or lifelong disability that affects capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency, learning, mobility, social skills, receptive and expressive language, self-care, or self-direction.
1-330-677-9263
www.zanesinc.org

These grants can help to improve accessibility through home modifications, access to wheelchairs and mobility devices or by helping to purchase adaptive equipment.

Alyssa V. Phillips Foundation
(Cerebral palsy diagnosis only)The purpose of the Alyssa V Phillips Foundation is to support individuals with Cerebral Palsy (“CP”) with a focus on assisting children with CP, the families of children with CP, or any individual impacted by CP in maximizing independence.
www.alyssavphillipsfoundation.com

AMBUCS
Families with a financial need can request adaptive Amtryke tricycles through the National Wish List.
ambucs.org

Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation
(Spinal cord injury diagnosis only) Provides grant money to individuals with spinal cord injuries to help cover the costs of adapted equipment.
1-262-547-2083
info@brpf.org
brpf.org

Christopher's Promise
Christopher's Promise is a grass-roots, non-profit initiative to provide children with special circumstances with the proper adaptive equipment. Families can contact Christopher's Promise to identify candidates for adaptive bikes.
1-740-323-6603
info@christopherspromise.org
christopherspromise.org

Community Fund Management Foundation (CFMF)
Offers grants for Ohio residents with disabilities to help cover the costs of home modifications and adaptive equipment.
1-216-736-4540
info@cfmf.org
cfmf.org

Deepwood Run Foundation
(Lake County residents only) Provides grants and gifts to programs and individuals with developmental disabilities. Assistance includes equipment, activities, camps/recreation, respite, and medicines. Income requirements apply.
1-440-350-5208
deepwood.foundation@lakebdd.org
thedeepwoodrun.org

Friends of Man Foundation
Assists with funding for accessibility and medical equipment including wheel chairs, ramps and mobility equipment.
1-303-798-2342
www.friendsofman.org

Hunter's Hope Foundation Morgan’s Legacy Gift Program
Morgan’s Legacy Gift Program supports families with a gift of up to $1,000 for something that will enhance their quality of life, and provide “tools” to help a parent and child. Gifts include adaptive car seats, jogging strollers, shower chairs, and other “DME” type items not covered by insurance. The Gift gives a high priority to sensory makeovers which average under $1,000, and serve a minimum of 10 families a year.
info@huntershope.org
huntershope.org

Special Kids Fund
Special Kids Fund assists families with a financial need to own accessible vans by repurposing pre-owned vehicles that have been gifted by donors.
specialkidsfund.org

Variety: The Children's Charity
Variety focuses on multiple unmet needs of children who are sick, disadvantaged or live with disabilities and other special needs at a local and national level. Variety's aim is to maximize the real long term positive social impact for all children. NOTE: There is no local chapter for the Cleveland area - inquiries should be directed to the national level.
1-323-954-0820
info@usvariety.org
usvariety.org

Wheelchairs 4 Kids
Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications as well as other assistive and therapeutic devices for children that have limited mobility due to illness, accident or abuse. It is our goal to allow all kids to participate in life fully.
1-727-946-0963
info@wheelchairs4kids.org
wheelchairs4kids.org

The following grants are designated for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis:

ACT Today!
Nonprofit organization providing resources (including referrals, funding and guidance) to individuals with ASD and their families. A separate branch of ACT Today! Also supports military families.
1-818-705-1625
info@act-today.org
www.act-today.org

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation
Provides scholarships for children to attend social skills camps, participate in swimming and equestrian lessons, receive therapy, and other services. Also offers an iPad and holiday gift card program for families with a financial need.
myasdf.org

Beyond Words Foundation for Autism
(Cuyahoga, Medina and Summit County residents only) Assists families of autistic children with funding of recreational based services that are not covered by insurance.
1-734-646-9192
beyondwordsfoundationforautism@gmail.com
foundation.beyondwordscenter.org

C.A.R.E. Foundation
(Families with total income under $75,000) The CARE Grant Program is for helping families with medication, autism diagnosis/evaluation, therapy session (including speech, OT and ABA,) autism summer camps.
1-833-222-ICAN
careautismfoundation.com

iTaalk Autism Foundation
Families with a child who is diagnosed with ASD may apply to receive an iPad at no charge. Recipients must attend a training session.
1-567-377-5710
itaalk.org

MyGOAL Autism Grant Program
Need-based grant for treatments (including vitamins and other nutritional needs), enrichment and educational needs that may not otherwise be covered privately or by other third-party funding sources.
1-877-886-9462
info@mygoalinc.org
mygoalinc.org

National Autism Association Give a Voice Program
The intent of NAA’s Give A Voice program is to provide the opportunity for meaningful, effective communication to individuals with autism who are nonspeaking or unreliably speaking, and whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm.
nationalautismassociation.org

Share A Vision
Charitable organization, committed to providing recreational activities for individuals with Autism and other disabilities through grants, fundraising events and community support.
shareavision.org

Suzanne Tyner Autism Fund
(Northwestern Ohio counties only) Helps families pay for autism services not covered by traditional insurance or grants. Such services include early intervention programs, assessments and testing, social skills programs, college support programs, transition-to-employment programs, touch devices, and recreational activities.
avenuesforautism.org

Varghese Summersett Autism Scholarship
$500 scholarship to offset the cost of recreational or educational opportunities for a student diagnosed with autism. The award may be used towards a camp, tutoring, education, or other tools to help the student progress and live a fulfilling, happy life.
christi@versustexas.com
versustexas.com

The following grants are designated for individuals with a pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) diagnosis:

Feeding Matters
Nonprofit organization providing financial assistance for families with a demonstrated need to cover the costs of treatments and education related to pediatric feeding disorders.
1-818-233-4568
info@feedingmatters.org
www.feedingmatters.org

NOTE: Additional grants that are specifically related to accessibility (home modifications, mobility devices, etc.) may be found under the Accessibility tab.

The following grants are designated for individuals with an orthopedic impairment:

Challenged Athletes Foundation
Individuals worldwide with permanent physical disabilities are eligible to apply for the CAF Annual grant. In order to apply for a CAF grant, an individual must have a permanent physical disability that impairs mobility, affects the neuromuscular system, or impairs balance or motor control. Chronic pain, hearing impairments, cognitive and developmental disabilities do not qualify for support through CAF’s grant programs. Teams, Organizations, and non-disabled individuals are not eligible to apply for grant support.
1-858-866-0959
caf@challengedathletes.org
www.challengedathletes.org

Giving Angels Foundation
At the Giving Angels Foundation, our mission is to enhance the daily functioning of a child with a physical disability from a low income family by awarding grants for life-changing equipment, medical supplies, essential family bills, specialized camps and therapeutic toys.
1-267-332-1320
grants@givingangelsfoundation.org
givingangelsfoundation.org

Humanitarian Foundation - Grottoes of North America
Nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with special needs by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, excluding hospital and hospital anesthesia costs, for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders, those with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome and dental treatment for organ transplant recipients.
614-933-9193
hfgrotto.org

Kelly Brush Foundation
Through the Active Fund, the foundation provides grants for individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment.
1-802-846-5298
info@kellybrushfoundation.org
kellybrushfoundation.org

The LENN Foundation
Helps families who have children with cerebral palsy. The LENN Foundation provides financial relief towards children's unmet medical needs not covered by insurance.
thelennfoundation.org

Triumph Foundation Keep Moving Forward (KMF) Grant
Helps individuals get necessary adaptive equipment for activities of daily living, make home modifications for wheelchair accessibility, and maintain therapeutic activities for health and wellness.
1-661-803-3700
info@Triumph-Foundation.org
triumph-foundation.org

Trust the Journey
Provides funds to children who have disabilities, challenges and medical complex needs. Trust the Journey is a funder of last resort and families with income at or below $150,000 are given preference.
1-330-635-0599
info@trust-the-journey.org
trust-the-journey.org

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Elsie S. Bellows Fund
National program that provides funds to individuals with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology equipment. You can apply through your UCP Local Affiliate (UCP Greater Cleveland). Each application is forwarded to the national UCP office for review and approval for funding by the Bellows Funds Committee.
1-216-791-8363
info@ucpcleveland.org
www.ucpcleveland.org

The following grants can be used to help cover the cost of speech and language therapy, communication devices, or hearing aids:

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Offers a variety of financial resources for scholarships, auditory supports, speech and language therapy, and camps.
1-202-337-5220
info@agbell.org
agbell.org

HIKE Foundation
The HIKE Fund provides hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and twenty years whose parents are unable to meet this need financially.
thehikefund.org

Small Steps in Speech Foundation
The mission of Small Steps in Speech is to help children with speech and/or language disorders take the steps needed to be better communicators.
1-888-577-3256
info@smallstepsinspeech.org
www.smallstepsinspeech.org

The Orange Effect Foundation
The Orange Effect Foundation is a 501(c)3 foundation that empowers children and young adults (21 and under) with speech disorders to effectively communicate through technology and speech therapy.
1-888-554-2014
info@theorangeeffect.org
www.theorangeeffect.org

Travelers Protective Association Hearing Trust
The TPA Hearing Trust provides funding for hearing devices, specialized treatments, speech classes, note-takers, interpreters and more.
1-877-872-2638
tpahq.org

The following grants are designated for individuals with trisomy-related diagnoses, including Down syndrome:

Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio Family Grant Program
Grants provide financial assistance which directly improves the life of the individual with Down syndrome.Financial assistance is awarded for either Non-Medical recreational activities such as dance classes, athletic activities or summer camps up to $300 or Direct Medical expenses up to $600. Priority is given to DSANEO members.
1-216-447-8763
grantscommittee@dsaneo.org
dsaneo.org

Molly Bear Foundation
(Trisomy 18 diagnosis only) Assists in providing a better life for families living with Trisomy 18 up to and beyond the first birthday. By providing supplemental funding we hope to relieve the stress that accompanies raising a child with T18, and help improve the quality of life for those little ones beating the odds.
1-609-228-8575
info@mollybear.org
mollybear.org

Varghese Summersett Down Syndrome Scholarship
Annual $500 scholarships for students with Down syndrome for children who need financial aid to support educational or recreational opportunities. The scholarship may be used towards a camp, tutoring, education, or any tool to help the child prosper.
christi@versustexas.com
versustexas.com

The following programs are available for families with children who are blind or who have low vision:

Association of Blind Citizens (ABC)
The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000.
1-781-961-1023
president@blindcitizens.org
blindcitizens.org

National Federation of the Blind - Free White Cane Program
The free white cane program was created because of the belief that no blind person should be without a white cane, regardless of his or her ability to pay for it. Any blind individual in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico can request a cane for their personal use. Requests can be made as often as every six months.
nfb.org

Seedlings Braille Books for Children
Seedlings Braille Books for Children is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to increasing the opportunity for literacy and education by providing high quality, free and low cost braille books for children. Families who register may receive up to four Braille books per year.
1-800-777-8552
info@seedlings.org
seedlings.org

Trinity Rose Foundation
Foundation dedicated to providing education and financial aid to improve quality of life for children with visual impairment.
trinityrose.org

The following organizations offer scholarships for training or can place service animals with families:

Canine Companions
(Children over 5 years) Provides service dogs at no cost to children with physical or cognitive disabilities aged five or older with physical or cognitive disabilities who require the assistance of a facilitator such as a parent, caregiver or spouse.
1-800-572-BARK (2275)
canine.org

Canines for Disabled Kids
Provides scholarships for training service animals with Assistance Dog International, International Guide Dog Federation or other qualified training program.
978-422-5299
info@caninesforkids.org
caninesforkids.org

Mira Foundation
Provides guide dogs for eligible blind American children between the ages of 11 and 16, free of charge.
1-910-944-7757
info@mirausa.org
mirausa.org

Paws with a Cause
Paws With A Cause breeds and custom-trains Assistance Dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing loss, seizures and autism. PAWS promotes a “pay it forward” culture. Once a client achieves certification, we encourage them to consider hosting a Personal Campaign to benefit another client still waiting for a PAWS Dog.
1-616-877-7297
pawswithacause.org

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids trains both mobility service and autism service animals. The organization asks families receiving an animal to make a commitment to do fundraising for W.A.G.S.
1-216-586-5853
info@wags4kids.com
wags4kids.org

Local Grants (based in Ohio)

Community Fund Management Foundation (Middleburg Heights)
Deepwood Run Foundation (Mentor)
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (Northeast Ohio)
Lil MAC Kids (Lewis Center)
iTaalk (Toledo)
James R. Nicholl Memorial Foundation (Lorain)
Jewish Education Center of Cleveland (Cleveland)
Kya's Crusade (Gahanna)
Mike's Kids (Elyria)
The Orange Effect Foundation(Cleveland)
Parker's Purpose (Fremont)
Special Kids Therapy (Findlay)
Trust The Journey (Valley City)
Zane's Foundation, Inc. (Stow)

Lending Libraries

Lending libraries loan adaptive and medical equipment to families for short-term needs (for example, to assess whether an item is useful to an individual or to substitute for a broken item while it is repaired).

In addition to dedicated lending libraries, several public library systems offer adapted toys and other materials for families of children with disabilities.

Assistive Technology of Ohio

Offers adaptive devices (switches, keyboards, positioning seats, phones, iPads) and toys with the intent of helping Ohioans with disabilities to try items before making a purchase as well as a trading post (where families can trade/donate used devices) and a device rental program for low-vision/CCTV equipment.

atohio@osu.edu
www.atohio.org

Cuyahoga County Public Library

Offers adapted toys and bookable kits for families to check out with a valid library card. Available items are available to book through the library's website.

View Library Partners

RePlay for Kids

Works with agencies in Northeast Ohio to adapt mainstream battery-operated toys for the children they serve. If you qualify as a low-income family at your supporting agency, you may be able to receive a free adapted toy through the RePlay @Home program.

View in Connecting for Kids Service Provider Directory

Westlake Porter Public Library

Offers a variety of non-traditional materials, including music kits that can be used in at-home music therapy experiences. To view the kits, visit the non-traditional materials collection and scroll down to Music Kits.

View Library Partners

Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library

The WE Play Toy Library Collection is designed to serve all families. The collection is comprised of many award-winning toys for all ages. Some toys are adapted and can be operated with buttons. Buttons are available for check out. Available items can be viewed on the WE Play Toy Collection page.

View Library Partners

Online Guide to Assistive Technology Programs in Ohio

Through a grant with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council has published a list of lending libraries across the State of Ohio. These libraries provide access to assistive technology, medical equipment and adaptive toys to support people with developmental disabilities.

View Guide

Fundraising Sites

Several sites allow you to set up fundraising accounts for your child so family and friends can donate.

Fund It Forward

Nonprofit helping families to raise money for adaptive equipment not covered by health insurance. Organization funds family requests with the promise that the family will raise funds for the future requests of others.

www.funditfwd.org

FundRazr

Commercial online fundraising site. Charges 5% service fee and a credit card fee of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction.

fundrazr.com

Give-Forward

Online fundraising site targeting medical expenses, living expenses associated with illness or injury and memorial funds. Charges 7.9% service fee + 30 cents for each transaction.

www.giveforward.com

GoFundMe

Commercial online fundraising site. Charges 5% service fee and a credit card fee of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction.

www.gofundme.com

Note: Vantage Mobility International (VMI) partners directly with GoFundMe to support campaigns directed at purchasing a VMI wheelchiar accessible vehicle (learn more).

Kiddie Pool (from Adaptive Mall)

Free service program that works like a fundraiser. Your family joins the program and a custom webpage is created for your child with a disability. Donations made on behalf of your child that will be put into an account on Adaptivemall.com. Once your child has received enough donations, you can redeem them for the products desired. There is no charge to use the Kiddie Pool program.

www.adaptivemall.com

YouCaring

Charges only a credit card fee of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction.

www.youcaring.com

Website supported by a grant from Parker.

Call, text or email:

Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Post Office Box:

30628 Detroit Rd. #252
Westlake, Ohio 44145