New Place to Look for Financial Help for Disabilities

There's no such thing as a source of information that has everything, so you look wherever you can.  After some bounced email, I got a very welcome link from Tammy Eisenreich of Itaalk Foundation the foundation that works to provide communication devices like ipads for kids and teens with autism spectrum disorders. Itaalk has created a searchable database of about 200 sources (right now) of financial assistance, wish organizations, medical equipment and more--not only for families affected by autism, but any type of disability.  

And they are  gathering more sources as they go.  If you know of a source not listed, suggest the source to Tammy at www.facebook.com/itaalk and win a $20 itunes card.  

For more sources of financial help dealing with disability, see the disability links in this blog, and the disability sources in No Free Money. 

Northwest Ohio Workshop on Autism Family Funds, and Places Where Other Families Can Get Funds

On Wednesday, May 22nd, the parents of children on the autism spectrum can attend a free workshop conducted by Tammy Eisenreich of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disability, either in the morning (10-11:30 a.m.), or evening (6-7:30 p.m.) at the Holland Branch Library on how to get funding for your child's education or treatment.  For more information or to sign up, contact Ms. Eisenreich at 419-356-3824 or teisenreich@lucasdd.org.  She will discuss not only sources of funding, but how to knowledgably approach insurance companies on coverage that you may already have, but have not known how to use, and how to keep your ear to the ground for other sources of funding.  She will also discuss the documentation that you will need to qualify for these benefits and apply for them. I've been to one of her workshops in the past, and it was an informative and worthwhile event.

If you live elsewhere or can't make it, there are other sources of information about funding to help out the families of kids on the autism spectrum.  Some of them have been written about on this blog, but there are others: this listing from Austism Speaks, this from Autism Cares re: aid for families in times of natural disasters, this from the Autism Support Network, this from the Heart of Texas Autism Network, and this list on the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disability--put together by Ms. Eisenreich herself.  And network with the other parents--they will help you find out new things, and new techniques to get funding and insurance coverage.  Also, if you have workplace insurance for your family, work with your human resources office to find the best way to apply for benefits. 

 

Three Day Window to Apply to Free iPad for Low Income Autism Spectrum Persons

Autism Cares has been given 625 iPad IIs for distribution to low-income people who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, courtesy of the James M. Pickle Foundation.  However, you only have through the end of December 6th to apply for the iPad.  It's for people who could put the iPad to good use in communication, but are kept from buying them due to low income.  To apply, fill out the form, and beat the deadline.

***the site is down for right now (4 p.m., Eastern Time), but keep checking.

Autism Awareness Day Celebrated With Free or Reduced Cost Communication Apps

Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day, and many producers of communications apps are offering them free or at reduced cost for today for iphones or ipads.  And while android apps are not in the program, you can see the emerging list of android communications apps at this link.    And if you use the italk widget (available at their website), a percentage of the sales will go towards this great organization that provides communication devices for kids with autism spectrum disorders.

K-12 Scholarships for Private Schooling in Ohio for Disabled Kids, and Vouchers and School Choice for Children Around the Country

The state of Ohio, besides having school choice programs for children within the boundaries of failing publicschools, has two programs for alternative education for special needs kids.  One is the Jon Peterson SpecialNeeds Scholarship program.  Children from kindergarten through 12^th grade who have an IEP (individual education plan) that is current and finalized are eligible for scholarships of up to $20,000 for education and supportive services from a private provider.  There aren’t enough scholarships for all disabled children—by law, no more than 5% of children identified as disabled in a district are eligible.  If there are more entries, scholarships will be distributed by a lottery.  If you have a child who’s eligible, you have to move fast, since the deadline for applying for a 2012-2013 scholarship is April 15^th.

Likewise, there is a separate Ohio program providing for state aid for the private education of young people with autism between the ages of 3 and 21.   It provides up to $20,000 a year for educational services outside of the school district.  Application for aid for the 2012-2013 school year begins in May of 2012.  Parents who want to be on the Ohio Education Department’s mailing list for more information about state programs for autistic children can sign up for it here.

For state, regional and nationwide programs for state-subsidized alternatives to public education, see this website by the Alliance for Choice.  It shows state “choice” and voucher programs, and has a separate state-by-state rundown on availableK-12 scholarships.  Here's another list of possibilities.

Communication Devices for Autistic Kids

Last spring, I posted a preapplication deadline for Itaalk, an organization that gives devices like ipads and ipod touches to kids with autism spectrum disorders, to increase their communication ability, as well as providing training to parents and teachers to help children use these devices most effectively.  Their website has a host of information, and accepts donations of used communication equipment.

Besides this, they list other organizations that provide these devices for ASD kids.  If you know a young person that could use this help, check them out.

Pre-Application for Interactive Equipment for Autism Spectrum Disorder Kids

The Itaalk Foundation is pleased to announce that it's taking pre-applications for awards of over $7500 worth of interactive electronic equipment--like ipads and iphones--for kids with a ASD (autism spectrum disorder) medical diagnosis.  Itaalk wants for ASD kids to have access to this equipment, and the educational and fun aps that go with them, so that young people with autism and related disorders can gain the power of communication.  See the Itaalk Foundation website and the application for more information.  Though the foundation is based in northwest Ohio, anyone in the U.S. is eligible.   Deadline is March 31st.

Bonus goodness: Itaalk Foundation also has a list of other sources of financial help for autistic kids, not only in northwest Ohio, but in the U.S.  Check it out.

More Help for Disabled Kids and Their Families

I found a wonderful website with resources to help disabled children and their families in northwest Ohio,and many national sources, too. The site is run by the Family Information Network, a service of United Way of Toledo. Among the foundations listed are Zane's Foundation, which offers funds for therapy and other help for disabled kids, and Challenged America, which offers products and services directly to the disabled under 18 years of age, and United Healthcare, which offers medical grants, and more. It also links you to the great site by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, with even more treasures. One page has general disability assistance, and another is a page dealing with help for autism spectrum disorder. Also, check out this source, BraveKids, with resources for financial help, support groups, transportation and camps for disabled kids.

In the maze of searching for help for their children, a great piece of advice that I got from one mother was this: if something is turned down by your insurance company, go to your human resource department at work. They often know how a request should be placed so that it's eligible under your insurance plan. Also, check support groups and advocacy groups dealing with your child's disability. And if there is an office dealing with disabled children in your state, such as the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps in Ohio, see what they can do for your child. If you live in another state, look here to find the state office helping children with chronic medical problems.  They may offer help with diagnostics, and maybe even medical equipment and supplies.  And there is this online booklet on Social Security benefits for disabled children.