Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
The Ariana Rye Foundation helps children with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs up to age 18 obtain equipment to foster their social, mental and physical development. Families in need, from anywhere in the United States, can apply for help. Requests for equipment can include feeding or bath chairs, car seats, adaptive strollers, mats, wedges, specialty swings, sensory equipment and more.
The application, requirements for applying, and the annual application deadline are posted on its website.
Families can apply once per year. The one-time equipment grant provides up to $1000 per child.
If you have any questions, please visit the Ariana Rye Foundation’s Contact Us page.
The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The fund will provide funds to cover 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
Assistive Technology Resources
The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.
Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.
Aurora Community Resources for Displaced Residents
The City of Aurora provides information on a wide variety of resources including housing, food, clothing and legal assistance.
The Autism Society Quad Cities aims to create connections and empower everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. Its programs include educational workshops, grants, support groups for moms, support groups for young adults, and the “Friendship Island” group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder ages 12 to 18.
The Autism Society Quad Cities serves Rock Island and Henry counties in Illinois.
If you have questions, please contact the Autism Society Quad Cities at autismqc@gmail.com.
Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:
- Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
- A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
- Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
- A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families
BACKBONES – Connecting People With Spinal Cord Injury
BACKBONES connects people with spinal cord injury and their families to others with similar backgrounds, injuries and interests. BACKBONES provides inspirational stories and programs, including events, a youth program for teenagers ages 15 to 18, leader development, and monthly online meetups for people in the spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) community.
For questions, please email BACKBONES at info@backbonesonline.com or call (224) 424-3475.
Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States. The Benefit Finder questionnaire can help you find benefits you may be eligible to receive – such as healthcare and medical assistance, financial assistance, loans and disaster relief – and direct you to the agency to apply.
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.
The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit:
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:
- Summer youth program and college scholarships
- Housing programs
- Employment and training services
- Education services
- Food and utility assistance
For more information, visit the C.E.F.S. website.
You can also call (217) 342-2193 or email cefs@cefseoc.org. Translation services are available.