Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams, testing, certification, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. ATD can also help facilities such as schools or nursing homes start a therapy dog program. Its website includes:
- Information on what makes a good therapy dog
- Steps for becoming an ATD member
- A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
- Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you
Almost Home Kids provides a bridge from hospital to home through an innovative community-based care system for children with medical complexities. It responds to the needs of families, trains caregivers, offers respite care, advocates for accessibility and inclusion and educates healthcare professionals.
Almost Home Kids offers transitional, respite and respite transportation care. It has locations in Chicago, Naperville and Peoria.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Internship Programs
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) provides two internship programs offering professional and career development opportunities for students and recent graduates with disabilities. The programs help participants access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills and connect to the broader disability community.
Learn more about the programs and how to apply:
American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association
The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a non-profit association of individuals and healthcare professionals interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions.
ACPA provides:
- Important information for families, patients and professionals on topics associated with cleft or craniofacial care
- Educational materials in English and Spanish
- Four $5,000 college scholarships annually to outstanding students born with cleft or craniofacial conditions
- Community stories and more
American Heart Association Support Network
A free online social community of survivors and family caregivers who share information and inspiration. Support Network members trade tips, compare notes and shore each other up when the going gets rough. Members also have access to healthcare professionals who can answer their questions. Plus, specialized resources from the American Heart Association.
American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf
The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn ASL. The non-credit courses do not count toward professional development hours or continuing education units.
American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program
The American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is a privately funded financial assistance program that helps living donors cover lost wages during their recovery from surgery and helps transplant recipients maintain health insurance coverage and access to immunosuppressant medications. This program is available nationwide and is focused on the most financially vulnerable patients and their families.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s ADA.gov website provides information and assistance to help people with disabilities, state and local governments, and businesses understand their legal rights and responsibilities under the ADA.
The ADA.gov website includes:
- An introduction to the ADA
- Guidance and resource materials on a range of topics, including service animals, parking and more
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Fact sheets, legal documents and how to report violations
For questions, please call the ADA Information Line at 1 (800) 514-0301 or 1 (833) 610-1264 (TTY).
Angel Flight Central (AFC) is a nonprofit organization that provides non-emergency flights to Midwest families who need access to specialized healthcare, camps for individuals with special needs, disaster response efforts or other compassionate reasons.
AFC coordinates flights for people in need in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana. It also collaborates with other charitable aviation organizations to support passengers who live outside of its 10-state region. Visit AFC’s Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Learn more about eligibility requirements and submit an Angel Flight Central Flight Request online.
For questions or more details, email request@angelflightcentral.org or call (866) 569-9464, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arab American Family Services (AAFS) provides assistance to over 30 communities in the south suburban Chicagoland area. AAFS is a non-political, non-religious organization that focuses on building respect and understanding between Arab-Americans and the mainstream-American culture. It also serves as a catalyst for social change by actively seeking to confront the myths and taboos that have kept some Arab Americans from obtaining the help they need.
AAFS assists Arab speakers in their native language and dialect and is also recognized by government agencies and other nonprofits as a local resource for cultural exchange and translation services. AAFS programs include case management, mental health assistance, immigration services, disability assistance and more.