The Rehabilitative Equipment Fund supports individuals who cannot access essential communication or adaptive equipment through traditional funding sources. This fund will provide financial assistance to help individuals obtain critical tools that support communication, independence, mobility, and participation in daily life.
We provide support for smaller, high-impact items such as switches, mounts, and adaptive accessories. Small items like switches, mounts, cases, and adaptive accessories may seem minor, but they are often essential for making equipment functional and accessible. Without the right mount, a communication device can’t be positioned properly; without a switch, a child may not be able to access their device at all or don’t have access to operating toys independently. These items also add up quickly! What starts as one or two pieces can easily become hundreds or even thousands of dollars as needs evolve. Unfortunately, these smaller components are often not covered by insurance or traditional funding sources, creating a significant barrier for families. Supporting these “small” items can make a life-changing difference in independence, communication, and daily participation.
Please note that funding is limited at this time, and we may not be able to fulfill every equipment request right away. We still encourage you to apply, as requests will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We would love the opportunity to review your application and learn more about your needs.
Collaboration to help bridge the gap.
We also working to help fund larger equipment needs. For more significant items such as adapted bikes or standers, we collaborate with families and other funding sources whenever possible, and step in to help bridge the gap when traditional funding is only partially provided or unavailable. Our goal is simple: ensure that no one goes without essential equipment due to financial barriers.
Please note that funding is limited at this time, and we may not be able to fulfill every equipment request right away. We still encourage you to apply, as requests will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We would love the opportunity to review your application and learn more about your needs.
Funding Disclaimer
Funding availability may vary based on the resources and donations received by the Foundation. While we strive to support as many individuals and requests as possible, there may be limits on the number and amount of items we are able to fund at any given time. All requests are reviewed with careful consideration, and funding decisions are made to ensure the greatest overall impact within our available resources.
FAQs
How do we apply for the smaller items and is there a price limit?
Applying for support is simple. Families or providers can complete our short online application form, where you’ll share basic information about the individual, the item(s) needed, and how the equipment will support daily participation. Our team reviews requests on a rolling basis with the goal of responding quickly so individuals can access what they need without unnecessary delays.
Because these items are often urgent and essential, we aim to be as flexible as possible. While there is not a strict set limit, funding for smaller items is typically provided within reasonable guidelines to allow us to support as many individuals as possible. In some cases, we may partially fund a request or collaborate with other resources to maximize impact.
How do we know what to order and from whom?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own! We are here to help. Our team includes experienced professionals and individuals with lived experience who can help identify the most appropriate equipment based on each person’s unique needs. We are also happy to collaborate with families, therapists, and providers to ensure the right items are selected.
Once a request is approved, we take care of the ordering process by sourcing items from trusted vendors. We will then either ship the equipment directly to you or coordinate a time to meet locally, when possible, to ensure everything is set up and ready to use.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Simply complete our short application form to tell us a little about your needs and the equipment you’re interested in. In many cases, your therapist will help guide this process and can assist in identifying appropriate items and completing the application with you.
If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry! Our team is here to help every step of the way. We will review your request, reach out if we need more information, and work with you to make sure you receive the support and equipment that best fits your needs.
How do I know which application to fill out?
As a general guideline, requests for smaller items, such as switches, toys, and accessories, typically fall under our Small Equipment Application (usually items under approximately $250-$500).
Requests for larger or more complex items, such as communication devices, mounts, adapted bikes, or other high-cost equipment, should be submitted through our Large Equipment Application, which includes additional review and may require a therapist letter of justification.
If you’re unsure which application to choose, don’t worry…just complete the one that seems closest to your needs. Our team will review your request and help direct it to the appropriate application if needed.
Do you fully fund larger equipment requests?
For larger, higher-cost items, funding is determined on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to help make these items accessible, which often means collaborating with families and other funding sources and stepping in to help cover gaps when needed. In some cases, we may be able to fully fund an item; in others, we provide partial support to maximize impact and serve more individuals.
All requests for larger equipment are reviewed by our Equipment Fund Committee to ensure thoughtful and equitable decisions. For these items, a therapist will also need to provide a brief letter of justification outlining the individual’s needs and how the equipment will support their daily life and goals.
Do requests have to be for equipment, or can you fund memberships and activities as well?
While much of our funding focuses on equipment, we also recognize that access to therapeutic and recreational opportunities can be just as important. In some cases, we are able to support memberships or passes, such as sensory gyms, pool visits, or other adaptive programs,when they directly benefit an individual’s development, participation, and overall well-being.
These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they align with our mission and create meaningful impact. Our goal is to support not just the equipment someone uses, but the opportunities that help them engage, grow, and thrive