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KIDS ON THE GO! MOBILITY GRANT PROGRAM FACTS
What is the purpose of the Variety Kids on the Go! program? Melissa in her van lift.
Variety Kids on the Go! exists to help children with physical challenges obtain confidence, freedom and independence by funding durable medical equipment for those with the greatest financial need. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, van lifts, house ramps, adaptive car seats & strollers, specially-equipped bicycles & tricycles, bath equipment, stairlifts and other items necessary to increase a child’s access to and participation in the community.
Who does the program serve?
The program serves children who are 21 years of age and younger and whose need for enabling equipment is not met by any other source, including family, school, insurance and service program resources.
How often may a child apply for a grant?
The program will make a grant to a family no more than once every three years. Preference will be given to those children who have not received previous grants.
Is there a limit as to how much money can be spent on any individual child?
Yes. Variety – The Children’s Charity of Wisconsin has a fixed budget. Families are free to combine funding with dollars of their own or dollars from other sources. Variety will make payments directly to the vendor of the equipment or material that is provided.
Are there income restrictions?
Yes. It is the belief that the Kids on the Go! Program should help those children who are unable to obtain help from any other source. In order to accomplish this, we ask that each application be submitted with documentation of attempts made to obtain funding from other sources. Additionally, we ask that the family provide any other information that might clarify their child’s need for enabling equipment and the family’s inability to obtain these items.
We understand that a family can incur tremendous medical (and other) expenses in support of a child with disabilities. We will take this fact into account when making our determinations. However, in some cases, Variety may offer to pay for a percentage of a piece of equipment, based on the family’s income. Each application must include a declaration of the family’s income.
What types of equipment will be funded?
Wheelchairs (electric and manual), stair glides, ramps (for house or van), van lifts (where a ramp will not be sufficient), adaptive car seats, strollers, walkers, standers, adaptive bikes and trikes, bath equipment and assistive technology. House modifications (i.e. ramps, stair glides) will be done only in cases where the house is owner occupied. Requests for each piece of equipment must be accompanied by a Letter of Verification from a doctor or physical therapist documenting the need for the item and stating the specifications necessary. Download the application here.
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