Important Resources & Information
Explore this collection of resources and publications to learn more about rare diseases and how you can contribute to the mission
By Catherine Lord, Ph.D. and Tameika Meadows M.Ed.Child Mind Institute
By Qian Yu, Enyao Li, Liguo Li, and Weiyi Liang
National Library of Medicine
By Annelies Rotthier, Michaela Auer-Grumbach et. al.
National Library of Medicine
By Alberto A Zambon, Veronica Pini et. al.
Oxford Academic
The ACT Today board provides funding assistance to families throughout the United States on a quarterly basis. Our mission is to fund effective treatments, assessments and needed life supports for families living with autism as well as military families with a child with autism. In addition, the ACT Today! SOS is a program dedicated to supporting the immediate and imperative needs of those impacted with autism. We recognize that some individuals diagnosed with autism who are in immediate personal danger or harm are unable to wait up to 12 weeks for a response to their request. The ACT Today! SOS Program is designed to provide immediate support for these families based upon need and the program funds available.
The Greater Indy Friends chapter of AMBUCS is a nonprofit whose mission is “creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.” AMBUCS believes that all kids should have a bike, and we work hard to make that happen for those who need special adaptive bikes.
The Greater Indy Friends chapter of AMBUCS is a nonprofit whose mission is “creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.” AMBUCS believes that all kids should have a bike, and we work hard to make that happen for those who need special adaptive bikes.
Special Needs Trust. People with disabilities who receive SSI can’t have more than a certain amount of money in their name (no savings bonds, savings accounts, trusts, life insurance beneficiary, inheritance). You can set up a trust to allow them to have access to some additional income beyond SSI.
Grants to families affected by Autism for effective treatments, assessments and needed life supports. Funds are awarded on a quarterly basis. Grant forms may be submitted in January, April, July, and October.
Article. Children under 5 with autism qualify for WIC. If on Medicaid, you may qualify for discounts on utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.)
Article. Children under 5 with autism qualify for WIC. If on Medicaid, you may qualify for discounts on utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.)
This organization repairs used equipment like wheel chairs and gives it out for free.
A nonprofit that provides financial, emotional, and educational resources to people affected by epilepsy.
nonprofit that provides financial, emotional, and educational resources to people affected by epilepsy.
Helps low-income families obtain child care. Visit www.childrensbureau.org/what-we-do/child-care-development-fund-ccdf
For those who have private insurance that is not successfully covering needed services.
https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours-and-admission/access-pass
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Target Free Family Nights are held the first Thursday of every month from 4-8 (free admission).
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Free memberships to Foster families
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Access Pass: If you show proof of Hoosier Healthwise insurance, TANF or Food Stamps, you can get $2 per person admission per visit. This access pass is also available at Conner Prairie, IMA, the State Museum, and some others.
Tippecanoe County residents. Provides some grants for children. Printable forms. Due Sept. 1 each year.
Supplement to insurance for children with specific health conditions. Covers things insurance won’t cover, like copays and deductibles for children’s medical expenses related to a disability; there are some restrictions; Income-based: around 200% of poverty level. Can’t be used for ABA.
iPad grants for individuals with autism. No age limit, but must be minimally verbal or non-verbal; income also a factor.
Grants for needs not covered by insurance (must provide Letter of denial from the insurance company or policy showing exclusion.)
Expenses covered:
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Treatment: Clinical procedures, medicine, therapy, prosthesis, etc.
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Equipment: Wheelchairs, assistive technology equipment, care devices, hearing aids, etc.
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Displacement: Lodging (only if charitable housing is unavailable), gas ($0.33 per mile), parking and transportation related to a child’s care
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Vehicle modifications: Lifts, ramps and transfer boards
One request per year, per child for a maximum of three times in a child’s lifetime.
Search ‘free app Friday’ on Google or Pinterest. On Fridays some apps that are usually paid are free. One example:
Grants for adaptive equipment not covered by health insurance. Augmentative communication devices, bath and feeding chairs, enclosed beds, sensory equipment. PDF file and phone interview.
This program’s grants are designed to provide support to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Provides doctor visits, supplements, etc.) Only available to families who have not previously pursued biomedical intervention.
Communication devices for individuals with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, and whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm. There is very limited funding. Application deadline is in June.
Allows persons with disabilities and their families to participate in conferences and events. In return the Council requests that you commit to share the information you learned with others and that you contribute to the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of people with disabilities. Will match half of your expenses, restrictions apply.
Quality of life grants for families that care for children and adults with special needs. Applications open March to June.
The gift is to be individual in nature and must enhance the quality of life for the child. Some examples of gifts previously provided, in whole or in part, include the following: wheel chairs, leg braces, nebulizers, communication devices, hearing aids, orthopedic shoes, insulin pumps, digital blood pressure cuffs, learning devices, adaptive tricycles, therapy equipment, and walkers.
Can help pay registration fees for national conferences, up to $750. Printable PDF application
Article
Quality of life grants for families that care for children and adults with special needs. Applications open March to June.
The gift is to be individual in nature and must enhance the quality of life for the child. Some examples of gifts previously provided, in whole or in part, include the following: wheel chairs, leg braces, nebulizers, communication devices, hearing aids, orthopedic shoes, insulin pumps, digital blood pressure cuffs, learning devices, adaptive tricycles, therapy equipment, and walkers.
List of grants for Autism.
For Johnson County residents. Will cover half the cost of a multi-lesson session.
Grants for adaptive equipment and horse therapy sessions not covered by insurance, for children with a life-long physical disability affecting the child’s motor skills.
Letter of Medical Necessity: Fact Sheet
How to write a request for funding for assistive technology.
Community Mental Health Wraparound (CMHW)
Medicaid Waiver: Indiana Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services
People autism can qualify for the waiver (regardless of the parents’ income) if they meet level of care criteria. Once on the waiver, the individual can also utilize waiver services including respite, behavior management, and parent training.
Trusts and wills
Mint
Free household budgeting tool. Making sure that you have a budget in place helps you decide where to best spend your family income.
Grants to help with unexpected expenses.
Free lifetime pass if you show proof of a permanent disability
Scholarships for higher education for people with autism.
Patient Advocate Foundation
CPR (Co-Pay Relief) Program provides financial support to insured patients, who are financially and medically qualified, for co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles relative to your diagnosis.
https://www.inphilanthropy.org/resources-grantseekers
Scholarship For Students With An Autistic Sibling
Grant toward an assistive technology device (NOT an iPad) and/or iPad apps.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Also known as food stamps. Enables low-income families to buy nutritious food through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Apply at DFR (Division of Family Resources).
Medical and income requirements.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children who meet income requirements. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical. Apply at DFR (Division of Family Resources).
This article suggests talking with your tax professional about deductions you can make, including special schooling; diagnostic evaluations; special therapies like OT and speech; programs monitored by qualified medical personnel to treat a condition, such as horseback riding; mileage to special schools or therapy; diapers; lodging required to obtain medical treatment; attending a conference; and foods for special diets. A doctor’s note would be required.
Grants for medical services not covered by commercial health benefit plans.