Specific Assistance - Service Description

History

In 1987, Mrs. Theresa Goodman stipulated in her will a bequest of approximately $1,000,000 to UCPAGI for the purpose of "purchasing medical equipment and for research." A Foundation was established for the purpose of administering the Goodman fund. The first grants were awarded in January, 1988.

In 1992, applications for research grants were first reviewed and awarded from the Goodman Fund.

In 1993, a limited amount of funding was made available for co-payment of diagnostic services, camperships and for respite care through the UCPAGI Respitality program); funding for these requests do not come from the Foundation but from the agency budget for Case Management. Also at this time, requests for funding for home and vehicle modifications related to accessibility were also considered and approved and the term "medical equipment" was expanded to include other adaptive equipment such as communication devices, etc.

Process

Application packets are sent, by request, to all individuals with cerebral palsy who are residents of Indiana (or their families). All other funding resources (i.e., private insurance, Medicaid, etc.) must be exhausted prior to approval. In some instances there must be a documented medical need. Approvals (ranging from 50% to 100% of the request) are based on a liberal sliding scale according to adjusted gross annual income of the household. In some instances, approval is limited to a maximum amount, for instance, costs associated with home or vehicle modifications.

Applications which are complete and include the required documentation are reviewed on the third Monday of each month by the Executive Director and approval is made based on applicable guidelines, available funds and need. The actions of the Executive Director in regard to applications for funding are reviewed at least twice annually by the Program/Service Committee of the Board of Directors. A letter will be sent, within seven (7) days, to the client (with a copy sent to the vendor) indicating the decision regarding the request.

Related Outcome

People served by UCPAGI will have access to adaptive technology, medical equipment and other items which will increase their independence, mobility, communication, or comfort.

People served by UCPAGI will benefit from research opportunities.

Scholorships - Service description

History

The UCPAGI Book-Coleman Scholarship was initiated in 1994 with the resources of two memorial funds established in memory of William H. Book and Julian D. Coleman. Mr. Book's mother, Margaret, and Mr. Coleman were long-time members of the Board of Directors of UCPAGI. In keeping with their deep concern for the future of people with cerebral palsy, the Book-Coleman Scholarship recognizes the potential of all individuals with disabilities to achieve academically, to become involved in their communities and to serve as tomorrow's leaders.

The FOSTER DOW and IRMA DOW SCHOLARSHIPS were established by the UCPAGI Board of Directors in 2006 with funds from unrestricted bequests from the estates of Foster Dow (2002) and his wife, Irma Dow (2005.)

The purpose of these scholarships is to assist graduating Indiana high school seniors with cerebral palsy in their efforts to pursue further education or training at a recognized educational or training institution.

Process

Application forms for the Book-Coleman, Foster Dow and Irma Dow Scholarships are mailed to every Indiana high school each January. Applicants are asked to outline their academic, community and extra-curricular activities and to provide a statement of need and written recommendations. A sub-committee of the UCPAGI Program/Services Committee reviews the applications each year and awards are made to one or several successful candidates each year.

Related Outcome

People served by UCPAGI will benefit from educational opportunities.

Research Grants - Service Description

History

In 1992, the Board of Directors of UCPAGI, upon the recommendation of the Program/Service Committee, approved a plan to solicit, review and fund small grant requests for research

related to the prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy. Funding is limited to research projects conducted in Indiana institutions or by Indiana residents. Funded through a bequest in 1987 from Mrs. Theresa Goodman, the Research Grant Program has approved several projects including the development of an instructional video about dental care for individuals with cerebral palsy and several publications about the nutritional needs of athletes with cerebral palsy. A booklet containing summaries of projects completed to date is available, upon request.

Beginning in 2000, the Program Committee of UCPAGI developed specific priority targets for future research projects - target designed to either compliment existing priorities of the national UCPA Research and Education Foundation or to supplement those national priorities.

Priorities

Funding priorities for research grants include projects related to outcomes which:

1. reduce the number of new cases of cerebral palsy;
2. reduce and/or eliminate spasiticity as a cause of disability;
3. diminish the effects of aging on people with cerebral palsy; and
4. improve the quality of life for people with cerebral palsy.

Process

Unsolicited applications are accepted and will be considered in terms of relevance to identified priorities and significance of the project. Applications will be reviewed by an ad hoc Research Sub-Committee of the UCPAGI Program/Service Committee and decision will be based on criteria set forth by the UCPAGI Board.

Grant Limitations

Grants in an amount up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) and for a period not to exceed one (1) year will be considered. The total amount of the grant includes indirect costs, except for equipment, not to exceed 15% of the total request. Exceptions can be made with approval of the Program/Service Committee and within budget limitations.

DL Sports Fund - Service Description

History

In 1999, an anonymous donor established the DL SPORTS FUND. In addition to funding from the original contribution, grants from this program are funded through funds from the Theresa Goodman

Fund (administered by the UCPCI Foundation) and other sources (including vendor discounts, other foundations, etc.)

Purpose

The purposes of the DL SPORTS FUND are to:

• provide financial assistance for the purchase of adapted recreation and sports' equipment for children and adults with cerebral palsy; and
• increase public awareness about the potential of children and adults with significant physical disabilities to participate in sports and recreation activities; and
• promote adapted and inclusive sports for children with significant disabilities.

Process

Applications for funds are sent to all individuals with cerebral palsy who are residents of Indiana (or their families) and who request funding. All other funding sources must be exhausted prior to approval. Approvals are based on a sliding scale according to adjusted gross annual income of the household. Maximum approval per item/request is $800.

Applications which are complete and include the required documentation are reviewed on the third Monday of February, May, August and November of each year (or more frequently if necessary.)

Related Outcome

People served by UCPAGI will live in integrated environments in which there is understanding, acceptance and affiliation with other members of the community.

Bellows Fund - Service Description

Questions and Answers about The Bellows Fund

Q: What is the UCP-Elsie S. Bellows Fund?
A: The UCP-Elsie S. Bellows Fund is a national program operated by UCP that provides funds to individuals with disabilities for assistive technology equipment.

Q: Is there a deadline for applications?
A: There is no deadline to submit an application. However, it would be wise to submit an application by the end of the fiscal year (October 1 – September 30).

Q: What is the approximate turnaround time for Bellows Fund grants?
A: Once an application is submitted, it will take approximately 10–15 working days—if no questions are

Q: Are individuals with disabilities who are NOT represented by a UCP affiliate able to participate in the program?
A: No, only individuals with disabilities who are represented by a UCP affiliates can participate.

Q: Can the funds be utilized to repair assistive technology equipment?
A: Yes, that is an allowable cost.

Application for Bellows Funds can only be made by a UCP Affiliate…for more information, contact the UCPAGI Case Manager

Documents Available for Download:

1. Certificate of Vehicle Soundness
2. Specific Assistance - Documentation Checklist
3. DL Sports Forms
4. DL Sports Guidelines
5. Property Owner Waiver
6. Scholarship Application
7. Specific Assistance Application
8. Specific Assistance Guidelines