Other Assistance and Programs
Premium Payment Program, for families that have dual coverage for their child (private insurance and Medicaid), may be eligible for the Medicaid Premium Payment Program (provides reimbursement for private insurance premiums): Prescription for Diapers: For children ages 3 years and older and on insurance, diapers or pull ups can be covered by state insurance with a prescription from the child’s doctor, supplied by a medical supply company. A parent recommend provider is Shield Healthcare. Dial 1-800-720-7440, click #1. Fax: 206-575-6765, 615 Strander Blvd., Tukwila, WA 98188 Charity Care and Financial Assistance at Washington State Hospitals : Charity care eligibility is based on family size and income. Providing health care to those who cannot afford to pay is part of the mission of Washington’s hospitals. State law requires hospitals to provide free and discounted inpatient and outpatient care. Each hospital is responsible for maintaining its charity care program. N ational Parks Pass, The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) Provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. You can get the pass in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail. While the pass itself is free, $12.50 application processing mail or WA State Parks Discovery Pass online. You do NOT need a Discover Pass if you have a disability placard/license plate OR a free state-issued Disability Pass. This program also offers free watercraft launching, trailer dumping and 50% discount on camping and moorage fees. Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) program, provides equipment that can be used for communication such as captioned phones, teletypewriters, iPad Air/iPad Mini, iPhones, and equipment (e.g., switches, mounts, and speech generating apps). Anyone who lives in WA State (over age 4 years) who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or has difficulty with speech (including autism, Cerebral Palsy, etc.) is eligible. Equipment may be a reduced cost or free of charge depending on income level.
Grants/Scholarships/Donation programs
FEAT, Ben’s Fund, up-to $1,000.00 per child, per award year, for children with an autism diagnosis ages 25 and younger, living in WA state. Can be used for your child’s services, therapies, camps, equipment, safety/security, technology, etc. UHCCF Medical Grant, United Healthcare Children’s Foundation runs a grant program for children ages 16 and younger who have private insurance. The grants can be used to support medical costs not covered by insurance. Needy Meds, Diagnosis-Based Assistance Programs, this site has a list of diagnoses and different grant programs that are available to support individuals with those diagnoses. How to Get an iPad Funded, for iPads and other Mobile Devices. Northwest Access Link, low Interest (5%) Loans for Assistive Technology & Home & Vehicle Accessibility Modifications, and more. Lifeline Free Phone, government Program Free to Qualifying Households. Food Stamps Reduced Cost Services Guide, products and services in or near Washington state that are offered at reduced cost for people meeting certain income levels. WATAP provides assistive technology resources and expertise to Washington residents who face challenges related to disability and aging as well as family members, employers, and service providers in employment, healthcare, community living, and education. SPECIAL ANGELS FOUNDATION (Nationwide) • Covers: Occupational therapy (OT), Speech therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), adaptive/mobility equipment, and medical co-pays. • Note: Requires a letter of medical necessity from a doctor or therapist. Direct grants are paid directly to therapy providers or equipment vendors.
THE ORANGE EFFECT FOUNDATION (Nationwide)• Focus: Dedicated strictly to SPEECH THERAPY and AAC communication technology/devices.• Note: Does NOT cover ABA therapy directly, but focuses heavily on making sure non-verbal or speech-delayed individuals get consistent therapy and speech devices. AUTISM CARE TODAY (ACT Today!)• Covers: ABA Therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, sensory toys/equipment, home safety devices (GPS trackers, door alarms), and special needs summer camps.• $100 up to $5,000 depending on need. DOUG FLUTIE JR. FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM• Covers: Direct support for communication devices, adaptive/sensory equipment, family crisis relief, and therapeutic recreational programs. MY GOAL AUTISM GRANT PROGRAM• Covers: Therapy expenses (ABA, OT, Speech), sensory equipment, daily living needs, and nutritional supplements for individuals under 18. MY GYM FOUNDATION• Covers: Sensory items, rehabilitative equipment, adaptive tricycles/strollers, and specialized developmental classes (Up to $500). ABILITY FOUND• Covers: Physical mobility equipment, adaptive chairs/strollers, bathing/toileting equipment, and positioning gear for daily living support. NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION (NAA) – HELPING HAND & GIVE A VOICE• Covers: Medical care, therapies, safety devices, and free iPads/AAC speech devices for non verbal individuals prone to wandering or self-harm. (& Big Red Safety Box) ARCH NATIONAL RESPITE NETWORK / STATE RESPITE VOUCHERS• Covers: Daily living support for caregivers—funds family respite care to give parents/caregivers a break from daily caregiving duties. Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kid itaalk provides interactive technology to children (0-22) with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and educational training on interactive technology to families, educators, and service providers of children with special needs.