Financial Assistance Resources
Costs associated with traveling to Houston and attending our conference can seem daunting to some of our families, but it is important for MWS families to come together in one location to share, support, socialize and learn together. Please start planning now in order to attend the conference.
Fortunately, financial assistance may be available through your own community networks and agencies. Many community services provide financial assistance to families who have children with disabilities. The organizations in your area recognize the importance of conferences such as these in order to promote inclusion in our society, as well as providing strong support systems for families who have children with disabilities.
The best way to find an organization to help you is by searching online, networking with friends, neighbors and colleagues and by asking. Help is available and we offer the following as a starting place for your own personal search for funding resources. We ask our families to share any helpful information they may uncover by posting on our MWSF Facebook page.
LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SERVICES CLUBS
Local community and service clubs in your particular area may provide sponsorships or scholarships to families. Many have grant deadlines, so begin your search right away. These clubs include, but are not limited to:
- Optimist
- Lions
- Kiwanis
- Rotary
- Junior League
- Knights of Columbus
- Masons
- Soroptimist
- Moose Family Fraternities
- Eastern Star
MILITARY FAMILY
If you are a military family, the VFW and American Legion may be able to help.
LOCAL PROVIDERS
Contact local providers in your area such as ARC, Early Steps Program, Easter Seals or other support groups to which you may belong.
PARENT-TO-PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
Contact your local Parent-To-Parent organization and ask them if they know of any support networks that will assist in the conference. Parent-To-Parent information can be found at www.pacer.org.
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Your local church, temple, or mosque may offer financial assistance.
STATE/COUNTRY WIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Look for state or county wide organizations that may assist families with children with disabilities.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HUMAN SERVICES
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities partners with other agencies. Find those in your state.
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Your local school special needs department may know of resources available.
NATIONAL DISSEMINATION CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
The National Dissemination Center for Children with disabilities is a federally funded program that serves as a central source of information on resources available to individuals with disabilities. The website, NICHCY.org will have state links listing different agencies serving your state.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL (DDC)
Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) (www.nacdd.org) is a planning and advocacy organization committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Google the phrase Developmental Disabilities Council and the name of your state and call them. DDC has different programs available in different states and may have funding for conference trips.
UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
You may wish to contact your University Center for Excellence (www.aucd.org) and Protection and Advocacy groups. Often these groups will have a fund to provide family support and education through conferences.
LOCAL INCLUSION NETWORK
Contact your city, state or county’s inclusion network which may be found through your State Department of Education.
FAMILY VOICES
Family Voices (www.familyvoices.org) is a national group that may be able to help you find grant money within your state.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
If you have a flexible spending account, you may be able to get conference expenses covered.
OTHER RESOURCES
Using your local contacts and networks you may find an organization willing to help which is not listed here. Please do not be afraid to ask, as you may be surprised at what assistance you will receive! Good Luck!
