Individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities experience daily challenges that many of us would never even consider. Even basic activities can be difficult. They navigate a world not often tailored to their needs. The hardships they face are not just the disability itself but also the societal barriers, misunderstandings, and the lack of accommodations that limit their opportunities. These are just some of the reasons that our funding often focuses on individuals with disabilities. Our 2023 funding is no different.
2023 funding is off to a great start with eight grants totaling $240,900 that focus on helping people with disabilities. We value and respect the abilities and potential of all individuals and are honored to support organizations and programs that assist this vulnerable population.
Xavier Society for the Blind
New York
Xavier Society for the Blind was awarded a $30,000 grant for the provision of reading materials in braille and audio. Xavier Society provides religious, spiritual, and inspirational reading materials in braille and audio to blind and visually impaired individuals. We continue to be impressed by the creativity and offerings through Xavier Society. Each year they add new titles and even take special requests for transcription from their patrons. Much of the material they produce is not available from any other source.
Life's Work of Western Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Life’s Work of Western Pennsylvania was awarded with $79,000 for the construction and outfitting of a vocational skills development lab. We love their simple mission; Making Lives Work Better. Life’s Work serves people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams by strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships.
The Vocational Skills Development Lab (VSDL) includes themed workstations that mimic the setting and needs for many jobs including those in a warehouse setting, restaurant settings, housekeeping positions, retail settings, and more. These work stations help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop the skills needed to open up opportunities and obtain meaningful work.
Research has clearly shown that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities benefit from meaningful employment. It has a positive influence on their self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence. This is an outcome we’re proud to support.
Variety - The Children's Charity
Pennsylvania
A $16,200 grant was awarded to Variety – The Children’s Charity in Pittsburgh for their My Stroller® program. The funding will pay for nine adaptive strollers. These adaptive strollers increase the mobility, inclusion, self-sufficiency, and safety of children with disabilities. Wheelchairs can be very heavy and difficult to transport, restricting where a family can go. The adaptive strollers are customized for each child and are provided at no cost. With the adaptive stroller, families have the freedom to participate in more types of activities while keeping their child comfortable and safe.
Monica’s mother, Sarah, shown to the left, was one of many parents thrilled to receive an adaptive stroller. Sarah explained that Monica has a muscular disease that causes her generalized weakness and fatigue. Falls and injuries are common when she gets tired. The adaptive stroller now gives her the rest she needs to make it through the week at school. It also is easy and light to maneuver for her teachers and friends.
Variety empowers children with disabilities to live life to the fullest. They provide mobility and communication equipment to ensure our most vulnerable kids are no longer left out, behind, or excluded. We continue to be impressed by their stories, impact, and dedication.
Hearing and Speech Agency of Metropolitan Baltimore
Maryland
HASA was awarded with a grant for $25,700. This funding, along with the support of the Bearman Foundation, will cover the costs of a Sensory Room in their Gateway School.
The Gateway School is a nonpublic special education school that serves students in grades K-8 with speech and language disabilities, autism, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, and/or other health impairments. In the Sensory Room students will engage in activities such as swinging, balancing, climbing, and gross motor movements. The goal is to help them calm and focus so that they are better prepared for learning and interacting with others
The Watson Institute
Pennsylvania
The Watson Institute in Pennsylvania was awarded $33,000 to purchase equipment and supplies for a new Makerspace. The Watson Institute provides high-quality educational services to children with disabilities.
The Makerspace is for Watson’s Social Center for Academic Achievement (WISCA) program, developed to fulfill an identified need for specialized intervention for children and adolescents with autism. Students in the WISCA program struggle in traditional classrooms and in forming relationships. They’re at risk of dropping out. They face significant barriers to obtaining employment.
The Makerspace will have a variety of tools available to fabricate and market useful products. Students will learn real-world skills such as budgeting, planning, problem-solving, and social interaction. They’ll also learn vocational skills to promote successful post-school opportunities.
Therapeutic Riding
Equine therapy is used to facilitate growth, learning, and healing in individuals facing a range of life challenges. Riders work towards individualized goals related to muscle strength, balance, communication, social interaction, as well as building confidence. We chose three organizations that offer equine therapy to people with disabilities to round out this grant series. While each of these organizations are unique, they all help to empower children and adults with disabilities to enjoy more active and fulfilling lives.
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in New York was awarded with a $22,000 grant. This is our first grant to Pal-O-Mine. The grant will be used to purchase a trailer for their mini horses, enabling them to extend the reach and impact of their therapeutic programs.
Giving Alternative Learners Uplifting Opportunities (GALLOP) in New York was awarded $25,000 for therapeutic riding scholarships. This scholarship fund opens up this opportunity to those who could normally not afford the benefits of their programs. This is our first grant to GALLOP.
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR) in South Carolina was awarded a $10,000 grant. A significant portion of the grant will be put towards scholarships so that finances are not a barrier for children who could benefit from this program. The grant will also help with operational costs and will be used to purchase additional panels to increase the size of their round pen.
From education to just enjoying life, each of these grantees are helping vulnerable populations learn, grow, and have fun. We are thankful for the important work they do. Congratulations to all on a job well done.
