Handicapped Children's Aid Committee

Equipment Support Grants for Children with Disabilities and Special Needs

Who can apply: Children supported from birth to 18 years old. Applications must be for equipment only. Requests should include the specific requirement, cost, and supporting information; medical evidence and financial information are required for approved applications. Schools and organisations may apply for specialist items benefiting special needs children. The charity does not fund therapy, treatment, assessment, building works, garden works, furniture (unless specialised), laptops, cookers, vehicles, transport, tuition, clothing, bedding, shoes (unless specialist), holidays, or other excluded items.

Deadline: No stated deadline; applications are handled by email and reviewed at monthly meetings, with emergency/welfare appeals considered as quickly as possible.

Equipment grants for children and specialist organisations

Who can apply: Applicants must be requesting equipment (no cash grants). Individual applicants: provide child's full name, DOB, health condition, family contact details and specify item and cost; school/organisation applicants: provide organisation name, address, contact, requirements, approximate cost and number/age group of children who will benefit. Age limit for individual children: birth to 18 years. iPad requests for individuals are normally considered only for children over five and must meet strict conditions (school recommendation showing iPad is child's sole communication means or approved educational apps; exclusive use by child; application in conjunction with school; school agrees to purchase via approved supplier and accept reimbursement; appropriate apps in use at school; child able to use safely without adult supervision; robust case may be funded). Many categories explicitly excluded (therapy/treatment costs, building/home works, most household items, vehicles, cash grants, etc.).