Individuals

Grant Guidelines for Individuals

• Grants are awarded to individuals from age 3 to 22  who are U.S. citizens living in the U.S.  Please note when applying for a grant that the child must be 3 years of age at the time of the application deadline (February 1, May 1, August 1,  November 1).  

• Grants are not based solely on financial need. The financial needs of the family are considered, however, applications will not be accepted for a joint family income in excess of $125,000.

• If the person nominating the applicant is not the parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must be notified by the person nominating the applicant.

• If applying for private speech therapy, the therapy provider and/or the therapist must be notified that the application has been made including their name(s) as providers.

• Speech language pathologists must be licensed by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).

• Grants are awarded for future therapies, materials and/or workshops and will not be available for reimbursement of previous expenditures.

• Applications are not accepted for ABA therapy or IPads.

• If applying for a grant to be used toward an assistive technology device, a formal Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Evaluation from a qualified service provider must be included stating that different pieces of technology have been trialed and what you are requesting is the best fit for a means of communication. SSIS does not award grants for iPads; however, we do award grants for iPad software applications and an AAC Evaluation is required for software application requests.

• If the applicant has received and utilized a grant from SSIS, they may not reapply for another grant.

• If an applicant applies for a grant and is denied, they can reapply in the next calendar year unless proof can be provided that the need (financial, therapeutic, etc.) has changed, in which case they may reapply earlier.

Application Process

• Applications are reviewed and awarded on a quarterly basis by the Board of Directors.

• Application deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.  Applications must be received via email or fax before by 5:00 p.m. EST on the deadline day.  Mailed applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline day.

• All supporting documents must be included with the application in order for the application to be considered.  If any of the required documents have not been submitted, the application will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.  Please note that each application MUST include insurance information for the applicant even if the specific request is not covered under the child’s health plan.

• The application must request a specific need in regards to a communication delay/disorder within the speech and language realm.

• Notification is sent to the person applying for the grant no later than 60 days after the application deadline.

• Grant funds are dispersed to professional service providers or vendors on behalf of the awarded individual in accordance with the contract requirements.