Children's Ability Fund Bursary

The Children’s Ability Fund Bursary is awarded annually in amounts up to $5,000 at the discretion of the Board of Directors and may be allocated to more than one individual. The selection committee bases its decision on personal accomplishments and financial need.

• The bursary shall be awarded in the first place to an individual up to and including the age of 21 years (unless there are extenuating circumstances) with a disability whose primary residence is in northern Alberta and is entering the first year of post secondary education in a Community College, Technical Institution or University.

• The bursary may be awarded in the second case to an individual up to and including the age of 21 years (unless there are extenuating circumstances) who has contributed a great deal to the community of persons with disabilities (over a minimum of three years).  It is understood that the bursary in this second case will normally be awarded only if there is not a qualified candidate for a bursary in the first case.

Bikes for Tykes

The Bikes for Tykes program was introduced to provide funding for the adaptation of a bicycle for the individual needs of a child with a disability. We are pleased to announce more than 100 custom built bicycles totaling over $93,000 have been presented to children in Edmonton and northern Alberta.

Our goal is to provide a means for a child to participate in the everyday activities that all children enjoy; riding to the park, exploring unknown territory, and spending time with friends.  Bikes provide an independent mode of transportation that helps build self-esteem and gives a sense of freedom.  Special adaptations to a bicycle can help a child with disabilities "delight in being a child".

The scope of this project ranges from minor adaptations to a fully customized bicycle to provide the necessary support for a child's personal needs. Cost of adaptations can range from $500 up to $1,800 for a customized bicycle.

Special adaptations include:

• special foot plates
• back support
• handlebar modification
• braking system modification
• specialized training wheels
• drive train modification
• wheelchair bicycle additions

Keyboards for Kids

The Keyboards for Kids program was introduced to provide funding for a portable, battery-powered, word-processing keyboard (Alphasmarts and Neos) for a child with a disability. We are pleased to announce more than 35 keyboards totaling over $15,000 have been presented to children in Edmonton and northern Alberta over the last nine years.

Our goal is to provide a learning tool for a child who lacks the ability to write by hand, or who may have nearly unintelligible penmanship. A keyboard enables production of more work with less energy expenditure, giving a greater sense of accomplishment and more enthusiasm for writing and learning. Cost of keyboards can range from $350 up to $500.

The Keyboards for Kids program has three criteria:

1.   disability
2.   financial need
3.   needs assessment completed

A New Leash on Life Program

A New Leash on Life is a program that awards funding to an accredited organization to raise and train an assistance dog for people with disabilities who reside in northern Alberta.  Grants are awarded annually up to $2,500 at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

This program provides funding for various types of assistance dogs including the following:

      -     Guide Dogs

      -     Service Dogs

      -     Service Dogs for Children with Autism

      -     Hearing Dogs

Barrier Free Playground Grants

The Barrier Free Playground program now offers a grant in the amount of $ 5,000 to groups constructing a new playground in rural northern Alberta that adheres to CAN/CSA-Z614 Children's Playspace and Equipment Standard - Annex H.

Annex H spells out the base level requirement for what constitutes an accessible playspace and will ensure that all playspaces are both safe and accessible so everyone in the community can participate.

The goal of the Barrier Free Playground grant is three-fold;

• to enhance the independence of children with disabilities
• to encourage the inclusion of accessible playground equipment for children of all abilities
• to create awareness about the issue of accessibility for all children at the playground and within the community
  

 See the following websites for more information on Annex H:
www.allabilitieswelcome.ca/Playspaces
www.ala.ca

Camping Under the Star

The Camping Under the Star Program offers a grant to not for profit recreational facilities who are members of the Alberta Camping Association and organizations providing children (up to and including the age of 21 years) with disabilities an outdoor recreational activity.  Must be a period of a minimum of 2 overnight stays.  This grant is awarded annually in amounts up to $5000 at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Lone Star Program

The Lone Star Program offers a grant annually in amounts up to $2,500 to assist organizations that provide therapeutic riding and are recognized by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). Therapeutic riding is a form of therapy using horses to benefit persons with various disabilities ranging from physical to emotional.

Benefits of therapeutic riding:

• Development of mobility, balance, and co-ordination

• Improvement of muscle tone and strength

• Increased concentration and improved learning skills

• A challenging recreational activity

• Independence, integration, and a sense of achievement

• Development of self confidence and motivation

Sledges in Schools

The Children’s Ability Fund teamed up with the Paralympic Sports Association in 1997to kick off a new program called Sledges in Schools by providing funding for 12 new sledges. To date, 55 sledges have been funded by the Children’s Ability Fund and are available through this partnership for use by a host of individuals and organizations in Edmonton and northern Alberta.

Through the Sledges in Schools Project, operated by the PSA, sledges are loaned to schools throughout Edmonton and northern Alberta for use in physical education skating programs. The goal is to open doors and enhance the independence of school aged children and youths who are unable to participate in regular ice skating programs.

The Sledges in School Program continues to be a great opportunity for children with a disability to stay active and participate with their classmates in skating programs and activities at school. It has also created awareness for the sport of sledge hockey in Alberta.

Click here to find out more about Sledges in School at Paralympic Sports Association.

Snoezelen Rooms

The Snoezelen Room Program offers a one time only grant in amounts up to $5,000 to an organization or group installing a multi-sensory environment created for people with disabilities.   Snoezelen provides a full range of sensory stimulation and enjoyable experiences in an atmosphere of trust and relaxation. In a safe, comfortable environment, the primary senses are stimulated by wonderful combinations of music, lighting effects, gentle vibrations, tactile sensations, and aromatherapy where people can explore, absorb and control away from the pressures associated with direct care and therapy