CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago and a major social services agency are together launching a grant program to help poor families who have children with disabilities.
The official kick off of the Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is next Tuesday, but Curt Holderfield, Senior Vice President of Child Development and Youth Services with Ada S. McKinley Community Services said low- income families who have children with disabilities can apply for one- time grants of $500 now to help them meet their challenges.
The grants can be used to pay for medical expenses, supplemental education resources, or other necessary accommodations.
"We particularly saw how our students struggled during the pandemic, especially when they removed when they moved to remote learning," Holderfield added. "The virtual classroom was just not ideal."
Commissioner Rachel Arfa with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities agrees that COVD-19 made things even more difficult with families that have children with disabilities.
“We are proud to launch this effort to address the disproportionate negative economic impact that COVID-19 has had on Chicago students with disabilities and their families, who’ve already faced additional costs to provide the physical, therapeutic and educational support their children require,” she said in a statement.
Eligibility requirements in order for families to receive the financial aid are the following:
- Must reside in Chicago
- Have household Income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
-Have a student(s) in the household with an identified disability (up to two eligible)
-Student(s) currently enrolled in a K-12 public or private school
- Student(s) has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a 504 plan, an Individual Support Plan (ISP) or a doctor’s note verifying a disability diagnosis that is covered under theAmericans with Disabilities Act.
Eligible parents or guardians can apply online at www.AdaMOPD.com. However, the program uses a lottery selection method, so submitting an application is not a guarantee of receiving a grant.
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