WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE VARIETY KIDS ON THE GO! PROGRAM?

Variety Kids on the Go! exists to help children with physical challenges obtain confidence, freedom and independence by funding durable medical equipment for those with the greatest financial need. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, adaptive car seats & strollers, specially-equipped bicycles & tricycles, and other items necessary to increase a child's access to and participation in the community.

WHO DOES THE PROGRAM SERVE?

The program serves children who are 21 years of age and younger and whose need for enabling equipment is not met by any other source, including family, school, insurance and service program resources. If a Variety chapter exists in the child's area, the family may apply there. If not, the family may apply with U.S. Variety.

HOW OFTEN MAY A CHILD APPLY FOR A GRANT?

The program will make a grant to a family no more than once every three years. Preference will be given to those children who have not received previous grants. There is no limit to how many applications can be filed when previous requests could not be funded.

IS THERE A LIMIT AS TO HOW MUCH MONEY CAN BE SPENT ON ANY INDIVIDUAL CHILD?

Yes. Variety New York has a cap based on how much funding is available in the area. However, the family is free to combine that funding with dollars of their own or dollars from other sources. Variety will make payments directly to the vendor of the equipment or material that is provided.

ARE THERE INCOME RESTRICTIONS?

Yes. It is the belief of Variety - the Children's Charity that the Kids on the Go! Program should help those children who are unable to obtain help from any other source. In order to accomplish this, we ask that each application be submitted with documentation of attempts made to obtain funding from other sources. Additionally, we ask that the family provide us with any other information that might clarify their child's need for enabling equipment and the family's inability to obtain these items.

We understand that a family can incur tremendous medical (and other) expenses in support of a child with disabilities. We will take this fact into account when making our determinations. However, in some cases, Variety may offer to pay for a percentage of a piece of equipment, based on the family's income. Each application must include a declaration of the family's income.

WHAT TYPES OF EQUIPMENT WILL BE FUNDED?

Wheelchairs (electric and manual), adaptive car seats, strollers, walkers, standers, adaptive bikes and trikes. Requests for each piece of equipment must be accompanied by a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor or physical therapist documenting the need for the item and stating the specifications necessary.

To expedite review process, please address all items in the Addendum for appropriate equipment being requested.

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