APRIL 18 IS DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR AUTISM SUPPORT MINI-GRANTS

 HARRISBURG, MARCH 24 – State Sen. Connie Williams reminds residents that April 18th is the deadline to apply for mini-grants to support people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 Grants of up to $500 will be awarded to approximately 1,000 people this year, through the program, which is administered through the Bureau of Autism Services within the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

 "This grant program is geared to removing the barriers, such as age, eligibility criteria and waiting lists, that can make it difficult for people with ASD and their families to access existing support systems," Williams said. "There is no income limits to qualify."

 Eligible applicants must:

  • be a Pennsylvania resident.

  • be an adult with ASD or have a family member with ASD.

  • not currently receive, and has not received within the past 12 months, any other family support services, including waiver funded services, Family-Driven Support Services, services funded under Individual Support Plans, county-based funds from MH/MR or other similar services or funding.

  • not be employees or contractors of DPW's Bureau of Autism Services.

 Eligible activities or services:

  • Respite or child care

  • Summer camp programs

  • Autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training opportunities

  • Recreational or community programs

  • Modifications or adaptations for home and/or community for safety

 Ineligible services or activities:

  • Any type of therapy

  • Computers or computer related software and hardware

  • Augmentative communication devices

  • Educational materials

  • Transportation or meal costs

  • Items for the home and/or community not for safety purposes

  • Sensory equipment for home and/or community use

 Applications must be postmarked by April 18th and notification of awards will be sent by mail on May 12th. Activities to be funded must occur between March 1, 2008 and Aug. 31, 2008.

 Application forms are available online at www.autismpa.org and through either of Williams' offices (700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 100A King of Prussia or Manoa Shopping Center, 1305 W. Chester Pike, Suite 39, Havertown). All applications must be mailed.