Children's Ability Fund

The Children's Ability Fund is committed to and believes in a vision toward the total and more equal participation in our society of all Albertans with disabilities.

Funds are used to purchase specialized equipment for people with disabilities to assist them with the everyday tasks that others may take for granted.

Our focus is on children but age or type of disability is not a consideration when reviewing the application. Applications are accepted from individuals residing in Edmonton and Northern Alberta and are prioritized depending on basic needs, immediacy of the request and financial need. Equipment will be granted within the financial means of the Fund.

Applications will then be prioritized and equipment granted within the financial guidelines and budget restrictions of the Fund as approved by the Board of Directors.

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. 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.

Click on the link to find more information about specialty designs at www.specialtydesigns.ca

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 may be awarded annually, up to $15,000 at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

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

A guideline of $10,000 per individual request has been set as the standard. Any request over $10,000 will be given a more indepth assessment. A client shall only be eligible for funding once every three years.

There is no appeal procedure. The client is invited to re-apply if their situation changes significantly.

Bursary

Children's Ability Fund Bursary

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

It is intended that the bursary will be used for registration and books for a student who is entering the first year of post-secondary education. It will be paid directly to the University, Community College, or Technical Institution.

Application annual deadline is August 1st.

funding Contact Info:

Marilyn Melnychuk
Client Care Coordinator
Children's Ability Fund
454-9191 Ext 229

Helping Groups

The Children's Ability Fund will consider support for a capital need required by organizations and groups in Northern Alberta working for the betterment of people with disabilities.

Some projects we have recently funded are:

Snoezelen Room(s) in Westlock, Whitecourt and Edmonton (Eric Cormack)
Swimming Pool Lift in Rocky Mountain House
Sports Equipment for the Wheelchair Sports Association
Accessible Vehicles in Fort McMurray
Accessible Power Door at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan
Equipment for the C.A.G.E. (Centre for Adapted Group and Individual Exercise)
Camp Sponsorship at Camp Health Hope & Happiness

Areas of Non Support

Annual fund-raising campaigns
Building funds
On-going operating cost of any organization
Budget deficits

Sledges in School

In the fall of 1997, the Children's Ability Fund teamed up with the Paralympic Sports Association to provide funding for 12 new sledges to kick off a brand new program "Sledges in Schools". Since then, the program has provided 42 sledges used 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 www.parasports.net

Barrier Free Playground Grants

The Barrier Free Playground program offers a grant in the amount of $5,000 to groups in rural northern Alberta constructing a new playground that includes a wheelchair accessible component. The accessible portion allows children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an everyday activity that all children enjoy.

Our goal 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

The grant is awarded based on the inclusion of the following items:

wheelchair ramp and rails
clubhouse or social deck

Lone Star Program

The Loan Star Program is a program that 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.

The Loan Star Program is a program that offers a grant annually in amounts up to $2500 to assist organizations that provide therapeutic riding and are recognized by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).

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

Advocacy

Rodeo Magic is held as a pre-event to the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Competing cowboys donate a morning to spend with children with disabilities who enjoy a host of “rodeo” activities at Northlands. This year, over 165 young Cowgirls and Cowboys (school children) attended the event along with championship competitors, rodeo queens, and other members of the rodeo community. There were numerous activities for the kids – a stagecoach ride, petting zoo, calf roping, barrel riding, face painting, butter making, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and billy’s bean bag toss game.

Monday Morning Magic is a special event that gives hundreds of children with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy Familyland rides and a special program of entertainment and fun without the usual crowds.

The mascots are always a hit as the children love to see, greet, high five and hug them. Billy did a great job and was enjoyed by everyone!