Know of Grants- ASD Kids Education/Play? | Autism PDD

Ya'll remember the sensory yard the other two ASD moms and I are building? We have lift off for FOUR yards! Our will be shared with the middle school, and we get built first as the pilot. We have two more elementary schools to do smaller yards for.

I need to raise about 100K or so and only have 10. Am looking for autism or special needs related foundation support.

The yard is used to help the kids with sensory integration problems focus, then get back inside to learn. Its about education, not recreation.
We built capacity for a special needs class population, plus at least 4 NT kids for reverse inclusion.
Since the yard is between the elementary and middle schools, we may set up a "buddies" day where the older kids come help the littler ones
We will have fully accessible tile under the equipment and feature stations that kids using wheelchairs can use. For those equipment pieces they may not be physically capable of using, there are concrete paths next to the stations so they can "coach" their peers using the balance beam, etc.
We custom designed a lighthouse climber with transfer stairs, Braille panels, a roller slide approved for use by kids with cochlear implants, hand cyclers and chin up bars at wheelchair level, and MORE

Anyone have tips on foundations I should approach for an application?

By the way, you guys have been SO supportive and have said "I wish they'd build one of these at OUR school!"...but ya'll, I AM the THEY. Its just three little mommies who wanted better motor sensory possibilities for all the kids who can benefit.

If you have the desire to build one of these, I can let you look at our plans. Our two-school pilot will cost about 50K in equipment and tiles, plus site prep and concrete. Size wise, its abotu 4900 square feet (70x70 foot yard).

You can do it too!

Autism Speaks is offering grant money. I think your sensory playgroud would qualify.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/grants.php

WOW We dont have anything like this here!

Congradulations! Please, please, please post pictures after the playground is constructed.

Good luck with everything!

WIMomOf239353.8148611111

I don't know if you have done this yet

The next town over from where i live has a special needs playground which was developed with mostly community based support, Local businesses big and small donated and at the playground there is a walk of bricks with comany names on them. Companies love to have their name out wherever they can so it is a good way to get their support

I too was going to suggest corporate sponsorship. Not only do companies love positive press, but they love tax deductions. I would call every corporate in your county and ask to speak to the person in charge of Corporate Giving.

Thanks, ya'll!

And CarolC - the brick thing is right on target! We are going to do a soothing blue "lake" mural painted on the wall, and for xxx dollars, you get to be a blue crab or a red fish, with your name on it.