Hirahcares

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Small Steps in Speech – Grants for speech therapy and communication devices.

Small Steps in Speech – This program provides grants to help children improve their communication skills. Funding can be used for speech therapy sessions, communication devices, and other resources that support speech and language development. It is especially helpful for families whose insurance does not fully cover these costs.

About Small Steps in Speech

  • Mission & Background
    Small Steps in Speech is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, established in memory of Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, who was killed in action in February 2009. The foundation provides grants to help children with speech and language disorders gain access to therapies, treatments, communication devices, and other resources, especially when insurance falls short. Small Steps In Speechcpfamilynetwork.org
  • Impact to Date
    Since its founding, Small Steps in Speech has awarded over $1.9 million in grants to more than 1,400 families across the country. Small Steps In Speech

Who Is Eligible?

What Can the Grant Cover?

  • Funding is available for future therapies, therapy-related materials, therapeutic summer camps, and assistive technology or software applications designed to support communication. Small Steps In Speech+1
  • Important exclusions:
    • Grants cannot be used for ABA therapy or iPads themselves.
    • iPad software/apps may be funded—but only with a formal Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Evaluation, showing that multiple technologies were evaluated and the requested app is the best fit. Small Steps In Speechokabletech.org

Application Process & Deadlines

  • Quarterly Deadline Schedule (2025):
  • Submission Requirements:
    • Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST (email or fax).
    • Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline.
    • All supporting documents must be included or the application will be deemed incomplete.
    • Insurance information must be provided—even if the service or item requested isn’t covered. Small Steps In Speechokabletech.org
  • Post-Application Process:
    • Applicants will receive a decision within 60 days after the deadline.
    • If awarded, funds are sent directly to service providers or vendors on behalf of the recipient. Small Steps In Speech
  • Reapplication Rules:
    • Recipients cannot reapply until one year after the end of their existing grant.
    • If an application is denied, you may reapply the next calendar year, unless there’s a significant change in need—in which case an earlier reapplication may be allowed. Small Steps In Speech

Summary Table

AspectDetails
Eligible ages3 to 22 years
ResidencyU.S. citizens in the U.S.
Household incomeUp to $125,000
Funding coversSpeech therapy, camps, apps/software (with AAC eval)
Not coveredReimbursement, iPads, ABA therapy
Application deadlinesFeb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1 (next: Nov 1, 2025)
Notification timeUp to 60 days post-deadline
Reapply policy1-year wait after receiving; denials may reapply next year (or sooner if need changes)

How to Apply or Learn More

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility

  • ✅ Child is 3–22 years old
  • ✅ U.S. citizen living in the U.S.
  • ✅ Household income is $125,000 or less
  • ✅ Request is for future services/equipment (not past bills)
  • ✅ Item or service is eligible (speech therapy, therapy materials, AAC app, camp, etc.)

📂 Step 2 – Gather Required Documents

  • Completed Application Form (from the Individuals page)
  • Proof of Income (e.g., recent tax return, pay stubs)
  • Letter from Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) describing:
    • The child’s diagnosis
    • Recommended therapy/services
    • Expected benefits
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, passport copy)
  • Insurance Statement — even if the requested service/item is not covered, you must provide proof
  • AAC Evaluation (if requesting funding for an app/software)

📅 Step 3 – Meet the Deadline

  • Next deadline: November 1, 2025 (must be received or postmarked by this date)
  • Email, fax, or mail — but mailed applications must be postmarked on time
  • No partial submissions — missing documents = automatic denial

📤 Step 4 – Submit Application

⏳ Step 5 – Wait for Response

  • You’ll hear back within 60 days after the deadline
  • If approved, funds are paid directly to the service provider or vendor
  • If denied, you may reapply next year (or sooner if circumstances change)

Hirahcares.org

Urdu:

rogram ka Taaruf

Small Steps in Speech ek ghair-nafa bakhsh idara hai jo America mein bachon ko speech aur language se mutaliq masail ke liye mali madad (grant) deta hai.
Ye fund in cheezon ke liye istemal ho sakta hai:

  • Speech therapy sessions
  • Communication devices
  • Therapy se mutaliq material
  • Summer camps
  • AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) software/app

Note:

  • iPad, ABA therapy, ya purane kharch ka refund nahi diya jata.
  • iPad app ke liye AAC evaluation zaroori hai.

👩‍👦 Eligibility (Kaun Apply Kar Sakta Hai)

  • Bacha 3 se 22 saal ki umar ka ho
  • American citizen ho aur America mein reh raha ho
  • Family ki salana aamdani $125,000 ya kam ho
  • Madad ka talib anay wale waqt ki service ya device ke liye ho (pichle kharch ke liye nahi)

📅 Application Deadlines

Saalaana 4 martaba application liya jata hai:

  • 1 February
  • 1 May
  • 1 August
  • 1 November (Agli aakhri tareekh: 1 November 2025)

📂 Zaroori Documents

  1. Bara hua application form (official website se download karein)
  2. Aamdani ka saboot (tax return ya pay slip)
  3. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) ka letter, jisme:
    • Bache ka tashkhees/diagnosis
    • Therapy ya service ki tafseel
    • Expected faiday
  4. American citizenship ka saboot (birth certificate, passport copy, etc.)
  5. Insurance statement (chahe service cover na hoti ho, phir bhi zaroori)
  6. AAC evaluation (agar app/software ke liye fund lena ho)

📨 Application Kaise Bhijwayein

⏳ Aagay Kya Hoga

  • Application deadline ke 60 din ke andar jawab milta hai
  • Agar approve ho gaya to fund seedha service provider ya vendor ko bheja jata hai
  • Agar reject ho jaye to agli saal dobara apply kar sakte hain (ya zaroorat tabdeel hone par jaldi bhi)