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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus |
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Shimkus announces grants to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
HARRISBURG, March 6 – State Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus, D-Lackawanna, today announced the availability of grants to support services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The grants of up to $500 are available to help individuals and families pay for services including respite and child care, summer camp, recreational or community programs, conferences and workshops, and safety modifications. The grants can only be used for activities or services occurring between March 1 and Aug. 31.
"We know that early intervention and continued treatment are key to helping people with ASD reach their full potential," Shimkus said. "Treatments can be expensive and I encourage anyone living with ASD, or their caretakers, to apply for a grant to help defray some of the cost."
The funds are made available through the Bureau of Autism Services within the state Department of Public Welfare. Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, have ASD or a family member that does, and cannot be employees or contractors of the bureau. Also, applicants cannot be receiving, or have received in the past 12 months, any other family support services.
Applications and more information can be found on Shimkus' Web site at www.pahouse.com/Shimkus or by visiting the bureau’s Web site, www.autisminpa.org. Residents also may call 1-866-497-6898 or e-mail c-jsands@state.pa.us to receive an application.
Grant applications are due by April 18.
Applications must be sent to the attention of F&I Mini-Grant, Bureau of Autism Services, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, P.O. Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675.
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