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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Dante Santoni |
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Mini-grants available to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
HARRISBURG, March 5 – State Rep. Dante Santoni, D-Berks, today announced the availability of mini-grants to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD.
Santoni said the mini-grants of up to $500 are available to help individuals and families pay for services including respite/child care, summer camp, recreational or community programs, conferences/workshops and safety modifications. The grants can only be used for activities or services occurring between March 1 and Aug. 31.
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. Applicants also cannot currently or in the past 12 months have received any other family support services.
"The diagnosis and treatment of ASD can be very expensive," Santoni said. "We know that early intervention and continued treatment is the key to helping people living with autism succeed, but not every treatment or service is covered. The services and activities included in this program can make a marked difference for children and families, and I am happy this grant program is available."
Grant applications are due by April 18.
Applications and more information can be found on 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. .
Applications must be sent to: Attn: F&I Mini-Grant, Bureau of Autism Services, Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, P.O. Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675.
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