$100K Grant To Benefit Special Needs Kids In Arizona

ACROSS ARIZONA—Gov. Doug Ducey announced Thursday a $100,000 grant from the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund to benefit programs across the state supporting Arizona kids with special needs who have been impacted by COVID-19.

According to the governor's office, this funding will help these direct service agencies and essential health care facilities continue to meet the needs of Arizona kids and their families during COVID-19.

“We are working to make sure kids with special needs have access to treatment and support,” said Governor Ducey. “This funding will support organizations helping kids adjust to COVID-19 related disruptions and avoid regression in important skills by delivering treatment through telemedicine, conducting video check-ins and much more. My thanks to everyone who has generously donated to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund so we can get funding to those who need it most, and to everyone who has stepped up to help fellow Arizonans.”

Funding has been distributed to the following organizations that provide services to children with special needs:

• Ability360
• Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
• Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome
• Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped (ARCH)

The governor's office said funding will help these organizations continue to adapt and offer new services amid the pandemic, including: conducting video conference check-ins; implementing safety and health precautions to prepare for reopening; delivering in-home treatment through telemedicine and remote supervision; offering coaching for parents and support programs for newly-diagnosed families; providing laptops, communication devices, therapy equipment and medical equipment for children with special needs; and more.

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