Assistive Technology Grants

Oticon Focus on People Awards

The 13th Annual Oticon Focus on People Awards wants to honor outstanding people with hearing loss who are helping to show that hearing loss does not limit a person’s ability to make a positive difference in their families, schools, communities or the world.

Please take a few minutes to tell us about an inspirational person with hearing loss that you know whose achievements and contributions make them a role model for all.

All nominations must be postmarked by Sept. 20, 2010. We encourage you to nominate all of the outstanding hard of hearing people you know. Please visit www.oticonusa.com, under the Professional or Consumer section to fill out our Focus on People online form.

Student Category:

Young people with hearing loss, ages 6 - 21 who are full-time students. The first place winner receives a $1,000 prize, $1,000 gift to winner’s school and a set of Oticon advanced technology hearing instruments.

Adult and Advocacy Category:

Adult:
People with hearing loss, ages 21 and above.

Advocacy:
Adults with hearing loss who are actively involved in programs to benefit the hard-of-hearing and deaf community.

Top winners in each category receive a $1,000 prize, a $1,000 gift to charity of choice and a set of Oticon advanced technology hearing instruments.

Hearing Care Practitioner Category:

Hearing care professionals in general practice and Pediatric practitioners in school or clinical settings. The first place winner receives a $1,000 prize and a $1,000 gift to charity of choice.

*nominees in this category are not required to have a hearing loss to qualify.

In all categories, second place winners receive $500 and third place winners receive $250. All nominees receive Certificates of Recognition from Oticon. Winners are selected by an independent judging panel made up of leading hearing care professionals. The winners will be announced at the Fall Human Link in October.

Deadline for entries: September 20

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Grant Program

The initial contact should be made by letter of inquiry stating the amount sought, purpose of the grant, and nature of the organization requesting the grant. Please include an e-mail address if available. The letter should be sent to:

The Grant Committee
c/o Managing Director
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
6350 North Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33309

If you are awarded a grant we do ask as a minimum that you provide us with semi-annual progress reports however additional criteria may apply depending on the amount and type of grant.

FUNDING CYCLE

All grant requests, excluding the Brighter Tomorrow grant, must be postmrked between September 1 and November 1 of each year. If your request is funded, funding will occur prior to January 15 of the following year.

LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, at its sole discretion, has the right to limit, refuse or cancel any grants made. The awarding of grants is at the determination of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
6350 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-2130

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Computer Grant Program

Computer Grant Program provides refurbished laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on limited or fixed incomes. For those who do not know how to use a computer, training may be provided. The application process requires verification of a diagnosis of MS and a brief essay from the applicant explaining how a computer will enhance their quality of life. A computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse will be granted. Internet access and technical support will be the responsibility of the grant recipient. Applications are accepted from July 1 to October 1 of each year.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
6350 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-2130

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Brighter Tomorrow Grant

Each year the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation makes dreams come true for individuals with multiple sclerosis across the country through the Brighter Tomorrow grant.

The goal of the grant is provide individuals with MS with goods or services (valued at up to $1000.00 per recipient) to improve their quality of life by enhancing safety, self-sufficiency, comfort, or well-being.

Recipients of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation's Brighter Tomorrow grant have received car repairs, ramps, wheelchairs, walkers, eyeglasses, computers, appliances, televisions, furniture, therapeutic equipment, hobby supplies, retreats, and various home modifications.

To qualify, a person must be 18 years of age or older and diagnosed with MS, or the parent of a minor child diagnosed with MS, and be a permanent U.S. resident. They must not have any other means of fulfilling the need they express.

Applicants are asked to provide basic personal and financial information, and to write a brief essay of 100 words or less to describe how the grant would help them have A Brighter Tomorrow.

If you would like to apply for a Brighter Tomorrow grant, simply fill out our online application, print an application, or call 888-673-6287 to receive an application by mail. Applications are accepted from July 1 to October 1 of each year.

For further information on the Brighter Tomorrow grant, call our Program Services Department at 1-888-MSFOCUS or you can contact us by email: support@msfocus.org.

- Partially funded through a charitable donation from the Bayer Foundation.
Official Guidelines

Applications submitted must fulfill the following eligibility criteria to be considered for funding:

* Applicant must be diagnosed with MS, or be the parent of a minor child with MS.
* Applicant must be over the age of 18.
* Applicant must have no existing financial net (such as Medicaid or private insurance) to cover the request.
* Applicant must grant the MSF the right to use their name and photograph for promotional purposes.
* Applicant must agree to sign a disclaimer.
* Applicant must be a resident of the United States.
* Request must be for specific goods or services.
* Cash, medications, or items available through current programs are not included.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
6350 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-2130