New Trier Township is now accepting applications for the Community Support Grants Program for Persons with Disabilities which annually awards grants of up to $1,500 for qualifying residents who need financial assistance for a host of reasons that relate to a disability. The grants are provided to persons with disabilities that cover a wide range of issues from autism spectrum disorders, developmental and/or cognitive delay, multiple impairments in behavioral and/or cognitive functioning to mental disorders and physical impairments. Residents of New Trier Township with diagnosed disabilities may apply for the Community Support Grant assistance. There are no age or income restrictions.

Consider the needs of a family with several children, one or more of whom are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Various therapies can assist the children to maximize their potential; typically, those interventions are expensive and not fully covered by insurance. Imagine an individual with paralysis due to a stroke who requires physical therapy in order to rehabilitate. Access to treatment can make significant differences in cases like these and in so many other varying circumstances.

Community Support Grants provide financial assistance that helps in meeting some of the special service needs and extraordinary expenses related to the person with a disability. The grant can be used for therapeutic services such as those described above, respite care, medication, or any number of costs involved with the care of the person with a disability. The grant can also be used to remodel a home environment to insure the safety of a disabled individual, to create ease of access, or to increase independence.

Community Support Grants applications must be received by December 31, 2013. Applications are available at the Township Office or on the website at www.newtriertownship.com. Complete explanations of eligibility considerations, residency requirements and covered expenses are also available on the Township website. Please direct questions to Social Services Administrator Jeanne Winsted Rosser at 847-446-8201 or jwinstedrosser@newtriertownship.com.