We're approved!

For reimbursement from the Family Involvement Fund, that is. The group of families that have kids with 22q13 Deletion Syndrome has a biannual international conference in the even numbered years. We went to that conference in Greenwood, SC last summer. This May a parent near Toledo, OH decided to organize a regional family retreat. We really wanted to go but it seemed a little expensive for a weekend. Mileage (no decent flights from Indy), lodging, and meals all added up just for a weekend.

Then I remembered the Family Involvement Fund. I found out about it last fall. I knew they would cover a conference like last summer’s but I wasn’t sure about a regional family retreat. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get last summer’s conference covered because they operate on a fiscal year and it had already ended by the time I discovered the fund. I did apply for a low muscle tone course that I attended in January and finally received the reimbursement for that course a few weeks ago. That check is actually what reminded me about the fund. I went online, filled out a very easy application, and within 10 days received an approval email for the family retreat next month. We’ll submit receipts for lodging. The mileage and meals are covered at a flat reimbursement rate per mile and per meal respectively. The whole shebang is covered! How exciting! There is a family that lives south of us with a newly diagnosed son close in age to Kaia and I am really hoping they can attend.

So, the next time an educational or support opportunity comes your way regarding your child with special needs, check into the Family Involvement Fund (if you live in Indiana) or see if your state has a similar program. It’s an amazing resource.

Here's a little more info copied directly from the link above:

What is the Family Involvement Fund?
The Family Involvement Fund (FIF) is a reimbursement fund that supports family members of children with disabilities to learn more about their child’s disability and the systems that provide services.
Families may choose to attend conferences, conventions, workshops, public forums or hearings, task force meetings, or other similar activities. Families may also choose to access training and information through online workshops, teleconferences, or webcasts.
In addition, the FIF provides reimbursement for approved purchase of print materials (books, manuals), or other media such as CDs/DVDs, and videos.
Separate funding is also available within the FIF for parents who are asked to participate officially as members on their Local Planning and Coordinating Council (LPCC), its committees, and sponsored activities.

How much is Available from the Family Involvement Fund?
The Family Involvement Fund will reimburse approved applicants up to $250 (for an individual) or $500 (for more than one adult) for the grant year. Awards are per individual or family, not per child. Amounts are subject to change.

What the Family Involvement Fund Does Not Cover
The FIF does not reimburse for therapies or other developmental services, training for specific therapy modalities or academic course work, the purchase of developmental toys, materials, equipment, etc. for specific use by a child or family, and will not reimburse enrolled providers for expenses related to attendance at a training required for credentialing purposes. This fund is not intended for professionals or non-family members to attend trainings on a family’s behalf.

Who Can Apply to the Family Involvement Fund?
The Family Involvement Fund is available to families of children with disabilities, ages birth –through 21 years of age. Family includes parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members, foster parents, legal guardians, and educational surrogate parents.

How do I Apply for the Family Involvement Fund?
You may apply online or print an application from the Family-to-Family website at http://www.inf2f.org/. You may also call or email to request an application form. (See contact information below)

Payer of Last Resort
The Family Involvement Fund is considered a “payer of last resort.” Families are encouraged to seek financial support from other sources before applying to the FIF. Please consider the following:1) Local community service organizations such as Lions Club, Kiwanis, etc.2) The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, Consumer Investment Fund. For information, call 317-232-7700, or go to http://www.in.gov/gpcpd.3) Check conference materials for information on available scholarships.4) Check with local/state disability-related organizations and support groups for information on available scholarships.

Guidelines, Requirements, and Limitations
Attending a Conference
• Should the number of applications for any one conference jeopardize the total funding allotment for families, a cap or other reimbursement restrictions may be instituted.
• Families requesting reimbursement must provide verification of conference attendance with their paperwork.
• Mileage is reimbursed at $.44/mile for 1-500 miles; $.22/mile for 501-3,000 miles; $.0 for over 3,000 miles.
• Reimbursement for meals is a flat rate based on Indiana University guidelines.
Print Materials and Electronic Media• Families are encouraged to first contact our library, the Center for Disability Information & Referral (CeDIR), to determine if the needed materials are available for checkout. (See contact information below)
• Print and electronic materials should be related to a family’s need to understand their child’s disability or special needs and/or the systems that provide services, such as early intervention or special education.
• FIF cannot reimburse for materials purchased for individual child-use such as flash cards, children’s books or videos/DVDs, toys, etc.

Timelines and Procedures
• Applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the event.
• Upon approval, you will receive a letter and the forms you will need to fill out and return after the event.
• The FIF will reimburse actual expenses and requires you to submit original receipts.
• If your application is determined to be outside the use of this fund, you will receive a letter of explanation.