Children's Advancement Fund, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization founded to help children in Connecticut with special needs realize their highest potential for a more independent life and be active participants in our society without placing a financial burden on families by funding Occupational, Physical and Speech and Language Therapy services.

History

Children's Advancement Fund, Inc. is the vision of Stephanie Bendiske, a Speech and Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, after seeing many children who needed to have access to such therapies but were not able to afford them. After working in the field for more than 12 years, Ms. Bendiske began gathering support for this cause, and a year ago began planning for Children's Advancement Fund, Inc. In June 2009, the IRS granted CAF 501 (c) (3) status. The vision of Children's Advancement Fund, Inc. has become a reality

The Program

Funded therapies include: Speech and Language, Occupational and Physical Therapy for children between the ages of three and 18.

Children who are younger than three are eligible for funding only if they were denied Birth to Three services.

Funding is paid directly to therapy providers.

A child may qualify for more than one service.

These services are available to children who do not have insurance benefits, have been denied services or have exhausted benefits and whose families meet the income requirements.

At this time only families with an income less than or equal to 400% above the federal poverty guidelines (e.g., for a family of four, an annual income is $88,200) will be eligible for funding (proof of income is required).

In addition, a new program will be implemented shortly, in which some portion of copayments and deductibles will be covered for families who qualify within specified income guidelines.

How to apply for services

Families should contact CAF for an intake interview. Guidelines and a Client History Form are available at www.cafinfo.org. Prior to scheduling an intake interview, families will need to provide copies of their insurance card (if applicable), most recent tax return and Client History Form. If services have been denied by an insurance company, a copy of an Explanation of Benefits will also be required. In order to qualify, children must have a documented disability using standardized testing. Only individual services will be covered. Each session should be a minimum of 45 minutes (unless otherwise noted). Provided services must be traditional in nature and research-based (provided services include but are not limited to: feeding, therapeutic exercises, speech, language, handwriting and functional activities). Activities such as Relationship Development Intervention, Social Skills groups, Sensory Integration, Vision Therapy and Craniosacral therapy are not covered activities through this program. Children’s Advancement Fund, Inc. plans to expand the funding of therapy services to the entire state of Connecticut. The expansion throughout the state depends on the need in various counties of Connecticut (the number of families waiting in each county) and therapists' availability. As CAF develops and grows, educationally-based evaluations and home and community support programs will also be established. Donations and funding will determine how many families we can assist and when new programs are established.

CAF gratefully accepts monetary donations at Children's Advancement Fund. Please visit our website to see how else you can help us obtain funding through the Shaw's Rewards Program and Amazon.com.