CHICAGO (CBS) – A new City of Chicago initiative will provide $500 grants to Chicago children with disabilities, with no strings attached.
Up to 8,000 families will be eligible to receive grant funding from the $5 million Diverse Learner Recovery Fund, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the initiative on Tuesday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson noted that families of children with disabilities have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What we’re doing is examining the impact of COVID-19 on our families, particularly our families with disabilities, recognizing that the impact of COVID-19 has been significant and severe,” Jamal Malone, CEO of Ada S. McKinley Community Services, said at a news conference.
“When I ran for mayor, I committed to doing everything in my power to invest in young people,” Mayor Johnson said in a press release. “Young people with disabilities face unique challenges, but we are committed to their success and this grant is one way we can invest directly in them.”
The fund will provide one-time $500 grants to up to 8,000 eligible elementary, middle and high school students through a lottery.
The program provides grants to up to two eligible students per household. Each payment is up to $500 per student and $1,000 for two students. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to apply for and receive the funds.
“The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to making Chicago the most accessible and inclusive city in the world,” Rachel Alfa, commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Disabilities, said in a news release. “We are proud to launch this effort to address the disproportionate economic impacts that COVID-19 has had on Chicago’s students with disabilities and their families, who are already facing additional costs to provide their children with the physical, therapeutic and educational supports they need.”
Diverse Learner Recovery Fund applicants must:
You must live in Chicago. Your household income must be less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($90,000 for a four-person household). You must have up to two students in your household who qualify as having a disability and are currently enrolled in a K-12 public or private school. You must also have an Individualized Education Plan, 504 Plan, Individual Assistance Plan, or a doctor’s note verifying a diagnosis of a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Alpha and CEO McKinley attended the grand opening party on Tuesday where families received assistance with their application.
Shelley Henry’s son has autism and she hopes to receive the grant.
“It’s like an extra thing, so I’m going to make sure I have bills and money, but any help would help me and my family and maybe help us get some things that we don’t have to help our kids grow up,” Henry said.
Applicants should visit https://www.adamopd.com/.
Applications will be accepted until October 30th.
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Adam Harrington