Team Impact connects children who have special health needs to local college athletic teams. Team Impact’s mission is improving the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
Team Impact has had such a positive impact on our daughter. She has been on the UVM women’s hockey team for three years. There is something magical about being part of a team, feeling included, and making connections. The connections that have been made will leave a lasting impression on our daughter.
The mission of Ben’s Blankets is to create and give weighted blankets to disabled children who otherwise would not be able to have one. Ben’s Blankets is a nonprofit and we make free or at-cost blankets created by an unpaid volunteer workforce. The blankets are handmade by a small team of seamstresses across the country. We make sure to use with the highest quality materials available, such as polypropylene plastic beads to weight the blankets and high quality quilting cotton.
Make a Wish Foundation of Vermont is an incredible organization that has granted 700 wishes to Vermont children with life-threatening medical conditions over the last 25 years. Make-A-Wish serves a unique, and vital, role in helping strengthen and empower children battling life-threatening medical conditions. The work they do is truly inspirational.
This amazing non-profit in Massachusetts makes “Buggies” to donate to children that have mobility issues and want to access the great outdoors. These sturdy, light-weight, all-terrain Buggies allow easy access to all types of outdoor environments that may require moving across sand, gravel, dirt, grass and even snow. Buggy should only be used by children who have independent, unsupported trunk and head control.
If you feel your child might benefit from this type of device check out their site and apply! Stepping Stones for Stella
Team Hoyt Foundation is a non-profit organization that aspires to encourage children with special needs to be a part of their community. Dick and his son, Rick, have completed running races and triathlons throughout the United States. They are truly an inspiration. The foundation is very resourceful at getting adaptive strollers and bicycles. They have numerous running races throughout the year that include people with all types of disabilities being pushed in adaptive strollers.
This national non-profit is dedicated to helping children by providing equipment and services that enhance the quality of life and improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social development of children who are physically or developmentally challenged. Requests, limited to gifts of $500 or less, may include but are not limited to: rehabilitative therapy, assistive devices, medical equipment and sensory items.
Apply for assistance by clicking here
Planning a trip and worried about having your child go through security and/or being on a plane? Make sure to check out TSA Cares before your travel. If you contact them 3 days prior to you departure and provide them with your flight number they will help make sure that you are supported through the entire process. You will need to tell them your child’s diagnosis, what things will make it difficult for them, and what strategies might help them have a successful experience. You can also print out a TSA Cares card via their website to carry with you.
TSA Cares usually connects with your via email and/or phone, goes over your itinerary and will talk to you about what will happen. When you get to TSA you tell them you have spoken to a TSA Cares representative and they will take it from there.
TSA Cares is absolutely amazing and very helpful! It makes traveling a lot easier and less stressful for everyone.
Zoe’s Race is an incredible resource that financially assists families in Chittenden County. The mission of Zoe’s Race is to help families make their home physically accessible for their child. A 5K and 1K kids running race is held every August to raise funds for this organization. The race is for all abilities and ages.