Elsie S. Bellows Fund 

The Elsie S. Bellows Fund was established in 1995 to provide assistive technology equipment to individuals with disabilities. Earnings from the principal of this fund are allocated on an annual basis by United Cerebral Palsy to UCP of West Central Wisconsin and other affiliates.

Assistive technology can play a major role in increasing the independence of individuals with disabilities. The Elsie S. Bellows Fund provides funds to UCP of West Central Wisconsin and other affiliates to purchase equipment.

The federal definition of assistive technology is:

"Any piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

 

Examples of Allowable Requests for Assistive Technology (This is not an exhaustive list.)

  • Wheelchairs (manual and electric)

  • Augmentative Communication Devices

  • Environmental Controls (including Smart Home devices & technologies)

  • Lifts in the nominee's own/parent's van or home

  • Hearing Aids/Visual Aids

  • Recreational/Outdoor Equipment & Devices (adapted tricycles & bicycles, Adult strollers)

  • Positioning & Seating systems

  • Sensory Equipment & Technologies (noise cancelling headphones/earbuds, cocoon swings, weighted compression vests)

  • Custom orthotics / Hand splints

Some Examples of Ineligible Assistive Technology

  • Automobiles

  • Evaluations or other Assistive Technology "services"

  • Furniture and appliances (that are not adapted)

  • Alterations and Renovations to buildings

Note: We typically do not fund requests over $1,000 or requests for breakable or user-sensitive items including (but not limited to) laptops, desktops, printers, or monitors. 

iPads and other tablets have proven to be more affordable and durable alternatives to other equipment. Before submitting your application, please contact us about iPads, Tablets, and other electronic devices that we may have available through our loan closet. Thank you.

 

Application Submission

After determining the eligibility of your request based on the above criteria, please review the 2024 Bellows Grant Application below.

All applications are due by September 30th, 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Please contact us if you have questions regarding eligibility not covered in the sections above or the application below.

Bellows Grant 2024 Fillable Form

***Please rename your filled form before submission to reflect the following format: “FirstName_Lastname Bellows Application (Fillable)”