Here is a description of the accomplishments of the last year. Etiam et turpis mattis, mauris efficitur, ultrices diam. Donec consectetur, odio eget porta, orci mauris viverra ante, eget egestas turpis sapien vel orci. Nec mauris viverra ante placerat sodales.
Dear Friends of The Eric Fund: Hard to believe it but it’s been 18 years since The Eric Fund launched a program to provide assistive technology to children and adults with disabilities in the Washington, DC area. Since that day and with this year’s seven worthy recipients, we have assisted 82 people with $170,000 worth of equipment.
Because of your generous support, we were able to purchase four iPads, an adaptive motorized bicycle, a digital hand magnifier, a portable device that translates school assignments into Braille and various sensory assistive toys and devices. This year’s awardees range in age from two years old to 36 years old and come from Maryland, Virginia and the District.
The Eric Fund assists our applicants by purchasing devices that will provide them an opportunity for greater independence. We step in when all other means to purchase or obtain this essential assistive technology have been exhausted. We remain focused on our mission to level the playing field for people with disabilities and have seen the full impact of this program reach far beyond the individual awardees to their workplace colleagues, their fellow students, teachers, families and friends. Whether it’s through better communication or mobility, The Eric Fund Awardees are able to experience a higher level of independence.
We at The Eric Fund are deeply grateful for your generosity in helping people who have run out of options for insurance or other funding streams that make these life-changing devices a possibility. We are hopeful we can one day assist every compelling applicant but until then this small band of volunteers will continue to put every dollar received toward enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. We hope you will continue to support our work and spread the word about The Eric Fund to your family and friends. From all of us at The Eric Fund, please enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Mary Hanley
As you can imagine, narrowing the application pool down was difficult, and left many very worthy candidates without the funding they need to lead independent lives in the community. Your generous donations will help us continue to change lives, by putting equipment in the hands of people who desperately need it. Help us expand our reach. More donations means more grants and fewer people we need to turn away each year. We will continue to put every dollar to work!
True to our mission after 18 years, The Eric Fund provided assistance to seven more people with disabilities in the Washington metropolitan area.
The Eric Fund – a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization that purchases needed but often expensive assistive technology to help children and adults with disabilities live on their own terms in their communities – granted $15, 000 to help seven award winners achieve their goals.
“The vital technology and equipment we purchase is often not covered by other funding streams – whether it be insurance or personal finances. With the help of our generous supporters, we are able to make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities in the Washington, DC area, “ said Mary Hanley, president of The Eric Fund. “This is an extremely rewarding mission to be able to fulfill, and we are so grateful to our donors who allow us to continue this journey for nearly two decades.”
Founded in 1998, The Eric Fund’s mission is inspired by the memory of Eric Savader who died from cancer in 1997 and who worked on behalf of several disability causes. Over the past 18 years, The Eric Fund has assisted 82 people by granting $170,000 worth of equipment and technology.
Please read on to hear the compelling stories of the 2016 Eric Fund grant award winners and those of some of our past winners – all thanks to your donations!.
This is some additional text about the recipients
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The Eric Fund purchased an iPad Pro with a case and large switch to help Chaya communicate more effectively so she no longer has to rely on facial expressions alone to share her thoughts.
The Eric Fund purchased a special adaptive bicycle with a motor for Jonathan that will grow with him.
Max attends a public school where he receives both regular and dedicated classroom instruction. He has been learning Braille and making great strides. The Eric Fund provided Max with a Refreshabraille 18 and an iPad to enhance his learning
The Eric Fund awarded Joshua a device called a Smart flux Digital CCTV Hand Magnifier that magnifies text and makes it easier for Josh to see and read. Improved vision will lead to improved comprehension, which will result in Josh being able to perform more efficiently and independently at work.
In order to maximize her potential as she grows, Heidi will require more and more consistent access to age-appropriate assistive technology. The Eric Fund is happy to get her started down that path by providing the Geiger family with a variety of adaptive toys, switches and a “sensory wall” that will benefit Heidi at this vital early stage of her development.
Amanda Chu, an 11-year-old girl who started middle school this fall, was awarded an iPad Pro, case and keyboard from The Eric Fund to increase her independence both at school and at home.
The Eric Fund’s last benefit event, held in September 2015, was a great success and a lot of fun, with the auction raising $14,000 in support of The Eric Fund’s mission to help people with disabilities in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. The auction included many gift certificates at highly rated DC restaurants, including Le Diplomate, salon services from Celadon, Washington Capitals and Nationals tickets, and premier wines from Schneider’s of Capitol Hill and Calvert Woodley. Room & Board furniture and some Virginia wineries also were represented.
As you can imagine, narrowing the application pool down was difficult, and left many very worthy candidates without the funding they need to lead independent lives in the community. Your generous donations will help us continue to change lives, by putting equipment in the hands of people who desperately need it. Help us expand our reach. More donations means more grants and fewer people we need to turn away each year. We will continue to put every dollar to work!
