Applications open for Variety TechKids Grant Program (Australia)

Funding Information

• Laptop and other: up to: $1,200
• iPad inc case: $800

Eligible Expenses

• Tablets (iPad etc)
• Laptop/computer
• C-Pen/scanning pen
• Software
• GPS watches
• Accessories

Eligibility Criteria

• You are eligible to apply for a grant provided the following criteria are met:
  • Child is residing in West Australia.
  • Child is aged 0-17 (must be under 18 at time of submission).
  • Child has a disability or sickness (long-term health condition).
  • The family household income is below the guide.
  • Equipment is not available via government funded or alternative sources.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Individuals 18 years of age and older.
• Projects that require recurrent funding.
• Expenses considered to be part of an individual’s typical cost of living.
• Warranties, insurance, maintenance, service agreements, batteries, or repairs.
• Subscriptions or plan costs.
• Services or training costs.
• Retrospective expenses.
• Incomplete application forms.
• Equipment which is restrictive practice (may be waived if appropriately referenced by supporting professional with expertise in this area).

Application Requirements

• Where a child has therapist involvement, it is important that reference letters from therapists provide information detailing:
  • The applicants needs and how the technology will support these specific needs.
  • Specific apps that will be used with the equipment and how these apps relate to the applicants’ identified needs.
  • If the technology has been trialed and what the outcomes of the trial were.
  • If the equipment is/isn’t NDIS funded, and if not funded by NDIS, why it wasn’t funded.
  • Formal diagnosis (documents are required where relevant) or diagnosis that families are seeking, but unable to receive due to wait times for paediatricians.
  • The application can be completed by a parent or carer, or approved third party (key therapist, social worker, support worker etc) if they have consent of the parent or carer.
  • You are expected to submit a truthful and factual application and attach relevant documentation as evidence where requested.
  • Income details are required (this includes any/all income received by any parent or carer who is financially responsible for the beneficiary to confirm annual household income):
    • Payslips (dated within 3 months).
    • Centrelink statements (dated within 3 months).
    • Most recent ATO notice of assessment (for self-employed).
  • Provide two quotes for equipment that are no older than three months at the time of submission and will remain valid throughout the assessment process:
    • One quote is acceptable if from a Variety WA preferred supplier (listed in the application form), or if there is only one supplier that can source the equipment.

For more information, visit Variety.