At Children Today we are proud to support children and young people with disabilities by providing adapted equipment to help them and their families live less isolated lives. To apply for equipment from Children Today follow our step-by-step guide below:
STEP 1: Contact us to check you are eligible to apply
It’s strongly recommended that you call us on 01244 335622 in the first instance, so we can explain the application process in detail and we understand your circumstances to be able to offer you the best possible advice and guidance.
You can also check eligibility criteria and find out answers to other questions you may have on our FAQs section.
Once we’ve confirmed that you/your child meets our application criteria, as it can take some time to arrange, we recommend requesting a professional reference letter from your/your child’s:
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Hospital Consultant
- Suitable member of SENCO team
Please note we are unable to accept professional reference letters from GPs.
An example reference letter for guidance purposes can be downloaded here: Example Reference Letter
STEP 2: Get a quote
The next step is to get a quote for the equipment you require. We recommend getting up to three quotes from different suppliers (if possible) from one of the listed suppliers:
Click here to see our supplier list
Please note some suppliers (not on our list) may require payment up front, which we are unable to do as we only release payment to suppliers once the equipment has been received in working order by our families. So, if your chosen supplier is not on the above list, please ensure they are prepared to accept payment AFTER delivery of the equipment.
STEP 3: Contact us for an application form
Once you have a quote for the equipment contact us on 01244 335622 and we’ll take all your details and send you an application form.
STEP 4: Fill in your application form and return to Children Today
Make sure that you have completed, signed and dated (where applicable) all sections AND all supporting documents are included, including an up-to-date quote and professional reference letter.
Please note we are unable to process applications until all necessary documents have been received.
STEP 5: Application assessment
Once we receive your completed application it will be reviewed at the next quarterly panel meeting, where appropriate.
Contact us on 01244 335622 to check when the deadline for applications is.
STEP 6: Application result
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a letter confirming details of how much you have been awarded towards your chosen equipment and next steps.
If you have not been successful, you will be notified by letter.
We are not always able to fund the full amount, depending on demand and finances, so we always advise applicants look into other funding opportunities as well. Our Charity & Trusts Funding Directory provides details of other charities and organisations you may wish to contact.
At this stage, it’s not possible to change any details in your application, including the equipment or supplier.
STEP 7: Order your equipment
Once you have received your award letter and all of the funds are secured (if you have been part-funded) you can order your equipment directly with the supplier and liaise with them regarding timescales and delivery etc.
STEP 8: Enjoy your equipment!
When the equipment arrives we hope you/your child will enjoy the freedom, comfort and lifestyle it brings with it.
We kindly ask that you let us know when it’s been delivered, so we can pay the supplier promptly – and we always love to see photos and videos of you enjoying it!
You can apply for new equipment, should you require it, once every 12 months.
If you have any questions about the application process and how we help, please do not hesitate to call us on 01244 335622. You may also find the answer on our FAQs page.
