Types of Assistance Grants and Scholarships

  • College and post-graduate educational and vocational grants
  • First-time national conference attendance assistance grants
  • Mobility and accessible living grants
  • Adoption assistance grants 
  • Travel expenses for individuals with Metatropic Dysplasia to see a doctor at A.I. duPont

1.    College and Vocational Scholarships

Applications are accepted online typically from March 1 through April 30 for the following school year.  See the Scholarship Page for the link to the application and the exact timeline for the current year.

Scholarships are given, in order of preference, to:

 - members of LPA who have a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism
 - immediate family members of dwarfs who are also paid members of LPA
 - people with dwarfism who are not members of LPA

Effective beginning June 2011, LPA scholarship awards shall be limited to two awards for undergraduate studies and one for graduate studies.  Ellen Highland Fernandez graduate scholarship recipients may re-apply up to two additional times.

Additional Resources:
College Resources for Disabled Students
College for Students with Disabilities Guide 

2.    First-Time National Conference Attendees Grants

Both the Kitchens Fund for First-Time National Conference Attendees and the Fernandez Fund for First-Time National Conference Attendees help first-time national conference attendees offset the costs of attending a conference. Grant amounts vary from year to year based on available funds.  Visit the First-Time Conference Attendees Grants page for more information and applications.  

For more information, contact LPA's Programs Director.

3.    Grant for Overall Accessible Living (GOAL)

LPA’s newest grant, the Grant for Overall Accessible Living (GOAL), is intended to help level the financial playing field. By removing barriers that keep members from succeeding independently, GOAL will help members bridge financial gaps to avoid incurring additional costs that could further set them back. This grant supports members with a portion of costs related to mobility devices; occupational tools (grabbers, dressing equipment, etc.); and even independent living costs (home repairs, kitchen, and bathroom modifications).  Grant amounts depend on funds available annually and are awarded quarterly.  Some exceptions may be made depending on the urgency of the need.  More information and a link to the application can be found on the GOAL page.   

4.    Adoption Assistance Grants

While LPA is not an adoption agency, LPA's Adoption Committee is committed to finding loving homes for children with dwarfism.  Through the Adoption Fund, LPA is able to offer Adoption Assistance Grants for children waiting to be adopted whom we have identified as having dwarfism and are in need of extra assistance to receive loving families of their very own.  Grants are payable after the adoption is completed, and applicants must be members of LPA or join LPA before applying. Typically, LPA is able to offer $1000 adoption grants, although for older children or children in urgent need of being adopted, we will provide a larger grant if funding is available.  More information about adoption can be found on the Adoption page.

5.    Team Jack Travel Fund for Metatropic Dysplasia

“Team Jack” Zembsch Travel Fund: $1000 for expenses for kids with Metatropic Dysplasia (or other rare conditions) to travel to duPont Hospital.

Jack Zembsch’s family and friends are honored to be able to provide “out-of-pocket” travel expenses up to $1000 to defray the travel expenses for a first-time visit to the Orthopedic Department at the duPont Hospital for Children for a child aged 17 years or younger and diagnosed with Metatropic Dysplasia or other rare dwarfing condition with a similar severe curvature of the spine.  The intent is to “lighten the load” for families with moderate incomes to assist in making that very important initial visit a reality for their child.  In extreme situations, assistance to duPont may exceed $1000 based upon a showing of exigent circumstances.  There is no residency requirement to be eligible.  Priority is placed on helping children with Metatropic Dysplasia or very similar conditions. In some situations, the fund may be used for travel to the LPA National Conference Medical Clinics for children diagnosed with Metatropic Dysplasia or other rare dwarfing condition associated with similar orthopedic issues involving severe curvature of the spine.  Contact LPA Office for an application.