Types of Assistance Grants  

1.     Travel expenses for individuals with Metatropic Dysplasia to see a doctor at A.I. duPont
2.     College and post-graduate educational and vocational grants
3.     First time national conference attendance assistance grants
4.     Adoption assistance grants.  More information about adoption can be found on the Adoption page

1.     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 the LPA office for an application.

2.     College and Vocational Scholarships

Applications are accepted online from January 1 through April 30 for the following school year.  See the "Scholarship Page" for the link to the application.

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

LPA scholarship awards shall be limited to two awards for undergraduate studies and one for graduate studies, effective beginning June 2011.

3.     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 Ray LeCara, Programs Director.

4.     Adoption Assistance Grants 

5.     College Resources for Disabled Students

6.     College for Students with Disabilities Guide