Equip for Every Day Life
“The right equipment makes our lives easier – not easy – but easier!”
For over 25 years, the consistent mission of the Fragile Kids Foundation was to enhance the quality of life and well being of children with support, supplies and prescribed medical equipment not covered by Georgia Medicaid or private insurance for Georgia’s medically fragile children living with chronic illnesses, genetic and traumatic disorders and orthopedic and neuro-muscular challenges.
In 2017, Fragile Kids Foundation merged with FOCUS so we can better provide this full range of services to our children in need.
Parents or legal guardians of a medically fragile child, age 21 or younger, with a primary residence in Georgia may apply for Equipment. Each application is reviewed by a Review Committee that meets four times each year. FOCUS may grant equipment to families at no cost, or may loan equipment for an extended period for a $25 usage fee.
FOCUS has a Loaned Equipment Library that might be right for your family’s needs. If there is a piece of equipment in our library that fits your child’s needs, you may not need to wait for the Review Committee to meet in order to access it.
View the Loaned Equipment Library.
Equipment Grants only cover equipment that is not covered by insurance or Medicaid, and may include:
- Wheelchair lifts, stair-lifts, and overhead lift systems
- Ramps for homes and vans
- Specialized car seats
- Pediatric strollers
- Beach wheelchairs (see beach wheelchair section below)
- Seating and more
Eligibility Guidelines for Equipment Grants:
- The total lifetime per child/family is $10,000
- Van-lift grants are one-time only grants, with a maximum of $5,000
- Ceiling lift and stair lift grants are one-time only grants
- Families can apply for one grant a year
- Loaned equipment does not count towards lifetime maximum or grant per year limit
Complete the online form linked below in order to begin the Equipment Grant process. Once you have completed the request form a FOCUS staff member will contact you with next steps.
Equipment Grant Request Form
Approval Process: Applications are reviewed by our Review Committee, usually quarterly. Applications must be complete to be eligible for review. If a family’s application is approved, it may take up to 9 months for funding to be released. Once funding is released, FOCUS will pay the vendor directly. Families are never paid directly.
Van Lift or Conversion Grants: FOCUS may cover up to $5,000 for van lifts and conversions. Families should apply using the Equipment Grant Application (below). To add a ramp to an existing van (that families already own), the mileage must be less than 90,000 miles. To purchase a van, the family must qualify financially; this determination is usually made by the van company. FOCUS will cover up to $5,000 towards the lift; checks are always made to the van company.
All-Terrain/Beach Wheelchairs: FOCUS has All-Terrain Wheelchairs in our loaner equipment. These are available for use for up to 2 weeks at a time. We ask for an $100 deposit, refundable at time of return. Families are responsible for picking-up and returning beach wheelchairs. To apply to borrow a beach wheelchair, please complete one of the applications below:
Beach Wheelchair Application – On-Line Fillable Form
Beach Wheelchair Application – Print, Complete, & Mail
For more information on our Equipment Program, please contact Devi at [email protected].