PATCH Grant is sponsored by Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA). Funds innovative projects supporting communication and hearing across populations in Arkansas.

### ArkSHA Promoting Arkansas Through Communication and Hearing (PATCH) Grant The Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA) is a board-managed organization with the following mission statement: Connecting, learning, and communicating with audiologists, speech-language pathologists, future professionals and consumers through advocacy, education, mentoring, and networking.

Arkansas Community Foundation Fund is a charitable fund that exists to offer grants to organizations around the state. ArkSHA will announce an annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for current Arkansas-based nonprofit organizations that provide, promote and/or support communication and hearing across populations in Arkansas. ArkSHA seeks to: 1.

support Arkansas-based organizations, 2. encourage better access to hearing and communication support, and 3. promote innovative programming through The Promoting Arkansas Through Hearing and Communication (PATCH) Grant.

The PATCH Grant aims to fund three innovative projects. ArkSHA members will have priority for PATCH funding. Grant awards are typically $1,000 per applicant and the number of awards granted each year can be one or up to three, determined by a board vote.

Eligibility is limited to Arkansas-based nonprofit organizations, such as those subject to section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. tax code. Funding of up to $1000 will be offered in one lump sum at the start of the funding period. ### Application Procedures Applications are currently closed.

#### Arkansas Hands and Voices **Arkansas Hands & Voices (ARH&V)**supports families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) across Arkansas through family-centered services, advocacy, and community connection. ARH&V offers one-on-one family support, educational advocacy training, professional and family learning opportunities, and statewide family events.

Signature programs include**Guide By Your Side (GBYS)**, which connects families new to hearing loss with trained parent mentors, and**ASTra**, which focuses on educational advocacy and school transitions. Through events and partnerships, ARH&V helps families build confidence, connect with others, and access the resources they need to support their children’s success.

ARH&V hosts an annual family event that brings together children who are D/HH, their families, professionals, and community partners from across the state. In**April 2026**, the event will be held at the**Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, Arkansas**, offering a fun, educational environment that encourages connection and shared experiences.

The event provides families with time to network, learn from one another, and interact with professionals and partner organizations that support children who are D/HH. Designated time for group lunch and facilitated conversations helps strengthen community connections and reduce barriers to participation. Admission costs are covered, and grant funding is used to provide meals to families to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Through these programs and events, ARH&V aims to strengthen family confidence, promote advocacy, and increase awareness of available resources and services. By fostering collaboration between families and professionals, ARH&V supports the social, emotional, educational, and communication success of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing throughout Arkansas.

### Past Recipients of the PATCH Grant #### Communication Access Program The Communication Access Program (CAP) aims to provide resources to underserved populations with acquired neurogenic language, speech, and cognitive communication disorders.

The existing disparities and lack of access to equitable speech therapy services have negative impacts on the Quality of Life (QoL) and life participation of individuals with neurogenic language disorders (i.e. aphasia), speech, and cognitive communication disorders as well as their caregivers. Equitable access to resources along the continuum of care are integral components of successful community reintegration.

The communication access program (CAP) utilizes an interdisciplinary approach (i.e. caregivers, family members, and health care professionals) to provide information, resources, and intervention techniques to help improve the life participation and quality of life (QoL) of adults with acquired communication disorders.