UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund

UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund is sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) National Program (administered by affiliates). This national program provides grants for purchasing or repairing assistive technology equipment for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities and their families who are in financial need and do not have other funding resources are eligible.

Elsie S. Bellows Fund - United Cerebral Palsy The Elsie S. Bellows Fund: Advancing Independence Through Assistive Technology How UCP Helps People with Disabilities Access Life-Changing Technology For decades, UCP’s Elsie S.

Bellows Fund has helped people with disabilities gain access to assistive technology that promotes independence, inclusion, communication, mobility, and quality of life. Administered through UCP Affiliates , the fund provides financial support for a wide range of devices and equipment that help individuals overcome barriers and participate more fully in their communities. Established through a generous bequest from Elsie S.

Bellows, the fund continues to transform lives by ensuring that innovative technologies and adaptive equipment remain within reach for those who need them most. The Legacy of Elsie S. Bellows Elsie S.

Bellows was a pioneering veterinary pathologist known for her work advancing the testing of racehorses for performance-enhancing drugs. Through conversations with longtime UCP Trustee Jack Schillinger, Bellows developed a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the importance of assistive equipment that foster independence.

Before her passing in the late 1980s, Bellows included a provision in her estate that established a permanent fund benefiting individuals with disabilities through UCP. Her vision was simple but powerful: provide access to equipment and technology that could improve lives in meaningful and lasting ways. Today, that vision continues through the Elsie S.

Bellows Fund. Unlike traditional grant programs, the Bellows Fund was designed to serve individuals for generations to come. UCP invests the principal of the original bequest, preserving and growing the fund while distributing only the investment income generated each year.

Currently, the fund’s principal exceeds $4. 6 million. Annual investment returns provide approximately $500,000 in funding, distributed through UCP Affiliates across the network.

Because the principal remains intact and can continue to grow through additional contributions , the Bellows Fund is positioned to support individuals with disabilities in perpetuity. MAKE A DONATION TO THE ELSIE S. BELLOWS FUND The Bellows Fund is available to individuals with disabilities who are supported through a UCP Affiliate .

Applicants do not need to have cerebral palsy to qualify. Individuals with any disability may be eligible if they are working with a participating UCP Affiliate and meet the program guidelines. What Can the Fund Pay For?

The Bellows Fund supports assistive technology and adaptive equipment that increase independence, communication, mobility, accessibility, and participation in daily life.

The fund currently supports requests across several categories: Personal computer technology Recreational outdoor equipment and devices Positioning and seating items Wheelchairs and accessories Sensory equipment and technology Smart home devices and technologies Adaptive equipment and technology Durable Medical Equipment (DME), mobility aids, and in-home items Other qualifying assistive technology requests Eligible requests may include: Wheelchairs (manual and power) Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices iPads, laptops, computers, and adaptive technology Smart home and environmental control systems Vehicle and home lift systems Adaptive bicycles, tricycles, and recreational equipment Positioning and seating systems Sensory equipment such as weighted compression vests, cocoon swings, and noise-canceling headphones Custom orthotics and hand splints Adaptive equipment that supports daily living Today, iPads and communication devices are among the most frequently funded requests, reflecting the growing role of technology in communication, education, employment, and community engagement.

While the Bellows Fund supports a broad range of assistive technology, some requests are not eligible for funding.

Examples of ineligible requests include: Automobiles or vehicle purchases Building renovations and structural modifications, such as wheelchair ramps Assistive technology evaluations and related services Standard furniture and appliances that are not adapted Equipment intended for use by a UCP Affiliate rather than an individual In some cases, the fund may help pay for modifications to a vehicle or other equipment that directly support an individual’s independence and accessibility.

From Wheelchairs to Smart Technology When the Bellows Fund began, many requests focused on essential mobility equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs. Today, the definition of assistive technology has expanded dramatically.

Modern requests often include communication devices, tablets, smart home technologies, adaptive recreation equipment, and sensory supports that help individuals engage more fully in school, work, family life, and community activities. The fund follows the federal definition of assistive technology , supporting equipment that increases, maintains, or improves the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Applications are submitted through local UCP Affiliates and reviewed by the Bellows Fund Committee. Historically, fewer than 2% of applications are denied, reflecting the program’s commitment to finding solutions that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Supporting Inclusion, Joy, and Quality of Life While many requests address essential daily needs, the Bellows Fund increasingly supports technologies and equipment that enhance quality of life and community participation. Adaptive bicycles, sensory equipment, communication technology, and recreational devices help individuals connect with friends, family members, schools, workplaces, and their communities.

“We’re seeing more quality-of-life requests and more recreational items so people can be engaged in their communities with their families and friends,” shares Bellows Fund Committee Chair Mark Boles. “UCP’s mission is to promote the independence and inclusion of people with disabilities, and that includes hobbies, recreation, and community activities — not just everyday essentials.

” This broader view reflects UCP’s belief that everyone deserves opportunities to pursue interests, build relationships, and experience the joy of full participation in community life. Stewardship and Leadership The Bellows Fund is overseen by a dedicated committee of volunteer leaders who review applications and help ensure the fund continues to fulfill Elsie Bellows’ vision.

Their leadership helps ensure that hundreds of individuals each year receive the technology and equipment they need to live more independently. Continuing a Legacy of Opportunity Every device funded through the Elsie S. Bellows Fund represents more than equipment; it represents greater independence, expanded opportunities, and the removal of barriers that limit participation.

For individuals with disabilities and their families, assistive technology can open doors to communication, mobility, education, employment, recreation, and community inclusion. Thanks to Elsie Bellows’ enduring generosity, that opportunity continues to grow and impact lives year after year. If you are interested in applying for support through the Elsie S.

Bellows Fund, contact your local UCP Affiliate to learn more about eligibility, available funding, and the application process. Start typing and press enter to search