Seven Local Projects Receive Accessibility Grants
Grants
The Foundation is pleased to announce seven recipients of Accessibility Grants totaling $30,881. These grants fund projects that will provide more inclusivity to all in Huntington County! Accessibility grants are made possible thanks to the contributions of AWS Foundation and Pathfinder Services, two organizations with a long history of fostering inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Through funding from Pathfinder Services, the Community Accessibility Fund awards funding to those who demonstrate a clear plan to overcome physical barriers in buildings and infrastructure that prevent people with disabilities from fully accessing the use and benefits afforded to all. The Community Accessibility Fund supported the following local projects:
Accessibility Ramp Reconstruction: The Purviance House Bed & Breakfast was awarded $3,000 to support the reconstruction of an outdated exterior ramp that connects to a designated handicap parking space. The renovated ramp will utilize long-lasting materials, and the railing will match the style and design of the historic structure’s 1859 back porch architectural features. These updates will accommodate guests with a disability or mobility issues, ensuring a pleasant stay for anyone wanting to experience the bed and breakfast’s charm and hospitality when visiting Huntington.
Inclusive Playground Project: Huntington County Community School Corporation was awarded $10,000 to support Salamonie School’s aspirations of adding more inclusive standalone playground equipment to enrich play opportunities. Funding will coincide with the Parent Teacher Organization of Salamonie School’s (REPS) efforts to install a new set of playground equipment that includes ADA-accessible features. Successful fundraising marked the beginning of a transformative project aiming to enhance the school’s playground by making it more inclusive and accessible. Funding will aid in the costs of a new swing set with 3 traditional swings and an adaptive swing, a saucer swing and a variety of spinners and rockers. These additions are crucial to offering a variety of activities that cater to different interests and abilities, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to engage in meaningful play.
Elevator Repair: Parkview Huntington Family YMCA received $5,000 in funding to assist in the costs of a necessary elevator repair which will provide full access to the facility’s amenities for members of all ages and abilities. The elevator connects to the second floor which includes a walking/running track as well as studio rooms for classes and activities. The indoor walking track is a popular offering, especially among those requiring low-impact physical activity. The elevator quit functioning in April of 2024 which left the stairs as the only entry to the second floor, causing a barrier to those with physical disabilities. The repaired elevator will ensure all members have access to fitness classes and the walking track that provides a safe indoor space for walking/running year-round.
Handicap Accessible Entryway: Christian Life Tabernacle received $1,425 to aid in the installation costs for automatic handicap door openers and a handrail, ensuring individuals with disabilities have convenient access to the facility. Eliminating physical barriers will allow the facility to serve the entire community by creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. The project is expected to benefit individuals with disabilities, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments and elderly residents of local nursing homes, as well as caregivers and family members. Those who have previously been unable to access the building independently will now be able to attend programs, strengthening their connection to the community and sense of belonging.
Family Fence: A local family received $2,500 to cover installation costs of a fence that will ensure safety for their son who has autism. As a curious and adventurous boy, he enjoys running and exploring the outdoors. He is also very courageous and tends to run away, as he does not have a strong sense of fear. Living in a neighborhood with two ponds, woodland and a major highway nearby causes worry for his safety. Installing a fence will provide peace of mind for his family and the neighborhood community.
The AWS Foundation Accessible Communities Fund awards funding to those who apply and demonstrate a project that fits within these guiding principles: focus on encouraging potential rather than identification of limitations, social settings that include family and friends, age-related peer groups and potential for new friends, aligns with ADA standards, exceeds through the principles of Universal Design, enhances and supports education and employment potential contributing to greater independence for an individual and collaboration that increases potential for greater opportunities.
“Through the Accessibility Fund, AWS Foundation is joining forces with the Community Foundation of Huntington County to help remove any barriers to the treasures of this great county,” noted Patti Hays, AWS Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “We are working together to support the growth of disability inclusion with parks, playgrounds, clubs and other visions that are created by its residents.”
The AWS Foundation Accessible Communities Fund supported the following local projects:
Lincoln Classroom Inclusion: Lincoln Elementary School was awarded $3,956 to support the purchase of sensory items that will enhance the school’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. With a student body that reflects a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and learning styles, Lincoln Elementary School prides itself on fostering an environment where every child feels valued and supported. Funding will aid in costs for sensory items, such as fidget tools, sensory seating, visual timers and noise canceling headphones, that can significantly benefit students with sensory processing needs, autism, ADHD and other challenges. These tools provide calming and regulating effects that help students focus and participate more effectively in the classroom. Contributions will not only provide these essential tools, but will also reinforce the school’s dedication to nurturing a culture of understanding and acceptance.
Grab and Go: Pathfinder Services received $5,000 to offset operating costs associated with its Grab and Go program, which is part of the Pathfinder Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) initiative. This unique offering helps students explore career and educational options beyond high school while gaining valuable employment skills and hands-on experience. Grab and Go is a summer lunch program that is managed entirely by students. Individuals with disabilities are often overlooked in employment, which means previous employment and practical skills can help give them an advantage. Grab and Go empowers students through culinary and business skills, fostering vocational skills, financial literacy and community inclusion.
The Foundation’s next Accessibility Grant Cycle will open June 2nd, 2025. Private businesses, schools, individuals with infrastructure needs, churches, non-profits and government entities are eligible to apply.
For more information on Community Foundation grants visit huntingtonccf.org/grants.
