If your child needs speech therapy but your insurance doesn’t cover enough of the cost, the Small Steps in Speech Grant may be able to help.
This nationwide nonprofit program provides an average grant of $1,000 to help eligible children receive speech-language therapy, attend therapeutic summer camps, or obtain certain communication devices. The money is paid directly to the therapy provider or vendor, not to the family.
Here’s everything you need to know before you apply.
At a Glance
| Program | Small Steps in Speech Grant |
|---|---|
| Average Award | $1,000 |
| Maximum Award | $1,200 |
| Who Can Apply | Children ages 3-22 who are U.S. citizens living in the United States |
| Income Limit | Joint household income of $125,000 or less |
| Application Deadlines | February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 (5:00 p.m. Eastern) |
| Pays Families Directly? | No. Funds are sent directly to approved providers or vendors. |
What Is the Small Steps in Speech Grant?
Small Steps in Speech is a nonprofit organization that helps children with speech and language disorders receive services that insurance may not fully cover.
Since 2009, the organization has awarded more than $1.9 million in grants to more than 1,400 families across the United States. Unfortunately, because funding is limited, the organization reports that it must turn away more than half of qualified applicants.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The average grant award is $1,000, although the exact amount depends on your child’s needs and the funding available during that application cycle.
Some requests have specific funding limits:
- Speech therapy: Award amounts vary based on the request.
- Therapeutic summer speech camps: Awards generally do not exceed $1,000.
- Assistive communication devices: Awards generally do not exceed $1,200.
Remember that grants are awarded based on available funding, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee you will receive an award.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, your child generally must:
- Be between 3 and 22 years old at the application deadline.
- Be a U.S. citizen living in the United States.
- Have a speech or language disorder that requires treatment.
- Have a joint household income of $125,000 or less.
- Be receiving services from (or planning to receive services from) an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist if applying for speech therapy.
- Be applying for a communication-related need.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
Your application will generally not qualify if:
- Your household income exceeds $125,000.
- You are requesting reimbursement for therapy you’ve already paid for.
- You are requesting funding for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
- You are requesting funding for an iPad.
- Your child has previously received and used a Small Steps in Speech grant.
However, the organization does consider requests for certain communication software that runs on an iPad, as well as other assistive communication devices. These requests require a formal Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluation.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
Depending on your child’s needs, the grant may help pay for:
- Private speech-language therapy
- Therapeutic speech camps
- Assistive communication devices
- Communication software applications
- Other approved communication-related services or materials
All funding must be used for future services. The organization does not reimburse families for expenses they’ve already paid.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed four times each year.
Current deadlines are:
- February 1
- May 1
- August 1
- November 1
Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date if submitted electronically. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline.
Planning for Summer Speech Camp?
If you’re requesting funding for a summer speech camp, the organization recommends applying for the February 1 deadline so funding decisions can be made before camp begins.
What Documents Will You Need?
Every application is different, but you’ll generally need:
- A completed application
- Insurance information (even if insurance doesn’t cover the requested service)
- Financial information for your household
- Information about your child
- Information about your speech-language pathologist
- Any required evaluations or supporting documents
If you’re requesting an assistive communication device or communication software, you’ll also need a formal AAC evaluation showing that different technologies have been tried and explaining why the requested device is the best fit.
How Long Does It Take?
After the application deadline passes:
- The Board reviews applications.
- Applicants are generally notified within 60 days.
- If approved, payments are sent directly to the provider or vendor according to the grant agreement.
Can You Apply Again?
It depends.
If your child received and used a Small Steps in Speech grant, you generally cannot apply again for another grant through this program.
If your application is denied, you may usually apply again the following calendar year. However, you may be able to reapply sooner if you can show that your family’s circumstances or your child’s needs have changed significantly.
Tips Before You Apply
Because more families apply than the organization can fund, it’s important to submit a complete application.
Before you apply:
- Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Contact your speech-language pathologist so they know you’ll be listing them on the application.
- Gather every required document before the deadline.
- Double-check that your application is complete before submitting it.
Incomplete applications are not considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The organization accepts eligible applications from families throughout all 50 states.
No. If you’re awarded a grant, the funds are paid directly to the approved therapy provider or vendor.
No. The grant only pays for future services and cannot reimburse past expenses.
No. The organization no longer awards grants for iPads. However, certain communication software applications and assistive communication devices may qualify if you submit the required AAC evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Speech therapy can have a lifelong impact on a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and build relationships—but it can also place a significant financial burden on families. The Small Steps in Speech Grant helps bridge that gap by providing financial assistance for therapy, communication devices, and therapeutic speech camps.
If your child meets the eligibility requirements, don’t wait until the last minute. Gather your paperwork early, notify your speech-language pathologist that you’re applying, and submit a complete application before the next quarterly deadline.
