CSN Fund Receives $50,000 grant from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation

[January 26, 2023]  The Children with Special Needs (CSN) Fund received a $50,000 grant from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation to fund its Ceiling and Stair Lifts Project for the year 2023. This grant will help the CSN Fund to provide ceiling and stair lifts for children with special needs, particularly those who are non-ambulatory.

Ceiling and stair lifts allow families and caregivers to safely transfer and move their children around their home and gain better access to community services and activities. They also make the home more accessible for the child, allowing him or her to be more independent in carrying out activities of daily living.

In order to assist the most families with the highest needs, the CSN Fund Advisory Committee reviews applications for ceiling and stair lifts twice per year. Applications for ceiling and stair lifts received by February 23 will be reviewed in March, and applications received by August 31 will be reviewed in September. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

1. Under 21 years of age
2. Ceiling and stair lifts will not be approved for rental units
3. Enrolled or medically eligible to enroll in Children’s Special Health Care Services
4. Submit a completed application with required documentation:
   • Complete Financial Assessment Form DCH-1273 (if not enrolled in CSCHS)
   • A letter from parents explaining the need and reason for the request
   • A letter from the child’s specialty physician explaining medical necessity for the equipment as well as the child’s diagnosis and prognosis.
   • Documentation of Assistance Form DCH-2423
   • Three (3) quotes with attached diagrams of the proposed ceiling/stair lift system

If your child could benefit from a ceiling or stair lift, contact the Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) office at your local health department or call the CSN Fund at (517) 241-7420 to find out how to apply.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Children with Special Needs Fund, call (517) 241-7420 or mail directly to: Children with Special Needs Fund, PO Box 30734. Lansing, Michigan 48909.