Start Your Journey to
Becoming a Variety Family

If you live in the Greater Kansas City area and have a child with a medically diagnosed physical or developmental disability, we want to help you!

Empowering Kids in the Greater Kansas City Region

Variety KC prioritizes grants in our 6-county metro (KS: Johnson, Wyandotte; MO: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte), but we encourage people who live in surrounding the counties of Atchison, Buchanan, Clinton, Douglas, Leavenworth, and Miami to apply. Approval will be based on the availability of funds and are subject to a Board of Directors approval.

Through various programs and services, we empower Variety Kids to establish independence, build confidence, improve socialization with family and friends, and learn new skills. When you become a Variety Family, you join a network of children with disabilities and their loved ones from across the region.

Out of Area

If you live outside of the counties that Variety KC serves, please contact US Variety directly as they should be able to help

What to Expect

Variety KC works hard to keep families updated on their grant applications.

When a family submits a grant application Variety KC will reach out by phone or email with in a week and answer questions about our process as well as share an estimated timeline for board approval.

After the board has approved your application Variety KC will fulfill request and handle all billing with manufacturers or retailers. All items will be delivered to Variety KC. Please know that customized equipment can take anywhere from 1-6 months due to manufacturing timelines.

Once your item has been delivered Variety KC will reach out to your family to arrange to present your gift to your child. If you have questions about the status of your application please don’t hesitate to contact Ali O’Grady at aogrady@varietykc.org

Have Questions?

See below for FAQS or reach out to us at 913.308.4042 or info@varietykc.org and we’ll be happy to help!

Grant Applications

Here are some examples of what we cover.
Not seeing the item you want? Contact us today!

Need help with funding for a project? Apply today!

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions at 913.308.4042 or info@varietykc.org

General

I have a question, who do I contact?

Abby Martin
amartin@varietykc.org • 913.303.9886
Contact for all questions related to donations, inquiring about projects/needs in your community, etc.

Ali O’Grady
aogrady@varietykc.org • 913.308.4042
Contact for all questions related to Grants, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, maybe even Go Baby Go, etc.

Don’t know who to contact?
Send us an email to info@varietykc.org and we will get you to the right person!

Do I need to have a child with disabilities to become a Variety KC Family?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! If you have a passion for inclusion and acceptance – you are apart of our family! The Variety KC Family encompases anyone who champions our inclusion revolution whether you’ve received a Variety KC Grant, an event volunteer, sponsor, individual donor, or an advocate and voice for inclusion.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and visit our website to stay up-to-date on all upcoming events and ways you can get involved! We invite families and children of ALL abilities to be a part of the Variety KC Family!

I want to volunteer - how do I get started?

Variety KC is always in need of volunteers. Please visit our website to complete a Volunteer Registration Application. Once complete, your name will be added to our database for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

You may also email Ali O’Grady at aogrady@varietykc.org for details about specific events.

Who does Variety KC help?

Children and young adults with special needs (up to age 21) in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. You can learn more about our recipients on our blog, and stories of projects we’ve funded here

How do I get help?

Fill out one of the grants that applies – Go Baby Go! mobility car, Mobility equipment, Communication devices, Sports program, or outpatient Therapy sessions.

How can I help Variety KC?

Please consider volunteering, donating, hosting a fundraiser or sponsoring a Variety event.

Grants/Applications

What if we don’t live in the 6-counties served by Variety KC (Johnson, Jackson, Platte, Clay, Cass, Wyandotte)?

If your family does not live within the 6-counties we currently serve, we still encourage you to apply if you live in surrounding/nearby counties! Applications will be presented to our Board of Directors and exceptions have been made depending upon a family’s situation.

If you are unsure if there is a Variety chapter closer to where you live, please visit usvariety.org/grants to look through the list of all Variety chapters and the areas they each serve. You will also find contact information for a US Variety representative to help you if you do not have a Variety chapter in your area.

How often can I reapply to additional Variety KC Grants?

Families must wait a minimum of 2 years (24 months) from the approval date of their last application before applying for a new grant. Example: A child is approved for a bike in June 2024; they can not apply for a communication device before June 2026.

Mobility Grants (bikes, wheelchairs, sports chairs, wagons, etc.) require a 3-year (36-month) wait before a child can be eligible for new mobility equipment through Variety KC. Example: A child is approved for a wagon in July of 2024; they can not apply for a bike until July 2027.

At this time, Variety KC’s My Safety Bed Grants can only be provided once per child.

If you still have questions about whether your child is eligible to apply for additional Variety KC grants, please reach out to Ali at aogrady@varietykc.org

What materials do I need to have on hand before I fill out an application?

TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS NEEDED.

❑  Letter(s) of verification from professionals you identified (therapist, doctor, social worker) who are most familiar with your child’s needs. This letter should specify your child’s needs for the equipment requested.
❑  Copy of insurance card
❑  Copies of determinations from relevant insurance programs.
❑  Copy of latest federal income tax return, pages 1 & 2.
❑  Copy of the quote for your request directly from the vendor.
❑  Clear, detailed description of equipment to meet child’s needs.
❑  Address all items as stated in the Addendum for appropriate equipment being requested.
❑  Two or three assisted technology bids from suppliers (Variety can assist you in choosing a vendor).
❑  Signature on Release of Liability Form.
❑  Signature on Affirmation of Truth Statement.
❑  Signature on Disclaimer.
❑  Authorization to Use Name & Likeness (signature optional).
❑  Recent photo of the child. (high resolution image)
❑  Signatures of all legal guardians & complete demographic data.
❑  If funding is approved, we do require photographs of child with equipment (preferably within a month of project completion). Please use 35mm film or you can submit via email to info@varietykc.org.

What if I want to order equipment but not sure the correct size or modifications?

Our Variety KC team is purchasing the equipment based on the exact specifications you list in your application (specifically, in the “Uploaded Quote from Vendor/Supplier” document) – this includes: size, color, modifications needed, additional attachments needed, etc. If you are unsure about any specifications of your desired item, please collaborate with your child’s therapy team to determine the item that best fits your child’s needs and abilities prior to applying.

What happens after I submit an application?

Variety KC works hard to keep families updated on their grant applications. Once a family submits a grant application Variety KC will reach out by phone or email with in a week and answer questions about our process as well as share an estimated timeline for board approval. Once the board has approved your application Variety KC will fulfill request and handle all billing with manufacturers or retailers. All items will be delivered to Variety KC. Please know that customized equipment can take anywhere from 1-6 months due to manufacturing timelines. Once your item has been delivered Variety KC will reach out to your family to arrange to present your gift to your child. If you have questions about the status of your application please don’t hesitate to contact Ali O’Grady at aogrady@varietykc.org

We need an accessible vehicle for our family - can I apply for funding to help our family purchase the vehicle to be adapted/modified to meet the needs of our child?

Variety KC does accept applications for accessible vehicles; however, we cannot help in the purchase of a vehicle that is not yet modified to be accessible. We are able to help with the following:

  • Funding (provided directly to the owner of the title of the vehicle) to assist with the purchase of an already adaptive/accessible vehicle
  • Funding (provided directly to the company responsible for modifying the vehicle) to assist with modification of the vehicle to make it accessible and meet the needs of your child

Where to find all Variety KC playgrounds and projects

Use the dropdown below the map to filter by category

Playgrounds/Play Spaces (18)

College Boulevard Activity Center

Variety KC Playground and Baseball Field in Olathe

11031 South Valley Road, Olathe, KS, 66061

Gladstone Playground

Coming Soon

Flora Park, Gladstone, MO, USA

Kansas City ZOO

Variety KC Exploration Play
Elephant Exhibit
Aquarium

6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132

KC Current Practice Fields

Coming Soon

1 Teal Rising Way, Riverside, MO 64150, USA

Lathrop City Park

Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad in Lathrop, MO

501 Park St, Lathrop, MO 64465, USA

McCoy Park

Inclusive Baseball Field

800 North Bess Truman Parkway, Independence, MO 64050

Ottawa Community Recreation Center

Coming Soon

705 West 15th Street, Ottawa, KS 66067

T.B. Hannah Station

Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad

214 South Washington Street, Raymore, MO 64083

Sports (4)

Central Bank Sporting Complex

Outdoor Power Wheelchair Soccer Field

Central Bank Sporting Complex, North Line Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64154

College Boulevard Activity Center

Variety KC Playground and Baseball Field in Olathe

11031 South Valley Road, Olathe, KS, 66061

Independence Community Ice

Inclusive Hockey/Ice Skating

19100 East Valley View Parkway, Independence, MO 64055

McCoy Park

Inclusive Baseball Field

800 North Bess Truman Parkway, Independence, MO 64050

Spalsh Pads/Water Features (3)

Lathrop City Park

Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad in Lathrop, MO

501 Park St, Lathrop, MO 64465, USA

Olathe Family YMCA

Inclusive Beach Access and Wheelchair Assisted Ramp

21400 West 153rd Street, Olathe, KS 66061

T.B. Hannah Station

Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad

214 South Washington Street, Raymore, MO 64083

Harness Systems (3)

B.E. Smith Family Center – Britain Development

7415 Grandview Street, Merriam, KS 66204

Kansas City Ballet South Campus at Meadowbrook

Coming Soon

9415 Nall Ave., Ste 101, Prairie Village, KS 66207

Sensory Rooms (6)

Kansas City Current Stadium

Coming Soon

1298 River Front Drive, Kansas City, MO 64120

Sensory Bags (33)

Kansas City Monarch’s Legend’s Field

1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111

Music Theater Heritage

Box Office
2450 Grand Blvd, KC, MO 64108

Science City at Union Station

30 West Pershing Road, KCMO, MO 64108

Accessible Venues (7)

Kansas City Current Stadium

Coming Soon

1298 River Front Drive, Kansas City, MO 64120

Science City at Union Station

30 West Pershing Road, KCMO, MO 64108

Universal Restrooms (11)

Resources

Guides

playground ramp

Playground Guide

How to make the most inclusive playground

Read the guide →

Parking Etiquette

Think of me. Keep it free.

Read the guide →

Universal Restrooms

Where to find them in Kansas City

Read the guide →