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!
Activity Chairs
Universal Changing Table
Bath Seats
Car Seats
Communication Devices and Mounts
Corporate Grant
Hearing Aids
Medical Strollers
Orthotics
Power Wheelchairs
Prosthetics
Recreation Grant
Therapeutic Bikes
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?
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
Kansas City ZOO
Variety KC Exploration Play
Elephant Exhibit
Aquarium
Lathrop City Park
Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad in Lathrop, MO
Leawood Park
T.B. Hannah Station
Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad
Tiffany Hills
Wyandotte County Park
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
Independence Community Ice
Inclusive Hockey/Ice Skating
Spalsh Pads/Water Features (3)
Lathrop City Park
Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad in Lathrop, MO
Olathe Family YMCA
Inclusive Beach Access and Wheelchair Assisted Ramp
T.B. Hannah Station
Variety KC Playground and Splash Pad
Harness Systems (3)
Variety KC Cafe
Sensory Rooms (6)
Sensory Bags (33)
B&B Theatres
Overland Park 16
8601 West 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223
Mainstreet
1400 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64105
Northland 14
4900 NE 80th Street Kansas City MO 64119
KC Extreme Screen Union Station
30 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City MO 64108
Liberty Cinema 12
1903 Victory Dr. Liberty MO 64068
Lee’s Summit New Longview 7
3241 SW Fascination Dr. Lee’s Summit MO 64081
Shawnee 18
16301 Midland Dr. Shawnee KS 66217
Grain Valley Marketplace 8
1131 North East McQuerry Road Grain Valley MO 64029
Lee’s Summit 16
1451 Northeast Douglas Street Lee’s Summit MO 64086
Chicken n Pickle
Coterie Theater
The Golden Scoop
Kansas City Monarch’s Legend’s Field
Midland Theater
Music Theater Heritage
Box Office
2450 Grand Blvd, KC, MO 64108
My Play Cafe
Lee’s Summit
659 SW 2nd Street, Lee’s Summit MO
Gardner
810 Creekside Dr., Gardner, KS
Northland MO
6529 N. Cosby Ave. Kansas City, MO
Olathe Community Center
The Rabbit Hole
ROKC Olathe
Accessible Venues (7)
Universal Restrooms (11)
Olathe Family YMCA
Resources
Vendors
Adaptive Bikes
Additional Funding Sources
Friends of Man
Fox 4 Love Fund for Children
Helping Hand Foundation
Kansas Society for Children with Challenges
Kids Assistive Technology KAT Grant
Lions Club
Midwest Social Needs Trust
Missouri Assistive Technology Adv. Council
Missouri Cattleman’s Association Children’s Funds
Show Me Loans
The Children’s Miracle Network of Greater Kansas City
Travis Roy Foundation
Organizations to Know
68 Inside Sports
Alphapointe Association for the Blind
Bloc Life
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
Canine Companions
Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired
EITAS
Greater Kansas City Spinal Cord Injury Association
Johnson County Developmental Supports
Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation
Kansas City Regional Center of Developmental Disabilities
Lee’s Summit, Missouri Parks and Recreation
Midwest Adaptive Sports (MAS)
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Platte County Board of Services
Spina Bifida Kansas City
The Transition Academy
United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas
United Cerebral Palsy of Missouri
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Guides
Playground Guide
How to make the most inclusive playground
Parking Etiquette
Think of me. Keep it free.
Universal Restrooms
Where to find them in Kansas City