Buddy Bike, Alternative Tandem Bicycle, Adaptive & Therapeutic Cycling for Special Needs

DISCLAIMER
The fundraising information on this page has been collected to provide suggestions and ideas to our customers and should not be relied upon for actual funds collection or Buddy Bike purchase payments. Please contact the individual organizations to receive actual procedures and information.

Buddy Bike, LLC makes no representations whatsoever about any other web site which you may access through this one or which may link to this Site. When you access a non-Buddy Bike, LLC web site, please understand that it is independent from Buddy Bike, LLC, and that Buddy Bike, LLC has no control over the content on that web site. In addition, a link to a Buddy Bike, LLC web site does not mean that Buddy Bike, LLC endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content, or the use, of such web site.

Buddy Bike Funding Options

Although the Buddy Bike is reasonably priced in comparison to the alternatives, we realize that this bike may still be expensive for some special needs families. We have had numerous requests for other funding options such as the use of Medicaid and Extensive Support Waivers. At this moment, we are not "Medicaid providers" but we are slowly but surely collecting information to see how we can make the Buddy Bike attainable to more special needs families. Here is what we've found so far:

Government Funding
Medicaid, Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waivers,
State Funding

Buddy Bike, LLC is not a Medicaid provider at this time and Medicaid purchases will most likely be denied. We have had several purchases utilizing waivers in several states. According to the customers who have utilized these waivers, you must contact the organization in your state that provides therapeutic equipment such as OT swings for home use. According to Laura in Lakewood, CO, she was initially denied and filed several appeals but obtained the support she needed through a Colorado organization. A good starting place would be to contact the Community Center Boards (CCB) in your county.

When applying for extensive support waivers, specify that the Buddy Bike, LLC is "therapeutic equipment". We have provided a Sample Funding Letter for your use.

We are willing to send any information which will help special needs parents convince their local organizations and pediatricians that our bike is considered therapeutic equipment.

SAMPLE
FUNDING LETTER
Courtesy of
Laura, Lakewood, CO

WAIVERS HAVE BEEN USED BY OUR CUSTOMERS IN THE FOLLOWING STATES

COLORADO
OHIO
WISCONSIN

Check with your county or state case manager to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

Special Needs Rate

Please ask us about our Special Needs Rate. This rate is available only for the parents of special needs children and can be used for the purchase of one (1) Buddy Bike. This rate is not available online. Please call 786.489.BIKE (2453) or send e-mail for more information.

Fundraising in Your Community

Ask your community for assistance. Set a goal of raising the funds necessary for the bike, shipping, assembly and maybe even a helmet. Reach out to your community through letters, the news and local television or radio, and fundraising events. Some of our customers obtained assistance through their church or their family. Hold a birthday party but tell your guests that instead of gifts, you would prefer donations toward the purchase of a Buddy Bike.

Create a Web Page

Create a web page to raise awareness of your child's disability and to raise funds. There are many sources in the web for creating free web pages. Add a section talking about the Buddy Bike and how it would benefit your child. Then add a PayPal button to request donations online.

Here are some sites created by some of our customers:

www.sarahandrebekah.twinstuff.com

www.geocities.com/damiandevotion

Disabled Children's Relief Fund
www.dcrf.com

Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF) provides disabled children with assistance to obtain medical equipment, physical therapy and other disability related equipment and support. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged.

PATF - Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
www.patf.us

For Pennsylvania special needs families. PATF is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities so they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need. PATF offers low interest loans, mini loans up to $1000 with 0% interest and grants to those who qualify or combination. If you qualify, these funds can be used to purchase a Buddy Bike.

The Ricky King Children's Fund - Florida (Lee, Collier, Charlotte)
www.rickykingfund.org

The Ricky King Children's Fund is dedicated to enhancing the quality of healthcare for children in Southwest Florida, by augmenting programs and providing financial assistance to children and their families in time of need. The Ricky King Children's Fund was created in honor of 4-year-old Ricky King, who died of Reye’s Syndrome. Applicants must reside in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

We will continue to update this information as new information and ideas become available. We would love to hear your fundraising ideas. Please send an e-mail to be added to our mailing list or to submit your ideas.