The Rob Gotlin Community Leadership Grant
The Rob Gotlin Community Leadership Award supports innovative projects that reduce physical or environmental barriers for individuals with disabilities. Funding of up to $3,000 per year is awarded for projects aimed at advancing accessibility and inclusivity within the community, promoting physical and emotional wellness, and optimizing access to healthcare.
Grant details:
- Eligibility: All AOCPMR Members
- Funding: Up to $3,000 per year
- Project Focus: Enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the community, promoting physical and emotional wellness, and optimizing access to healthcare
Proposals are encouraged to consider the following:
- Adaptive sports and recreational programs
- Support groups
- Community outreach programs
- Lifestyle, nutritional, or exercise programs
- ADA approved constructs
- Assistive devices
You must be an AOCPMR member to apply. The grant awardee will be announced each year at the Annual Meeting.
Click here for more information and access to the Rob Gotlin Community Leadership project application.
For any questions regarding the application, please contact AOCPMR.
Past Grant Recipient: Bennett’s Village, Charlottesville, VA
Bennett’s Village has been the beneficiary of two Rob Gotlin Community Leadership Grants. AOCPMR Resident member, Emily Hillaker, DO, applied for the grant to provide a communication board as part of Bennett’s Village at Pen Park in Charlottesville, VA. The communications board, which enables children and adults who are unable to speak to better communicate with others, was installed July 29, 2022. Local media took notice of the board’s installation. Schools requested handheld copies of the communication board so they could teach students about different forms of communication. Park patrons were able to immediately use the communication board. Board members were asked to talk about Bennett’s Village in classrooms and many other settings. The rippling effect of this grant continues to have a positive impact in the community. Dr. Hillaker applied a second time on behalf of Bennett’s Village to install a bench along the paved path so those with mobility issues can have a shaded place to rest while they enjoy nature.
Past Grant Recipient: Adaptive Crayons for Central Wisconsin Center
The aim of the CWC is to be an inclusive environment where people with developmental disabilities can thrive when they are unable to live in the community. As such, adaptive equipment is incredibly important to the CWC. Amber McKenna applied for a Rob Gotlin Leadership Development Grant after working with one of the CWC’s recreational therapists. Dr. McKenna had noticed a box of crayons and the therapist confirmed what she expected; most residents are unable to use traditional crayons. During therapy sessions, the residents frequently want to make cards for their family members; they can choose the colors for their cards, but the therapist has to color it for them. Having adaptive shaped crayons allows residents to practice fine motor skills, engage in a new sensory experience, and feel the joy of creating things when coloring. So, enlisting the assistance of her fellow residents, Dr. McKenna set out to make crayons of different sizes and shapes that would allow everyone at the CWC to create using her colorful crayons.