By Miriam Bernard

Those who have been a part of the NODCC for a while have likely heard the term “Olam’s Piggybank” a time or two, but it’s high time we tackle some myths surrounding this generous annual program! Maybe you’ll realize it’s time for your family to apply!

In case you haven’t heard, Olam’s Piggybank is a Grant Program awarding funds to families impacted by disorders of the corpus callosum. Two grants per year are awarded, funding up to $2,500 in assistive devices or technologies for families. Dozens and dozens of families have had their lives improved through the items purchased through these grants, and why shouldn’t yours be next?

Myth: I should only apply for an Olam’s Piggybank Grant if my family is in extreme financial need.

Truth: Families of many different socioeconomic backgrounds have been granted funds for assistive devices.

Myth: If the item is not a dire need for my child or family member, I should not apply.

Truth: Many of our grants have been awarded for items that simply enhance quality of life or increase enjoyment of family activities!

Myth: The Olam’s Piggybank program is likely overflowing with applications, so I shouldn’t apply unless it is a serious need.

Truth: For some bi-annual cycles, only a small handful of applications come in, so your chances of being considered are higher than you may think!

Myth: Another family probably needs something more than my family does.

Truth: YOUR family may be exactly what the Olam’s Piggybank committee is looking for to award an assistive item that increases your quality of life!

Myth: Only parents should apply on behalf of their DCC children.

Truth: ANY family member can apply on behalf of ANY DCC person – infant, child, or adult!

To help you catch the idea, here are some examples of items that families have been able to purchase with Olam’s Piggybank Grant money in the past:

  • Stationary bike/elliptical
  • Cooling Vest
  • Touch Screen Laptop
  • Tricycle
  • Zelus balance ball half yoga ball trainer with resistance bands
  • Angel Sense GOS Tracker
  • Upsee Mobility Harness
  • Firefly Splashy Bath Seat
  • Speech Tablet
  • Proloquo2go App
  • TouchChat HD-ACC
  • Weighted Blanket
  • Bamboo Book Stand
  • Adapted adult tricycle
  • Theratog Wunzi with Limb Kit
  • Breg Kodiak Cold Therapy Unit
  • Adapted eating utensils
  • Adaptive music play
  • Adaptive snow sled
  • Assistive weighted writing aid
  • Covered wagon for bigger kiddo
  • Dolphin Float System
  • Keenz 7s stroller wagon
  • Ocean drum
  • R82 Rabbit Up Tray, Extension for Centre Bar
  • Sensory Regulation Equipment Bundle
  • Sit Ski
  • Special Needs Life Jacket For Swimming –
  • Special Tomato® Soft-Touch® Booster Car Seat™
  • Stand Assist Lift
  • Tomato seat with floor wedge
  • Indoor Trampoline
  • Tumbl Forms two medium feeder chair with base
  • Waterproof battery for cochlear implant

As you can see, there is almost no limit to the types of items that can help a family’s way of life or make getting around easier for a person with a callosal disorder. Perhaps this is YOUR family’s sign to apply! Submit your application HERE today.

The inspiration for Olam’s Piggybank Grants is a boy named Olam (pronounced ō-lŏm) who has a disorder of the corpus callosum. The family’s philosophy for Olam has been to provide him with every opportunity so that he can lead a typical life. The effective use of assistive devices and technology (such as the TouchChat app, a robo spoon for safe eating, and a cooling vest) inspired the creation of Olam’s Piggybank Grants.

While Olam’s family can afford these items, there are many families who cannot. Olam’s Piggybank Grants are designed to help families who would benefit from assistive devices and technologies that will enhance the life of a loved one—families who refuse to give up in the face of real challenges posed by a callosal disorder.

The NODCC is so grateful to Olam’s family for changing so many lives, and we hope this year will be the program’s most robust year of applications and awards yet!

To learn all the details about our Olam’s Piggybank Program, click HERE.

To access the FAQs, click HERE.

To apply, click HERE.