Conference Assistance:
The Glut1 Deficiency Foundation helps contribute a substantial amount of support for conference expenses that we do not pass along to attendees with the hopes that more families will be able to attend. We also try hard to make the experience a very valuable one for those who come so that they feel it has been time and money well spent. However, we do know that it is still a big investment and the expenses involved can and do create barriers.

To help overcome some of those barriers, we've put together some resources that will hopefully help more families be able to find avenues of support that make attendance possible and easier. There are programs and opportunities out there, but knowing where to look can be hard.

• Some states have special programs through their Councils on Developmental Disabilities that help cover some costs associated with going to educational conferences. Programs and funding varies, but it is worth exploring options.  Each state is mandated to have its own developmental disabilities council, so check to see if there are funds available.  Find more information and links to each state's agency here.  We suggest starting the process early, and please let us know if you apply for assistance and need any documentation to support the application. 
• If you are on a Medicaid Waiver program, there is often funding available for educational events for caregivers and family members. Please check with your waiver coordinator for more details.
• The ARC of the United States also offers conference assistance through some local chapter programs.
• Check with your local United Way, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Lions Club chapters about family support programs.
• There are nonprofits who offer free medical flights that may also offer assistance for families to attend medical conferences. Typically these are for travel for medical appointments, but conferences for rare disease communities provide an opportunity to learn from other families and have the experts at your fingertips, so it is a unique form of medical care: PALS and Angel Flights
• Ask family and friends or your place of worship to help support or sponsor your efforts to attend the conference.​
• Even if you aren’t able to find a grant to assist you, some of the expenses you incur in attending a medical conference may be  tax deductible if you itemize your medical expenses on your federal tax return.  See “medical conferences” here in this IRS document for current rules and guidelines. 
• The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers a Rare Disease Education Support Program which is designed to offer rare disease patients, their families and/or caregivers an opportunity to participate in educational programs and conferences that offer rare disease content. Visit NORD's website to learn more.
• Uplifting Athletes has a Researcher Connection Program to assist with travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students with an interest in the rare disease field by providing funds and/or vouchers for qualified applicants to attend patient advocacy organization sponsored events. Learn more at the Uplifting Athletes website.
• A limited number of registration scholarships are available and applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first served basis to eligible attendees. UPDATE: The scholarships have been allocated and the application is closed.