CITT - Child Improvement Through Therapy

Our Vision

Child Improvement Through Therapy (CITT): Bridging the Resource Gap- Empowering Families to Unleash the Potential of Children with Special Needs

Our History

CITT was formed as a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation (tax id# 86-0404800) in 1980, to raise and provide funds for children who need therapy. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors made up of business professionals, therapists, community members and parents of children with special needs.

Since 1980, more than 540 children have been provided with funding. Since 1995 we have experienced more than a 300% growth in the number of children subsidized by CITT. Although our efforts are strong, there are currently families still in need of support. CITT currently has 20 children on the waiting list.

Our current board of directors is working to continue to build on this successful foundation and is intent on finding additional families in need of support while simultaneously finding and building relationships with new supporters and donors.

In our 25th Anniversary Year, CITT’s goals to increase our visibility and broaden our services would not be possible without the support of local organizations and individuals. 95% of our proceeds, generated through individual and corporate donations and from our various fundraisers, are allocated towards helping a family that is raising a child with special needs.

Why Do We Need CITT?

There are several reasons why children may not be able to receive therapy services. Many children simply “fall through the cracks” of current programming options. CITT exists to meet this need. Children with developmental disabilities and other traumatic brain injuries often need weekly therapy for an extended period of years in order to achieve their maximum potential. Private insurance may only cover therapy for a specified period of time or there may be maximum benefits or services may be considered “habilitiative” rather than “rehabilitative”, disqualifying the service from insurance coverage. Not all therapy services or all children qualify for these programs. For example:

Children are often put on waiting lists for state, federal and school programs when services are needed NOW.
Adequate therapy may not be provided for post-operative procedures that require intensive therapy for a shorter period of time.
A child may only qualify for medically necessary services and this may exclude such reasons for therapy as stuttering, or articulation disorders.
Cutbacks in state, federal and school therapy programs result in the use of a consultative model for the delivery of services. This is true of many early intervention programs, which provide service to infants and toddlers. The consultative model conflicts with the view that early intervention with the direct interaction has the greatest impact on a child’s progress.

Who Does CITT Help?

With the help of local businesses and individuals in our community, CITT is able to assist children with the following conditions, including but not limited to:

Trauma
Head injury, Near Drowning, and Spinal Cord Injury

Neurological Impairments
Cerebral Palsy, Encephalitis and Meningitis

Orthopedic Conditions
Scoliosis, Torricelli’s, Brachial Plexus Injury, Spina Bifida, and Arthritis

Congenital Defects
Arthrogryposis, Down Syndrome, Cleft Lip and Palate

Others
Sensory Integrative Disorders, Muscular Dystrophy, Developmental Delays, Motor Speech Disorders, Language Delays and Disorders

Durable Medical and Therapy Equipment Recycling/Loan Closet (DMTE)

In 2003, CITT established a Durable Medical and Therapy Equipment (DMTE) Recycling/Loan Closet to provide equipment in support of therapy. The types of equipment available is generally not covered by insurance or provided in other funded programs. Through this program, a family is able to loan the equipment for the necessary length of therapy.

If you are in need of medical equipment, please complete the Equipment Request Form (include link to PDF) or for further information, email kathy@cittkids.org or call 866.540.8922.