Shared from Within Reach Magazine Spring 2026. Read it now!
When you’re navigating the two-handed world with an upper limb difference or differences, there are sometimes barriers to overcome to access or feel included in certain activities. You may require specific equipment or adaptations, or additional training, but these things cost money, which is why Reach wants to help young people and families thrive and avoid potential funding barriers through the Support Fund, previously known as the Bursary.
RAW
We had used the Support Fund to access the RAW week and it has been such an Intro incredible experience. RAW has given Daniel access to activities that he would never have tried before and most importantly he has connected with people his own age who can relate to him. He was very hesitant going but once he was there I had very little contact from him so safe to say he was enjoying himself! Without the Support Fund I’m not sure whether RAW would have been something we could have afforded as a family.
Annual Family Weekend
Receiving support made it possible for me to attend the AFW—an opportunity that would have otherwise been out of reach. Being able to step into a space I had only ever imagined, surrounded by creativity, ambition, and people who inspired me and looked like me. It was incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for my whole family. My two daughters and I all have limb differences. Mine and my eldest daughter’s are genetic, we share the same difference that runs throughout my family. But my youngest daughter’s limb difference isn’t genetic, and for a long time it felt like there were fewer people she could directly relate to. That’s why attending AFW meant so much. Seeing other people who looked like my youngest daughter, people living confidently and achieving amazing things was incredibly powerful. It filled me with happiness and reassurance in a way that’s hard to put into words. It showed me she will thrive, and that her future is full of possibility. For me, attending AFW was an emotional rollercoaster. It gave me confidence, exposure, and a sense of belonging in an environment I once felt distant from. I was able to learn, connect, and truly see what’s possible. It was a moment of pride and reassurance. This opportunity didn’t just allow me to attend an event, it gave us all something lasting to hold onto. A Reach family. Thank you.
Sports Equipment
Ellie’s Support Fund helped her to purchase the One-Arm Freedom® Canoe Paddle from dillenschneiderdesigns.com. “It’s important to share any discovery, big or small, with Reach. You never know what doors that will open up for someone else. Searching for solutions can be a barrier and, to be honest, sometimes a burden, but when you know someone who has used a piece of equipment, it inspires confidence and hope. Ultimately we want to spend more time doing rather than figuring out!” The Support Fund reduces that burden. Ideally, there should be no disincentive for Reach folk trying new things, but realistically the cost can be overwhelming, and unaffordable. The Reach Support Fund is heaven, it eliminates the mental load and allows us the freedom to play! I encourage everyone to avail of the funding. I think people might assume it is a laborious process but it’s not! The Reach Support Fund is designed by our Reach trustees – who are there to support you. They have made it as simple as possible. It is so easy!”
Apply now!
Read the full Within Reach Magazine Spring 2026!