Date: March 2024
Amount: $224,841

The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (Courage Kenny) aims to make sure that individuals receive the rehabilitation services that they need. Courage Kenny’s Handiham program (formerly the Handiham System) was founded in 1967 in Rochester, MN by Ned Carman W0ZSW such that people with disabilities and visual impairments could participate in amateur radio, allowing them to get out and explore the world. The Handiham program became a full-service program in 1975, playing a significant role in the lives of persons with disabilities. Participants in the program also have the option of learning about amateur radio and other technologies in their homes via online courses.

Last year, ARDC funded the Handiham program to purchase equipment to be used during their in-person radio camp. This grant will provide funding for the Handiham program to continue their programming. Specifically, the funding will allow them to purchase equipment for a multitude of Handiham events for many years; establish a staff role to support and enhance their programming; and host their 2024 Hotel-Based Radio Camp. As a result of this funding, persons who are living with disabilities will continue to have access to both recreational and extra-curricular activities and to also have the ability to connect with people worldwide by sharing their experiences via ham radio.

Learn more at https://handiham.org/.