What is the AAI?

The AAI provides adaptive cycling equipment to people with Ataxia who have demonstrated the desire to stay active and healthy despite their disabilities. The AAI is managed by rideATAXIA, a FARA program, with a mission to promote active lifestyles among FA patients through cycling events across the United States geared towards raising awareness and much-needed research funds.

AAI grants are administered through a competitive application process. Applicants are invited to submit an essay summarizing their experience with Ataxia and their efforts to stay active. Individuals then select the most appropriate adaptive cycling equipment to suit their abilities and describe how such equipment would help them to reach their fitness goals. AAI grants are awarded based on the merit of the applications, equipment requested, and resources available in terms of funding.

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Apply for an AAI Grant

Application is closed for 2024 and will open again next spring!

Applications are reviewed by a panel of Disabled Athletes, Ataxians, and other representatives of the Ataxia community.

To the right, you’ll find a video about the application process (this video is from 2017 but the process is the same).

Thumbnail for video shows Kyle Bryant explaining how to register for AAI grant.

Grants Awarded

Grants are to be awarded based on the following:

  • Applicants must have been diagnosed with some form of Hereditary Ataxia to qualify
  • Detailed research and knowledge of equipment requested
  • Applicant’s perceived character, drive, and commitment to an active lifestyle
  • Financial need

The online application includes:

  • General information: name, address etc.
  • Ataxia diagnosis; FA, A-T, AOA, SCA, unknown, etc.
  • Your story or bio (3-5 paragraphs)
  • Your adaptive cycling experience level — we are interested in funding both avid adaptive cyclists and interested individuals who are new to the sport
  • Detailed equipment request
  • Why/how you made your choice
  • Itemized cost of request
  • Financial information: Monthly income and expenses for everyone in the household (parent, step-parent, spouse, domestic partner etc.)

Past Recipients

Peter Tait, South Africa
Mónica Herrero Huerta, Puerto Rico
Andrew Harthorne, Maine

Dylan McDonnell, Gansevoort, NY
Kevin Kelly, Lakewood, OH
Mekayla Holm, Cottage Grove, MN
Monica Caliendo, Southington, CT
Ron Greer, Tucson, AZ

Judith Trivett of Ocean Springs, MS
Karen Hunt of Clyde, NC
Michael Kelly of Bainbridge Island, WA
Nora Moser of Gig Harbor, WA
Shandra Trantham of Gainesville, FL

Boston Gray of Huntsville, TX
Cecil Williams of Chatanooga, TN
Chrysanthi Zouval of Pefki, Greece
George Guinto of Toronto, Canada
The Swaney Family of Pendleton, SC

Carrie Bollinger of Colorado Springs, CO
Christine Bielski of Fort Meyers, FL
David Riley of Windcrest, TX
Jacob Thompson of Minneapolis, MN
Luis Chicol Sipac of Santa Fe, NM
Mary Englund of Portland, OR
Noah Griffith of Salem, AL
Orrin Forsyth of Garden City, MI
Rodney Cook of Bellevue, OH
Sean Sommerville of Walnut Creek, CA
Ziyad Halawani of East Norriton, PA

Casey Kasselder of Pasco, WA
Carrie Thurston of British Columbia, Canada
Geraint Williams of Wales, UK
Jarrod Poston of Bowling Green, KY
Justin Bolinger of Jordan, MT
Michael Yuan of Wilsonville, OR
Rick Reyes of Juneau, AK
Ryan Slade of Lakeway, TX
Yasin Rehmanji of Toronto, Canada

Casey Kasselder of Pasco, WA
Danielle Ciccotti of Preston, CT
Francis Orlowski of Piermont, NH
Gregory Klassen of Elkridge, MD
Jeff Rose of Cardiff, CA
Julie Vallier of Gwinn, MI
Tim Hibscher of Minneapolis, MN
Vladimir Ayriyan of La Mesa, CA
Wenseslao Reyes of Aloha, OR
Zachary Hennessy of Alamo, CA
Aleksandra Zienkiewicz of Oulu, Finland