Below is a listing of services in the province of Ontario that may be appropriate:
ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES
Administered by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services
www.children.gov.on.ca
Assistance for parents who have the extra expenses associated with a child with serious special needs. Some of the costs covered are travel to doctors and hospitals, special shoes and clothing, parent relief, wheelchair repairs and hearing-aid batteries. The amount of assistance available is based on total family income, number of children in the family and the costs associated with caring for their child. This program assists parents of children with special needs who are under 18 years of ate and living at home with their parents. An application form is available from the local Ministry regional office.
ASSISTIVE DEVICES PROGRAM
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
www.health.gov.on.ca
ADP assists in paying up to 75 percent of the cost of equipment, such as orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs, enteral feeding supplies and equipment, visual and communication aids. Most devices must be authorized by a qualified health care professional registered with the program and purchased from vendors registered with the ADP Branch. Ontario residents are eligible who hold an Ontario health card and have a physical disability of six months or longer. In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at the time of purchase and the vendor bills ADP the balance. Additional information is available on the Ministry website or by contacting them at 1-800-268-6021 toll free for Ontario or Toronto 416-327-8804.
SPECIAL SERVICES AT HOME (SSAH)
Administered by Ministry of Children and Youth Services
This program provides funding directly to families so they can purchase services to provide personal development and relief support to a child or adult with a developmental disability or a child with a physical disability. Funding can be used for:
Personal development and growth, to assist a person acquire new skills and abilities
Respite and Support, to assist the family to pay for services for day to day care of their child The amount of funding a family receives is based on:
- The type and amount of service a child needs
- Supports and services currently available in the community
- What support the family is already receiving
- Availability of funds
Families of a child with a developmental or physical disability can apply for this funding assistance. Application forms are available on the Ministry website.