Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ASCD)
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/disabilities.aspx
A monthly allowance intended to provide financial assistance to caregivers to help with the costs related to their child/youth’s severe disability. For low and moderate income families; family income considered.
Families will likely require some level of support with the application process, not online.
See: Ontario Disability Support Program for children/youth 18+
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/specialservices.aspx
SSAH funding is meant to help families caring for a child/youth with a developmental and/or physical disability. It can be used to support skill development or respite for the family. This funding is not income based. May be a waitlist; apply early.
Families will likely require some level of support with the application process; documentation of diagnosis/need is required.
See: Developmental Services Ontario for child/youth 18+
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
A tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax for someone with a disability or the person supporting them. Eligibility can open the door for other government programs.
It is helpful to speak to an accountant or financial specialist. The tax form has a section to be completed by a medical practitioner.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program
ADP is funding for customized equipment and specialized supplies (e.g., wheelchair, ostomy supplies, and hearing aids). ADP may cover up to 75% of the cost for eligible items; not income based. Child/youth will need a valid health card.
The forms are most often completed by the vendor or ADP authorized clinician, with youth/guardian signature.
Equipment Funding Program – Easter Seals Ontario
https://services.easterseals.org/equipment-funding/
Easter Seals Equipment Funding Program helps families with the cost of mobility/accessibility equipment that is required by children/youth with permanent physical disabilities; child/youth must be dependent on a mobility aid.
Registration is required (separate from the Incontinence Grant program).
Easter Seals funding availability depends on the availability of funds. Approval must be obtained before ordering equipment. This requires clinician support.
Incontinence Supplies Grant (Diaper)
https://services.easterseals.org/incontinence-supplies-grant/
A grant to offset the cost of diapers and some incontinence supplies for Ontario children/youth (up to 18) who have a chronic disability involving irreversible incontinence or retention problems. It is not income based.
This form requires information and a signature from a doctor or nurse practitioner but can otherwise be completed by the family. The grants are audited regularly; very important to keep all receipts.
March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Modification Program
https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/am/hvmp
Provides families with funding for home improvements that will help in the care of their child/youth, such as bathroom modifications, ramps, lifts and tracks. Funding has lifetime caps for home modifications and 10-year caps for vehicle modifications and is income based.
The application is online and has an online application guide to support completion.
