Funding Facts

The TVCC Funding Guide

The Funding_Guide_2014 (501 kb) is intended to assist parents in contacting various organizations regarding equipment and special needs funding. In addition, to this guide, the following resources may be of interest.

Financial Assistance for Diapers

There is a grant available from the Ministry of Health to help with the cost of diapers/catheters/enema supplies, once your child with special needs reaches the age of three. If your child is using intermittent catheters, you should already be receiving this grant, and no further money will be given to cover diapers. Contact your local Easter Seal office, the Resource Centre or the Clinic Nurse, to obtain a copy of the grant guidelines and application. Please note that you do not need to be an Easter Seal child in order to access this grant, and it is not income dependant.

Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

The ACSD (formerly known as Handicapped Children's Benefits) is administered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. This program helps parents of children with special needs to meet ongoing expenses. The program is based on income.

Financial Assistance with Prescription Drugs

If you or your family spend a large part of your income on prescription drugs, the Trillium Drug Program can help to cover the cost. After you spend a certain amount (your "deductible") on prescription drugs each year, you will be eligible for Ontario Drug Benefits. For further information, call the Trillium Drug Benefit Program Hotline at 1-800-575-5386.

Northern Health Travel Grant

The Northern Health Travel Grant Assists Northern Residents to pay for travel to the closest specialist to receive medically necessary care, which is unavailable in their community. The grant is paid after the trip and forms are available in your doctor's office.

Out of Home Parent Relief

Out of home parent relief is available in some areas of the province. Associations for Community Living and the Salvation Army Community Living programs have some respite care homes for children with developmental disabilities; Easter Seals have weekend camp for their clients' and Kids Country Club is available for children who are medically fragile/tech. dependent.

Special Services at Home Program (SSAH)

The SSAH program is offered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. It is designed to assist families in meeting the special needs of their child by funding in-home support workers. Contact your local MCSS office for info. The London and Middlesex Area program is administered by VON Family Support. 

Disabled Person Parking Permit

The portable parking permit is available through the Ministry of Transportation. The permit is issued to the child and can be used only for the purpose of transporting the child. The application package is available also at the Easter Seal office in London.

Provincial Sales Tax Rebate on Vehicles

Through the Ministry of Revenue, there is a Sales Tax Rebate (3mb) available for new or used vehicles. The vehicle must be used to transport children with a permanent physical disability. For further info and application, contact your local Retail Sales Tax office. The Easter Seal Society office usually has them too, as well as most car dealerships.

Federal Tax Credit for Disabled Dependents

This deduction is available through Revenue Canada Taxation. It is designed to reduce the amount of federal income tax paid. The child must have a "prolonged mental or physical impairment". For a T2201 form, contact Revenue Canada.

Medical Income Tax Deductions

Revenue Canada allows certain medical expenses to be claimed. There is a section on your income tax form for this and the expenses must be supported by receipts, and in some circumstances, a doctor's letter may also be required.

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

The Assistive Devices Program, run by the Ontario Ministry of Health, is intended to help Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities get needed equipment and supplies. ADP will pay towards the cost of 11 categories of equipment. Each category of equipment has specific criteria that individuals must meet in order to be eligible for funding assistance.

The categories include:

• Communication Devices
• Enteral Feeding Supplies
• Orthotic Devices
• Pressure Modification Devices
• Respiratory Devices
• Wheelchair, Positioning and Ambulation Aids
• Diabetes Supplies
• Hearing Services
• Ostomy Supplies
• Prosthetic Devices
• Visual Devices

ADP Fact sheets are available on each category of equipment listing devices and supplies eligible for ADP funding. These are available in the Thames Valley Children's Centre Resource Centre or through the ADP website.

For more information, ask your child's therapist or write to:
Assistive Devices Program 7th floor, 5700 Yonge Street North York, ON M2M 4K5
Call: 1-800-268-6021 Fax: (416)327-8192 T.D.D/TTY: 1-800-387-5559 INFOline: 1-800-268-1154

Dental Funding

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, through the Cleft Lip and Palate/Craniofacial Dental program provides dental funding assistance to residents of Ontario up to 22 years of age. Clients must register with one of the 9 regional Cleft Lip and Palate/Craniofacial Dental programs across the province and be seen by the team to determine eligibility for this funding. One of the regional programs is at Thames Valley Children's Centre. Clients are to access their private dental insurance plan first, if they have one, before accessing the government funding.

For more information about Dental Funding, contact the Dental Funding Clinic Assistant at the Centre, at 519-685-8680 extension 54086