How to access additional funding sources for your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) offers support to families of children and youth with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including funding for families when purchasing services, supports, and tools.
But did you know that there are additional funding sources available for your child outside of the OAP? If you are unsure of where to start, below are seven common funding sources our team compiled that you can check out to support your child and family.
Click on the title of each funding source to be brought to the website to learn more and apply if you qualify. If you require support when completing an application, you can request a free consultation with our Service Navigation team here.
Kinark also offers free Funding Application Support sessions for three important applications for your child with ASD. View the upcoming dates on our website here.
Common Funding Sources
The Special Services at Home program is funded and managed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. This program helps families pay for special services in or outside the family home if the child is not receiving support from a residential program.
The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities program is for parents caring for a child with a severe disability. This program provides financial support for low-to-moderate income families to help cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services. When your child turns 18, your children’s developmental services such as Special Services at Home, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities and services through the Ontario Autism Program end. This means that you must apply through DSO to see if your child is eligible to receive ministry-funded support as an adult. You can start the application process when your child turns 16 and applying early may help to avoid service delays when your child turns 18. If you’re looking for additional support as your child approaches the age of 18, you can register for a free upcoming Transition to Adulthood workshop on our website here.
The Incontinence Supplies Grant is an annual grant made in two payments and provided to families to offset some of the costs for diapers and certain supplies for incontinence. Easter Seals Ontario administers the grant program on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and follows their eligibility criteria.
The Kerry’s Place Respite Flexible Funding is from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and serves as an enhancement for families to access respite services in their community. Families can only apply for these funds once a year, and applications typically take place between January and mid-February. It’s important to note that applications are selected through the use of a lottery system.
The Autism Ontario One-to-One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund is for families of children with ASD who require a one-to-one support worker. It can be used for respite services or recreational programs and camps and has a maximum reimbursement of $600 per child for services purchased for July and August. Applications are submitted in June each year and about 500 randomly selected families receive the funding.
Jordan’s Principle is designed to support First Nations children living in Canada to access the products, services and supports they need. It offers funding for speech therapy, educational support, medical equipment, mental health services and more.
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