Funding Options for Clinical Services & Programs: A Guide for Families
- Abbie Cameron
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Raising a child with disabilities or medical needs comes with unique challenges, and one of the biggest concerns for many families is the cost of clinical services. Whether it’s therapy, specialized equipment, or respite care, these expenses can add up quickly. Fortunately, Ontario offers several funding programs to help ease the financial burden and ensure children and adults with disabilities can access the support they need.
Navigating these programs can feel overwhelming, especially with changing eligibility requirements and waitlists. This guide breaks down key funding options available in Ontario, what they cover, and where to find up-to-date application details.
Ontario Autism Program (OAP) – Provides funding for therapy, assessments, and individualized services to support children and youth with autism.
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) – Offers financial aid to low- and moderate-income families to help cover extra costs of raising a child with a severe disability.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP) – Helps individuals with long-term disabilities access essential assistive devices, including mobility aids, hearing aids, and communication devices.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Provides income and employment support, as well as health and dental benefits, for adults with disabilities and their families.
Special Services at Home (SSAH) – Funds respite care and skill-building activities for children with physical or developmental disabilities to improve their quality of life.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) – Connects adults with developmental disabilities to services such as housing, community programs, and caregiver support.
Enhanced Respite – Provides additional financial support to families caring for children with complex medical needs who require specialized care.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) – A federal tax credit that helps reduce income tax for individuals with disabilities or their caregivers to offset disability-related expenses.
Easter Seals Incontinence Grant – Assists families by covering part of the cost of incontinence supplies for children with disabilities aged three and older.
Autism Ontario March Break Fund – Offers financial support to help families of children with autism cover the cost of March Break programs and activities.
Link: https://www.autismontario.com/sites/default/files/2019-01/March%2Band%2BSummer%2BReport%2Bv6.pdf
Jumpstart – Provides grants for children and youth with disabilities to participate in sports and recreation programs, ensuring access to inclusive activities.
Link: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants
Access 2 Program – Offers free or discounted admission for a support person accompanying an individual with a disability at participating entertainment and recreation venues across Canada.
Funding & Financial Supports Guide for families who have children with disabilities: from Holland Bloorview - This is a downloadable PDF containing a list of some government funding programs, charitable organizations, recreation and housing funding sources and other financial resources that may be helpful to families.
Book and Video Recommendation:
The Family Guide to Disability and Personal Finances by Ed Arbuckle
How to Prepare for the ODSP Application | Tips for Autistic Adults & Caregivers
WonderTree is here to help navigate the application process for these funding programs, ensuring families can access the support they need to thrive. If you need assistance or have questions about any of these options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Reach out to us!
Download our handy info sheet for a comprehensive list of these funding programs, along with descriptions and links to the application details.
Click here to download!
If you want to get started on support first:
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IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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