There are many programs and organizations available to assist families with some of the costs associated with raising a child with a disability (with various equipment and service needs for your child). Each program has specific guidelines that should be reviewed prior to applying. This is a guide only and resources can change quickly. Please verify details with individual organizations or agencies.
The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent does not endorse or support any specific program or service mentioned on this list.
If you need additional support accessing or applying for these funding resources, please contact the Family Engagement Coordinator at rguerin@nullchildrenstreatment-ck.com or 519-354-0520 ext. 292.
If you notice that information needs to be updated in this list or have suggestions, please email rguerin@nullchildrenstreatment-ck.com.
This list was last updated by the Family Engagement Coordinator in September 2021.
ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES (ACSD): ACSD provides financial support to families to help cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability. To apply, parents must be residents of Ontario, have a child under the age of 18 living at home and has a severe disability. Financial supports vary and are based on gross income. Funding assistance is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
To apply for ACSD: Applications are available by calling your local Ministry of Community and Social Services office at 800-419-4919 (press 1, press 1, press 1) or by contacting the Family Engagement Coordinator at CTC-CK at 519-354-0520 ext. 292.
For more information please visit:
• https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistance-children-severe-disabilities-program#section-3
• https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance
Note: Verification from a physician regarding the child’s disability is required as part of the application.
Note: Any time your income or expenses change, notify ACSD and they can do a reassessment.
DISABILITY TAX CREDIT (DTC): The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities, or their supporting persons, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. The DTC is known as the “disability amount” on your income tax return.
To apply for DTC: Applications are available on the Government of Canada’s website under T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2201.html
For more information please visit:
• https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html
- Or contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency at 1-800-387-1193
Note: A qualified practitioner must certify on Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, that the child’s impairment meets certain conditions.
INCONTINENCE SUPPLIES GRANT PROGRAM: This is an annual grant, made in two payments, provided to families to offset some of the costs for diapers and certain supplies for incontinence which is administered through Easter Seals Ontario. Open to Ontario residents between the ages of 3-18 years of age.
To apply for the Incontinence Supplies Grant: Applications are available by calling 1-800-278-7797 or by visiting https://services.easterseals.org/incontinence-supplies-grant/how-to-apply-for-incontinence-supplies-grant/
Note: Persons with bedwetting (enuresis) or stress incontinence are not eligible to receive this grant.
Note: A section of the application must be completed by your doctor or nurse practitioner.
ACCESS 2 CARD PROGRAM: Designed for people of all ages who have a permanent disability and require the assistance of a support person. When the cardholder presents their Access 2 Card at any participating venue across Canada, their support person will receive either free admission or a discount.
To apply for the Access 2 Card: To apply for your card, renew your card, or replace your card please visit https://access2card.ca/get-your-card/
For more information please visit:
• https://easterseals.ca/english/access-2-card-program/
• https://access2card.ca/
For a list of participating venues: https://access2card.ca/participating-venues/
Note: As part of the application process for new (first-time) applicants, you will be required to have an authorized healthcare professional verify that you have a permanent disability that requires you to have a support person.
Note: There is an administration fee when applying for an Access 2 Card. The cost is $20.00 for a card valid up to 3 years, or $30.00 for a card valid up to 5 years.
SPECIAL SERVICES AT HOME (SSAH) PROGRAM: Families who are caring for a child with a developmental and/ or physical disability can apply to the SSAH program to receive funding for caregiver relief and related supports or for activities of personal growth and development. Personal growth and development are individual developmental programs that are time-limited and help the individual achieve a specific goal. Family relief and support provides respite/ relief for the caregiver and is related to support services in and out of the home of the family.
To apply for SSAH: Please contact Clay Scott, Manager of Community Participation and Family Supports
Email Address: clay.scott@nullgetintocommunityliving.com
Phone Number: 519-627-0777 ext. 2103
For more information please visit:
Note: Verification from a physician regarding your child’s disability is required as part of the application.
For a comprehensive list of all funding resources please visit Empowered Kids Ontario’s Resources page https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/funding