Purchased Services – Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Services
The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent has listened to families!
Families asked for more services and families want services to be easy, familiar, comfortable, high quality, and under one roof. The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham Kent (CTC-CK) is proud of its reputation in the community as a provider of specialized, high quality rehabilitation services. Beginning on August 24, 2020 all children and families with special needs, regardless of diagnosis, can purchase occupational therapy (OT) and speech language pathology (SLP) services.
What changed and why does the CTC-CK now offer Purchased Service OT and SLP?
Last year, the Ontario government opened the door for children’s treatment centres to offer services for purchase. In addition, the Ontario government introduced a new direct funding model for families of eligible children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder to be used to purchase additional services.
What will stay the same?
Clients and families can be assured that the CTC-CK will continue to provide government funded services. Families and children will be able to access the services they are eligible to receive at no cost and regardless of their diagnosis. Government funded speech and language services and occupational therapy services are limited and therefore the CTC-CK can only offer so much service for children and families and there are waiting lists. Purchased service options are in support of the mission of the Centre to provide specialized therapy and innovative programs to empower children, youth and their families to reach their potential.
As required by their colleges, the OT’s or SLP’s providing purchased services are responsible for communicating with their client’s other service providers to help ensure everyone is working together to meet the client and family goals and needs. Communication may be with other service providers in the CTC-CK or outside the CTC such as a school board SLP.
How do you provide safe PS OT and SLP during the Covid-19 pandemic?
The health and safety of clients, families, staff, and our community, is a priority during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the recommendations from public health, regulatory colleges, and public health, the CTC-CK has implemented guidelines, protocols and training, to protect the health and safety of our staff, clients, and families. This includes implementing practices to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 such as mandatory masks, risk screening, and physical distancing.
To meet the needs of our clients and families, we are offering purchased PS occupational therapy and PS speech language pathology services in-person at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham Kent or parents may choose to receive virtual/telepractice services. Telepractice is a way for CTC-CK staff to connect virtually with clients and families using an online platform such as Teams or Zoom. We can provide virtual assessment, treatment and strategy sessions.
What services can be purchased?
Speech and Language Pathology services including assessments, therapy, and strategy sessions.
Occupational therapy services including assessments, therapy, and strategy sessions.
My child already receives government funded services from a therapist at the CTC-CK. Can the same therapist also provide purchased services?
Due to a conflict of interest, therapists cannot provide both government and privately funded services for your child. The CTC-CK will assign a different therapist to provide Purchased Services, and with your consent, the therapists will share information and work together to help your child achieve their goals.
Fee for Service – Information on Occupational Therapy Services Available for Purchase