Additional Funding Resources
Early Intervention Therapy Program
The Early Intervention Therapy Program is funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development to provide community-based occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, physiotherapy and family support services for children between birth and school entry who have a developmental delay or disability, including autism spectrum disorder. Early Intervention Therapy Program services are found at your local child development center and referrals can be made by anyone to the program. There may be a wait list for service. Please see http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/spec_needs/eits.htm for more information or contact your local MCFD Regional Office.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
The Child Disability Benefit is a tax-free benefit for families who care for a child under the age of 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions. Once this application is accepted, the CDB applies to previous years up to your child’s birth year. For more information see http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/dsblty-eng.html.
Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
A tax free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. The CCTB may include the “National Child Benefit Supplement” (NCBS) and “Child Disability Benefit” (CDB). For more information see http://www.cra-arc. gc.ca/bnfts/cctb/menu-eng.html.
Extended Health Plans
Some extended health plans may cover some of the costs of speech language pathology services, physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. Check with your extended health benefits supplier for details.
At-Home Program
The At Home Program is funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development to assist parents with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home. Two main areas supported by the At Home program include:
- Respite Care Benefits: funding for parents to purchase respite care for their child either in their home or at another location. There are eligibility requirements and a wait list for service.
- Medical Benefits, such as supplemental Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for a school-aged child. There are eligibility requirements and a wait list for service.
For more information see http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/healthy-women-children/child-behaviour-development/special-needs/complex-health-needs/at-home-program.
Children’s Charities
Many charities will provide grants for therapy services, such as The Variety Club Children’s Charity (Information on Individual Grants can be found at http://www.variety.bc.ca/grants/ and the President’s Choice Children’s Charity http://www.presidentschoice.ca/en_CA/community/pccc.html).
Local Autism Parenting Groups
Some local Autism Parent Support Groups offer grants for therapy services and may have a toy and book lending library for parents to access. For a list of volunteer community support groups from across BC visit The Vancouver Autism Meetup