From funding for mobility and accessibility equipment, to fully accessible summer camp and post-secondary scholarship, Easter Seals programs and services enable kids with physical disabilities focus on what they can do rather than on their limitations. We also administer programs on behalf of the provincial government.
Eligibility for Easter Seals programs varies, so please review the eligibility criteria for each program separately. For example, there are specific criteria for the following programs:
- Equipment Funding Program – must have a long term physical disability that impacts independent mobility and requires the use of a mobility device, such as a walker or wheelchair and be under the age of 19
- Easter Seals Camping Program – must have a long term physical disability that impacts independent mobility and requires the use of a mobility device, such as a walker or wheelchair and meet specific program criteria for age, ability to communicate and participate in programs
- Incontinence Supplies Grant Program – must have a physical or developmental disability and a long term bladder or bowel disorder that requires day and night time use of incontinence products, such as diapers or catheters
- Top Up Grant – must be eligible for the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program and be in receipt of Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
- Scholarship Program – must have a long term physical disability and be attending a post-secondary institution in Ontario – individual scholarships have additional criteria which must be met by applicants
- Other Programs – Easter Seals occasionally offers short term funding programs for specific devices or equipment and eligibility will be specific to the program.
Easter Seals Ontario also provides information resources for families and youth or young adults with disabilities, which are available to everyone, including:
- Special Education – Easter Seals Kids at School is site with information on:
- Starting School
- Special Education, including Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) Process and Individual Education Plans (IEP)
- Special Education Advisory Committees
- High School
- Communicating for Success
- Leaving High School
- Family Information – includes key topics such as:
- Disability Support Organizations
- Financial Planning for a Child with a Disability
- Home and Vehicle Modifications
- Ontario Government Programs and Services
- Respite Services
- Sports Organizations
- Transition Planning
