Many provincial government programs support children and youth with physical disabilities. The following list includes some of the most important programs for families. Please follow the links to get more details of each program and the most up to date information.
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/index.aspx
Accessibility (Disability) Parking Permits
Accessible parking permits are issued to a person with an eligible health condition or disability.
www.ontario.ca/page/get-accessible-parking-permit#section-0
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
Support for families with children with severe disabilities.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/disabilities.aspx
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Ontario provides a range of services and supports to children and youth with autism.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/autism/programs.aspx
Blindness and Low Vision
An Early Intervention Program for children from birth to grade one with challenges related to their vision.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/earlychildhood/blindnesslowvision/index.aspx
Children and Youth in Rural and Remote Areas of Northern Ontario
Programs that promote healthy development in ways that respect Indigenous traditions.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/indigenous/index.aspx
Developmental Disabilities
A developmental disability is an impairment in cognitive function that arises before adulthood and usually lasts throughout life. Ontario provides services and supports to children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families. Most services are delivered through community-based agencies.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/developmental.aspx
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Ontario is focused on providing better results and better lives for people affected by FASD. Ontario is improving the coordination of services, enhancing supports and, ultimately, improving the quality of life of those affected by FASD
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/fasd/index.aspx
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children and Youth
Ontario supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and youth through culturally appropriate services and programs.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/indigenous/index.aspx
Infant Hearing Program
Help for babies who are deaf or hard of hearing.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/infant-hearing-program
Mental Health
There is help for children and youth up to the age of 18 who have social, emotional, behavioural or psychiatric problems.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/mentalhealth/index.aspx
Ontario Child Benefit
The Ontario Child Benefit supports about one million children in over 500,000 families. It provides a maximum payment of $1,403 per child per year. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the Ontario Child Benefit on behalf of the Ontario government.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/financialhelp/ocb/index.aspx
Ontario Disability Support Program
If you have a disability, are over the age of 18 years and need help with your living expenses, you may be eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/MCSS/programs/social/odsp/income_support/index.aspx
Ontario Disability Employment Support Program
Many people with disabilities can work and want to work. That’s why there are Ontario Disability Support Program employment supports.
www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/employment_support/index.aspx
Preschool Speech and Language Program
If you are worried about your child, the first step is to contact your local Preschool Speech and Language Program for an assessment.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/english/earlychildhood/speechlanguage/index.aspx
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation services can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology for children and youth with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities and communication disorders.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/rehabilitation.aspx
Residential Services
Residential settings include group homes, foster homes, provincially operated facilities and youth justice open and secure custody/detention facilities.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/professionals/childwelfare/residential/index.aspx
Respite Programs
Ontario funds two programs that can give families a break, or respite, from the day-to-day care of their child with special needs.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/respite.aspx
Special Services at Home
Support for families with children with physical or developmental disabilities.
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/specialservices.aspx
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids, and also helps cover the cost of specialized supplies, such as those used with ostomies.
www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program
