Autism Funding
Please Note That This Information Is Being Provided For Educational Purposes Only. Please Consult With Your Local Autism Service Agencies For More Comprehensive Funding Options And To Determine Eligability!
Looking through this list of funding can be overwhelming! Contact your local Autism Service agency i.e. Kerry's Place ask for a "Service Navigator" and ask for "case coordination" support if needed. They will assign someone to help you!
1) Disability Tax Credit
The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with impairments, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
If you have a severe and prolonged impairment, you may apply for the credit. If you are approved, you may claim the credit at tax time.
By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the impairment.
Remember that Autism is from birth! Work with your doctor and local service agencies to file an amendment on all your taxes from year of birth for your child to apply the DTC once approved. Ensure that the doctor fills out your DTC forms properly to indicate from birth so that you get this. A lump sum payment will generally be provided which can be amazing for off setting the cost of some initial supports and services. If you need help filling out the DTC forms, contact your local Autism service agency i.e. Kerrys Place. They have people to help with this!
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html
2) OAP / "Access OAP"
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) offers support to families of children and youth on the autism spectrum.
Children and youth who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by a qualified professional are eligible for the program. Children receive services and supports until the age of 18.
Be Sure To Apply Soon! Wait Times Are Long. Once approved, you can get upwards of $40,000 for Behavioral services Specifically i.e. aBA
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program
3) SSAH
Families who are caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability can apply to the Special Services at Home (SSAH) program to get funding for:
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primary caregiver relief and related supports
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activities of personal growth or development for the child, including camps and recreational activities, like swimming and music classes.
This program is fantastic for respite! It is a Reimbursement style program so you do have to put out the money first and then apply to be compensated.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/special-services-home
4) Autism Ontario - March Break & Respite Funding
The March Break Reimbursement Fund is available to Ontario families of autistic children or youth who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker OR who have paid for their child to attend a March Break camp or program, but not both. Maximum reimbursements of $350 per child or youth (up to 18th birthday) will be made to subsidize services purchased the March Break Week.
A minimum of 1,007 families, from across Ontario, are expected to receive reimbursements. Reimbursements will be provided based on a random selection made from all eligible applicants who apply between December 19 and January 23.
This program is fantastic for providing money to offset the cost of march break camps/ respite or in some years they even approve the purchase of a "large ticket item" for march break entertainment.
https://www.autismontario.com/marchbreak
5) Other Discounts
Rogers Ignite Discount
FYI for anyone who has Rogers Ignite services. I sent the email yesterday and got a response already that 30% will begin on my next billing cycle.
Please read the below carefully and fulfill the requirement in order to add the discount to your account.
Only customers who qualify for this offer and are on an Ignite TV Bundle package are eligible for this discount.
· This offer is available anywhere that Ignite TV bundles are available.
· The discount is 30% off the Ignite TV Bundle service, as well as 30% off add-on services.
· The discount does not apply to the price of additional boxes.
· The discount will begin as of the next billing cycle.
· The individual with special needs does not need to be the account holder, but can be a member of the household. The member of the household will have to demonstrate that they qualify through membership to a disability association and that they reside in the household of the account holder.
Examples of Disability Associations:
· Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits
· Canadian Hearing Society (CHS)
· Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
· Deaf Wireless Canada Committee ( DWCC)
· Easter Seals Canada
· March of Dimes
· Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Please note that these are examples only and the customer you speak to may have a different association that is not listed here.
How to Apply This Offer
The customer must send their name, ROGERS account number and proof (scanned document with picture) of membership to a disability association (including but not limited to: Charities, Non-Profit Groups and Government Agencies) to the Special Discounts team who will apply the discount. Customers can send documentation by email to RSDG@rci.rogers.com mailto:RSDG@rci.rogers.com <mailto:RSDG@rci.rogers.com>.
Access 2 Card
The Access 2 Card Is For People Of All Ages And Types Of Permanent Disabilities Who Require The Assistance Of A Support Person At Hundreds Of Participating Entertainment, Cultural And Recreational Venues Across Canada. A Support Person Is An Adult Who Accompanies A Person With A Permanent Disability To Assist With Services That Are Not Provided By The Employees At The Participating Venue, Such As Assistance With Eating, Administering Medication, Communication And Use Of The Facilities. The Access 2 Card Costs Only $20 For 3-Years, Or $30 For 5-Years And Will Be Valid At All Participating Venues During That Time.
This program is fantastic for providing free admission to common attractions. check out what is on the list but also never be afraid to ask for disability discounts even at places not listed!
Https://Access2card.Ca/
6) Other supports and services
Other government services and supports
Your child or youth with autism may be eligible for other government programs for children with special needs, such as:
- Healthy child development programs, including:
- Rehabilitation services delivered by children’s treatment centres
- Special needs resource teachers in child care settings
- Special Services at Home program
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities program
Supports in schools
Your child may be eligible for school-based supports for students with autism.