Programs and Services

Financial Assistance

Listed below are a number of organizations that are available to help families cover the cost of various equipment and services needs. Each organization has specific guidelines & policies that should be reviewed prior to applying. Families should be encouraged to contact their insurance companies first, prior to looking into additional funding. Note: this is a guide only, please verify details with individual organizations.

Home Renovations

Most organizations have very specific policies around this, and all of them expect that the changes being made to the home are a necessity based on the special needs of the child (i.e. not a way to increase the value of the home).

  • Ontario March of Dimes – Home & Vehicle Modification Program (Link) : applicants must complete a screening tool prior to applying. Will also need to provide photos of area, & proof of total household income (cannot exceed $65,000 after deductions) at time of formal application. Maximum funding is $15,000 but awarded amount varies with income. 

  • Presidents Choice Children’s Charity (Link) : applicants must write a letter themselves explaining how it will help child & family, provide 3rd party letter & proof of total household income (cannot exceed $70,000 net). Maximum funding is $20,000 but will be awarded based on availability of funds & decision of board.

  • Easter Seals (Link) : currently has no income restrictions, but child must be registered first with Easter Seals (to qualify, must have a physical diagnosis). They have very specific rules regarding which portion of the renovation may be covered. Maximum funding is $3,000 and is awarded based on availability of funds & decision of board. Note also that families are limited to a max. of $3000 per year for all funding and must apply between Jan 1st – Sept. 30th each year.

  • For the Love of a Child – smaller organization that may be able to provide some assistance. Absolute max received is around $500, based on availability of funds raised that year. Applications are available on their website at www.fortheloveofachild.com Please contact: 905.725.7411 or (http://www.fortheloveofachild.com/ )

    Muscular Dystrophy Association (Link) : must be registered first (to qualify, must have a neuromuscular disorder that has been included by MDA). Some assistance may be available. For details, contact MDA directly at 1-800-567-2873 ext. 160 or 164. They require 2 quotes and supporting letter from therapist and/or Family Support.

  • Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program- Disability (RRAP –D) (Link) : offered through CMHC – program offers financial assistance for renovations for low-income persons with disabilities. Total household income cannot exceed $29,500 to receive a loan, and $16,000 to receive a grant. For Oshawa area, contact 905-436-3852 ext. 2408.

  • Home Depot – handled by each local store. May be able to provide labour and/or materials to assist families. Contact the store closest to the client for details.

  • Other – other places that families can look into include local service clubs not included in the Partnership, Wish Organizations, and fundraising initiatives.

Vehicle Modifications

Most organizations have very specific policies around this, and all of them expect that the purchase/changes being made to the vehicle are a necessity based on the special needs of the child.

  • Ontario March of Dimes – Home & Vehicle Modification Program (Link) : applicants must complete a screening tool prior to applying. Will also need to provide photos of area, & proof of total household income (cannot exceed $65,000 after deductions) at time of formal application. Maximum funding is $15,000 but awarded amount varies with income.  

  • Presidents Choice Children’s Charity (Link) : applicants must write a letter themselves explaining how it will help child & family, provide 3rd party letter & proof of total household income (cannot exceed $70,000 net). Maximum funding is $20,000 but will be awarded based on availability of funds & decision of board.

  • Easter Seals (Link) : currently has no income restrictions, but child must be registered first with Easter Seals (to qualify, must have a physical diagnosis). They have very specific rules regarding which renovations will be covered. Maximum funding is $3,000 and is awarded based on availability of funds & decision of board. Note also that families are limited to a max. of $3000 per year for all funding and must apply between Jan 1st – Sept. 30th each year.

  • For the Love of a Child – smaller organization that may be able to provide some assistance. Absolute max received is around $500, based on availability of funds raised that year. Applications are available in the Family Support Services office, Resource Centre or by contacting For the Love of a Child. Current contact: Dawn Gomme – 905-728-7219 (note this is a home #) or (http://www.fortheloveofachild.com/).

  • Muscular Dystrophy Association (Link) : must be registered first (to qualify, must have a neuromuscular disorder that has been included by MDA). Some assistance may be available. For details, contact MDA directly at 1-800-567-2873 ext. 160 or 164. They require 2 quotes and supporting letter from therapist and/or Family Support.

Equipment

  • Ontario March of Dimes – Home & Vehicle Modification Program (Link) : applicants must complete a screening tool prior to applying. Will also need to provide photos of area, & proof of total household income (cannot exceed $65,000 after deductions) at time of formal application. Maximum funding is $15,000 but awarded amount varies with income.

  • Presidents Choice Children’s Charity (Link) : applicants must write a letter themselves explaining how it will help child & family, provide 3rd party letter & proof of total household income (cannot exceed $70,000 net). Maximum funding is $20,000 but will be awarded based on availability of funds & decision of board.

  • Easter Seals (Link) : currently has no income restrictions, but child must be registered first with Easter Seals (to qualify, must have a physical diagnosis). They have very specific rules regarding which portion of the renovation may be covered. Maximum funding is $3,000 and is awarded based on availability of funds & decision of board. Note also that families are limited to a max. of $3000 per year for all funding and must apply between Jan 1st – Sept. 30th each year.

  • For the Love of a Child – smaller organization that may be able to provide some assistance. Absolute max received is around $500, based on availability of funds raised that year. Applications are available in the Family Support Services office, Resource Centre or by contacting For the Love of a Child. Current contact: Dawn Gomme – 905-728-7219 (note this is a home #) or (http://www.fortheloveofachild.com/)  

  • Muscular Dystrophy Association (Link) : must be registered first (to qualify, must have a neuromuscular disorder that has been included by MDA). Some assistance may be available. For details, contact MDA directly at 1-800-567-2873 ext. 160 or 164. They require 2 quotes and supporting letter from therapist and/or Family Support.

  • Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy – Assistive Devices Program (www.ofcp.on.ca/devices.html) : Available for any child or adult with CP in Ontario. Maximum funding is $2500/yr and cannot exceed 25% of total cost of item. Applications accepted from Sept. 1- June 1 each year. Funding available for communication & writing aids, feeding equipment, orthotic devices, respiratory equipment, mobility aids, bathroom aids & home accessibility aids. See website for specific details.

  • Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (Link) : may be able to help with some requests such as serial casting, and orthotics. Clients should contact their worker to discuss. Funding assistance reviewed on a case by case basis, and up to the workers discretion.

  • Precious Minds (Link) : some available assistance for North Families (likely under $1000). Applications can be made on the family’s behalf (i.e. you can sign application) and notice of decision is generally given in about 2 weeks time.  

  • Other – other places that families can look into include local service clubs not included in the Partnership, Wish Organizations, and fundraising initiatives.

Other

These organizations are available to assist families with a variety of needs. Each has specific guidelines & policies that should be looked into.

  • Incontinence Supplies Grant Program – handled by the Easter Seal Society. The program offers family assistance with the extraordinary costs associated with diapering a child with special needs. Applications must be completed & signed by a physician & are available in the Resource Centre.

  • The Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation (Link) – funding available for children under 21 yrs old, for the following: emergency financial relief, care giving, therapies, education, computers, medical equipment & recreational activities. Funding is based on income, but consideration is given to living expenses.

  • Baagwating Community Association (Great Blue Heron) – may be able to provide some assistance for various needs. Contact them directly at 905-985-3337. Applicants need to provide financial information and a letter explaining why the item/service is needed.

  • Trillium Drug Program – Ministry of Health (Link) – assists families with the cost of prescription drugs. Families have to pay a deductible first, based on net income, and then would pay a $2 dispensing charge for remaining prescription/year. Families can obtain applications kits at their local pharmacy or by calling the Ministry INFOline @ 1-800-268-1154.

  • Winter Warmth Fund - the Winter Warmth Fund is designed to provide financial asistance to low income families and individuals living at, or below, the poverty line who are struggling to meet all their financial commitments, including their heating bills.  funding for the intiaative is being provided by Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro (in Toronto).  (Link)

  • Community Living Associations – may be able to offer some assistance for families already receiving services. Families should contact their worker directly.

  • Social Services – may be able to assist families with transportation issues. Contact the family’s worker for details. (usually done by a Family Support Worker).