The Children and Families Program provides support to children with cerebral palsy and their families. We also support professionals, such as educational assistants, health professionals, day care providers.
As you work your way through your child's early years, you might find you need a little support along the way - we are here for you.
About Children and Families Services
Each child is unique and we endeavor to provide support and services that are individual specific for each family. At different times in your child's life, we might assist you with information regarding:
Cerebral Palsy - many relevant resources on CP can be found on our website. Brochures, booklets, videos, DVDs regarding cerebral palsy as well as customized information packages are available upon request.
Therapies - We can assist you find physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy or early intervention services that are available in your community. We can also help you to locate and connect with other health professionals and treatment centres across Ontario
Financial Resources - We can provide information regarding financial resources that you may need to assist with funding for your child's equipment, respite care, home renovations, vehicle modifications or camps
Education - We can help you with your concerns regarding the education of your child from kindergarten to secondary years. This may include issues regarding transportation, school accessibility, safety of your child, educational and transitional plans, or knowing your child's right to an education.
If you have any other inquires or concerns, or if you would like to connect with other families, please contact us.
families@ofcp.ca
416-244-9686 ext. 224 or 1-877-244-9686 ext. 224
Therapies
Cerebral Palsy is caused by physical damage to the brain, so it is not contagious and not hereditary. There are therapies which can help children manage cerebral palsy’s effects and thus maximize their abilities.
Physical Therapy (PT) aims to assist individuals to achieve their potential for physical independence and mobility focusing on movements involving large muscles such as those in the legs and trunk. Physical therapy includes exercises, correct positioning, and teaching alternate ways of movement such as walkers, orthotics or handling a wheelchair.
Occupational Therapy (OT) designs purposeful activities to increase independence through fine motor skills - movements involving smaller muscles in the arms, hands, and face. Occupational therapists can help children to use adaptive equipment such as feeding, seating and bathroom aids.
Speech and Language Therapy aims at improving communication. It can also help in the treatment of concerns with feeding, drooling, non-oral feeding, or other oral-motor functions. A child may only need help to overcome a slight articulation problem, or may not be able to communicate verbally and may require a non-verbal communication system. Alternative communication systems include eye-gaze systems, blissymbol boards, and electronic voice synthesizers.
Financial Resources
The OFCP financial assistance program is available to persons of all ages with cerebral palsy in the province of Ontario who are Individual Members of OFCP. The program operates from September 1 to June 1 each year or as long as funds are available.
Assistive Devices Funding Program - To assist with the purchase and lease of equipment.
Government Programs
ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES
Administered by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Assistance for parents who have the extra expenses associated with a child with serious special needs. Some of the costs covered are travel to doctors and hospitals, special shoes and clothing, parent relief, wheelchair repairs and hearing-aid batteries. The amount of assistance available is based on total family income, number of children in the family and the costs associated with caring for their child. This program assists parents of children with special needs who are under 18 years of ate and living at home with their parents. An application form is available from the local Ministry regional office.
ASSISTIVE DEVICES PROGRAM
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
ADP assists in paying up to 75 percent of the cost of equipment, such as orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs, hearing aids, enteral feeding supplies and equipment, visual and communication aids. Most devices must be authorized by a qualified health care professional registered with the program and purchased from vendors registered with the ADP Branch. Ontario residents are eligible who hold an Ontario health card and have a physical disability of six months or longer. In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at the time of purchase and the vendor bills ADP the balance. Additional information is available on the Ministry website or by contacting them at 1-800-268-6021 toll free for Ontario or Toronto 416-327-8804.
SPECIAL SERVICES AT HOME (SSAH)
Administered by Ministry of Children and Youth Services
This program provides funding directly to families so they can purchase services to provide personal development and relief support to a child or adult with a developmental disability or a child with a physical disability. Funding can be used for:
Personal development and growth, to assist a person acquire new skills and abilities
Respite and Support, to assist the family to pay for services for day to day care of their child The amount of funding a family receives is based on:
- The type and amount of service a child needs
- Supports and services currently available in the community
- What support the family is already receiving
- Availability of funds
Families of a child with a developmental or physical disability can apply for this funding assistance. Application forms are available on the Ministry website or can be obtained by contacting your local Regional Office.
ENHANCED RESPITE FUNDING
This grant is paid to families who are caring for a child who is medically fragile and/or depends on a technological device, and requires care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is provided in addition to other respite services. Families may be eligible for up to $3,500 per child, per year.
Families who may qualify for this grant have children who:
- rely on medical and technological equipment, such as mechanical ventilators, apnea monitors, renal dialysis, urinary catheters, colostomy bags, or
- are administered drugs intravenously, or
- rely on tracheotomy tube care, suctioning, oxygen support or tube feeding
Eligibility
The child:
- is under 18 years of age
- lives at home and
- needs intensive care and constant monitoring on a 24-hour basis.
How to apply
Contact the ministry's regional office nearest you.