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Navigating Funding for Children with Disabilities in Windsor-Essex 

  • Writer: peggyforbes
    peggyforbes
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Families in Windsor-Essex have various funding options to help cover the costs of therapies, equipment, and support programs for children with disabilities. Here are some helpful resources: 

Benefits Finder 

The Benefits Finder helps you discover benefits for financial assistance, healthcare, housing, and special programs. It’s free to use and doesn’t track your personal information. 

Some examples of funding that can be explored on Canada Benefits Finder include: 

  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – A tax-free monthly payment to help families with children under 18. 

  • Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) – A grant to help save for your child's post-secondary education. 

  • Child Disability Benefit (CDB) – Financial help for families with children who have a severe, prolonged disability. 

  • Ontario Child Benefit – Financial support for low-income families with children. 

  • Respite Services – Ontario offers out-of-home and in-home respite services to give families a break while supporting their child's learning and development. This program also includes Special Services at Home Program, The Enhanced Respite Program and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program. 

  • Ontario Autism Program – Offers funding for clinical services like applied behaviour analysis, occupational therapy and speech therapy for children with autism. They also offer access to caregiver, urgent and school preparation services free of charge.  

  • Healthy Smiles Ontario – Dental services at no cost for kids 17 and under without dental coverage. 

  • Disability Tax Credit – In addition to tax credits this is also required to access some government funding and programs.  

  • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) – A long-term savings plan with government contributions to help families save for a child’s future. A RDSP can get a up to $70,000 in matching grants over the beneficiary’s lifetime and is a more flexible option than an RESP. Ensure your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to be eligible. Learn more and open an RDSP here.  

Regional Support 

  • Shine Foundation – Provides grants to children for non-critical illnesses, similar to a “Make-a-Wish” program. Learn more here. 

  • Community Living Essex County – Provides support and funding for children transitioning to adulthood with intellectual disabilities.

  • Easter Seals Ontario - Incontinence Supplies (Diapers) Grant and Top Up Grant Programs Easter Seals Ontario administers two government funded programs. These programs are fully funded and criteria is set by each Ministry. You can find more information and how to apply to either program here  https://igprogram.easterseals.org 

Tips for Success 

  • Stay Organized – Keep records like medical assessments and applications in one place for easy access. 

  • Seek Guidance – Clients of VBS can contact our Care Manager, Natalie, for help with applications and identifying funding resources. 

  • Be Persistent – Follow up regularly as many programs have waitlists or limited resources. 




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