As children progress through the middle years of school, families often seek support to navigate developmental milestones, academic challenges, and social-emotional growth. Our community partners offer a variety of programs designed to assist students and their families during this pivotal stage. These services include autism supports, mental health resources, speech and language programs, and parent education opportunities.
| Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program |
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If you are a parent or guardian caring for a child with a severe disability, you may be eligible for financial support through ACSD. This program provides financial assistance to cover some of the extra costs associated with caring for a child who has a severe disability. Depending on income, family size, and disability-related costs, the ACSD program may provide between $25 and $646 a month to help with expenses such as:
Additionally, children with severe disabilities may receive coverage for assessments for assistive devices, repairs for mobility devices, prescription drugs through OHIP+, dental care through Healthy Smiles Ontario, and vision care, including eyeglasses. Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program | ontario.ca |
| Autism Services Inc. of Windsor and Essex County |
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The goal of ASI is to provide individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with specialized programs to enable them to reach their potential while providing family support and sharing information and resources with the Windsor Essex community. They offer the Bruce Awad Summer Program, a Resource Lending Library, and support community partnerships with the Autism Registry. Summer program applications typically open in November with a quick turnaround deadline to apply by mid-December. |
| Developmental Services Programs (Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital Regional Children’s Centre) |
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Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital Regional Children’s Centre offers three different levels of support for consultative services for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders that significantly impair their developmental progress and day-to-day functioning. Children and youth currently receiving services may be eligible to receive a psychiatric and/or psychological assessment. Services are designed to determine diagnoses and inform treatment practices when required. |
| Disability Tax Credit |
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The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family members, 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. The DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the impairment. Eligibility requires certification by a medical practitioner that you have a severe and prolonged impairment in one of the categories, significant limitations in two or more categories, or receive therapy to support a vital function. |
| Eye Glasses |
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Students may qualify for free eyeglasses from The Lion’s Club community group. Please speak to your school’s administration for the application form. |
| In-Home Support Program (Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital Regional Children’s Centre) |
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Serves children and youth aged 6–12 years and their families by providing assistance and education regarding effective parenting strategies. Child and Youth Workers collaborate with families in their homes to identify goals to best meet behavioral needs. Please call 519-257-KIDS (5437) and speak to an intake worker. |
| Intensive Treatment Services Day Treatment (Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital Regional Children’s Centre) |
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Serves children and youth aged 6–12 years who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral needs that cannot be met through outpatient services. Parental/guardian and community participation is essential to the success of the program. Services include individual and family counseling, in-home behavior management education, assessment services as required, recreational activities, specific skill-building activities to increase competence, and individualized educational programs. Educational services are provided by the Greater Essex County District School Board and Conseil Scolaire Providence. |
| Ontario Autism Program Urgent Response Service (HDGH Regional Children’s Centre) |
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As part of the needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP), urgent response services (URS) provide time-limited services and supports for up to 12 weeks to respond rapidly to a specific, identified need to stabilize and prevent crisis and reduce the risk of harm to self, others, and/or property. This program has specific criteria for approval and is time-sensitive. For additional information, please click the link above. Parents/guardians can also call intake at 519-257-KIDS (5437). |
| Outpatient Counselling and Therapy (HDGH Regional Children’s Centre) |
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Serves children and youth aged 6–12 years who are presenting with a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma reactions, etc. Services are short-term and goal-focused. Interventions may include therapy (individual, group, parental, family), psychoeducational, or skill-based groups. Please call 519-257-KIDS (5437) and speak to an intake worker. |
| Special Services at Home (SSAH) |
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Ontario.ca: The Special Services at Home (SSAH) program helps families taking care of a child with a developmental and/or physical disability. |
