Information and Referral Support

• May be accessed by any family who has a child with a disability, regardless of the type of disability, eligibility or the provision of any specific FSCD services.
• Parents, professionals, agency staff or other members of the community may contact the FSCD program in their region to find out more information about the FSCD program. For a list of program contacts, click here.
• The Child Disability Resource Link provides information about government programs, community supports, disability associations, advocacy and other disability-related resources.  Information and referral specialists are available toll-free weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling 1-866-346-4661.  

Family Support Services

These services are primarily based on the family’s needs in caring for their child with a disability and may include assistance with some of the costs associated with:

• medical appointments or hospitalization both in and out of province, including transportation, parking, meals, accommodation and sibling care,
• individual and family counselling,
• extraordinary disability related clothing and footwear, and
• respite services for up to 240 hours annually

Child-Focused Services

Children who are significantly limited in their activities of daily living due to their disability may receive child focused services.  Services are determine based on the  impact of the child’s disability on their activities of daily living, the needs identified by the parent/guardian, as well as assessment information from professionals who work with the child.  Services may include: 

• additional respite services, including short-term hourly respite, 24-hour in- or out-of-home respite, homemaking support and domestic child care;
• assistance with child care to support a family with extraordinary work related child care costs, including an aide in day care or additional space in a day home as well as day care where required to support the child’s development;
• aide support to assist the child with personal care, community involvement or behavioural and developmental support.
• health-related services, including dental or orthodontic treatment, disability-related prescription drugs, ambulance service, prescription formula or special diet and medical supplies that are not covered under any other health plan;
• specialized services for children with severe disabilities; and
• out-of-home living arrangements, if necessary, to support a child when all other alternatives for in-home supports have been explored. (Note: the parent/guardian maintains all guardianship responsibilities)