Speech & Language Support

These programs provide publicly funded speech and language services in Waterloo Region:

• KidsAbility – Preschool Speech & Language Initiative for children from birth to school entry.
  Website: www.kidsability.ca/programs-services/preschool-speech-and-language-services

• Ontario Health atHome – Speech-Language Pathology – Free in-home speech therapy for eligible individuals covered by OHIP.
  Website: www.ontariohealthathome.ca

• Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) – Offers speech-language consultation, autism services, and developmental support for all ages.
  Website: www.sdrc.ca
   

Funding Options

These programs help families access financial support for therapy, respite care, and daily living needs:

• President's Choice Children's Charity – Offers funding to support children with disabilities, including therapy and equipment.
  Website: https://www.supportyourway.ca/Hamilton/index.aspx?ArticleID=3331&lang=en-CA

• Special Services at Home (SSAH) – Financial assistance for families of children with physical or developmental disabilities to help with respite and personal development.
  Website: www.ontario.ca/page/special-services-home

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Provides financial assistance and health benefits for adults with disabilities.
  Website: www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program

• Family Support and Respite for Children and Youth with Special Needs – Government-funded respite services for families of children with disabilities.
  Website: www.ontario.ca/page/family-support-and-respite-children-and-youth-special-needs#section-2

• Children with Special Needs (CWSN) – Offers access to various services for children with developmental, physical, and medical needs.
  Website: www.ontario.ca/page/children-special-needs

• Easter Seals Incontinence Supplies Grant – Provides financial assistance for incontinence supplies for children with disabilities.
  Website: services.easterseals.org/incontinence-supplies-grant/

• Access2 Card – Offers discounted or free admission to participating entertainment venues for individuals with disabilities and their support persons.
  Website: access2card.ca

• Ontario Autism Program (OAP) – Supports families with children diagnosed with autism through funding and access to therapy services.
  Website: www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program

• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) – Financial support for low-to-moderate-income families caring for a child with severe disabilities.
  Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistance-children-severe-disabilities-program

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Disability Supplement – Monthly financial assistance for families of children with disabilities.
  Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html

• Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) – A long-term savings plan for people with disabilities, with government matching contributions.
  Website: www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html

• Healthy Smiles Ontario – Free dental care for eligible children and youth in low-income families. Automatic enrollment for ODSP recipients.
  Website: www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care
   

Workshops & Parent Education

These organizations offer free or paid workshops to help parents and caregivers support their children’s development:

• KidsAbility – Free workshops on feeding, emotional regulation, social skills, and more.
  Website: www.kidsability.ca/programs-services/foundational-family-services

• ErinOak Kids – Workshops on speech, language, and developmental topics for parents and caregivers.
  Website: www.erinoakkids.ca/all-services/family-supports/workshops

• Kerry’s Place Autism Services – Online and in-person workshops for parents of children with autism.
  Website: www.kerrysplace.org

• Autism Ontario – Connects parents with special needs resources and educational workshops.
  Website: www.autismontario.com

• Lumenus Community Services – Workshops and mental health support for families.
  Website: www.lumenus.ca
   

Advocacy and Rights
Resources to support and empower individuals with communication needs in accessing their rights and navigating legal, healthcare, and community systems:

• Communication Intermediaries (CIs) – Trained professionals who support individuals with speech, language, and communication disabilities in legal settings. They help ensure effective communication within the justice system.
  Website: https://www.cajust.ca/what-are-cis
   

Additional Disability Resources

Other support programs for individuals with disabilities in Waterloo Region:

• KW AccessAbility – Provides information and referrals to community resources.
  Website: www.kwaccessability.ca/en/information-and-referral/Community-Resource-Links.asp

• Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region – Respite and inclusive community programs for children and youth.
  Website: www.eafwr.on.ca

• Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) – Personal guidance and lifelong support for families with special needs.
  Website: wrfn.info

• Special Needs Access Point (SNAP) – Supports children with special needs in licensed childcare programs.
  Website: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/special-needs-supports.aspx