Funding Categories

Funding categories: the limit is up to $1,000 for the fiscal year

1. Client Safety

These items try to reduce the client’s immediate safety concerns at home, at school, on transit, and to their overall health.

Equipment (Maximum of $1,000)

Equipment funding may be considered for up to $1,500 if costs exceed $1,500 for a single transaction.

What items qualify (please note this is not an exhaustive list):

• Wheelchairs, back-up wheelchairs, walkers, standers, mobility aids (e.g. lap belts, canes)
• AFO’s, serial castings, limb prosthetics, foot orthotics (inserts)
• Splints, hand braces, helmets, gait belts
• Lifts, access ramps, transfer boards
• Commodes, catheterization equipment
• Bathing systems
• Suction machine, oxygen machine, other respiratory devices (e.g. BiPAP)
• Feeding pumps
• Hearing aids, specialized vision aids (specialized glasses, magnifiers and other optical aids)
• Hospital mattresses, special car seats (Note: commercial car seats may be considered if the child’s positioning and safety needs are greater than those of other children their age. However, if a child requires a car seat mandated by the Ministry of Transportation, we may not consider the item)
• Communication devices, writing aids
• Sensory equipment
• Adapted shoes
• Accessibility modifications for vehicle or home (Note: The cost of vehicles or home building materials/repairs is not covered)

Documentation Needed:

• Support letter from: Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Prescriber, Nurse, or Physician
• Quote or invoice from the chosen company (can be a screenshot from the website or a receipt)
• If you are eligible for insurance, please provide a document indicating the outstanding balance

Medication - Prescribed (Maximum of $500; Deflazacort up to $1,500)

What items qualify: 

• Prescription medications (not over-the-counter) with an assigned Drug Insurance Number (DIN) that are not covered by OHIP or medical insurance.
• Medication not covered by OHIP Plus that is critical for your child’s health
• Oral nutrition supplement for clients who require additional dietary support due to their diagnosis. (eg. Child is not getting sufficient nutrition due to diagnosis)

Documentation Needed:

• Support letter from: Nurse Practitioner or Physician
• Actual medication prescription (from the physician or nurse practitioner prescribing the medication)
• Quote or invoice from the pharmacy (a receipt is acceptable)
• If you are eligible for insurance, please provide a document indicating the outstanding balance

2. Wellness and quality of life

These items/services are to reduce possible risk of harm through supporting caregiver needs, enhancing social activities, and improving recreation. Services and programs can enhance your child’s quality of life and provide caregiver relief.

Recreation (Maximum of $500)

What items qualify: 

Recreational programs (not therapy-based) such as social programs, sports, summer camps, art programs, and social activities.

Documentation Needed: 

• Support letter from: Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Therapeutic Recreation Staff, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Youth Worker Staff, Nurse, or Physician
• Quote or invoice for the program (a screenshot from the website or receipt is acceptable)

Respite/Childcare: at home or at camp (Maximum of $750) 

What items qualify: 

• Respite at a known respite facility (including Holland Bloorview) or agency e.g. 1:1 care. (camp costs and nursing are not covered)
• Respite provided by a non-agency worker (e.g., family caregiver who is not parent or guardian)
• Respite worker needs to be age 18 or over
• 1:1 support provided to a client attending a camp program
• Respite services provided to the client at home by a recognized organization offering respite care

Documentation Needed (support letter from):

• Support letter from: Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Therapeutic Recreation Staff, Respiratory Therapist, Psychologist, Nurse, or Physician
• For agency workers: Quote or invoice from a recognized organization that offers respite care
• For non-agency workers or childcare providers: Complete and attach a “Support Worker Invoice Claim Form” (link below)
• Click HERE for support worker invoice claim form (PDF).

Rental/Lease Equipment Funding (Maximum of $500)

What items qualify:

• *Rental wheelchairs, walkers, standers, commodes,
• Communication devices, writing aids, hospital mattresses.

Documentation Needed:

• Support letter from: Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Prescriber, Nurse, or Physician
• Copy of lease/rental agreement
• Quote/invoice (a screenshot from the website is acceptable)
• If you are eligible for insurance, please provide a document indicating the outstanding balance