The Special Services at Home program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability. It is funded and managed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
The program helps families pay for special services in or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program. For example, the family can hire someone to:
The program helps families pay for special services in or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program. For example, the family can hire someone to:
- help the child learn new skills and abilities, such as improving their communications skills and becoming more independent
- provide respite support to the family - families can get money to pay for services that will give them a break (or "respite") from the day-to-day care of their child
- the type and amount of service the child needs
- what other help is available in the community
- what kind of support the family is already receiving
- live in Ontario
- need more support than most families can provide
- are living at home with their family, or
- if they are not living at home with their family and are not being helped by other residential services
SPECIAL SERVICES AT HOME
SPENDING GUIDELINES
SERVICES THAT CAN BE APPROVED WITH SSAH FUNDING
SERVICES THAT CANNOT BE APPROVED WITH SSAH FUNDING
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/disabilities/index.aspx
SPENDING GUIDELINES
SERVICES THAT CAN BE APPROVED WITH SSAH FUNDING
- workers who provide family relief and support
- registration fees for training for a famiy member or worker enhances their understanding of the SSAH client (i.e. sign language, CPR) Note: Training must be held in Ontario
- payment of a worker's wages while attending a training event
- meals and travel expenses incurred by the person being trained
- advertising for recruitment of special services worker
- some travel costs for the SSAH client and/or worker living rural areas
- 1:1 support worker at camp or day program
- Nursery school or preschool fees that provide personal development and growth for the SSAH child
- Child care fees for SSAH children older 12 years of age
- Membership fees for SSAH client (fitness club, Special Olympics..)
SERVICES THAT CANNOT BE APPROVED WITH SSAH FUNDING
- basic care( food, shelter and clothing)
- regular child care fees for children under 12 years of age
- education and employment
- fees and tuition costs for adult education
- conferences, degree or diploma courses for training of special services workers of family members
- private school fees
- assistive devices and specialized equipment
- dental services, medical treatment or medication
- home modifications and repairs
- professional services (i.e. speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychological fees, professional therapists...)
- 1:1 support in a school setting
- Primary caregivers and spouses, regardless of residence, CANNOT be paid as special services workers
- The spouse of the individual who has a developmental disability, regardless, CANNOT be paid as a special services worker
- Family members under the age of 18 years CANNOT be paid as special services workers
- Summer camp or social programs for other family members
- Duplication of services provided by other Ministry programs (i.e. ACSD or Passport)
www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/disabilities/index.aspx