Family Support Services
At SPARK, Family Support Services provide assistance to families in accessing the funding and community resources needed to best support their child and family.
Funding Support
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From respite to specialized programming to diapers to therapy, caring for a child with a disability or other needs can come with additional expenses that can become excessive for families.
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Funding support services can help families identify funding that they may be eligible to receive. Additionally, as required, families can be supported in completing the steps required to access funding.
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Relevant sources of funding include:
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Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
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Special Services at Home (SSAH)
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Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
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Incontinence Supplies Grant Program - Easter Seals Ontario
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Access2 - Easter Seals Canada Access 2 Entertainment Program
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Private or Charitable Sources
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Service Navigation
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As a parent or caregiver of a child or youth with developmental challenges, the prospect of navigating various service systems can be daunting and overwhelming.
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Some of the interconnected service systems that children and their families may come in contact with on a daily basis include:
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Education
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Behavioural services
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Health care
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Mental health care
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Rehabilitation services
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Childcare
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Recreation
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Child welfare
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Youth criminal justice
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Service navigation services can include helping family members with:
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Linking to appropriate community services
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Accessing and understanding information regarding service systems
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Overcoming barriers to accessing services
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Communicating with agencies and services
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School Support
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Children spend a large portion of their time at school. It is of great important, therefore, that school environments are set up to best support each child's unique needs.
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School support services can help families with:
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Gaining knowledge about the school system
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Preparing effectively for school meetings
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Strengthening advocacy skills
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Understanding the Individual Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process
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Ensuring that the Individual Education Plan (IEP) is well-developed and meets the needs of the child
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Navigating other school-related challenges (e.g. school suspensions, exclusion, bullying)
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