Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
A program that provides funding for basic medical equipment and supplies for Albertans with long-term disabilities, chronic illness or terminal illness so clients can live independently at home and within their communities.
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-aids-to-daily-living
Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC)
Canada Caregiver Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit designed to provide tax relief to individuals supporting a spouse, common-law partner, or dependant with a physical or mental impairment
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
A federal tax credit that may reduce the income tax amount that an individual with a disability or their caregiver has to pay.
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
The FSCD program works with eligible families providing funding for supports and services based on each child and family’s unique needs. Parents of children with disabilities many times need help and supports to raise their children. FSCD provides funding for family and child specific supports and services to help them gain the skill set necessary to reach their potential at home and to fully participate in community life. For more information, visit our FSCD page: https://autismcalgary.com/information/fscd/
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/fscd
Phone: (403) 297-7971
Program Unit Funding (PUF)
The Government of Alberta provides Program Unit Funding (PUF) for children to access Early Childhood Services (ECS) for free, in an educational setting. This is programming for children who require additional support to help prepare them for Kindergarten and Grade 1. Depending on the level of support needed, children may have access to professionals like speech therapists, occupational therapists and more. Children can access PUF services as early as 2 years 8 months old. Children can access PUF for a maximum of 3 years, with the last year available in Kindergarten. Children must be at least 5 years old as of December 31 of the year they have started Kindergarten.
There are two ways PUF services are delivered,
- In independent ECS operators and community preschools (community based)
- In Special Needs congregated settings (facility based)
Community based – some PUF providers do not have the facility to provide services to children so they partner with community preschools and independent ECS operators. Not all preschools & ECS have PUF available so call your community preschool directly if you are interested and ask them if they could provide PUF supports for your child.
The following list includes service providers (agencies) that work with a child in their community school as well as some independent schools that have their own therapy team on site. These organizations can offer PUF services when FSCD funding for home services is not in place. Some also offer Mild/Moderate support for children without severe delays that do need extra help within the classroom.
Some service providers may offer FSCD rates, however not all professionals within an organization charge the same, so some may still require parents to top-up the rate. Please check in with each service provider individually.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
Canadians who qualify for the DTC can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP is a long-term savings plan meant to support individuals with a disability in their futures.