Apply for funding opportunities

Ages 0-4

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your child’s age.
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a webpage outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services you may be eligible for.

Ages 5-11

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your child’s age.
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a web page outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services you may be eligible for.

Ages 12-14

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your child’s age
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a webpage outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services you may be eligible for.

Ages 15-17

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your age
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a webpage outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services you may be eligible for.

Ages 18-21

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your age.
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a webpage outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services for which you may be eligible.

Ages 22-40

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your age.
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a webpage outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services for which you may be eligible.

Ages 41 and over

You may be eligible for certain types of funding or benefits based on your age.
There are many organizations that offer funding and benefits. You will need to meet the criteria and go through the application process.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has a webpage outlining disability benefits and a Benefits Finder, which is a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services for which you may be eligible.

Advocacy

Ages 0-4

Advocacy means making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate for yourself and your child.

Suggested Resources

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital created an Advocacy Tool Kit as a guide for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders on how to develop advocacy skills.
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.

Ages 5-11

Advocacy means making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate for yourself and your child.

Suggested Resources

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital created an Advocacy Tool Kit as a guide for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders on how to develop advocacy skills.
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.

Ages 12-14

Advocacy is about making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate.
Start teaching your child the importance of advocating for themselves.

Suggested Resources

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital created an Advocacy Tool Kit as a guide for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders on how to develop advocacy skills.
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.

Ages 15-17

Advocacy is about making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate.

Suggested Resources

ConnectABILITY has a webpage with information on advocacy
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.

For your parent/caregiver

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital created an Advocacy Tool Kit as a guide for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders on how to develop advocacy skills.

Ages 18-21

Advocacy means making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate for yourself.

Suggested Resources

ConnectABILITY has a webpage with information on advocacy.
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.
ReportON is a website that includes information on how to report actual or suspected abuse and/or neglect of adults with a developmental disability.

Ages 22-40

Advocacy means making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate for yourself.

Suggested Resources

ConnectABILITY has a webpage with information on advocacy.
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.
ReportON is a website that includes information on how to report actual or suspected abuse and/or neglect of adults with a developmental disability.

Ages 41 and over

Advocacy is about making your voice heard.
You can advocate for yourself or for someone close to you.
Someone in your circle of support might be able to help you advocate for yourself.

Suggested Resources

ConnectABILITY has a webpage with information on advocacy.
People First Ontario is a provincial organization representing people with developmental disabilities.
Autism Ontario has developed a webpage called Positive Advocacy Resources. It includes advocacy resources you can access.
ReportON is a telephone line and email address to report actual or suspected abuse or neglect of adults with a developmental disability.

Get government identification for your child

Ages 0-4

Everyone needs government identification and it is important to get it as early as possible.
You will need your child’s birth certificate and health card for many things.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is important. You will need it to apply for the Disability Tax Credit or if you plan to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan for your child.

Resources

Visit Service Ontario to register your new baby and apply for your child’s health card.
Visit the Government of Canada website that includes information on applying for your child’s SIN, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Ages 5-11

Everyone needs government identification and it is important to get it as early as possible.
You will need your child’s birth certificate and health card for many things.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is important. You will need it to apply for the Disability Tax Credit or if you plan to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan for your child.

Resources

Visit Service Ontario to register your new baby, and apply for your child’s health card.
Visit the Government of Canada website that includes information on applying for your child’s SIN, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Ages 12-14

Everyone needs identification and it is important to get it as early as possible.
You will need your child’s birth certificate and health card for many things.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is important. You will need it to apply for the Disability Tax Credit or if you plan to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan for your child.

Resources

Visit Service Ontario to register your new baby and apply for your child’s health card.
Visit the Government of Canada website that includes information on applying for your child’s SIN, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Save for your child’s future

Ages 0-4

Consider opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your child. A RDSP can help you save money faster through government contributions.
To be eligible for a RDSP you need to be receiving the Disability Tax Credit.
Consider opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child. A RESP is a way to save for your child’s post-secondary education.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada website includes information on the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Education Savings Plan.
Partners for Planning has section with easy to read information about the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Ages 5-11

Consider opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your child. A RDSP helps you save money faster through government contributions.
To be eligible for a RDSP you need to be eligible for and receiving the Disability Tax Credit.
Consider opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child. A RESP is a way to save for your child’s post-secondary education.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada website includes information on the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Education Savings Plan.
Partners for Planning has a section with easy to read information about the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Ages 12-14

Consider opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your child. A RDSP helps you save money faster through government contributions.
To be eligible for a RDSP you need to be eligible for and receiving the Disability Tax Credit.
Consider opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child. A RESP is a way to save for your child’s post-secondary education.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada website includes information on the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Education Savings Plan.
Partners for Planning has section with easy to read information about the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Open a bank account for your child

Ages 0-4

Consider opening a bank account for your child to start saving for their future.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has information on how to open a bank account.

Ages 5-11

Consider opening a bank account for your child to start saving for their future.

Suggested Resources

The Government of Canada has information on how to open a bank account.

Ages 12-14

Consider opening a bank account for your child to start saving for their future.

Suggested Resources

Government of Canada has information on how to open a bank account.

Ages 15-17

Consider opening a bank account for your child to start saving for their future.

Suggested Resources

Government of Canada has information on how to open a bank account.

Plan for the future

Ages 0-4

It is important to plan for your child’s future.

Planning can help you:

Figure out your child’s strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure there is money to meet your child’s needs.
Create steps to reach your child’s future goals.
Track progress in meeting your child’s goals.

Suggested Resources

The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your child’s life.

Ages 5-11

It is important to plan for your child’s future.

Planning can help you:

Figure out your child’s strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure there is money to meet your child’s needs.
Create steps to reach your child’s future goals.
Track progress in meeting your child’s goals.

Suggested Resources

The Partners for Planning  website includes information on  Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your child’s life.

Ages 12-14

It is important to plan for your child’s future.

Planning can help you:

Figure out your child’s strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure there is money to meet your child’s needs.
Create steps to reach your child’s future goals.
Track progress in meeting your child’s goals.

Suggested Resources

The Partners for Planning  website includes information on  Person-Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool  that  focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is a website that has many planning resources for creating a plan for your child’s life.

Ages 15-17

It is important for you to be involved in planning for your future.

A plan can help you:

Figure out your strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure your money meets your needs.
Create steps to reach your future goals.
Track your progress in meeting your goals.

Suggested Resources

The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your life.

Ages 18-21

It is important for you to be involved in planning for your future.

A plan can help you:

Figure out your strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure your money meets your needs.
Create steps to reach your future goals.
Track your progress in meeting your goals.

Suggested Resources

The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your life.

Ages 22-40

It is important for you to be involved in planning for your future.

A plan can help you:

Figure out your strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure your money meets your needs.
Create steps to reach your future goals.
Track your progress in meeting your goals.

Suggested Resources

The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your life.

Information and resources on COVID-19

Apply for funding opportunities

Ages 0-4

Ages 5-11

Ages 12-14

Ages 15-17

Ages 18-21

Ages 22-40

Ages 41 and over

Advocacy

Ages 0-4

Ages 5-11

Ages 12-14

Ages 15-17

Ages 18-21

Ages 22-40

Ages 41 and over

Get government identification for your child

Ages 0-4

Ages 5-11

Ages 12-14

Save for your child’s future

Ages 0-4

Ages 5-11

Ages 12-14

Open a bank account for your child

Ages 0-4

Ages 5-11

Ages 12-14

Ages 15-17

Plan for the future

Ages 0-4

Ages 5-11

Ages 12-14

Ages 15-17

Ages 18-21

Ages 22-40