Special Services at Home
The Special Services at Home (SSAH) program helps children with developmental or physical disabilities and adults with a developmental disability to live at home with their families by providing funding on a time-limited basis to address individual needs. With this funding, families can purchase supports and services which they could not normally provide themselves and are not available elsewhere in the community.
Please see information about two important policy changes to the Special Services At Home program.
What funding and/or service(s) are provided under SSAH?
Each family has a unique set of circumstances. You will need to describe your family's needs, establish your own goals and indicate the type of assistance you need. Funds may be provided for the following:
- Personal Development and Growth – This could include helping a person acquire new skills and abilities, such a improving communications skills or supporting a person as he or she undertakes more and more of the activities associated with daily living.
- Family Relief and Support – Families may have additional responsibilities in caring for a family member with a disability. SSAH provides funding for respite or parent relief and related supports. While the person with a disability will likely benefit directly, the overall goal is to help the family meet their identified needs.
The exact amount of support that your family may receive is determined by a number of factors including:
- The type and amount of service your family needs;
- What you need in order to enhance your ability to cope with providing care;
- The complexity of the support required as a result of the level of the ongoing functional limitation;
- Supports and services currently available in the community and how appropriate the supports are for your needs;
- Support networks of the individual and family;
- Locally identified priorities; and
- Availability of funds.
Who is eligible for this program?
Children with a developmental or physical disability and adults with a developmental disability are eligible for SSAH if they:
- Are residents of Ontario;
- Have an ongoing functional limitation as a result of a disability;
- Require support beyond that which is a normal family responsibility; and
- Are living at home with their families.
How do I apply for this program?
You will need to complete an application form, which can be obtained through your local MCYS Regional Office. You will also need a medical statement or psychological assessment clearly confirming the diagnosis of your family member's disability. It is important that this document:
- Indicates the nature of the disability; and
- Supports your request for service.
This statement can be attached to your application, or it can be sent directly to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services by the professional providing the medical statement or assessment.
If you are reapplying for SSAH for personal development and growth, you can get a copy of the Progress Report here.
Who do I contact for more information?
Your local MCYS Regional Office can help you find your local service provider.
|
