This program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability, as well as adults with a developmental disability.

It helps families pay for special services in the home 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 their child:

• learn new skills and abilities, such as improving their communications skills
• do more of the daily living activities on their own.

Families can also get money to pay for services that will give them a break (or "respite") from the day-to-day care of their child.

The amount of money a family receives depends on:

• the type and amount of service the child needs
• what help is available in the community
• what kind of support the family is already receiving.

Who can get help?

Children with a developmental or physical disability (or their families) can apply for this money if they:

• 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, are not being helped by other residential services

How to apply for your child

• 1. Complete an application form.
• 2. Attach a medical statement or psychological assessment to your application. It should describe the disability and explain why you need the services and how much it will cost.
• 3. Mail the completed application form (and the medical assessment) to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. You can also have the person who completes the medical assessment send the assessment directly to the ministry.

If you have already received help for personal development and growth and are applying for more help

You just have to fill out the Progress Report and send it to the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Learn more

• Contact the regional office nearest you.