*Disruptions due to COVID-19
extended the amount of time you have to spend your interim one-time funding and submit your expense form by up to six months. You now have up to 18 months, if necessary
extended the amount of time you have to spend your childhood budget funding and submit your expense form by up to six months, if necessary. You now have up to 18 months to spend your childhood budget and submit your expense form
You have up to 18 months to spend your funding
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are extending the amount of time you have to spend your interim one-time funding and submit your expense form by up to six months, if necessary. You now have up to 18 months to spend your interim one-time funding and submit your expense form.
For example, if your original 12 months to spend your funding ends on June 10, 2021, you now have until December 10, 2021 to spend your funding and submit your expense form.
You do not need to contact the ministry to be eligible or to accept this extension.
Families who are ready to submit an expense form at 12 months – as stated in their original funding agreement – can do so. The extension is optional and intended to support those families who need it.
Current eligible expenses for childhood budgets and interim one-time funding include a broad list of services and supports, such as:
Evidence-based behavioural services (ABA Therapy)
Program materials and equipment related to eligible services and supports
Speech language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physiotherapy
Additional autism services and supports (e.g., curriculum-based interventions, life skills and social skills training programs employment supports and parent and caregiver capacity building and training)
Respite services
Family service planning and support (e.g., interpretation and translation services, individualized family service planning)
Travel
Technology
The list of eligible expenses under the Program materials and equipment related to eligible services and supports category includes the following:
indoor and outdoor sporting equipment
sensory equipment
arts and crafts materials to support a child’s clinical objectives
It is important that families align these services and equipment purchases with their child and youth’s goals.
Eligible services and supports:
Therapy and sensory items
You can purchase therapy and sensory equipment to support your child’s goals. For example, this may include white noise machines, seatbelt strap covers, beanbag chairs, chewelry, crash mats, sensory tables, cocoon swings and wiggle chairs.
Technology
You can purchase technology equipment that is autism-specific or that supports you in accessing virtual therapy sessions. For example, this may include web conferencing cameras, GPS tracking devices, laminators, printers or keyboards.
As per the list of eligible expenses, families can purchase one device every two years to support their child’s goals. Ongoing costs related to maintenance and repairs due to usage, damage or operational issues are not eligible expenses.
Play-based learning materials and craft supplies
You can purchase materials and supplies that promote play-based or in-home learning. For example, this may include arts and craft supplies, Play-Doh, paint, markers, stickers, construction paper and educational toys such as building blocks, Lego or board games.
Sporting, recreational and playground Equipment
You can purchase equipment that promotes activity and participation with your child. For example, this may include trampolines, treadmills, bicycles, scooters, bike helmets, baseball gloves and inflatable pools.
Equipment and materials related to eligible services and supports
You can purchase program equipment and materials to support your child’s goals. For example, this may include books, audio books and educational DVDs or CDs.
Respite and community recreational activities
You can purchase community recreational activities and classes, cultural activities and programs that promote independence and support the development of social, communication and life skills. For example, this may include admission to drive-through activities, in-home fitness classes and admission to recreational activities such as zoos and provincial parks.
Ineligible Services and Supports
General entertainment
You cannot purchase services, equipment or materials for which the primary purposes are entertainment-related. For example, this may include subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+, video game devices, musical instruments and turntables.
Consumer electronics
You cannot purchase electronic equipment, devices and products intended for everyday use as entertainment, communications and recreation in homes. For example, this may include appliances, televisions and photography equipment such as instant cameras or drones.
Housing and home maintenance costs
You cannot purchase housing or home maintenance or improvements. For example, this may include furniture, rent, home renovations or modifications, housekeeping, in-ground swimming pools, pool lifts, hot tubs and washlets or bidets.
Evidence-based behavioural services:
You can use childhood budgets or interim one-time funding to purchase:
a behavioural assessment of your child’s strengths and needs to help inform your child’s treatment plan, set goals and identify strategies to help your child
evidence-based behavioural services, including services based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
a consultation with primary caregivers or other relevant professionals to help your child or youth transition to school and connect with adult services and supports
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Reference:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/autism-ontario