The CLKD monthly parent group welcomed Jessica Steele, Service Navigator from Autism Ontario to our September meeting. Jessica spoke with parents and service providers about the new Ontario Childhood Budget (OAP) and the role that Autism Ontario plays. Autism Ontario offers support to families interested in accessing the Ontario Autism Program, to families currently registered in the program and waiting for a Childhood Budget and to families currently receiving services.
Jessica is visiting Kincardine and surrounding areas each month to provide outreach information sessions. The Kincardine information session had many questions and a lengthy discussion about the recent changes and the upcoming changes. The ministry announced that in April 2020, the OAP will undergo further changes to become a “needs based” program.
The major take away from the session was who to contact and how to contact them if you have questions or want to see where you are on the OAP wait list. These, and any other questions regarding the OAP can be directed to Jessica Steele, Service Navigator from Autism Ontario. Jessica can be reached by email at: jessica@autismontario.com or by phone at: 1-800-472-7789 ext 344 .
If you are an eligible family on the wait list as of April 1, 2019, you can expect to receive your first Childhood Budget within the next 18 months. You will receive a letter from the ministry to complete the online budget within 90 days. If you would like a hard copy of the budget, you must call the OAP office to request it. Once the childhood budget is complete, you should receive your funding within 2 weeks.
Eligible Services and Supports The following is a list of services and supports that are eligible for purchase with a Childhood Budget through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP):
Evidence Based Behavioural Services Other Therapies and Specialized Services Respite Family Service Planning and Support Travel Technology Equipment and Materials Related to Eligible Services and Supports
For more information, checkout the OAP web page.
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