The provincial government is investing an additional $310,000 in annual funding and $62,500 in one-time funding for KidsAbility in Waterloo-Wellington to reduce wait times and enhance children’s rehabilitation services.
This is part of an additional $5 million annual investment as announced in the 2014 Ontario Budget.
This new investment will expand access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy for an additional 2,000 children annually across the province, and builds on funding announced in the 2013 budget.
As well, the government is providing an additional $1.25 million in one-time funding, divided equally among each of Ontario’s 20 children’s treatment centres, to reduce waitlists for assessments.
These investments support Ontario’s Special Needs Strategy which focuses on building a system where young people with special needs get the timely and effective services they need to achieve their full potential.
Ontario continues to work with families and community agencies, to improve services and make it easier for children and youth with special needs to achieve their goals and fully participate at home, school, and in their communities.
“Our government has heard from families that waitlists for services cause a great deal of stress and frustration. This is why we are taking action to reduce wait times so that young people get the vital support they need,” said Guelph MPP Liz Sandals.
KidsAbility serves approximately 5,840 kids every year.
