FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING AN APPLICATION

Respite Definition

The purpose of the Children’s Respite Flexible Fund is to help caregivers get the flexible and individualized support their family needs in order for them to take intervals of time off from their care-giving duties.

It is understood that family members/guardians first have to feel safe, confident and comfortable in order to take that time off. They do so when they know their family member is happy and safe and doing something that makes them feel valuable and has meaning to them.

ASD Definition

Individuals with a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and  Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

Children Definition

Individuals that are up to the age of 18 years.  After the 18^th birthday, individuals no longer qualify for this funding.

ABOUT THESE FUNDS

This funding is from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to serve as an enhancement for families to access respite services in their community. Kerry’s Place Autism Services is hosting this project in cooperation with other community agencies to oversee the application review process and the management of funds. Together with our community partners each application is carefully reviewed by an allocation committee. Decisions are made based on the criteria listed below and a strict funding budget. These funds can only serve a small portion of families each year with a limited amount of funding being allocated to each family approved. Families can only apply for these funds once a year and there is no guarantee of the availability of these funds in future years.

THE CRITERIA

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

• Children must have an official diagnosis of ASD (families must provide a copy with the application form)
• Children must be 17 years of age or younger

YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE:

• Families must indicate all other funding that they receive.
• Families must be asking for respite.
• Applications must have all sections completed.
• All consent boxes must be checked.

THESE FUNDS WILL COVER:

• Respite Worker/Mediator
• Respite Worker/Mediator at a camp/group
• Camp Fees
• Social Groups/Recreational Groups/Classes/Lessons

THESE FUNDS WILL NOT COVER:

• Any type of therapy (no speech and language therapy, ABA, IBI, behavioral and OT, physiotherapy, massage)
• Mileage (for workers or family)
• Transportation costs
• Activity costs (movie tickets, park entrance, costumes, uniforms, memberships, parking, snacks/rewards, equipment costs)
• Home care/cleaning costs
• Basic care needs
• Educational fees
• Assistive Devices/computer software/equipment

Before completing the application, please READ:

• We have a limited amount of funding per year to serve many families. Not all families that apply will receive funds this year.
• Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline has passed.
• This is an enhancement to your plan. These funds will not cover all of your yearly costs.
• This is a reimbursement funding process. You will be reimbursed your costs once you have submitted valid receipt of payment.
• If any portion of the application is missing, it will not be processed.

The process

ü       Fill out the application form

ü       Application is processed and submitted to an Allocation Committee for review

ü       You will be able to log on at any point in time to view the status of your application

ü       A decision will be made available as of April 30, 2010

ü       An approval package will be mailed out to those applicants who are approved with further information.

ü       All applicants (approved or not) are encouraged to apply again for the 2011-2012 funding year when the application becomes available.

Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline has past.

You will be notified of the decision of your application on April 30, 2010

By clicking "Yes" below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the above information and would like to complete an online application with the understanding that my application will not be reviewed and is only being collected for statistical purposes.

ü   Yes