Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of resources, and we will continue to add more as they become known to us.

Legal Help

Understanding Consent and Capacity Rules in Canada-Toolkit~ What if someone is found to be incapable of making a specific decision? When a person is unable to make a decision on their own, they may require an accommodation or support in order to exercise their legal capacity, such as technological assistance, a translator, or a support person to interpret their signs, gestures or verbal cues. A person could also appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf, or to support them in making their decisions. This depends on the province or territory where they live and the person’s ability to appoint someone.  Each province or territory has its own decision-making model, such as substitute decision-making, supported decision-making, representation, and more (these models are reviewed in more detail below).

MEP – Family Law Act~The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) relies on the wording of support orders to enforce them, even with the recent changes to the act.The Act amendments allow the courts to order support for children who are over the age of majority and are unable to withdraw from their parents' care due to illness, disability, being a full-time student or "other cause". The age limit on the term of child support payable has also been removed. These changes bring Alberta’s legislation in line with the Divorce Act.

Legal Aid Alberta~ While not everyone can afford a lawyer, every Albertan deserves access to a fair legal system. As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, we provide affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense.

Community Involvement

Persons with Developmental Disabilities ~ This is a website that makes sure that Adults with disabilities are a part of the community. It also helps them with gaining employment.

Diagnostic Services

Alberta Children’s Hospital ~1820 Richmond Road S.W. Calgary, AB T2T 5C7 Telephone: 403.229.7211 The hospital offers diagnostic and assessment services for children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders through a variety of clinics and programs. Therapeutic services, i.e., Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, are offered on a time-limited basis to preschool-aged children with autism. Children must be referred to a clinic or program by their family physician or pediatrician.

Children’s Services Centre 401 5000 Gaetz Avenue Red Deer, AB T4N 6C2 Telephone: 403.340.2606 The centre offers both centre-based and home-based early intervention programs, and assessment and diagnostic services. Other programs and services include: intensive program assessments with community follow-up, parent support groups, resource library and scheduled autism clinics.

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 10230 111 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5G 0B7 Telephone: 780.471.2262 Assessment and diagnostic services are offered through the Preschool Assessment Service and the School Age Neurodevelopmental Clinic. Medical follow-up is also available for children with autism. Services are delivered via a multidisciplinary team of professionals.

Psycholgist/Councelling

Zane C Webber (Psychologist, RPsych)~Great deal of success working with children and their parents for many childhood issues such as behavior problems, ADHD, anxiety and so on. He approaches the family as a whole, working with parents and children to improve the life of the whole family. Herecently returned from living and practicing in South Korea for many years, working with Asians as well as people from all over the world. Amundson & Associates
1017 1Ave NE
Calgary,Alberta T2E 9C6
(855) 798-6705

High Point Psychology~Works with children, adolescents, adults and their families through assessment, consultation, and counselling.I specialize in psychological assessment, group therapy, and consultation for children, adolescents, and adults with learning disorders, ADHD, behavioural disorders, intellectual disability, giftedness, and mood and anxiety disorders. I provide counselling for children with anxiety and depression, coaching for parents, and in-home behaviour therapy for families with ASD. High Point Psychology Calgary, Alberta
Call Dr. Andrea Stelnicki (844) 557-6877

Sharon Blott Psychological Services~ Sharon has offered psycho-educational assessment and treatment services for the past 18 years. Having worked for both public and private schools, Sharon has developed considerable expertise in the the assessment and diagnosis of learning disabilities, ADHD, mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and giftedness.Tel: 403-612-3396

Paloma Scott~Mrs. Scott has over eighteen years of experience in providing psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families from different backgrounds with Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, giftedness. Mrs. Scott helps clients with emotional self-regulation, anger management, social skills, defiance, social anxiety, separation, grieving, and parenting skills. Tel: 855-768-8640

Provincial Service Dog Laws

Blind Person’s Rights Act
Service Dogs Act

Pre School Education Program

The Behaviour Therapy and Learning Centre (BTLC)~ The Behaviour Therapy and Learning Centre (BTLC) is a registered charitable organization providing Program Unit Funded (PUF) educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism and other developmental delays. BTLC dedicates itself to providing exceptional education for preschool and kindergarten students with autism and other developmental disabilities using the principals of ABA. We provide the intensity, individualization and a focus on functional skills needed for our students to achieve the greatest degree of independence possible and develop the capacity to participate in inclusive environments.Community Based, Home Based, Center Based

Cause and Effect Foundation~is an Early Intervention Service for children with special needs. Since 1994, we service children six months to six years in the Calgary and surrounding areas. We provide tailored programming to each and every child with Cause and Effect within preschool, community, and in-home settings. Our team of parents, therapists, child development facilitators and administrators work collaboratively to assist children in achieving maximum development and independence. Our motto is: "play with a purpose!" Different funding sources listed

New Heights School & Learning Services~ offer Preschool and School Programs and Specialized Services for children on the Autism Spectrum and/or children with severe sensory integration difficulties; impairments in social interaction; emotional control; interpersonal skills; and flexibility. At New Heights we create a safe, accepting and inclusionary environment where the focus is on each child’s strengths rather than their deficits

Pacekids~A dynamic, active environment, specializing in family-centred, therapeutic learning objectives that nurture each child’s unique developmental and physical needs through a variety of programs. Our personalized, tailored 1:1 aide services are available both in-home and at-centre for Developmental, Behavioural, Specialized Services, Family support and Early Childhood/Speech and Language Enhancement Classes.

Education

Guide to Education for Students with Special Needs ~ Students with

special needs, including those who are gifted and talented, require specialized learning opportunities in order to receive the best education.

Standards for Special Education ~is a government website that deals with

Standards for Special Education, the rights of children with special needs to an education, funding, etc.Education from Kindergarten to Grade 12

Special Education Index ~ This site is of interest in Special Education,

Career/Life Transitions and Special Education Technology etc.

Boards of Education ~ A site created by the University of Toronto to link

you to any school board in any province.

Special Education Review ~ Students with special needs, including those

who are gifted and talented, require specialized learning opportunities. The department initiated a Special Education Review in March, 2000 to review the delivery of special education programs and services, looking for ways to streamline administrative processes and reduce any unnecessary paper work for school boards.

Standards of Special Education ~ This document outlines the requirements

for school boards regarding the delivery of education programming and services to students with special needs in grades 1 - 12.

Special Education Coding Criteria 2005/06 ~ School authorities will use

the following Alberta Education coding criteria to determine whether a childor student has a disabling condition/delay or is gifted and talented.  These children or students require an adapted or modified educational program to meet their special education needs. An Individualized Program Plan (IPP) is mandatory for any child or student with special education needs who is identified and coded using these criteria.

Individualized Program Planning ~ Revision of Book 3 in the Programming

for Students with Special Needs series.

Early Childhood Special Education ~ This document outlines for school

authorities and parents the standards for the provision of educationalprogramming and services to children with special education needs who are eligible under Early Childhood Services (ECS) Policy 1.1.3. In Alberta a school authority includes school jurisdictions, private ECS operators, and funded private schools. In all cases the school authority must be approved by Alberta Education to provide an ECS program.

Edmonton Public School Board: Specialized Therapy Educational Play Program (STEPP) Waverly Elementary School~ Types of Services:Treatment/Education General;ABA/IBI/EIBI and Related;IEP, Transition Planning and Special Education

Designated Special Education Private Schools ~ A designated special

education private school is a private school that serves students with special needs including those who are diagnosed as having mild,moderate or severe disabilities.

French Immersion for Students with Special Needs ~ Students with

special needs are entitled to appropriate quality education that will allow them to develop to their full potential and be self-reliant,responsible, caring and contributing members of society. The French immersion program can provide this quality education to special needs students when instruction istailored to meet individual needs.

Student Aid Alberta Post Secondary

APPLICATIONS AND FORMS http://studentaid.alberta.ca/resources/applications-and-forms/

Schedule 4 Post-secondary Students with PermanentDisabilities- http://studentaid.alberta.ca/media/2885/grant-post-secondary-students-permanent-disabilities-schedule4.pdf

Information forStudents with Permanent Disabilities- studentaid.alberta.ca/applying-for-funding/students-with-permanentdisabilities/

This link may interest some: Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) This site describes supports that would be available to students who are residents of Alberta and who do not qualify for a Canada Student Loan- http://humanservices.alberta.ca/working-in-alberta/3159.html

Financial Assistance

Support for Children with Disabilities ~ Services to assist Alberta families who have Children with Disabilities (RCD) Support includes specific financial benefits, information and referral, as well as helping parents obtain and coordinate required services. This also gives you the steps and contact numbers to getting started.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities Act ~ The Act; provides

supports to families including while their child is awaiting a formal diagnosis; recognizes the needs of families, not just the needs of the child; promotes better co-ordination and integration of services;improves families’ access to information; r ecognizes families as partners in the planning and decision-making process regarding services that will best meet their needs; ensures greater consistency in families’ access to support and services across the province;recognizes and respects the ability and responsibility of families as the primary source of care and support for their child.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities Government Program~Policy and Procedures Manual

FSCD Eligibility and Application Process~All the steps for applying to the FSCD program. An FSCD worker will contact you to discuss your application. If you have not been contacted within two weeks of sending in your completed application, please call your local FSCD office .In Alberta you have to have your child assessed through the Family Support for Children with Disabilities program and they determine the amount that you will receive for individualized funding.

FSCD Services~ Family Support Services, Child-Focused Services - FSCD provides information and referrals, as well as family support and child-focused services to families of children with disabilities

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped~ The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability. The disability must be permanent and substantially limit the person’s ability to earn a living. AISH clients may also be eligible to receive supplemental assistance (a child benefit and personal benefits) through the AISH program.tip sheet on how to apply.Program Unit Funding(PUF)~which is in addition to Base Instruction Funding is available to approved ECS operators for young children from 2.5 to age 6.These children have been assessed with a severe disability/delay. This is to support the educational needs of children with a severe developmental disability or delay. Children who are at least 2.5 years of age and less than 6 years of age on September 1 are eligible. PUF may be accessed for a maximum of three years, depending on the child’s individual needs and age when first approved.

Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program~The Special Needs Assistance (SNA)for Seniors program provides a lump-sum payment to eligible low-income seniors. This program provides assistance with some of the cost of appliances, minor home repairs and some health and personal supports.A senior’s total annual income, residence and marital status,and the items requested are used to determine the amount funded. The maximum assistance available is $5,000 in a benefit year. Special Needs Assistance for Seniors INFORMATION BOOKLET~everything needed to know in this booklet.

Government

Alberta Government Support for Families of Children and Youth with Disabilities~ This PDF includes a chart showing the connection between some government services available for families of children and youth with various disabilities.

Canada Benefits ~ This is the Canadian Government website for disability. Click on the province that you want, then on a the "I am..." a person with a disability, then click on the disability connection.

Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission ~ The purpose of the

Act is to ensure all Albertans are offered an equal opportunity to earn a living, find a place to live and enjoy services customarily available to the public without discrimination.

Disability Services~ Government services and supports for adults and children with disabilities.

Services/ Service Providers

Family Support for Children with Disabilities~The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Program provides a wide range of family-centred supports and services.Services are meant to help strengthen families ability to promote their childs healthy development and encourage their childs participation in activities at home and in the community.

Special Needs Resources ~ This catalogue is an annotated list of resources in special education. It is arranged by subject area and includes ordering information.

Children with Special Needs ~ This site gives you a range of different services for children with special needs from agency contacts, speech and language, adult services, individualized funding, schooling and other programs. Just follow the link that applies to you.

Disability Weblinks ~ Links you to information about programs, services and contacts anywhere in Canada.

Special Olympics Alberta ~ Special Olympics promotes a more active lifestyle and better quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities through their participation in sport. Special Olympics Alberta offers programs in 114 communities around the province through 32 Affiliates, each with its own volunteer Management Committee and volunteer coaches

Providence~ Providence resources include occupational, physiotherapy, and speech- language therapists, assisted by therapeutic assistants, and consultations by psychologists or behavioral consultants. These specialists are coordinated by a teacher who provides a comprehensive educational program.

Speech and language Pathologists

Alberta Speech & Language Private Practice~ Listings ~ This list includes private Speech-Language Pathologists who are members of ASAPP, are registered with the Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) and hold a current practice permit. Registered Speech-Language Pathologists will use the designation of R.SLP and have a unique registration number. In addition, all ASAPP members have a minimum of 3 years clinical experience.

Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta ~Therapy Assistants work in a variety of settings.Speech-Language Pathologist Therapy Assistants (SLPA) work mostly with children in the school system. Some SLP Assistants also work in private practice or with adults in hospitals, long term care centers and in the community .

Khan Communication Service Inc~ Khan Communication Services is a provider of specialized services and developmental behavioral supports funded by FSCD. Our agency is also contracted by several school divisions in Northern Alberta to provide RCSD and PUF services. Our team of clinicians have created highly acclaimed programs for children with special needs, including the CHATTER program and the Language Enrichment Program.

Therapies

Big Things Can Happen ~ The Behaviour Therapy and Learning Centre provids exceptional education for preschool and kindergarten students with autism and other developmental disabilities using the principals of ABA. We provide the intensity, individualization and a focus on functional skills needed for our students to achieve the greatest degree of independence possible and develop the capacity to participate in inclusive environments.

JB Music Therapy ~ Individual and Group Sessions for all ages and abilities. Music can: boost mood, decrease stress, develop speech and language, improve focus and aid memory

Music Therapy Association for Alberta ~ Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities.These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.

Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association~ A person with autism can engage in Therapeutic Recreation with the assistance of a Recreation Therapist. Recreation Therapists focus on an individual’s strengths and abilities to increase or maintain their skills, abilities, sense of independence, and quality of life. Recreation Therapists conduct assessments and, based on the findings, develop goals using recreation activities to teach necessary skills that are required in order for someone with Autism to function as independently as possible in society given their specific strengths and weaknesses. These may include sports activities, music programs, cooking programs, snoezelen and Sensory Stimulation, creative arts, social skills groups and outings and therapeutic swimming

ABA-Applied Behavioral Analysis

Alberta ABA and IBI links