‍The Accessibility Fund assists families with costs associated with the child and/or youth’s disability such as therapies, adaptive equipment and respite services. To access the program, families must be registered with SMILE Canada, be 30 years of age or younger and be in financial need.
‍Why is it needed? Additional funding beyond government support is crucial for assisting families for several reasons. Depending on the case and circumstances, families may receive limited financial assistance from various sources, both governmental and non-governmental, which can create significant financial strain due to families having to pay out of pocket. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation costs, and specialized adaptive equipment often deplete these funds, forcing families to continually reassess and prioritize their children’s needs based on the resources available to them.