Supports Available While Waiting
for FSCD
Waiting for support can be overwhelming. The resources below are intended to help families navigate day-to-day challenges, find support, and access services while waiting for FSCD. While these resources cannot replace timely access to FSCD, they may help ease some of the pressure as families continue to advocate for the support their children need. Availability varies, and wait times may apply.
Peer Support For Families
Hold My Hand Canada
Hold My Hand Alberta Facebook Group connects parents with each other and with education and service provider professionals. It is a place to ask questions and seek support from people who understand. You can also reach Hold My Hand at HoldMyHandAB.
Inclusive Child Care
Hold My Hand Alberta Facebook Group connects parents with each other and with education and service provider professionals. It is a place to ask questions and seek support from people who understand. You can also reach Hold My Hand at HoldMyHandAB@gmail.com.
PUF (Program Unit Funding)
This program is free for children starting at age 2 years, 8 months with moderate-severe language delays, other severe disabilities or global developmental delay. Services offered include speech and language (SLP) therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and behaviour (regulation) support. You can choose between public (school-based) PIUF providers, or private PUF providers. At this time, your child can access 2 years of PUF support through public providers, or 3 years of support through private providers. For more information, visit Early childhood education | Alberta.ca , or google PUF providers in your area. It is best to register as early as possible in the year because spots are limited.
Early Development Supports
Inclusive Child Care
Families apply directly to early learning and childcare programs. Inclusive Child Care partners across Alberta support providers with training, targeted supports for children, and navigation services. Families experiencing barriers to access can also contact a regional Inclusive Child Care partner directly for navigation support, or access a province-wide navigator through Access Supports and Participation (ASaP) .
PUF (Program Unit Funding)
This program is free for children starting at age 2 years, 8 months with moderate-severe language delays, other severe disabilities or global developmental delay. Services offered include speech and language (SLP) therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and behaviour (regulation) support. You can choose between public (school-based) PIUF providers, or private PUF providers. At this time, your child can access 2 years of PUF support through public providers, or 3 years of support through private providers. For more information, visit Early childhood education | Alberta.ca , or google PUF providers in your area. It is best to register as early as possible in the year because spots are limited.
Practical Support
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to your child’s impairment. There is a medical form that must be completed. Approval for the DTC also opens access to additional supports, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and its grants and bonds. Complete information can be found here:
The Plan Institute is one of the organizations offering free assistance for applying for the DTC.
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a monthly, tax‑free payment added automatically to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) once a child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)—no separate application is required. Eligible conditions include autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and many other physical or mental impairments.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to your child’s impairment. There is a medical form that must be completed. Approval for the DTC also opens access to additional supports, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and its grants and bonds. Complete information can be found here:
The Plan Institute is one of the organizations offering free assistance for applying for the DTC.
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a monthly, tax‑free payment added automatically to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) once a child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)—no separate application is required. Eligible conditions include autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and many other physical or mental impairments.
Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)
RAMP provides grants to help low‑income Albertans with disabilities make accessibility modifications to their homes—such as installing ramps, grab bars, or widening doorways—so they can continue living safely at home. The program is available to eligible families, including those with children with disabilities.
Apply through Alberta Supports:
Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)
RAMP provides grants to help low‑income Albertans with disabilities make accessibility modifications to their homes—such as installing ramps, grab bars, or widening doorways—so they can continue living safely at home. The program is available to eligible families, including those with children with disabilities.
Apply through Alberta Supports:
Mental Health & Crisis Supports
Family Mental Health Supports (AHS)
Child & Youth Mental Health services (AHS)
Access through:
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811
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Primary care referral
Caregiver Support / Distress Lines
Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1‑877‑303‑2642
Caregiver Support Line by Alberta Caregivers Association: 780-453-5088
Provides 24/7 support for parents under stress
Resources for Indigenous Children
Jordan’s Principle
This program seeks to provide services for Indigenous who live on or off reserve. Services include, OT, SLP, PT, therapy, health expenses and education support. Jordan's Principle
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
This program provides psychological, prescription, dental, vision and other medical coverage for eligible Indigenous Canadians. Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Medical supplies and equipment benefits