Just Diagnosed with Spinal Cord Injury in Ontario
You're not behind. There's no timeline. Start wherever you're ready and go at your own pace. Everything on this page is free.
Right Now
You're not alone. Whatever you're feeling right now is normal.
Your world just changed. It's okay to not be okay right now. You don't have to figure everything out today. Focus on healing — the rest will come.
Who to call today
Spinal Cord Injury Canada: 1-877-422-1112
They provide peer support from people who've been where you are. Call them.
Medical note
Your rehabilitation team is managing the medical priorities. If you're not already connected to a rehab facility, that's the most important next step.
A note about late-night Googling
We've all done it. At 2am you'll find yourself reading something terrifying written in 1997 that doesn't reflect where things are today. If you're spiraling, close the laptop and come back here tomorrow. The information on this page is current, Canadian, and reviewed. You're going to be okay.
When You're Ready — The Important Stuff
These programs have waitlists — some are months long. Applying now means you'll be closer to the front when you need them. None of this is urgent today. But when you have the energy, start here.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Opens the door to $200/month in child benefits, $90,000 in RDSP grants, and several other tax credits.
How to apply:Ask your child's doctor to fill out form T2201. That's it.
Read the full DTC guideFederal benefits
Ontario provincial programs
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
$1,368/month (single, 2025)Income support and employment assistance for adults with significant physical or mental disabilities lasting 1+ year.
Official websitePassport Program
Funding for community participation, person-directed planning, and caregiver respite for adults with developmental disabilities.
Note: Significant waitlists across the province.
Official websiteAssistive Devices Program (ADP)
Covers up to 75% of the cost of prescribed equipment (wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, communication devices).
Official websiteSpecial Services at Home (SSAH)
Funding for families to purchase respite care and skills development services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Note: Long waitlists — can take 2-5 years in some regions.
About waitlists
Apply for everything on this list even if you're not ready to use the services yet. You can always decline when your name comes up, but you can't get back the time you spent not on the list. Think of it as holding your place in line.
The Paperwork
Nobody tells you that a disability diagnosis comes with a mountain of paperwork. Here's what you need and where to keep it. Get a folder (physical or digital). Label it. Everything goes in there.
Documents to gather
- 1Get complete medical records from the treating hospital and rehabilitation facility
- 2Request documentation of the injury level and completeness (ASIA classification)
- 3Obtain a functional abilities assessment from the rehabilitation team
- 4Document all equipment needs (wheelchair, home modifications, vehicle adaptations)
- 5Get a letter from the physiatrist detailing long-term care needs
Always have copies of
- Child's health card
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) — apply if you don't have one
- Birth certificate
- All therapy reports and progress notes
- School records and IEP documents
- Receipts for all medical expenses, therapy, equipment, travel
Track your expenses
Starting today, keep every receipt for anything related to your child's condition: therapy sessions, medications, equipment, mileage to appointments, parking at the hospital. These are claimable on your taxes.
View Tax CalendarBuilding Your Team
Raising a child with Spinal Cord Injuryisn't something you do alone. Here are the people and organizations who can help.
National organizations
A national organization focused on spinal cord injury research, accessibility certification, and creating an inclusive and accessible Canada. Provides accessibility certification and funding for accessibility projects up to $90,000.
Organizations in Ontario
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 119051514RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 140800913RR0002
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 855472189RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 871712378RR0001
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury in Toronto, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 133194969RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 863428199RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 119068526RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 805514866RR0001
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury and spina bifida in Ottawa, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 118835032RR0001
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury in Severn Bridge, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Recommended therapies
Here are the therapies typically recommended for Spinal Cord Injury:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Recreation therapy
Specialists to request
- Physiatrist (rehabilitation medicine specialist)
- Urologist (bladder management)
- Physiotherapist specializing in SCI
- Occupational therapist for home and vehicle modifications
- Psychologist for adjustment counseling
- Wound care specialist
You are the expert on your child. The doctors are consultants. Don't be afraid to ask questions, disagree, or get a second opinion.
Looking Ahead
You don't need to think about any of this today. Bookmark this section and come back when you're ready — whether that's next month or next year.
RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan)
The government will give your child up to $90,000 over their lifetime — but only if you open this account. You need the DTC first. Once approved, open an RDSP even if you can't contribute. The government deposits bonds for low-income families automatically.
RDSP GuideHenson Trust
If your child will receive provincial disability support as an adult, a regular inheritance could disqualify them. A Henson Trust protects the inheritance without affecting benefits. You don't need to set this up now — but when you write your will, make sure your lawyer knows about Henson Trusts.
Education rights in Ontario
Ontario uses Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students identified through an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process. Parents can request an IPRC at any time. Schools must implement the IEP and review it annually. Ontario has specific categories for exceptionalities.
Your Rights guideHome modifications and assistive devices
Provincial programs can fund home modifications, wheelchairs, communication devices, and other assistive technology.
Tax planning
Most families of children with disabilities leave $10,000+ per year in unclaimed benefits.
You're Not Alone
Thousands of Canadian families navigate this path every year. Connecting with others who understand can make all the difference.
See something wrong or outdated? Report an error
Know of a service we should list?
This directory grows because people in the community help us find what we've missed. Let us know about organizations, programs, or services across Canada.