Just Diagnosed with Brain Injury in Manitoba
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. Recovery from brain injury is a marathon, not a sprint — and the brain has more ability to heal than we once thought.
Who to call today
Brain Injury Canada: 1-866-977-2492
They can connect you with provincial brain injury associations for local support and peer mentoring.
Medical note
If you're not already in a rehabilitation program, getting connected to one is the most important step. Ask your doctor about neurological rehabilitation referrals.
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
Manitoba provincial programs
Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities
Up to ~$1,300/month (varies)Income and employment support for adults with physical or mental disabilities.
Official websiteCommunity Living disABILITY Services (CLDS)
Residential and day services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Apply during the transition year (17-18).
Note: Long waitlists — apply early during youth transition.
Manitoba Assistive Technology Program
Loans of assistive technology devices for assessment and short-term use.
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 hospital and rehabilitation records
- 2Request a neuropsychological assessment documenting cognitive impacts
- 3Ask for a functional abilities evaluation from the rehab team
- 4Document all cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes since the injury
- 5Get a letter from the treating physician detailing long-term needs and prognosis
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 Brain Injuryisn't something you do alone. Here are the people and organizations who can help.
National organizations
National coordination organization providing resources, a provincial/territorial benefits guide, and information for people living with acquired brain injury and their families.
Organizations in Manitoba
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by neurological conditions in Dauphin, Manitoba. Provides advocacy, support groups, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by neurological conditions in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Provides advocacy, support groups, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by neurological conditions in Brandon, Manitoba. Provides advocacy, support groups, resources.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 120715784RR0001
Recommended therapies
Here are the therapies typically recommended for Brain Injury:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Neuropsychology
Specialists to request
- Neurologist
- Physiatrist (rehabilitation medicine)
- Neuropsychologist for cognitive assessment
- Speech-language pathologist (for communication and cognitive-linguistic issues)
- Occupational therapist
- Psychologist for behavioral and emotional changes
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 Manitoba
Manitoba uses Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs. School divisions receive categorical funding based on the student's level of need. Parents can request assessment and IEP development at any time.
Your Rights guideTax 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.
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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.