Just Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy 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 child has cerebral palsy. It affects movement and posture, but it doesn't define who they are. With the right therapies starting early, many children make incredible progress.
Who to call today
Cerebral Palsy Canada: 1-613-235-2144
They'll connect you with local resources and parent support.
Medical note
Make sure your child's medical team is monitoring for hip displacement, seizures, and vision — all common with CP. Ask about scheduling these screenings.
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 Autism Program (OAP)
Needs-based funding for autism services including core clinical services and foundational family supports.
Note: Historically very long waitlists — 50,000+ children. Needs-based approach being phased in.
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 a copy of the neurologist or pediatrician's diagnostic report
- 2Request documentation of the CP type (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, mixed) and GMFCS level
- 3Ask for MRI results and keep copies
- 4Document current functional abilities and equipment needs
- 5Start a therapy log to track progress across providers
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 Cerebral Palsyisn't something you do alone. Here are the people and organizations who can help.
National organizations
National coordination body for cerebral palsy awareness, research, and support across Canada.
Organizations in Ontario
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services in OTTAWA. CRA Registration: 133180596RR0001.
National coordination body for cerebral palsy awareness, research, and support across Canada.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy and ALS in Etobicoke, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy and ALS in Cambridge, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy and ALS in Kingston, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy and ALS in Ottawa, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
A school, therapy clinic, and recreational centre for infants, children, and teens with disabilities, behavioural challenges, and complex medical needs. Services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and early intervention. Founded through the merger of Zareinu Educational Centre and Project AIM Programs.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 107797136RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 107797722RR0001
Ontario's federation for cerebral palsy providing financial assistance, resources, and programs for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 133180596RR0001
Recommended therapies
Here are the therapies typically recommended for Cerebral Palsy:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
Specialists to request
- Pediatric neurologist
- Physiatrist (rehabilitation medicine specialist)
- Physiotherapist specializing in pediatric or neurological conditions
- Occupational therapist for adaptive equipment and daily living
- Speech-language pathologist (if speech or swallowing affected)
- Orthotist for bracing and mobility aids
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 guideTurning 18
Children's services end at age 18 (19 in BC). Adult disability programs have separate applications and often long waitlists. This feels far away. It comes faster than you think. But you don't need to worry about it now — just know it's covered in our guide.
Turning 18 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.