Understanding and Maximizing OAP Funding Jamie Read Service - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Understanding and Maximizing OAP Funding

Jamie Read Service Navigator Team Lead

Agenda

• Understanding the OAP
• Understanding the OAP funding

– What is eligible and ineligible? – Why you may want to access services – Who you can purchase services from

• Additional Funding Options

The History of the OAP

ABA vs. IBI

• 2 support streams depending on

diagnosis:

• Applied Behaviour Analysis
• Intensive Behaviour Intervention

Ontario Autism Program

• Any child with a diagnosis could

access supports by contacting Single Point of Access (Kinark)

• Intensity of support would vary

OAP: Childhood Budget

• Any child under 18

with a diagnosis of ASD entitled to a ‘Childhood Budget’

New Needs-Based OAP

• Moving towards

implementation of Needs- Based Autism Program

• OAP Advisory Panel

recently made their recommendations for a new needs-based program

• The full report is available
• nline

Understanding the OAP

Apply for the Ontario Autism Program Wait for Application in the mail from the Ministry Complete Online Application Receive One-time Funding

• New to the OAP?

– Contact the Central Intake and Registration Team

• 1-888-444-4530
• oap@Ontario.ca

OAP Interim One-Time Funding

• No longer referred to as ‘Childhood Budget’
• Provide families of autistic children and youth with direct

funding to spend on eligible services of their choice

• Available for all children with a diagnosis of autism up to

age 18

• Children under the age of six are eligible for up to

$20,000 annually

• Children and youth aged six and older are eligible for up

to $5,000 annually

New Family to the OAP

• Must apply by either:

1. Connecting with the Central Intake and Registration Team 2. Completing the OAP Registration Form, available online

Family Waiting: How do I Apply

• You must have received an ‘OAP Childhood

Budget Information’ Form with your OAP Reference Number

• Upon receiving the letter, you can then complete

the ‘Childhood Budget Form’

After you receive the letter

OAP Childhood Budget Information Letter Childhood Budget Form

**NEED THIS BEFORE APPLYING**

Am I on the List?

Registered before

• Apr. 1, 2019

Contact the previous Single Point of Access (Kinark Child and Family Services) 1-888-454-6275

Registered after

• Apr. 1, 2019

Contact the Central Intake and Registration Team 1-888-444-4530

• ap@Ontario.com

**When contacting, ensure that your information on file (i.e., address, contact info, etc…) is up-to-date

Eligible & Ineligible Expenses

www.ontario.ca/autism Eligible Expenses

• Evidence Based Behavioural

Services

• Additional Autism Supports
• Speech and Language,

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy

• Respite
• Family Service Planning and

Support

• Travel
• Technology
• Equipment and Materials

Ineligible Expenses

• Fees for therapies/specialized

services not identified as eligible

• Housing and household items or

services

• Indirect respite services and supports
• Vitamins, medical supplies, orthotics,

supplements, incontinence supplies, special diets, groceries etc.

• Any services/supports delivered by a

primary caregiver or a child under the age of 18 years

• Cancellation fees for missed or

cancelled sessions

Evidence-Based Behavioural Services

• Behavioural assessment of a child’s current

strengths and needs to support treatment planning, setting goals and identifying strategies for a child

• Evidence-based behavioural services (based
• n ABA)
• A consultation with primary caregivers or
• ther relevant professionals involved with a child
• r youth

Evidence-Based Behavioural Services

• Evidence-based
• There is strong scientific research that proves the service

is effective

• Clinical team recommends the service as appropriate for

your child

• Behavioural Services
• Services that teach your child or youth skills that will help

them participate at home, at school, and in the community

• Services that help to discourage behaviours that interfere

with learning and wellbeing

• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• An applied science, based on the principles of learning

and behavior, that is supported by scientific knowledge, standards and research

Evidence-Based Behavioural Services

• Help to identify strength’s and

needs

• Treatment based on scientific

principles of ABA

• Can assist in improving social

and communication skills, regulating emotions, and/or increasing independence Why access Behavioural Services?

Evidence-Based Behavioural Services

• Who you can purchase from:

– Behaviour clinicians who deliver evidence-based services must be supervised by a clinical supervisor who meets, or is working towards, the Ontario Autism Program’s qualification requirements – To use funding to buy services from a clinical supervisor not on the provider list, the clinical supervisor must give you a signed copy of the attestation form before you receive services – Ontario Autism Program Provider List

• Local Behavioural service options:

– Tri-County Community Support Services – Kinark Children and Youth – On Solid Ground Behaviour Solutions – New Beginnings – School Supports

Evidence-Based Behavioural Services

• Additional Resources:

– Learn to be a Savvy Consumer of Autism Services: What does ‘Evidence-Based’ really mean? – Getting the Most out of your ABA Program – Understanding Challenging Behaviour

Additional Autism Service and Supports

• Curriculum-based interventions with

standardized practice manuals based on the principles of ABA

• Life skills and social skills training programs,

such as programming to facilitate social interactions and communication with others, following social rules, developing self-help skills, and promoting independence

• Employment supports for youth preparing to

transition to adulthood

Additional Autism Service and Supports

• Parent and caregiver coaching and training to learn

behavior strategies to use with your child

• Specialized autism school services that are not

delivered by publicly funded schools. These services must be autism specific, individualized and based on the principles of ABA

• Fees to access a certified service or guide dog from

an accredited training facility, such as an organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs International or school that is a member of the International Guide Dog

• Federation. This includes the one-time application fee,

equipment fees, or training costs

Additional Autism Service and Supports

• Support social development
• Transition into adulthood
• Daily living skills
• Anxiety supports

Why access Additional Autism Services and Supports?

Additional Autism Services and Supports

• Who you can purchase from

– Additional autism services and supports on this list do not require a clinical supervisor, unless otherwise specified – All curriculum-based interventions should be supervised by certified experts and professionals related to those services

• Local Services and Supports:

– Kerry’s Place – Kinark – Snowflake Therapy – Canadian Mental Health Association – Employment Services – New Beginnings

Additional Autism Services and Supports

• Additional Resources:

– Autism Ontario Education Portal

– Social Skills

• What to Look For when choosing a Social Skills Program
• Social Thinking: Teaching Social Competency
• The Science of Making Friends
• How to Build Social Skills in children with ASD

– Employment

• Transitioning to Employment
• Finding and Keeping Employment
• Establishing Work Opportunities
• Developing Job Skills

Other Therapies and Specialized Services

• Services delivered by professionals who are

registered and licensed with the College. These services include:

– Speech and Language pathology assessments, service delivery and consultation – Occupational therapy assessments, service delivery and consultation – Physiotherapy assessments, service delivery and consultation

Other Therapies and Specialized Services

• Address sensory issues
• Improve communication skills

(expressive & receptive)

• Gross and Fine Motor

Challenges

Why access

• ther therapies

and specialized services?

Other Therapies and Specialized Services

• Who you can purchase from:

– These services must be delivered by a registered and license professional and can include assessments and consultations

• Looking for an SLP?

– Ontario Association of Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists – College of Audiologists and Speech and Language Pathologists

• f Ontario
• Looking for an OT?

– College of Occupational Therapists

• Looking for a Physiotherapist?

– College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

• Local therapies and specialized services:

Other Therapies and Specialized Services

• Local therapies and specialized services:

– Five Counties Children’s Centre – Snowflake Therapy – Blue Sky – Miranda Hall

• Additional Resources:

– Physiotherapy: What to Expect – Speech and Language Therapists: What to Expect – Occupational Therapists: What to Expect

Respite

• Respite services, to support families during the day,

evening or weekend, and can be provided in the family home or outside the family home

• Services can include supervising a child or youth or

providing supports with daily living activities such as person care and taking a child out for an activity

• Fees for community recreational activities and classes,

cultural activities and camp programs that promote independence and support the development of social, communication, and life skills. – Includes sports activities, arts and music programs, museums, camp, and autism specific programs.

Respite

• Improve social &

communication skills

• Parent/caregiver relief
• Physical activity
• Decrease anxiety/stress

Why access respite services?

Respite

• Who you can purchase from:

– Public and private organizations that serve children and youth with special needs – Family members, neighbours, and friends (note: cannot be used to compensate the primary caregiver)

• Local respite options

– Respite Now – Respite Services

Family Service Planning and Support

• Interpretation and translation services to support

information sharing

• Up to ten percent (10%) of the annual Childhood

budget amount on individualize family service planning and support

– May include assisting families with navigating, planning, and coordinating services for their child, delegating budget management responsibilities, and managing administrative supports

• Administrative employer costs such as Canada Pension

Plan Contributions, Employment Insurance, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board premiums

Family Service Planning and Support

• Additional support to manage

funds

Why access Family Service Planning and Support?

Family Service Planning and Support

• Local planning and support services:

Travel

• You can use funding for transportation costs within Ontario
• Includes travel to a service provider, paying a service

provider to get to you, and travel costs to access autism- specific training for caregivers or service providers

• If you are unable to access service providers in your

community, you may claim travel expenses for the most practical and cost-effective method of receiving services as close to home as possible

Travel

• If you travel less than 100 kilometres (one-way), you may

use up to 10% of the funding.

• Travel expenses may include bus or train fare, parking

charges

• $0.40 for every km you drive
• If you travel more than 100 kilometres (one-way), you may

use up to 20% of your funding.

• Travel expenses may include air fare, bus or train fare,

and parking charges

• $0.41 for every km you drive

Travel

• More service options

available in larger communities (ie. Durham, York, Toronto)

Why access travel support?

Technology

• One of the following can be purchased: desktop

computer, laptop computer, touch-screen tablet or smart phone to help your child reach his or her goals

• Computer software or applications to support you child’s

goals

• Before purchasing technology, you should:

– Consult a professional to help you choose the right technology – Work with qualified professionals to develop a plan to implement, monitor, and evaluate your child’s progress – Determine if the technology can be purchase through other funding programs or can be loaned to you

Technology

• Aid in communication skills
• Aid in learning
• Increased independence

Why access technology support?

Technology

• Local options for technology:
• Additional Resources:

– Augmentative and Alternative Communication Applications – Autism Speaks

Equipment and materials related to eligible services and supports

• Program materials such as books, visual timers

and curriculum assessment kits, to help your child reach his or her goals

• Equipment that helps to support your child,

such as protective equipment, Kevlar sleeves, and augmentative communication devices

• Additional Funding Options:

Equipment and materials related to eligible services and supports

• Helps support child’s goals
• Professionally recommended
• More accessible than

programs

Why access equipment and materials?

Equipment and materials related to eligible services and supports

• Local options for equipment and materials:

– FDMT – Flaghouse – Kaydan Sensory

Ineligible Expenses

• Fees for other therapies or specialized services not

identified as an eligible expense

– Ex. Nursing, dieticians, or massage therapy

• Housing and home maintenance costs

– Ex. Rent, home renovations or modifications, housekeeping, swimming pools, hot tubs or playground equipment

• Household items and electronics such as furniture,

musical instruments, appliances or televisions

• Services and supports that are not directly related to

your child’s care such as cleaning, meal preparation, snow removal or caring for other family members

Ineligible Expenses

• Personal or family vacations
• Telephone or telecommunications such as home phone

service, internet service or mobile phone services

• Food, including groceries and restaurant meals
• Clothing and personal goods and services such as

toiletries, spa treatments, aesthetic or cosmetic services

• Dental services
• Vitamins, medical supplies, orthotics, supplements,

incontinence supplies or special diets

• Supports and services already receive through ODSP such

as drug benefits or medical aids

• Private school tuition and day care fees
• Vehicle purchases, leases or rentals

Ineligible Expenses

• Website advertising costs associated with finding qualified

professionals

• Investments, including contributions to RRSP, RDSP, or

RESP

• Ongoing costs for the care of certified service or guide

dogs, including food, treats, toys, veterinary care, grooming and fees for registering or purchasing a service dog from an organization that is not a recognized accredited training facility

• Any services or support delivered by a child under 18 or a

primary caregiver

• Fees for cancelled or missed services

Additional Funding Options

• In addition to your OAP Funding, you may

be able to access additional funding

• ptions for support.
• Additional funding Resources:

– ‘Making the Most of Funding Source’ webinar – Funding Sources

Reconciliation of OAP Funding

• You will be provided an ‘Expense form’

with your ‘Authorization to Spend Letter

Autism Ontario

Quick Links

• Ontario Autism Program
• Autism Ontario

– Peterborough Chapter Events – Peterborough Chapter E-news – Service Navigation

Conclusion

• Connect with your local Service Navigator

if you have further questions or want some support with goal setting

• If unsure if an expense is eligible, ask!

QUESTIONS?