Waterloo, Ont., – Beginning in July, KidsAbility’s Purchase Services for Autism will move to a package-based model. Changes will be made in two stages. A lengthy transition period has been built in to help families adapt to the new model. Families who are currently receiving services were informed of the changes in a letter on April 28 and through one-on-one meetings over the past week.
The packages were thoughtfully designed to allow clients and families access to more intensive therapy options and the best clinical services possible. The packages also align with the new Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and the Needs-Based Funding model currently rolling out across the province.
KidsAbility cares deeply about its clients and their families and is honoured to be part of their journey. Over the next few months, KidsAbility will work with families to select the most appropriate package and is committed to making this transition for families as smooth as possible.
In October, the packages will reflect the true cost of providing services. To date, KidsAbility has been able to support families with the cost of purchase services. KidsAbility was able to do this in the short-term as everyone navigated their way through the initial changes to the OAP and families adjusted to the fundamental change of paying for service. KidsAbility has now reached a point where Purchase Service offerings must reflect the true cost of providing the service to ensure the long-term viability of the program.
KidsAbility is committed to its mission of empowering children and youth with special needs to realize their full potential. KidsAbility offers Foundational Family Supports to all children registered with the OAP. In addition to the new package-based model, KidsAbility continues to offer the Caregiver-Mediated Early Years and Entry to School programs. All of these services are based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.