We are here to help
KidsAbility offers many services, and while we have done our best to simplify the referral process, we know at times it can become confusing. We’re committed to supporting you.
We are a SmartStart Hub
As a SmartStart Hub, we support and connect families with concerns related to their childs development and day-today functioning. Depending on a child or families’ needs, services may be provided by KidsAbility or by other community Partner Agencies.
If you’re unsure what services your child requires, or looking for support to navigate community services, please complete our general form below.
Attention Guelph Wellington Parents & Caregivers:
Families residing in Guelph & Wellington County, Here4Kids (Tel: 1-844-454-3711) is the point of entry for all children’s developmental services for children ages birth-six years old.
Making a Specific Referral
Making a Specific Referral
Home and Community Based Needs
Referrals to Speech & Language Pathology (SLP), Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT), and Social Work (SW) are made by parents, legal guardians, as well as community professionals.Â
Waterloo Region Residents
Guelph & Wellington County Residents
Birth to School Entry
Referrals for children between the ages of birth to school entry, please contact Here4Kids first.
Referrals can be requested by contacting Here4Kids at 1-844-454-3711 or by fax at 1-844-454-3739.
School Entry 4 – 21
Referrals for children and youth are made directly through KidsAbility
School Based Needs
School Based Rehabilitation Services include Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT) and Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) services provided to school-aged children and youth in their publicly funded schools.
Families and legal guardians are not able to self-refer for School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) at this time.
All new referrals for School Based Rehabilitation Services will be completed:
- By the child’s home school and sent directly to KidsAbility. Please talk to your child’s teacher or principal about referrals for School Based Rehabilitation Services.
- By a KidsAbility therapist if the student is already being seen for KidsAbility services.
School Use Only – General Referral
SLP-Additional Information Form
Autism, Assessments & Behaviour Supports
Referrals to KidsAbility’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Team must be made by a physician.
Please return signed referral form via fax to KidsAbility:
Attention: Client Information Systems
Fax: 519-886-7292
Questions? Call 519-886-8886 ext. 1373
No referral is necessary. Contact our Goal Planning Specialists (GPS) at GPS@kidsability.ca or 519-886-8886 ext. 2242 to book a free consultation. We will work with you to build a plan that fits within your budget and goals for your child.
Learn more about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) & Behaviour Support Services
- Entry to School Program
- Caregiver Mediated Early Years Program
- Foundational Family Supports
Entry to School Program
You will receive a letter of invitation if you are eligible for the Entry to School program.
How to Register:
Call KidsAbility at: 519-886-8886, ext. 1214.
Email us at: intake@kidsability.ca.
It’s first-come, first-served.
Please have your child’s Ontario Autism Program number and invitation to register close by.
Learn more about the Entry to School Program.
Caregiver Mediated Programs
If your child is enrolled in the OAP and has received an Invitation Letter to the Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Programs from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, they are eligible.
Ages for SCERTS: 12-36 months when starting the program.
Learn more about the Caregiver Mediated Program
Foundational Family Supports
To register for any of the foundational family support workshops, contact the Foundational Family Services team at: asktheabateam@kidsability.ca
To register for Mothers Addressing Autism Together – Peer Support:, contact Lindsay Crickmay at lcrickmay@kidsability.ca.
*Please note that childcare is not provided*
Please have your child’s OAP reference number ready.
Specialized Services
Inquiries for hearing screening for newborns visit ErinoakKids Client Services Intake Centre or call 1-877-374-6625, then press ‘1’.
Learn more about the Infant Hearing Program
New Referrals
New referrals to Seating & Mobility must be made by an Occupational Therapist.
Please send to KidsAbility, Attention: Specialized CSA by fax at 519-886-7292
Re-Referrals
If your child has previously been seen by KidsAbility Seating and Mobility Services, and…
- You no longer have an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist servicing your child, please contact our Specialized CSA at 1 888-372-2259 ext. 1373
- You have an Occupational or Physiotherapist servicing your child, please discuss your needs with them and they will complete the application.
Learn more about seating & mobility
New Referrals
All new referrals to the Augmentative Communication Services (ACS) team must be made by a professional.
Communication Needs: Referrals must be made by a Speech-Language Pathologist
Writing Aids: Referrals must be made by an Occupational Therapist
Re-Referral
Clients may be re-referred to Augmentative Communication Services when they have been previously assessed and discharged by ACS. Parents may re-refer any time up to age 18 or high school exit.
Communication Needs: Identify face-to-face communication goals and reason for re-referral.
Writing Aids: Identify home-based writing goals as reason for re-referral.
Learn more about Augmentative Communication Services
Guidelines for Occupational Therapists submitting referrals
Referrals can be made by anyone; however the presence of one of more of the conditions must be confirmed by an Ophthalmologist.
Referrals can be made to ErinOakKids Intake, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 1-877-374-6625, and press 1.
If you have concerns about a child’s vision, don’t wait. The sooner a problem is identified, the sooner the child can receive early intervention services that support the development of their functional vision and sensory skills.
Learn more about Blind Low Vision Services
Guelph-Wellington – Enhanced Support Services
Referrals for Enhanced Support Services must be made by an Early Learning Educator or by a home childcare provider.
Educators and providers can find more information about making a referral here: https://www.wellington.ca/en/social-services/ceyd-enhanced-support-system.aspx
If you are a parent/caregiver with concerns, please discuss with your licensed childcare educator/provider and they can support you to understand what services are available.
Learn more about ESS
Waterloo Region – SPOT
Referrals must come from licensed Early Learning and Childcare Programs and are made in collaboration with the Resource Consultant and SPOT clinician.
If you are a parent/caregiver with concerns, please discuss with your licensed childcare educator/provider and they can support you to understand what services are available.
Learn more about Spot
Related Pages
-
Frequently Asked Questions
In this FAQ, we address common questions to help you navigate the referral process, explore available services, and understand the support awaiting you. Whether you’re…