Programs and Services

Forms & FAQ.

Forms

FAQ  

1. Where can I get more information about my child’s diagnosis?

  • Grandview has family resource centres located at the Oshawa and Ajax sites (books, videos, pamphlets etc.).
  • Families are welcome to ask any staff member for more information
  • This website has links/information on diagnoses: click on “programs and services” and then on “family support services”
  • Check out diagnosis-specific associations such as:

2. How do I find a respite worker for my child?

As parents, we want to be sure that the respite worker will meet the needs of our child. Some tips:

  • Identify the reasons why you need the worker: companionship, support during an activity (such as scout meetings), developing a skill, etc.
  • Identify the qualifications and characteristics the worker should have: e.g. qualified Personal Support Worker, experience with children with special needs, outdoor enthusiast, sense of humour, musician etc.
  • A Personal Support Worker or Nurse can be found through:
    • An agency
    • Family, friends or neighbours
    • Church, work or school
    • Advertisement at college and university
  • Interview potential candidates (ask one or two friends who know your child, to help with this).
  • Check references carefully
  • Ask for documentation of recent criminal reference check (through local police station)
  • More information is available from:

3. My child is staring school next fall. How do I learn more about services for special needs at school?

  • Grandview offers a 4-part series of workshops annually on school services and transition to school
  • Grandview offers a day-long workshop with an Educational Consultant, Lindsay Moir, called “Transition to School”.
  • heck out www.oacrs.com – click on “family net” – this has an “Ask Lindsay Moir” feature. There is lots of information, and you can submit your own questions.
  • Each Board of Education has information about their services for children with special needs:
    • Durham District School Board: www.durham.edu.on.ca click on “parent resources” and on “special education”
    • Durham Catholic District School Board: www.dcdsb.ca
    • Look in “parent information”
    • Kawartha Pine Ridge District  School Board: www.kpr.edu.on.ca Look in  “special education” under programs
    • Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District  School Board: www.pvnccdsb.on.ca
  • Ask you child’s Principal about services to support your child. The Principal might refer to Special Education Resource Teachers, or psychometric services or consultation services from the Central East Community Care Access Centre.

4. How do I begin to plan for my child’s future?

As parents, we need to involve our child, as well as their circle of friends and family, in planning for the future. Some tips:

  • Start planning early
  • Attend Grandview workshops and other educational opportunities (topics such as tax planning, wills, insurance, etc.)
  • Talk to other families who have helped their child transition to adulthood
  • Check out educational opportunities offered by Durham Association for Family Respite Services (and by other organizations) www.dafrs.com
  • Goals might need to change over time
  • Helpful resources:

5. How do I find day care for my child with special needs?

  • Contact Grandview’s Preschool Outreach Program at ext. 2227 or 2228 or info@grtc.ca
  • Check out www.region.durham.on.ca/childrensservices for a listing of preschools in your area and information on what to look for in a preschool/day care
  • Speak to your Infant and Child Development or Resources For Exceptional Children and Youth Consultant if  you are involved with either of these agencies
  • Speak to other parents about their experience in finding a preschool

6. How can I meet other parents of children with special needs?

  • Grandview’s therapy groups and recreation groups offer opportunities for connecting
  • Grandview’s parent support groups provide opportunities for facilitated discussion, mutual learning and mentorship
  • Grandview’s quarterly family gatherings provide informal networking opportunities
  • With your consent, you could be linked, by Grandview staff, with another family  with similar experiences
  • Grandview has a Family Advisory Council which provides an opportunity for families to connect as well as to provide advice to the Grandview Board and management
  • There are opportunities to connect with other families through local associations and organizations (see list under question 1)
  • Other resources: www.dafrs.com (Durham Association of Family Respite Services/Durham Family Network)

7. How do I access Family Support Services at Grandview?

Grandview’s Family Support offers a number of services, including:

  • Orientation to Grandview
  • Accessing community resources
  • Seeking funding assistance for adaptive equipment and disability- related services
  • Service coordination
  • Emotional support – counselling families with social and emotional concerns
  • Workshops – check out the Family Support bulletin boards for information
  • Family Support Services are voluntary and available to all clients and families, including those on the wait list
  • You can access services by asking a staff member or contacting us at info@grtc.ca
  • Please check this website for upcoming events

8. How do I get counselling for my child/family?

  • For counselling related to your child’s diagnosis, a Grandview Family Support Worker can help
  • For counselling related to your marriage, job, finances or other personal matters,  there are other resources, such as:
    • Your Employee Assistance Program (if available)
  • To find mental health services, check out the online directory at www.mhsio.on.ca or call 1 866 531 2600
  • Other resources:
    Distress Centre Durham – crisis line 1 800 452 0688
    Kidshelp 1 800 668 6868
    Parent’s Help Phone 1 888 603 9100
  • General counselling:
    Lakeridge Health Mental Health Services 905 433 4365
    Catholic Family Services Durham 905 725 3513
    Region of Durham Family Counselling 1 866 840 6697
    Oshawa Community Health Centre 905 723 0036
  • Substance abuse (including alcohol) assistance:
    Pinewood Centre - crisis 905 723 8195
    Alcoholics Anonymous 905 728 1020
    Narcotics Anonymous 905 728 1020
  • Children’s services:
    Behaviour Management 1 800 387 0642
    Kinark Child & Family Services - crisis 1 888 337 0841
    Frontenac Youth Services 905 579 1551
  • Financial:
    Credit Counselling 905 579 1951

9. Where can I get help to pay for the equipment my child needs?

You might be eligible to receive benefits through:

  • Private insurance
  • Employer health benefits
  • You might raise funds from family, friends, neighbours, church, service clubs etc.
  • Check out the “Financial Assistance” under "Family Support" in the “Programs and  Services” section of this website
  • Ask a Grandview staff member for more information and assistance

10. How do I find out which government funding programs my family is eligible to receive?

  • Check out the “Financial Assistance” under "Family Support" in the"Programs and Services" section of this website
  • Go to the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services website at www.children.gov.on.ca and click on “parents” and then on “financial help”
  • As a Grandview staff member for more information

If you have a question you think should be added to our FAQs, please email us at info@grtc.ca

Thank you for helping other families!