In 2014, Handi-Care Intl. started a new initiative to help children with disabilities and their families in Canada, by providing added support towards their rehabilitation needs. When a family has a child with a disability, there are many expenses that are not covered by provincial health plans, government support programs or private health insurance. There are approximately 50,000 Canadians with cerebral palsy (CP). One in every 500 babies is affected and one in three of premature babies can be impacted by CP. CP is a non-degenerative neurological condition that impacts how the brain communicates. There are several types of CP, with the most common being spastic CP. There is no cure for spastic CP, but there are various treatments that help to reduce muscle spasticity. One of these treatments is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), which can help eliminate spasticity and reduce the need for invasive, painful orthopaedic surgeries later in life. In most cases, these children require life long rehabilitation support after the surgery. There are other candidates who don’t need the surgery, but still need regular therapy sessions. Children with other forms of disabilities also require rehabilitation services as well as Assistive Technology and Accessible home modifications. Most health insurance plans barely cover a small fraction of these expenses. Handi-Care Intl., has helped several families to get the above mentioned services since 2014.

Eligibility Criteria:

v Anyone can apply for funding for any on the above services; such as 1. Therapist fees; 2. Assistive technology and devices; 3. Accessible renovation expenses.

v Applications will be for the costs that are NOT covered by other plans, such as insurance, Govt. subsidies and from any other source of funding.

v A reference letter for the need must be provided from the therapist or the doctor showing the need for such services or equipment or renovation.

v Every application will be reviewed by the HCI board before the selection.