Manitoba
Relevant Legislation:
Legislation refers to those Acts or bodies or a body of law that codifies how a law operates and is used. Below we have listed a number of acts in Manitoba that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.
Government of Manitoba Website
The Community Child Care Standards Act
The Accessibility Advisory Council Act
The Child and Family Services Act
Public Schools Amendment Act - Bill 13 Appropriate Educational Programming
See The Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office for Additional Acts
Relevant Policies
Policy is how legislation or a law is put into action. Social policies address issues of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the members of a particular society such as health care and education. Below we have listed a number of policies in Manitoba that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.
The Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office
Opening Doors Renews Manitoba’s Commitment to Manitobans with Disabilities
This document published in 2009 builds upon the White Paper entitled “Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Strategy on Disability”
Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Strategy on Disability
- This White Paper outlines the province’s strategy on disability.
Manitoba's Five-Year Agenda for Early Learning and Child Care
- This document outlines a five-year agenda for improving early learning and child care in Manitoba.
Writing an Inclusion Policy: A Guide for Child Care Centres and Homes
- A guide to help child care centres and homes develop an inclusion policy.
Guidelines for Early Childhood Transition to School for Children with Special Needs
- A protocol developed to enhance communication between the school and family prior to school entry for young children with special needs.
Case Management Services
In Manitoba, supports and services are identified and managed through a Family Services Worker who works with the family in developing a Service Plan for the child or youth with a disability.
Children's DisABILITY Services (formerly Children's Special Services)
- Children and youth 17 years of age or younger with a disability are eligible
- If eligible, families are assigned a Family Services Worker who works with the family in developing a comprehensive service plan
- The service plan may cover any of the following:
- Respite
- Early Child Development
- Therapy
- Behavioural Services
- Applied Behavioural Analysis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Summer Programming
- After School Care for Adolescents
- Supplies and Equipment
- Home/Vehicle Modifications
- Transportation to and from Medical Appointments
- Provided through Ministry of Family Services and Consumer Affairs
Child Care Inclusion Support Program
- This program funds early learning and child care programs
- Children with support needs are provided with an Individual Program Plan to foster active and inclusive participation
Thrive!
- A five-year plan for helping Manitobans with autism spectrum disorders and their families
- Includes autism-specific supports delivered through Children's DisABILITY Services, pre-school and school-age applied behavioural analysis programs, autism-specific school-based supports and transition planning and programming
- Provided through Ministry of Family Services and Consumer Affairs
Income Support
In addition to federal income support initiatives, the Manitoba government offers a financial assistance program geared to low-income, working families.
Manitoba Child Benefit
- Funded by Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs
- Provides financial assistance for low-income, working families with children up to age 18
- Visit the website to review eligibility criteria
Respite Care Services
In Manitoba, respite services are provided through Children's DisABILITY Services at no cost. Parents or caregivers can directly hire their own respite service provider (self-managed respite care) or can seek respite services from a designated respite agency (direct service). Families can choose to have respite offered in or outside the home. The level of support offered is based on family need and the availability of appropriate supports.
Visit Children's DisABILITY Services (formerly Children's Special Services) for more information.
It is important to consider that due to high demand, some respite services may have a waitlist. Therefore it may be helpful to call in advance to inquire about wait times and have your name placed on the waiting list if need be.