Prince Edward Island

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 Prince Edward Island that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Government of Prince Edward Island Website

Social Assistance Act

Drug Cost Assistance Act

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 Prince Edward Island that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Disability Services Review, 2007

Disability Support Program Policy Manual

Case Management Services

In PEI, most supports and services for children and youth with disabilities and their families can be accessed through the Disability Support Program (DSP).

Disability Support Program (DSP)

Offers needs-based supports for individuals with disabilities 64 years of age or younger:
Child disability supports
Adult disability supports
Employment and vocational supports
Individuals work with a Disability Support Worker to develop and maintain a Support Plan
Visit the webpage to download the Disability Support Program Policy Manual which highlights eligibility criteria: http://www.gov.pe.ca/sss/index.php3?number=1018613&lang=E
NB: Individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD and undiagnosed behavioural problems are not covered under this program

Autism Early Intervention Program

The pre-school autism intensive behavioural intervention (IBI) service is offered through the PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
The program provides up to 20 hours of IBI each week and can be delivered in home or at an early childhood centre
Funding is available through the Disability Support Program to cover some of the costs of this program

Autism Society of PEI

Provides information and support to individuals with autism and their families
Offers a Family Training Subsidy Program that provides financial assistance to parents or caregivers of children with autism in order to attend conferences and workshops

PEI Council of People with Disabilities

Offers a Designated Parking Permit Program
Offers a Summer Tutoring Program for children with disabilities
The program is usually delivered in the child's home for 2-3 hours per week
The fee is $85 for the eight-week program
Offers a Theatre Program (Around the Block Theatre Program)
Youth with disabilities participate in Life Skills and Employability Training and are involved in creating and performing an original play to raise awareness of disability issues
Snoezelen room
Can be rented for 45 minute sessions at $3.00 per child and $6.00 per adult

Pat and the Elephant

Provides transportation services for individuals with mobility impairments

Transportation West Inc.

Provides transportation services for individuals with special needs living in the West Prince area

Income Support

In addition to federal income support initiatives, the PEI government offers several financial assistance programs geared to individuals and families in financial need.

Social Assistance

Provided by PEI Department of Community Services and Seniors
Provides financial benefits to individuals on a case-by-case basis who are unable to meet basic living costs
Visit the website to learn more about eligibility criteria: http://www.gov.pe.ca/sss/index.php3?number=1024708&lang=E

Child Care Subsidy Program

Provided by PEI Department of Community Services and Seniors
Provides families with a child with special needs with a subsidy that covers part or all of the costs associated with the provision of licensed child care

Special Needs Grant for Licensed Early Childhood Centres

Provides subsidies to licensed early childhood centres to hire additional staff to support children with special needs
Funded through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Respite Care Services

In PEI, funding for respite services is allocated to families on a case-by-case basis, based on need and the individual's level of functioning. The number of respite hours or days is negotiated through a Needs Assessment with the Disability Support Program (DSP) and the family. Funds may be allocated directly to the service provider or to the family who then arranges their own respite care.