Resources
Assessments
Psychologists use special measures (tests) to find out how people learn and whether they are working to their potential.
A psycho-educational assessment identifies an individual’s strengths and needs in:
Reading (phonological awareness and phonics, word identification, fluency and comprehension)
Written Language (spelling, grammar, word usage, organization, and printing/writing skills)
Math (basic facts, calculation skills and math reasoning)
Attention, activity level and impulse control Self-regulation, executive functioning
Cognitive abilities including language skills, nonverbal learning, working memory, and processing speed any behavioural, social, or emotional factors that may be interfering with learning or achievement.
The term learning disability means that people are intelligent, but ordinary school methods prevent them from fully showing their abilities. It is a recognized disability under the Canadian Code of Human Rights, as affirmed by the 2012 Supreme Court decision Moore v. North Vancouver. This means schools and employers must provide accommodations so the student can access the curriculum and the employee can perform their job.
Funding
- Program Unit Funding (PUF) is provided to school authorities to ECS children with severe disabilities/delays who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular ECS program. Funding is provided for individualized programming that meets the educational needs of children with severe disabilities/delays who are at least 2 years 6 months of age on September 1. PUF may be paid for a maximum of 3 years for each eligible child. https://www.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education.aspx
- The Canada Child Tax Benefit is a tax-free monthly benefit made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. The CCTB might include the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Child Disability Benefit. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/family.html
- Child Disability Benefit, tax-free benefit for families who care for a child under the age of 18 with severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical function. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html
- Disability Tax Credit. A non-refundable tax credit that a person with a qualifying disability can claim to reduce the amount of income tax he or she has to pay in a year. Includes a supplement for people under 18 at the end of the year. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability.html
- Here is some detailed information about the Disability Tax Credit and how to apply, prepared by a registered psychologist: https://ldalberta.ca/download_file/view/75/162
- Another source of in-depth and useful information is available from Disability Credit Canada; however, please be aware that the fee for engaging the services of this company to work with you is 25% of the funds received.
- Disability Tax Credit is access to an RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan) where the federal government can deposit up to $1000 per year in addition to matching funds. For more information, visit VAD Society.
- Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Offers coordination, funding for certain costs, and links to various government programs, community services, and advocacy groups. http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/591.cfm