Special Needs Service Providers
Ministry of Children and Family Development – Child and Youth Special Needs
This government department provides assistance and support for children and youth with special needs from birth up to 19 years of age and their families. The Ministry of Children and Family Development funds a variety of programs that promote children’s healthy development, maximize quality of life, assist families in their role as primary caregivers and support full participation in community life.
Vancouver Island Health Authority/ Island Health
Need a doctor, hospital, health unit, or program in your area? This section of the Island Health website helps you find health care providers, hospitals and community programs.
Early Intervention Therapy Program
This program provides occupational, physio, & speech therapy, screening, assessments, family education and support, service planning, direct therapeutic intervention, consultation, monitoring, & transition planning to school.
Assessment Resources for Families
Assessment services for families seeking support for a variety of conditions including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health
The Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health offers assessment, treatment, consultation, long-term or short-term follow-up or coordination of services to infants, children and adolescents who have complex physical, intellectual, social or emotional challenges. The services provided include outpatient and outreach services to pre-school and school-age children with physical and developmental disabilities, speech and language therapy, autism intervention, occupational therapy, 18-bed child and adolescent psychiatric unit and orthotics and prosthetic services.
Canadian Red Cross-Health Equipment Loan Program
The Health Equipment Loan Program provides the short loan of clean, safe medical equipment to clients upon referral by a health professional. The equipment available includes wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and bathroom aids.
Early Intervention Program
For children birth to 5 years - provides a range of services to help children overcome developmental challenges.
BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)
BCAAN, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is responsible for assessing and diagnosing children who may have autism. The goal of BCAAN is to provide timely assessment and diagnosis within reasonable distance of the child’s home. BCAAN includes specialists and health care professionals throughout BC.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
This service helps BC families navigate the BC Autism Service system.
The BC College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
BCASLPA has a listing of speech language pathologists in BC. Under your Public Service Health Care Plan you may be eligible for some benefits to cover speech therapy and audiology. Please check with your plan provide for more information.
Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC)
The IDHHC provides counselling and support services for persons with hearing loss. Some of the programs provided included counselling to help families and persons cope with hearing loss, technical aids program, support groups, employment support and integration, and many more.
