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BC Disability Support Changes: Relief and Anxiety Mix
24 Feb
Summary
- Thousands of children with disabilities gain funding, some for the first time.
- Autistic children's families fear significant funding reductions under new model.
- New programs replace Autism Funding Program, with investment of $475M over three years.
British Columbia's government is implementing significant changes to how children with disabilities are supported, introducing two new programs to replace the existing Autism Funding Program. This initiative represents a three-year investment of $475 million, aiming to provide support to thousands more children and their families. These changes have generated a spectrum of reactions, with some parents expressing relief at gaining access to funding for the first time, while others face considerable anxiety and uncertainty regarding potential reductions in support for their children.
Families whose children have certain types of autism are particularly concerned, as they may lose thousands of dollars annually. Under the new model, qualification for funding is expected to be income-tested for some, and eligibility criteria may change. While the government states that the vast majority of current funding recipients will continue to receive direct financial support, and one-third will receive more, some parents worry their children may no longer qualify due to new criteria.
Conversely, parents of children with conditions like Down syndrome are celebrating the changes. For years, accessing publicly funded therapy in smaller communities has been challenging due to staffing shortages, forcing many to rely on expensive private options. The new system offers greater choice and flexibility, allowing parents to secure necessary therapy services regardless of local center staffing fluctuations, ensuring continuous support for their children's development.
