Variety’s Special Needs Program
Unlocking voices. Restoring mobility. Rebuilding confidence. Giving childhood back to children.
About:
The equipment and support needs of children living with disabilities are extensive and many things remain uncovered or partially covered by government and healthcare programs.
This program provides support to children and their families by covering costs related to specialized equipment, supplies, and services not covered by any other source. From hearing aids and sport wheelchairs to assistive communication devices, specialized strollers, speech therapy, physiotherapy and more. This program helps children of all abilities reach their potential.
Eligibility Requirements/How the Program works:
- Open to children up to 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis. We must receive the completed application for the child before their 18th birthday.
- You must be a resident of Manitoba. A Manitoba Health card may be required for proof of residency.
- The program has 2 intakes during the year August 15th to November 15th and February 15th to May 15th. There are 2 program committee meetings a year; December and June.
- Applications will be closed from November 16th – February 14th and May 16th to August 14th.
- There is a committee that reviews all applications and makes decisions.
- Eligibility does not ensure approval. Approval will only be considered based on availability of sufficient funds. Approval is NOT guaranteed.
- Applications are NOT reviewed on a first come first served basis.
- If you miss the intake deadline, we cannot offer extensions. You can apply at the next intake.
- Each child is allotted a total maximum of $30,000 for services during the time they are eligible for support from Variety (Birth to 18 years)
To apply online use the link below:
*Please note that if you have previously saved a link to the application, it will not work. Please use the updated links to access the application.
*New account login options! You will be able to log in to the portal using your Google, Apple, or Email address! Please note that with this new portal system, you will also need to create a new account.
Required Documents for New services/therapies, and for all equipment applications: (Please ensure you have ALL required documents PRIOR to submitting your application. This may cause a delay in having your application reviewed.)
- Proof of Age and Residency: (MB Health Card)
- Proof of Diagnosis (CDC Report or Psychological assessment. Disability Tax Credit is not an accepted document.)
- Quote for 6 months of service (must include rate per session and frequency)
- Third-party letter of support (cannot come from your service provider)
If you have received a grant for a THERAPY or SERVICE through our program and would like to re-apply for continued THERAPY or SERVICE, please complete the application linked below:
Required Documents for Continued SERVICE/THERAPY Funding: (Please ensure you have ALL documents PRIOR to submitting you application. This may cause a delay in having your application reviewed.)
- Progress report from provider
- Third party letter of support noting changes seen in child since starting service
- New quote for 6 months of service
Application Notes:
- If there are 2 parents/guardians in the household, please input income information for both parties. Yearly income is what you would take home BEFORE taxes. Monthly income is what you would bring home AFTER taxes (your paychecks for the month). If you are divorced or separated, please include the household information for the parent/guardian applying. There is space to add in if you receive financial support from another party.
- You can apply for 1 (one) therapy at a time per child. You can also apply for a piece of equipment at the same time.
- If you are applying for more than 1 child, you will need to fill out an application per child.
- If you would like to apply for mental health supports; providers are to be registered psychologists (PhD/C. Psych is the designation required). No other providers will be eligible.
- Please note that we do not fund recreation or leisure activities (ex: swimming lessons or art/science classes)
For questions about applying contact Samantha, our Program Coordinator by clicking the button below.