Resources
Helpful information before you get started.
Resources can give you a starting point, but they do not need to replace a conversation about your own child and family.
Funding
Understanding therapy funding in British Columbia
Families may use public funding, private payment, reimbursement, charitable funding, or a combination of options.
The right pathway depends on your child’s needs, funding source, and current rules. Programs and eligibility can change, so this information is a starting point—not a funding decision.
01.
Current provincial funding and support
B.C. provides information about programs that may support children and youth with disabilities or other support needs. Check current details before making funding or service decisions.
Provincial programs may change during 2026 and 2027. If your family already receives support, check current information for possible transitions.
02.
Community and charitable funding
Some charitable organizations may help cover therapy, equipment, assessments, or other supports when public or private funding does not cover the full cost.
Variety BC may provide grants for eligible children needing specialized therapies, including occupational, physical, speech and language, music, or equine therapy.
Eligibility may depend on age, residency, medical or developmental need, household income, documents, application timing, and available funds.
CKNW Kids’ Fund supports B.C. children and families facing costs linked to physical, mental, or social challenges.
Review its current website for eligibility, applications, and available programs. Charitable funding is not guaranteed; each organization decides eligibility, documentation, and available funds.
03.
Family support and information
Funding is only one part of finding support. These organizations also offer information, navigation, education, or family connection.
ACT provides neuroaffirming information, training, webinars, navigation support, and resources for autistic people, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals in B.C.
The Family Support Institute of BC offers family-to-family support, information, and connection for families that include a person with a disability.
The STAR Institute provides educational information about sensory processing and sensory-informed support. It is not a B.C. funding program.
04.
Before you contact a funder
Gather relevant documents, program information, and questions.
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Assessment or therapy reports, if available
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Funding letters or program information
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Required forms
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Contact details for your funder
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Information about the service you are considering
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Questions about coverage and approval
05.
Questions you may want to ask
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Is occupational therapy covered?
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Is a referral required?
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What documents are needed?
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Does direct billing or reimbursement apply?
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Are there annual or session limits?
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Does approval need to happen before services begin?
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Are there restrictions on the therapist, service, or date of purchase?
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What happens if funding rules change?
How WonderKids can help
Service
WonderKids can explain its services, invoices, and information you may need for a funding request.
Help you understand
We can explain our own services, but we cannot confirm another organization’s eligibility rules, coverage, deadlines, or reimbursement process.
Confirm
Confirm current details with the funder before making financial decisions or starting services.
For parents
What to expect as a parent
Reaching out can feel like a big step. You do not need everything figured out before contacting us.
Tell us what you are noticing and what you want to improve. We will talk through fit, waitlist options, and next steps.
We may talk about:
- What brings you to OT
- Daily routines that feel difficult
- What you have already tried
- Who is involved in your child’s care
- Service availability or waitlists
- What information is needed next
Early sessions help us understand your child, family priorities, and meaningful goals.
This may include play, movement, conversation, observation, or reviewing existing reports.
An assessment is not always required; the best starting point depends on what is already known and what still needs clarity.
Every family is different. You may:
- Join sessions
- Meet with the therapist separately
- Try strategies at home
- Share observations from home or school
- Help set goals
- Stay connected with your child’s care team
Some families want detailed guidance; others prefer one simple strategy at a time.
Goals reflect everyday life—routines, play, regulation, movement, independence, school, feeding, or family participation.
They can change as needs and priorities shift; we review and adjust them together.
For kids
What to expect as a child
OT looks different for every child. You might play, move, draw, talk, try games, or practise everyday activities.
OT can include
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Playing games
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Building and creating
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Drawing or writing
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Moving, climbing, or swinging
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Activities that help your body feel calm or ready
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Practising daily routines, like dressing
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Talking about what feels easy or hard
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Trying new things step by step
You can ask questions
Ask what is happening, why you are doing it, or how long it will take. If something is confusing, your therapist can explain it another way.
You can take breaks
Ask for a break or help, or say if something does not feel right. Your therapist will help you feel safe and supported.
There is no perfect way
You do not need to get everything right. Therapy is a place to learn, practise, and work on what matters to you.
FAQs
Common questions before getting started
Starting something new can feel like a big step. Here are answers to common questions.
1. Do we need an assessment first?
Not always. Existing information may already help. We can discuss whether assessment, therapy, consultation, or another starting point fits best.
2. What can OT help with?
OT may support:
- Daily routines and independence
- Sensory processing and regulation
- Movement and motor skills
- Play and social participation
- Attention and executive functioning
- Feeding and mealtimes
- School participation
- Emotional regulation
- Sleep, dressing, toileting, and other daily activities
3. Do we need a referral?
It depends on the service or funding source. Contact us to confirm what you need.
4. Do parents need to attend every session?
Not always. Some parents join sessions, meet separately, or focus on home strategies.
We plan involvement around what works best for your family.
5. What should we bring?
If available, bring:
- Reports
- Funding information
- Forms
- Questions from home or school
- Notes about daily routines
- Details of other professionals
You do not need to prepare everything in advance.
6. Not sure what service we need?
That is okay. Tell us what is happening day to day, and we can help you choose a next step.
Tell us what you want to improve.
You do not need to know which service fits. Tell us what is happening, who is involved, and what you want to make more manageable. We can talk through a next step together.
- Questions are welcome. Contact WonderKids if anything on this page is unclear.