Frequently Asked Questions

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We understand that it can be confusing as you navigate the world of services for your child. We have provided you with this list of Frequently Asked Questions to help, and we are always available by phone or email.

If your child is under 12 years of age and you are concerned about their development, behaviour, physical or emotional needs then yes, your child could benefit from our services.We provide assessment, consultation and therapy services for children 1 year to 12 years of age, and offer support and training for parents to help them with the areas of concern they have for their child.

If your child has a severe delay in one or more areas of development and is between 2 years 8 months and 6 years old, then our Early Access to Supportive Education Preschool program might be an option for your child.

When a parent is concerned about their child and is reaching out for help, we are here to listen and to offer services. We do not require a referral for any of our services, however we do accept them.

Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre is a registered charity, and we receive partial funding from the Government of Alberta. This funding is specified for certain programs and services, which is why some of our services are less costly than others.

For some of our services and programs, scholarships are available. We strive to serve as many families as possible, regardless of their financial situation.

Some of our services are covered by insurance, but this varies based on your coverage and insurance provider. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider and speak to them about coverage. If your insurance company requires a quote for services, we can provide one to you on request.

Many insurance plans cover speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. It is very dependent on the individual insurance plan, which needs to be checked carefully. Some plans require prior authorization before services can be rendered. Others have restrictions on the number if visits per year that are allowed. Still others require referrals from the primary clinic your child attends. It is necessary for parents to be aware of these benefits.

Fee assistance applications are sent out to families upon request. Please speak with the Intake Coordinator about fee assistance opportunities and she can assist you and provide you with an application.

The majority of our assessment services have a waitlist, but the length of waitlists varies by service. Our partially funded services tend to have the longest wait times.

Our consultation and therapy services usually have a very limited wait time, with families being seen within a month of paperwork being received.

Our EASE Preschool program accepts registrations up to 56 children for each school year. Depending on when you are inquiring about our EASE Preschool, there can be a short wait list.

Yes, many families will apply for more than one assessment service with the intention of taking the service that has the shortest wait time. Other families apply for therapy and assessment or for our EASE Preschool program as well as assessment and therapy services.

When you complete your application you can check off what services you are applying for and pay one application fee, even if you choose multiple services.

Yes, if you feel your child would benefit from additional therapy then our therapy services are a great option. It is important that you do let us know that you have other services as well, as coordinating those services may benefit your child.

No, it is up to each family to arrange childcare outside of our Centre, if needed.

If you have applied for services but at the time the service becomes available you no longer need the service, you only need to let us know. We can hold the application until a later date, or we can cancel the application.

We are a resource Centre, which means we are here to help families. If we are not the right service for you, we can still provide you with information you need and help to discuss other options. If talking through your concerns is what you need, we are always here to listen.

Yes, we would love to share our space with you and tell you all about our services. Just call the Intake Coordinator and she will set a time up that works for your family.

We also give tours for donors and supporters, service groups, or other interested community members.

If your child is under 12 years of age and you are concerned about their development, behaviour, physical or emotional needs then yes, your child could benefit from our services.We provide assessment, consultation and therapy services for children 1 year to 12 years of age, and offer support and training for parents to help them with the areas of concern they have for their child.

If your child has a severe delay in one or more areas of development and is between 2 years 8 months and 6 years old, then our Early Access to Supportive Education Preschool program might be an option for your child.

When a parent is concerned about their child and is reaching out for help, we are here to listen and to offer services. We do not require a referral for any of our services, however we do accept them.

Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre is a registered charity, and we receive partial funding from the Government of Alberta. This funding is specified for certain programs and services, which is why some of our services are less costly than others.

For some of our services and programs, scholarships are available. We strive to serve as many families as possible, regardless of their financial situation.

Some of our services are covered by insurance, but this varies based on your coverage and insurance provider. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider and speak to them about coverage. If your insurance company requires a quote for services, we can provide one to you on request.

Many insurance plans cover speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. It is very dependent on the individual insurance plan, which needs to be checked carefully. Some plans require prior authorization before services can be rendered. Others have restrictions on the number if visits per year that are allowed. Still others require referrals from the primary clinic your child attends. It is necessary for parents to be aware of these benefits.

Fee assistance applications are sent out to families upon request. Please speak with the Intake Coordinator about fee assistance opportunities and she can assist you and provide you with an application.

The majority of our assessment services have a waitlist, but the length of waitlists varies by service. Our partially funded services tend to have the longest wait times.

Our consultation and therapy services usually have a very limited wait time, with families being seen within a month of paperwork being received.

Our EASE Preschool program accepts registrations up to 56 children for each school year. Depending on when you are inquiring about our EASE Preschool, there can be a short wait list.

Yes, many families will apply for more than one assessment service with the intention of taking the service that has the shortest wait time. Other families apply for therapy and assessment or for our EASE Preschool program as well as assessment and therapy services.

When you complete your application you can check off what services you are applying for and pay one application fee, even if you choose multiple services.

Yes, if you feel your child would benefit from additional therapy then our therapy services are a great option. It is important that you do let us know that you have other services as well, as coordinating those services may benefit your child.

No, it is up to each family to arrange childcare outside of our Centre, if needed.

If you have applied for services but at the time the service becomes available you no longer need the service, you only need to let us know. We can hold the application until a later date, or we can cancel the application.

We are a resource Centre, which means we are here to help families. If we are not the right service for you, we can still provide you with information you need and help to discuss other options. If talking through your concerns is what you need, we are always here to listen.

Yes, we would love to share our space with you and tell you all about our services. Just call the Intake Coordinator and she will set a time up that works for your family.

We also give tours for donors and supporters, service groups, or other interested community members.