As of January 1, 2019, CHEO is providing oversight to School-Based Rehabilitation Services in publicly funded schools the Ottawa-Champlain region.
Our aim at CHEO is to provide a more integrated system of care to families of children and youth with special needs — one that focuses on children’s individual needs and provides a smooth transition between services at CHEO, at home and in the community.
School-based therapy services include:
- occupational therapy
- physiotherapy
- speech-language pathology
What does this mean for children receiving or waiting for school-based rehabilitation services?: |
Students currently receiving School-Based Rehabilitation ServicesServices will continue without any interruption. Over the past number of months, CHEO has been working closely with our Champlain Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN) to ensure continuity of service for students and families, and to support a smooth transition for the contracted service providers. Your student’s established service plan will remain unchanged.
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Referrals for School-Based Rehabilitation Services
In the Champlain LHIN, referrals for School-Based Rehabilitation Services are made by the child’s school. CHEO will connect the child to their community-based therapist at either the LHIN or CommuniCare:
- LHIN therapists provide service in Renfrew County and parts of the Eastern Counties
- CommuniCare Therapy provides service in Ottawa, North Lanark/North Grenville (NLNG) and parts of the Eastern Counties
School Speech Therapy referral form
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy referral form
Frequently asked questions
| What are School-Based Rehabilitation Services? |
| School Based Rehabilitation Services include occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy provided to school-aged children in their publicly funded school to help them fully participate in the school curriculum. |
| What has changed? |
| CHEO is taking on the responsibility of overseeing School-Based Rehabilitation Services in the Champlain LHIN. CHEO will work closely with LHIN therapists and CommuniCare, a contracted care provider who will continue to provide School-Based Rehabilitation Services. The transfer of contract responsibility will not affect the service delivery model for children currently receiving services and families currently waiting for services will maintain their place on waitlists. |
| Where will my child's services be provided? |
| Your child will continue to receive School-Based Rehabilitation Services -- which include occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy -- in their school, based on their current plan. |
| What prompted this change? |
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In response to feedback received from families, the government is making changes to improve the delivery of school-based physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology for children and youth.
These changes will support a more seamless service experience as children start school or move between service providers, in settings that best meet their needs, regardless of where they live or who delivers the services. |
| My child is on the waiting list for School-Based Rehabilitation Services. Will my child come off the waiting list now? |
| Families currently waiting for services will maintain their place on the waitlist and children will continue to be seen on a priority-basis. You do not need to do anything or call anyone. |
Contact us
If you have any questions about the transfer of services, or if there are changes to your child’s health information, please contact 613-737-7600 extension 6256.