Financial Assistance

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) is pleased to provide financial support to assist families with the cost of DSRF programs.

DSRF’s financial assistance program was originally established by DSRF Board Director, George Klukas, who believes financial difficulties should not be a barrier for families to access DSRF’s programs. The program is made possible by the continued support of Mr. Klukas, other major donors, and the Triple-21 Bursary Program which directs 21% of funds donated by individuals and corporations who participate in the monthly giving campaign directly to financial assistance.

Application for financial assistance for Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, One to One Reading/Math, Reading Tutor, Positive Behaviour Support, Comprehensive Sexual Health Education, and Mental Wellness is now available. Please save the fillable form to your computer before completing it.

Click here to download the DSRF Financial Support Form

In addition to our regular financial support, we are also accepting applications for emergency financial support in cases of illness, job loss, etc. Families are eligible to receive either regular DSRF Financial Support OR emergency financial support. Please apply for whichever bursary best fits your circumstances.

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) is pleased to provide emergency financial support to assist families with the cost of DSRF programs during times of illness, job loss, etc.

Eligibility:

1. Children, youth and adults are eligible to apply;

2. Recipient applicant must be a resident of British Columbia for a minimum of 3 months;

3. Recipient applicant must have a diagnosis of Down syndrome;

4. Applicant (or applicant family) accounts with DSRF must be current; those with accounts in arrears are ineligible to receive bursaries;

5. CURRENT total household gross income must be no greater than $125,000.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until further notice. You must submit your application and supporting documents by email to assistance@dsrf.org.

Click here to download DSRF’s Emergency Financial Support Guidelines and Application Form

In addition to DSRF’s financial assistance program, the following organizations provide funding for children’s programs on an individualized basis:

• At Home Program
• BC Autism Funding
• Variety the Children’s Charity
• CKNW Kids’ Fund
• Jordan’s Principle

Families approved for the At Home Program can access an annual maximum of $5,760 for each of three types of therapies: speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Click here for further information.

For adult students, DSRF is a CLBC Qualified Service Provider throughout the province of BC.

CLBC clients may be able to access CLBC funding to cover the cost of DSRF’s adult health, educational, and recreational services and programs under CLBC’s skill development bucket. For more information on how to use your CLBC funding at DSRF, please speak with your CLBC facilitator or contact your local CLBC office. Click here for more information on CLBC eligibility.

The following post-secondary programs have been approved as programs of study that lead to a gain or improvement in skills needed to work in the National Occupation List of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and are qualified programs for tuition tax credits: Reading and Communication Plus, Budgeting and Money Math, and Social Communication and Navigation. DSRF will issue a T2202A E certificate for tuition paid in each calendar year. These programs are also eligible for the use of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP).