The province is investing $240 million over four years to increase access to critical rehabilitation services for special needs kids.
The announcement was made today by Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Todd Smith, Minister of Energy and MPP for Bay of Quinte.
About $60 million will be provided annually to children's treatment centres and preschool speech and language programs throughout Ontario.
Locally, the Niagara Children's Centre in St. Catharines will receive funds for their Preschool Speech and Language program.
"We know early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes for children and youth. By improving access to assessments and early intervention services, children can begin receiving the services they need sooner," said Minister Fullerton. "We are making these investments, so every young person has the best opportunity to achieve their life goals and be set up for success."
The money will build additional service capacity, which will allow providers to serve up to 10,000 more pre-school children with speech and language needs annually.
It will also reduce wait times by serving up to 47,000 more kids and youth with rehabilitation needs every year.
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