Special Needs Program

The Special Needs Program provides support to community members with disabilities or developmental needs. Our goal is to improve quality of life, safety, and daily functioning by offering financial assistance for eligible services, supports, equipment, and home adaptations.

What Supports Are Available?

The program can provide funding for:

Respite care services
Specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs, lifts, or assistive devices
Home modifications to improve accessibility
Specialized therapies not covered by other programs
Medical supplies directly related to the individual’s disability

Please note: The program does not cover services already provided under federal or provincial programs, clinical or diagnostic services outside the program’s scope, general nutrition or dietician services unless directly related to special needs, non-medically necessary household items, or recreational/non-therapeutic equipment.

For a full overview of eligibility and covered supports, please refer to the program policy.

Applying for Services:

Applications are available below or through the DCSS Administration Office.

Required Documents:

Completed Special Needs Application Form
Supporting medical or clinical documentation
Detailed quotes or invoices for requested services or equipment
Any additional documents specified in the program policy

Application Review Process:

Applications are first reviewed by the Special Needs Program Manager.
Applications are then presented to the Special Needs Committee, which makes decisions based solely on eligibility, documentation, and program policy.

Processing Time: Varies depending on application completeness and request volume. To avoid delays, submit all required documents together.

Appeals & Reapplications:

If your request is denied, you may submit an appeal form with additional information to support your application.
Appeals must be submitted in writing and are reviewed by the designated committee or administrative authority.

Ongoing Support:

The program may cover approved partnership costs and annual respite care approved by the committee.
Day programs are not currently available, but respite support may be offered depending on funding. Expanding day programming is included in the program’s future action plan.

Jordan's Principle

Jordan’s Principle ensures First Nations children living in Canada can access the services and supports they need — when they need them. It was created in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation, whose medical care was delayed due to government disputes.

Today, Jordan’s Principle:

Prioritizes the best interests of the child
Ensures substantive equality and culturally relevant services
Requires the government of first contact to cover the cost of service without delay

Support is available for a wide range of health, education, and social needs — including services for 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, and children with disabilities.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has mandated that each child’s unique circumstances be considered, with a focus on:

Substantive equality
Culturally appropriate services
Safeguarding each child’s best interest

Contact Jordan's Principle:

Kanonhkwa'tsheri:io Health Facility
31 Hilltop Drive, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2341 ext. 2652
Fax: 613-575-2346
Email: jordansprinciple@akwesasne.ca

Contact Us:

Special Needs Program
Kanonhkwa’tsheri:io Health Facility
31 Hilltop Drive, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2341 ext. 2652

Program Manager: Alicia Hill

Disclaimer: Please note that the map location and the listed address may not align exactly due to GPS inaccuracies within our community. The embedded map is intended as a general guide to assist with navigation.