Direct answer
OAP Core Clinical Services can fund AAC assessment and SLP services that include AAC training. The Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers up to 75% of dedicated Speech Generating Devices for OHIP-eligible residents. School boards provide AAC devices through the IEP process at no cost to families. iPad-based AAC apps are not ADP-eligible but can be school-board funded or purchased privately.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) covers any method beyond speech used to communicate. The range is wide — from low-tech picture cards and PECS binders to high-tech tablet apps to dedicated Speech Generating Devices.
Low-tech AAC includes picture cards, PECS binders, communication boards, and visual schedules. No power required. Durable, inexpensive, and highly portable. Often a starting point for young children before high-tech systems.
High-tech AAC includes iPad apps like Proloquo2Go (~$250), TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, and Snap Core First. Text-to-speech output. Robust vocabulary systems. Not ADP-eligible as a tablet, but can be school-board funded or purchased privately.
Dedicated Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are built specifically for communication — Dynavox, Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo. Rugged, purpose-built, often with eye-tracking options. ADP-eligible. Cost typically $3,000–$10,000+ before ADP subsidy.
Route 1 — OAP Core Clinical Services. OAP funds SLP services including AAC assessment, trial, and training. Does not directly purchase devices. Confirm with your AccessOAP coordinator whether your funded service plan can include AAC-specialist SLP hours.
Route 2 — Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Covers up to 75% of approved SGD cost for OHIP-eligible Ontario residents. Requires SLP referral and ADP registration. Applies to dedicated SGDs only — not tablets.
Route 3 — School board IEP. Ontario school boards provide AAC devices and software through special education SLP services and the IEP. Free for students. Request an AAC assessment through your child’s IEP team.
Route 4 — Private purchase with tax credits. iPad + app can be purchased privately. Costs may qualify under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) with documentation from an SLP. The Disability Tax Credit reduces tax owed.
Ontario ADP
Assistive Devices Program — Ministry of Health, Government of Ontario
OAP Guidelines
Ontario Autism Program — Core Clinical Services, MCCSS
ASHA
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — AAC and autism position statement
A structured, low-tech communication system for minimally verbal autistic children. Widely used in Ontario schools, OAP-eligible via SLP services, and a strong foundation before high-tech AAC.
ABA targets behaviour and communication; OT targets sensory and self-care skills. Both OAP-funded. Ontario guide to choosing and combining.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents ~300% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate