If your child has been diagnosed — or is awaiting a diagnosis — for a developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or neurological condition, you may be able to get help paying for speech-language therapy through Alberta’s Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program. Here’s what Edmonton families need to know.
What Is FSCD?
FSCD is a Government of Alberta program that helps families plan, coordinate, and access services — including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology — to support a child with a disability. Rather than a fixed payment, FSCD funding is service-specific and built around an individualized assessment of your family’s needs.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for FSCD, your family generally needs to meet the following criteria:
- Your child is under 18 years old
- Your child is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and resides in Alberta
- You are the child’s legal guardian
- Medical documentation confirms (or supports an application while awaiting) a chronic developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or neurological condition
The condition generally can’t be one where the primary need is medical care alone, unless it’s a chronic condition that significantly limits daily functioning — such as eating, communicating, playing, or interacting with others.
How Does the Funding Work?
FSCD typically pays approved service providers directly, according to set hourly rates, with families potentially responsible for costs beyond what’s funded. Because funding is individualized, what one family receives may look different from another, based on assessed need.
How to Apply
Applications go through an Alberta.ca account via MyAlbertaSupports, or by contacting Alberta Supports directly. After you apply, a Disability Services worker reviews the information to determine eligibility, then contacts you to discuss your family’s needs. In some cases, Family Support Services (FSS) can start before a full needs assessment is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FSCD cover private speech therapy?
FSCD can fund a range of specialized services, including speech-language pathology, psychology and occupational therapy, based on your individualized agreement — check current details with your FSCD caseworker or Alberta Supports.
Can I use FSCD alongside AHS public services?
Yes. FSCD funding and Alberta Health Services’ publicly funded speech therapy operate independently, and many families use both.
How long does the FSCD process take?
Timelines vary by region and current volume but are typically greater than 1-2 years at this time. Contact Alberta Supports for the most current information on processing times.
What if my child doesn’t have a formal diagnosis yet?
FSCD can accept applications while a diagnosis is pending in some circumstances — a caseworker can walk you through your specific situation.
Next Step
If you’re navigating FSCD and aren’t sure how speech therapy fits into your plan, Book your free consultation — we’re happy to talk through your options.
