What Else Can You Do for Free?

What Can You Do for Free?

After more than 14 years working in the public sector, Words Plus founder and speech-language pathologist Tess Mayne feels very strongly about advocating for families and connecting them with social service support and resources. Whether or not private services are within your reach, if you’re concerned about your child’s communication development, consider taking advantage of these free services:

Talk to Your Doctor:

Your child’s doctor can provide guidance and additional referrals

Free Speech and Language Services:

- Preschool Speech and Language (PSL) Program: Self-refer your young child to free local services (find yours here)

- School-Aged Children: Speak with your child’s school (i.e., their teacher and/or principal) to request a referral for school-aged speech and language services

Have Your Child’s Hearing Tested

Communication difficulties could be linked to hearing loss. Even if your child seems to hear just fine, hearing can change over time and isn’t all-or-nothing. They may hear some sounds but not others or have normal hearing in one ear but not the other.

Risk Factors for Hearing Loss include:

Family history of hearing loss
Doesn’t respond when their name is called
Premature birth or low birth weight.
Frequent need for repetition
Frequent ear infections (3 or more in their lifetime)
Prefers loud volume on TV or devices
Stopped early babbling
Doesn’t use single words by 12 months of age

How to Get a Test:

Ask your doctor for a referral to have their hearing test covered by OHIP
Private insurance can also cover some or all of a hearing test; you can book directly with a private audiologist (find one here) or ask us for guidance

Schedule a Vision Test

Did you know vision problems can affect speech and development?

Vision plays an important role in how children learn, interact, and communicate. In fact, up to 80% of learning is visual. Regular eye exams help ensure children can clearly see faces, books, classroom materials, and what we are talking about in general.

Risk Factors for Vision Problems Include:

Family history
Prematurity
Certain health conditions (e.g., ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down syndrome, juvenile arthritis and other connective tissue disorders)

When and How to Get a Vision Test for Your Child:

The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) recommends children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age, another between ages 2-3, and every year afterward.

In Ontario, children’s annual eye exams are covered by OHIP until age 20, and no referral is required.

The Eye See…Eye Learn® program from the OAO helps support kindergarten students by providing a free eye exam with a participating optometrist and a complimentary pair of glasses if needed.

Visit the Public Library

- Borrow books for your child (see our top 10 book recommendations for toddlers here)
- Borrow a Hanen guidebook for yourself (i.e., It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words, TalkAbility)
- Participate in free children's programming (i.e., family story time)

Visit EarlyON Child and Family Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals.

Other Programs and services to support your child’s growth and development

Including:

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC)
Infant Hearing Program (IHP)
Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program
Infant Child Development Program (ICDP)
Early Years Check In
If you’re in Halton Region (i.e., Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville), check out https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Children-and-Parenting and https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Children-and-Parenting/Children-with-Special-Needs specifically.

Book a Free 15-minute Consultation with Words Plus!

We may be able to offer you more specific, individualized recommendations and even strategies to use right away.