SMD & Me: Services for Children and their Families

Children and SMD

SMD is a family of organizations that work  together to improve the lives of all  Manitobans living with disabilities, including children.

Professional staff at regional offices throughout Manitoba provides a continuum of services to support children with a disability and their families, helping them participate more fully in their community.

CHILDREN’S FAMILY-CENTERED SERVICES

At SMD, Children’s Services use a family-centered approach, putting the child and family first.

SMD Rehabilitation Counsellors work with families to find the best ways to meet their specific needs. They also work in consultation with schools, daycares, and other support people to develop a family-centered plan that will make a positive difference in every aspect of a child’s life.

Specific services include:

• Assessments
• Service Coordination
• Referrals to complimentary services
• Information on resources regarding finances, recreation, home modifications, respite, etc.
• Introduction to families with similar needs
• Counselling and Education
• Consultation and Advocacy
• Career Counselling for Youth

ELIGIBILITY

Any child is considered eligible if they:

• are a resident of Manitoba;
• are between birth and school-leaving age;
• have a permanent physical disability; or
• are Deaf or hard of hearing; or
• have a neurological impairment.

Children may qualify for services even if a clear diagnosis has not been confirmed.

Upon leaving school, a youth may then be eligible to transfer to SMD’s Adult Vocational Services.

ACCESSING SERVICES

Any family member or medical professional may refer a child to SMD for services.

Start by contacting the SMD office nearest you. An Application for Services and Medical Form package will be mailed out to you. If you require help with completing the application, SMD staff will assist.

Once your SMD office has received your completed application and medical form, you will meet with an SMD staff member to discuss your child’s needs and goals.

Together, we will build a plan that will provide the support your child needs to grow and achieve their fullest potential.

OTHER CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The Provincial Outreach Therapy for Children (POTC) program offers province-wide physiotherapy, speech language therapy and occupational therapy.

The Communication Centre for Children in Winnipeg offers a comprehensive Oral Deaf and ASL Preschool Program.

Social and Recreational Programming (in some areas) provides opportunities to enjoy an array of fun-filled activities.

ONGOING SUPPORT

As children grow to adulthood, SMD is still there to provide support through such programs as:

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Immersion Classes
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Adults
  • Employment Programs for Adults (see your local office for details)
  • Parking Permit Program (Call 1-800-836-5551)
  • Wheelchair Services (Call 1-800-836-5551)
  • SMD Library Services (Call 1-866-282-8041) Disability Awareness Training (Call 1-866-282-8041)

SMD Offices

Northern Regional Office
303-83 Churchill Drive
Thompson, MB R8N 0L6
Phone & TTY: (204) 778-4277
Fax: (204) 778-4461
Toll-Free: 1-888-367-0268

Parkland Regional Office
Rm 411, 27-2nd Avenue S.W.
Dauphin, MB R7N 3E5
Phone & TTY: (204) 622-2293
Fax: 622-2260
Toll-Free: 1-800-844-2307

Central Regional Office
100-30 Stephen Street
Morden, MB R6M 2G3
Phone & TTY: (204) 822-7412
Fax: (204) 822-7413
Toll-Free: 1-800-269-5451

Westman Regional Office
Rm 140, 340-9th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6C2
Phone & TTY: (204) 726-6157
Fax: (204) 726-6499
Toll-Free: 1-800-813-3325

Eastman Regional Office
201-323 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z2
Phone: (204) 326-5336
TTY: (204) 346-3998
Fax: (204) 326-9762
Toll-Free: 1-800-497-8196

Interlake Regional Office
382 Main Street
Selkirk, MB R1A 1T8
Phone: (204) 785-9338
TTY: (204) 482-5638
Fax: (204) 785-9340
Toll-Free: 1-888-831-4213
:
SMD Services is funded through:

  • Easter Seals
  • Province of Manitoba
  • United Way
  • Generous Gifts from Manitobans