Financial Assistance for Speech Therapy Program (FAST Program)

We understand that navigating the journey of speech therapy can be challenging for many families, both emotionally and financially. It's our core belief that financial barriers should never stand in the way of accessing high-quality speech therapy for those who need it. This program is our commitment to stand alongside families, offering support and resources to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full communication potential. We're here not just as professionals but as compassionate allies, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the families we serve. Let's explore how we can support you on this journey.

Families who apply for and are approved within the FAST Program will be offered (a) therapy block(s) at a reduced rate, based on the information they submit. Upon approval, you will be contacted to discuss the details of your offered rate and schedule.

Eligibility Criteria

Are you eligible?

To ensure our resources reach those most in need, we've established clear eligibility criteria for our Financial Assistance for Speech Therapy (FAST) Program. Here’s what we consider:

  • Age Range: The program is open to children, youth and adults of all ages.

  • Speech, Language and Literacy Challenges: We support individuals facing a variety of speech and language challenges. This includes, but is not limited to, speech sound disorders, fluency disorders (such as stuttering), language disorders (both receptive and expressive), voice disorders, and language impairment associated with developmental disabilities. If your child is facing challenges that impact their ability to communicate effectively, we're here to help. Your child does not need to have a previous diagnosis to qualify. Please note, we do not currently support individuals in need of swallowing or feeding therapy.

  • Geographic Restrictions: Currently, our program is available to residents of Alberta.

  • Financial Need: The essence of this program is to assist families facing financial hardships. We ask for your honesty in sharing relevant information to ensure fairness and resource allocation to those truly in need.

Please note that meeting these criteria is the first step in the application process. We review each application with care and consideration, aiming to provide support where it's most needed. If you're unsure about your eligibility or have specific questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to guide you through the process and discuss how we can support your child's speech therapy journey.

Application Process

Step 1: Write a Letter of Explanation

Begin by drafting a letter that introduces us to your child and your family's current situation.

Contents:

  • Child's Details: Include your child's full name and age, which helps us understand who we're potentially supporting. If you are applying for services for a youth or adult, please have that individual participate in drafting the letter, if appropriate.

  • Specific Speech, Language and Literacy Challenges: Describe the difficulties your child is facing. Be as specific as possible—this information is crucial for our assessment. If your child has previously received related support services, or is currently being supported (e.g., at their school), please describe these services.

  • Personal Story: Share a brief personal story explaining why financial assistance is essential for your family. This narrative provides context to your child's needs and your financial situation.

  • Word Limit: To keep your letter concise and to the point, we recommend a maximum of 500 words. This encourages clarity and allows us to process applications more efficiently.

Importance of Honesty: Your honesty is vital throughout this application. It ensures fairness and helps us allocate resources to families who need them most.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Collect document(s) that validate your financial situation. This step is about providing evidence to support the statements made in your letter of explanation. Please include any documents that you believe will help illustrate your financial situation.

Please provide any documents describing the extended health insurance coverage you have, including the percentage covered and the total amount covered.

Privacy: We encourage you to redact (black out) any sensitive information that is not relevant to the financial assessment, such as social security numbers. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us.

Step 3: Obtain a Letter of Support

Acquire a letter of support outlining your child's speech therapy needs from a school teacher or a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

How to Request:

  • Approach: Contact your child’s school teacher or SLP and explain the requirement for a letter detailing your child's speech therapy needs.

  • Contents: The letter should include observations of your child's speech challenges and a professional recommendation regarding the frequency and type of therapy needed.

  • Ask them to Submit: Please ask your child’s teacher or SLP to submit this letter via email to fast@rubyspeech.com, with your child’s name as the subject line. This letter must come directly from the teacher's or SLP’s professional email account (e.g., name@ecsd.net) .

Why It’s Important: This letter provides us with another perspective on your child’s therapy needs, ensuring that our support is appropriately targeted.

Step 4: Submit Your Application & Consent Form

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, the final step is to: fill out the CONSENT FORM and compile and submit your application. Your application package can be sent

a) via email to fast@rubyspeech.com

or

b) via mail/in-person to

  • Ruby Speech Therapy, Inc.
    60 Riel Dr., Unit B
    St. Albert, AB
    T8N 4A3

Final Checks: Before sending, double-check that all documents are included and that your contact information is correct. We rely on this information to communicate with you throughout the process.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your application is complete and processed efficiently. We’re here to support you through each step of this journey, and we look forward to assisting you and your family.

 FAQs

  • Processing times can vary based on the volume of applications we receive. Typically, we aim to review and respond to applications within 1-2 weeks from the date of receipt. We appreciate your patience during this period and commit to keeping you informed of your application status.

  • If you need assistance at any point during your application, please feel free to reach out to us in the following ways:

    Email: fast@rubyspeech.com

    Phone: 587-410-9791

  • Yes, previous receipt of therapy services from us does not disqualify you from applying for financial assistance. We assess each application based on current needs and financial circumstances.

  • Based on eligibility, families may be offered a block of services at a reduced rate. This rate is calculated based on each family’s unique situation and needs.

  • Financial assistance provided through our program is designated specifically for speech therapy services offered by Ruby Speech Therapy Services. It cannot be used for other types of therapy or services outside our clinic. This ensures that funds are directly supporting speech therapy needs.

  • We understand that financial situations can change. If you experience a significant change in your financial circumstances after submitting your application, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation. We are committed to providing support and will work with you to understand your current needs.