Frequently Asked Questions

Need help? You're in the right place.

What makes SHINE Beyond Limits different?

At SHINE, we believe:

Every child has strengths.
Families are the experts on their child.
Collaboration leads to meaningful change.
Support should feel respectful, practical, and empowering.

What is SHINE Beyond Limits?

SHINE Beyond Limits is a family-centred service provider funded through Alberta Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).

SHINE stands for:

Supporting
Hope and
Independence in
Natural
Environments

We provide individualized services for children and youth. We work collaboratively with families, caregivers, and community partners to build skills, strengthen relationships, and support meaningful participation at home and in the community.

Who do you serve?

We support children and youth with developmental, behavioural, social, emotional, and communication needs.

Services are tailored to each child and family’s strengths and areas of growth.

What services do you provide?

We provide both:

Specialized Services (SS)
Behaviour Developmental Supports (BDS)

Our services may include:

Behaviour consultation
Skill development (social, emotional, communication, daily living skills)
Group programming
Parent and caregiver coaching
School collaboration
Community-based support
Service coordination

All services are individualized based on goals developed collaboratively with the family and team.

Where do services take place?

Services may take place:

In the home
In the community

We work with families to determine the setting that best supports the child’s goals.

How do we get started?

You can contact SHINE directly through our website, by phone, or by email.

We will schedule an initial conversation to learn about your child, discuss your goals, and determine next steps.

We can also:

Help you with the FSCD application process
Help gather documentation required for the application
Help connect you with respite providers
Provide Specialized Services and Behaviour Developmental Supports once FSCD approval is in place

Is there a waitlist?

Wait times vary depending on service type and availability. We communicate clearly about timelines and keep families informed throughout the intake process.

Do you work with schools and other professionals?

Yes. With parent or guardian consent, we collaborate with teachers, therapists, and other service providers to ensure consistency and shared goals across environments.

How are goals developed?

Goals are created collaboratively with families. We focus on strengths, functional skills, and meaningful outcomes that matter most to your family.

How is progress measured?

Progress is monitored through:

Observation
Data collection (when appropriate)
Team discussions
Regular review meetings

Services are adjusted as needed to ensure continued growth and success.

What happens if a session needs to be cancelled?

We understand that unexpected situations arise. We ask families to provide as much notice as possible if a session needs to be cancelled. Our cancellation policy will be reviewed with you during intake.

Are parents or caregivers involved in sessions?

Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is strongly encouraged.

Coaching and collaboration are essential to helping children generalize skills beyond sessions and into everyday life.

Alberta Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) is a voluntary provincial program that provides family-centred supports and services.

The program helps strengthen families’ ability to promote their child’s healthy development and participation at home and in the community.

Parents remain the legal guardians and decision-makers for their child and are responsible for the usual costs of raising a child until age 18.

If you would like support with the FSCD application process, we are happy to assist or refer you to other programs you may be eligible for.

Confirm Eligibility

To be eligible for FSCD:

The child must be under 18 years of age
The applicant must be the child’s parent or legal guardian
The child must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
The child and parent/guardian must live in Alberta
Medical documentation must confirm that the child has a disability or is awaiting diagnosis

For FSCD purposes, a disability is defined as a chronic developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or neurological condition that significantly limits a child’s ability to function in daily living.

Medical Documentation Required

You must provide a letter or report from a qualified healthcare professional identifying:

The child’s diagnosis and/or disability, OR
Confirmation that the child is awaiting a diagnosis

The report may be written by:

A physician or psychiatrist
A physical or occupational therapist
A speech-language pathologist or audiologist
A clinical social worker or psychologist

The documentation should include:

Child’s name and date of birth
Diagnosis and description of how it impacts daily functioning
Date of diagnosis
Name of diagnosing professional

If the diagnosis is more than two years old, additional recent documentation may be required.

Complete the Application

Applications are completed online through FSCD – How to apply | Alberta.ca

Attach copies of the required medical documentation when submitting your application.

Email for application submissions:CSS.FSCDApps@gov.ab.ca

Meet With Your FSCD Worker

If approved, your local FSCD office will contact you.

You will meet with an FSCD worker to discuss:

Your child’s exceptional care needs
The impact on your family
Natural and community supports

Together, you will complete:

An Assessment of Needs
An Individualized Family Support Plan
An FSCD agreement (up to one year in length)

Families must meet with their FSCD worker at least once per year to maintain eligibility.

If Your Application Is Not Approved

If your application is declined, your FSCD office will review alternative options with you.

You may appeal the decision by contacting the FSCD client services line at:

780-427-4354

Who is eligible for FSCD services?

Children under 18 who live in Alberta and have a confirmed disability (or are awaiting diagnosis) that significantly impacts daily functioning may be eligible.

Do you provide respite services?

SHINE does not directly provide respite; however, we can help families connect with respite providers and navigate available options through FSCD.

What is the difference between Specialized Services and Behaviour Developmental Supports?

Specialized Services (SS) focus on skill development, caregiver coaching, and supporting participation in daily routines and community life.
Behaviour Developmental Supports (BDS) focus more specifically on behaviour assessment, behaviour planning, and targeted strategies to support developmental growth and regulation.

Both services are individualized and determined in collaboration with FSCD and the family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help? You're in the right place.

What makes SHINE Beyond Limits different?

S.H.I.N.E