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Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ontario. If you have a developmental disability, it is important to register with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) as soon after your 16th birthday as possible to obtain support with goal-setting and service navigation. 

Through the DSO, individuals can access different services in their community, such as: 

  • housing supports
  • caregiver respite
  • supports to help people take part in the community
  • specialized and clinical supports
  • the Adult Protective Service Worker Program
  • the Passport Program

Note: there are often waitlists for these services. As such, connecting with DSO as early as possible helps to reduce wait times and helps to ensure a smooth transition process. 

To apply, you will need to prove that you have a developmental disability, meaning that you will need a written psychological assessment completed by a psychologist or psychological associate. You will additionally need evidence that you live in Ontario (such as a health card, lease or rental agreement, bank account statement with your address, or driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID) and proof of your age (such as a birth or baptismal certificate, passport, Ontario Photo Card, and/or driver’s license). Ensuring that you have these documents early will help to ensure a smooth application process and avoid any additional delays in accessing adult disability-related services. 

Mother helping daughter using laptop at home

Preparing students with developmental disabilities for life after high school

Watch this video for more information on registering with Developmental Services Ontario.

Documentation

Many adult disability services (including Developmental Services Ontario) will require a psychological, psychoeducational, and/or neuropsychological assessment confirming the diagnosis of an intellectual disability. If you have a different diagnosis, and suspect that you will need supports to live in community, having an up-to-date assessment will also be helpful to identify relevant services and supports as well as to make sure you have the documentation to access these resources. Click on the buttons below to learn more.

Tip: It’s best to get an assessment done well before the age of 16 so you’re ready to apply for adult services when the time comes.

Do you have a formal assessment?

Check your records to see if you have undergone a previous formal evaluation. If you are unsure, you can: 

  1. Ask family members if you had a psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological assessment that specifically diagnosed a disability. If you had an assessment done, but cannot locate the document, contact the practitioner who completed the assessment (they are required to keep your report on file for 10 years after you turn 18). 
  2. Ask your school team (such as your special education or resource teacher) whether there is a previous assessment in your Ontario School Record (OSR). The OSR is a file that contains school-based information throughout your journey as an Ontario student. 
  3. Contact your medical practitioner to ask if they have information on file that includes a clear diagnosis of a disability.

How to obtain a new assessment?

If you cannot locate documentation that provides a specific diagnosis, you will likely require an assessment. To obtain an assessment, you can explore: 

  1. Whether an assessment is available through your school board psychologist. 
  2. Whether assessments are available through developmental services agencies or government funded treatment centres in your community. 
  3. Whether there are private psychological providers in your community that can conduct an assessment (fees associated with this may be covered, at least in part, by extended health benefits). For Indigenous youth, assessment fees may be covered by applying for funding through Jordan’s Principle or Inuit Child First Initiative. 

Living in the Community

Some people may choose to remain living in their family home, and some may wish to move on to supported, semi-independent, or independent housing. This is a complex decision, involving a number of factors including your level of independence with activities of daily living (such as engaging in hygiene tasks, cooking, cleaning, and managing your own medications and finances), your family situation, and your personal goals, as well as current waitlists and availability of programming in your community. You can use the DSO Housing Toolkit to start exploring housing options that align with you and your family’s goals. You may also choose to work with a DSO housing navigator to discuss options available in your specific community.

Living at Home

Remaining in the family home can offer a familiar and supportive environment that helps ease the transition into adulthood. As you start to take on adult roles, responsibilities, and challenges, your support needs will likely change and both you and your caregivers may find yourselves adjusting to new roles and routines. This shift can be an opportunity to strengthen relationships, foster independence, and explore new ways of living together that reflect your evolving needs and goals. There are family support groups available to support family members with this change. Respite services (video) are available to caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities to allow everyone with periods to rest and recharge.

Supported Housing

In supported housing, a person lives in either a home placement (see Family Home for a description) with a family who can provide a caring, stable environment on a full-time basis, or Group Home, which is a home composed of multiple persons as well as staff to provide their care. These supported living arrangements often mimic the level of support available to people prior to the transition to adulthood but can afford the person with a disability a sense of autonomy and opportunities for new relationships.

Supported Independent Living

For people requiring less support with day-to-day activities of daily living, some communities have opportunities for Supported Independent Living (SIL) (video). SIL allows a person to live in their own space but with staff available in the same building or close by to provide support with tasks, such as shopping, budgeting, and housekeeping, as needed. Wait times for SIL can be long. As such, it is important to explore this option early and to have a plan in place should a spot in a SIL placement not be readily available.

Independent Living

For people generally able to live independently but who require access to support, as needed, for more complex situations, independent living may be appropriate. In some cases, people may qualify for the Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW) program which supports adults with a developmental disability who are living on their own. The goal of the program is to help you live as independently, safely and securely as possible in your community by helping you find and maintain social and housing services, health and dental care, and counselling for emotional support.

Supporting your Health

The shift from child- to adult-oriented care often brings new challenges: pediatric supports tend to end between the ages of 16 and 18 and you therefore may need to transition to adult-oriented practitioners and services. Building these relationships early helps ensure continuity of care, promotes preventive health, and supports advocacy around issues such as communication needs, behaviour, and medication management. Families and caregivers can work closely with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) to navigate this process — DSO is the central access point for provincially-funded adult developmental services in Ontario, including specialized clinical and community supports. You can additionally contact Health Care Connect to find family doctors and nurse practitioners in your community who are accepting new patients.

Young adult male smiles while speaking with a healthcare worker in a medical office

Accessing Funding

Adulthood brings new opportunities—and new costs. Many of the living, social, and recreational programs highlighted in this section operate on a fee-for-service basis. The good news is that there are funding supports available for persons with intellectual or significant disabilities, and you may be eligible. With the right information and planning, these resources can help make meaningful experiences and supports more accessible.

The Disability Tax Credit

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. By reducing income tax, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the disability. You can apply for this benefit at any time. However, the DTC may periodically expire, requiring a new application to confirm eligibility for services.

The Canada Disability Benefit

The Canada Disability Benefit provides direct financial support to people with disabilities, between 18 and 64 years old, who have already qualified for the Disability Tax Credit. Designed to provide monthly financial support to low income Canadians with disabilities, the program is administered through Service Canada. To document your income, it is helpful to complete your income tax prior to application (at the age of 17). For free help with your income tax, you can use free tax clinics hosted by community organizations through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

Passport Funding

Passport is a program that helps adults 18 years or older with a developmental or intellectual disability participate in their communities and live as independently as possible. It also helps caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability pay for respite services. If eligible, this financial support is available through your Developmental Services Office (DSO).

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) can provide financial support and other services to eligible individuals. People with disabilities that affect their ability to access the community without support should begin their ODSP application at 17.5 years old, so that it can be completed before they turn 18. This program can provide financial, medical (through a drug card), and employment supports, as needed. You can apply for ODSP online, in-person, or by calling the Social Assistance Support Line Toll-free: 1-888-999-1142 or Toll-free TTY: 1-800-387-5559. Of note: Anyone who is eligible to receive developmental services through DSO automatically meets the disability requirement for ODSP. While you will still have to formally apply for ODSP, you can use the DSO eligibility letter as part of your application for income support with the ODSP.

Supported financial assistance

Some individuals in the community pathway may find it difficult to independently manage their own finances without oversight and support. Information on supported financial assistance is available through IF Library and supportive decision-making can be accessed through Community Living.

Additional Resources and Supports

Numerous resources and supports are available to support people with intellectual disabilities participate in their communities. Depending on your needs, the community you live in, and other factors, you may be eligible for programs and services like the ones outlined below. Click on the buttons below to learn more.

Recreational Programs

Recreation or arts programs are fun and engaging ways to connect with others and take part in your community. Some programs are province-wide, while others may be more specific to your area. Asking your support staff, whether at school or through a community disability service, will be helpful to identify specific programs available in your community. 

Common programs are: 

In addition to the links above, contact your local Developmental Services Ontario and/or Community Living agencies to explore available recreation programs in your community.

Employment and Volunteering

Many people with intellectual disabilities enjoy participating in their community through employment or volunteering. School staff and your local community employment agency will be a big support in exploring volunteer or employment opportunities in your community. 

Programs such as Ready, Willing and Able connect and support employers, persons with an intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum and local, provincial and national community employment agencies. 

Additionally, the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) provides information on agencies providing supported employment, as well as information on their MentorAbility program mentoring program. Employment supports may additionally be available in your community through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and the March of Dimes. 

If employment is a goal, discussing regionally available employment supports with educational/guidance staff and developmental services providers will be important to ensure that you understand the services/supports available in your community.

You can also learn more about the working world in the Workplace section. 

Learning and Education

CICE (Community Integration through Co-operative Education) programs are college programs designed for students with intellectual disabilities or other significant learning challenges.  These inclusive education programs give you the opportunity to experience college life and pursue post-secondary education, with courses tailored to meet your individual needs. Inclusive education students will have access to a learning facilitator for both in-class support and tutoring outside of the classroom.  Students who complete the CICE program will earn a certificate, rather than a traditional college diploma. While some graduates of the CICE program may pursue further post-secondary education, or secure a job in a related field, completing the CICE program does not guarantee job readiness or ability in that career field.  For many students, the benefits of the CICE program are ongoing learning, social engagement, and improving one's independence.  You can learn more about life at college in our Post-Secondary Education section. 

Online learning and skill development opportunities are available across Ontario through Adult Literacy and Basic Education programs. These programs are free of charge and help to improve your reading, writing, math, digital and other essential skills to help you achieve your goals of further education, training, employment, or independence. Further, there are free online resources to build your skills, such as the Skills for Success webpage. 
 

Getting Around and Using Transit

Learning to navigate your community and use public transportation is a significant skill for people with intellectual or other significant disabilities to participate in their community. Services and supports differ by region, but most offer programs such as: 

  • Many public transportation providers offer free transit or travel training for people with disabilities e.g. Wheeltrans Travel Training in Toronto. For other regions, search for your local public transportation provider to learn more. Further, public transit providers offer a number of accessibility features, including low-floor buses, elevators in stations, priority seating, and audio/visual stop announcements, that make travel more inclusive and manageable. 
  • People with disabilities who travel with a support person may be able to apply for a Support Person Assistance Card. This allows the support person to travel for free. Contact your local public provider for local travel or Easter Seals for travel by Via Rail or Coach Canada. 
  • Some transportation services offer hidden disability programs, such as the Sunflower program. Transportation services enrolled in this program can provide, on request, a sunflower pin to wear. This helps employees and others know that you might require a bit more support, time, or a helping hand when out in public. 
  • Para-transit or specialized transit services are available in most communities for people who are unable to use conventional public transit due to a disability. These services typically offer door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation and may require an application or eligibility assessment. Voluntary driver or community transportation programs are offered by some non-profits or municipalities for individuals who are not eligible for para-transit or need occasional support getting to appointments or activities. 
  • Apps and technology like Google Maps, Transit App, or specialized apps like MagnusCards help with route planning and navigating transit systems. 
  • For those living in rural communities, where public transit is not an option, Passport funding can help offset the cost of mileage for support workers or the cost of a taxi for Passport admissible trips.

Next Steps

Now that we have explored the programs, supports, and resources available for adults in the community pathway, as well as your rights and responsibilities, we need to start planning your transition, ensuring that you have the skills needed to successfully achieve your transition goals. 

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