Now that we’ve explored what the community pathway could look like and the resources available to help you and your caregivers meet your goals, it’s time to prepare to live it. This page is about getting ready— having the right documents and registering for key services.
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.
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.
Check your records to see if you have undergone a previous formal evaluation. If you are unsure, you can:
If you cannot locate documentation that provides a specific diagnosis, you will likely require an assessment. To obtain an assessment, you can explore:
If you have an Intellectual 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. Your local DSO is the access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ontario. 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, and 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.
For more information on registering with Developmental Services Ontario, please watch this video.
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 the amount of income tax, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the impairment. You or your caregiver can apply for this benefit at any time. However, the DTC may periodically expire, requiring a new application to confirm eligibility for services that needs to be completed by you (or your family member, as applicable) and your medical practitioner.
The Canada Disability Benefit provides direct financial support to people with disabilities who are 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 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).
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.
