As part of its commitment to transform the developmental services system in Ontario, the provincial government continues to make strategic investments to strengthen community supports for young adults with a developmental disability as they leave school.

An important part of the government’s plan is the Passport Mentoring Initiative, a new mentoring program that will give young adults with a developmental disability, ages 14 to 21, the guidance, skills and inspiration they need to achieve success in life after school. 

Experienced adult mentors who have a developmental disability will work with mentor coordinators and school personnel, parents, community agencies and support providers to give students direct exposure to career shadowing, interaction in meaningful community activities, volunteer options and the exploration of post-school activities. 

The key goals of this initiative are to:

• Improve the quality of participation in the community by providing exposure to post-school opportunities that focus on individual goals, work activities and community participation activities
• Assist participants to make the transition from school to life as an adult in the community
• Promote independence
• Foster social skills
• Promote continuing education and personal development.

The Passport Mentoring Initiative begins in 2006 with a $250,000 commitment.  It will be phased-in over the current school year, starting this month with 12 students in the communities of Peterborough, Alexandria, Tillsonburg and Huntsville.  The program will be expanded over the next school year so that 60 students with a developmental disability will get extra support in achieving success after school.

Program Partners

The Community Inclusion Project in Ontario has been a part of a national community inclusion project, funded through the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program, for more than seven years.  In Ontario, 84 local community projects have received funding dedicated to the nurturing and enabling of inclusive thinking, practices and environments in communities across the province.

People First of Ontario is an organization of people with a developmental disability who teach each other about their rights and responsibilities.