The Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) funds a number of services and supports for adults with a developmental disability and their families to allow them to live, work and participate in a wide range of activities within their communities, thereby improving the quality of their lives.
Services provided by community agencies
MCSS contracts with community agencies to provide a range of services for individuals with a developmental disability. As part of these contractual arrangements, agencies must comply with ministry legislation, policies and guidelines, including quality of care.
Services and supports funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and delivered through community agencies include:
- in-home and out-of-home respite;
- specialized community supports which assist people with a developmental disability to remain in their community;
- community participation supports, including The Passport Initiative, which provide people who have a developmental disability with exposure to a wide range of activities such as work, volunteer, leisure and recreation opportunities. Assistance with personal development is also provided so that individuals can achieve their goals for living as an adult in the community; and
- community living supports and residential services which include supports to assist individuals to live independently, as well as 24-hour group living situations
and Familyhome arrangements.
For more information on services for individuals with a developmental disability, please contact the Ministry of Community and Social Services regional office nearest you.
Services provided by MCSS
The ministry administers the Special Services at Home(SSAH) program, which can help individuals with disabilities live at home with their families. This program is available for children and adults with a developmental disability, and children with a physical disability, who are residents of Ontario.
The Ontario Disability Support Program helps meet the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families who are in financial need, or who want to work but need some support.
Services provided by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services
For information about services for children and youth under the age of 18 with a developmental disability, please visit the website for the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.