Ontario Making Access to Services Easier for People with Developmental Disabilities
Changes Will Benefit Approximately 3,000 People Every Year
September 2, 2016 10:00 A.M.
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ontario is simplifying the application process for young people with developmental disabilities and their families applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding.
Until now, young people with developmental disabilities seeking government-funded adult developmental services and supports, as well as income support from the Ontario Disability Support Program, were required to prove their developmental disability twice.
As of September 1st, once a person is deemed eligible for ministry-funded adult developmental services, they will no longer have to go through a second process to verify their disability to qualify for the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Existing ODSP requirements, including financial eligibility, will still apply.
Families receiving SSAH funding for children under 18 with a developmental disability will also no longer need to re-apply every year for funding. This means all SSAH recipients will be automatically renewed at their current level of funding until they turn 18, as long as eligibility criteria are met. Should an SSAH recipient’s circumstances or needs change they are encouraged to contact their regional office.
This improvement is part of Ontario’s commitment to providing integrated supports and services that best meet people’s needs with seamless transition at key life and care stages.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 42,000 adults in Ontario are currently receiving ministry-funded developmental services and supports
- SSAH funding enables families to purchase supports and services for their children that they could not normally provide themselves and/or are not available in their community.
Additional Resources
- Learn how Ontario is improving services for people with a developmental disability
- Learn more about Eligibility for ODSP Income Support
Quotes
“Our government is working to break down the barriers that people with developmental disabilities and their families can face in accessing supports and services. This change is another step we are taking to help improve their experience with our developmental services and social assistance systems. It didn’t make sense to require people to prove their disability over and over again. Now, they won’t have to.”
Dr. Helena Jaczek
Minister of Community and Social Services
“Youth with developmental disabilities and their families already face an overabundance of barriers when accessing services. Today’s announcement is one example of how government is chipping away at these kinds of roadblocks, ensuring people receive their supports as smoothly as possible. It’s a change that makes sense.”
Michael Coteau
Minister of Children and Youth Services
Media Contacts
Celso PereiraMinister’s Office
416-325-5572
Grace MfumuanganiCommunications Branch
416-325-0216
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