Adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario
Learn about developmental services and find services and support for people who have a developmental disability and are older than 18.
Developmental services agencies continue to support people with developmental disabilities during the COVID‑19 outbreak, but some offices or programs may be closed or impacted. Read about updates to developmental services due to COVID‑19. You can contact your service provider for more information.
Overview
A developmental disability:
- is present at birth or develops before 18 years of age
- affects a person's ability to learn
- is permanent
- can be mild or severe
People with developmental disabilities often require help with daily life as well as other assistance to be as independent and successful as possible.
If you are, or if you see or suspect an adult with a developmental disability being abused or neglected, you can contact ReportON 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there's an immediate threat, call
Email: reportONdisability@ontario.ca
To learn more about developmental disabilities visit Developmental Services Ontario.
Developmental services reform
Learn how we’re working with our partners on a long-term vision for developmental services where people with developmental disabilities fully belong in our communities and are supported to live the lives they choose.
Find programs, services and support
There are services and supports for adults with a developmental disability and families so that you can live, work and participate in a wide range of activities in your community. To learn more about services and supports near you, contact your local Developmental Service Ontario office and/or the service provider.
Learn about eligibility and how to apply for developmental services
Passport program
Learn about this direct funding program which can pay for services and support so you can participate fully in your community.
Adult Protective Service Worker
Learn about the Adult Protective Service Worker program for people who live on their own.
Specialized and clinical supports
Learn about specialized clinical services for people who have higher support needs including Ontario’s Community Networks of Specialized Care.
Person-directed planning
Get help to prepare life plans that lay out your needs and goals.
Residential supports
Find organizations in your community that provide residential supports to help people with a developmental disability.
Third party services
Learn about third-party providers of services for people with a developmental disability and your families.
Legislation and regulations
Read the laws that govern services and supports for adults with a developmental disability in Ontario.
- Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA)
- Ontario Regulation 276/10 (General)
- Ontario Regulation 299/10 (Quality Assurance Measures)
Directives and guidelines
Learn about the rules and information that ministry-funded community agencies must follow when offering services and supports.
- Guidelines for supporting adults with a developmental disability when applying to, moving into and residing in a long-term care home
- Policy directives for service agencies
- Policy directives for service agencies regarding the Host Family Program
- Operational guidelines for the Host Family Program
- Policy directives for application agencies
- Joint policy guideline for the provision of community mental health and developmental services for adults with a dual diagnosis
- Policy guidelines for the Adult Protective Service Worker program
- Passport program guidelines
Resources for agencies
The Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Hub and Network brings agencies together to share information, tools and resources to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The KTT Hub and Network provides knowledge exchange, collaboration and mentoring opportunities to developmental services agencies, individuals with developmental disabilities, families and caregivers.
Visit RealXchange, a website with products, tools and services to assist organizations to improve services, spark new ideas and find opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
Contact information
Developmental Services Ontario
For questions, comments or complaints about a service or support that you or a family member are receiving, contact your service agency.
Ministry regional office
The ministry office will work with your agency to resolve your question or concern.
Ministry’s main contact page
If your concern isn’t dealt with to your satisfaction, you can use the ministry online feedback form.