This section provides you with “things to consider doing” to help plan your future.
Plan for getting older
Ages 22-40
Start planning for how you can best use the adult health and social services available to you. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For parents and caregivers
As parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities age, your planning needs to change. Some issues that become more important as parents age include financial security and social supports for their loved one after parents/supporters pass away, as well as housing needs.
Suggested Resources
ConnectABILITY has a webpage with resources for transition planning into adult services. There is also a series of workshops to prepare for “life after school“.
The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
As you get older you may notice changes with your health and support needs. Make a plan ahead of time so that you can prepare for changes.
It is important to keep track of any changes in your health and support needs.
You can have someone help you keep track of your healthcare appointments and assessments.
One important thing that people with developmental disabilities should screen for is dementia.
You can have someone who cares for you start checking you when you turn 50 years old.
Depending on the developmental disability that you have you may need to start checking for signs of dementia when you turn 40 years old. One example is Down Syndrome.
For parents and caregivers
As parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities age, your planning needs to change. Some issues that become more important as parents age include financial security and social supports for their loved one after parents/supporters pass away, as well as housing needs.
The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Start planning for your transition into adult health and social services. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For you parents and caregivers
As parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities age, your planning needs to change. Some issues that become more important as parents age include financial security and social supports for their loved one after parents/supporters pass away, as well as housing needs.
Suggested Resources
You can start the application for Developmental Services Ontario at the age of 16 to see if you are eligible for services. This will help you to avoid delaying services when you turn 18. (Add) Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) has a webpage to help you understand “How to Access Services” through the DSO.
Passport Program Funding is an Ontario Government program that provides funding to adults with a developmental disability. Passport provides funding for services and supports in your community. Please see the Passport Program Quick Fact Sheet for tips on Passport Program Funding
The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Start planning for your transition into adult health and social services. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For your parents and caregivers
As you grow older, the planning needs for you and your child change. Some issues that become more important include financial security, housing security and social supports for your loved one after you are no longer able to support their needs.
Suggested Resources
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) helps adults with developmental disabilities connect with services and supports in their community.
The DSO has information on transition planning from youth to adult services.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
After high school some people start volunteering or working and other people stay in school and go to college.
Some college programs get you ready for different jobs and others can teach you life skills.
Your high school guidance counsellor can help you figure out which program might be best for you, or you can call colleges in your area to find out more.
Suggested Resources
Ontario Colleges review Inclusive Education programs that give you the opportunity to experience college life and pursue post-secondary education, with courses tailored to meet your individual needs.
The Regional Assessment and Resource Centre has information on their website that includes the transition resource guide for students with disabilities. It provides information on what you may need to know to make a successful transition to college or university.
Ages 22-40
After high school some people start volunteering or working and other people stay in school and go to college.
Some college programs get you ready for different jobs and others can teach you life skills.
Your high school guidance counsellor can help you figure out which program might be best for you, or you can call colleges in your area to find out more.
Suggested Resources
Ontario Colleges review Inclusive Education programs that give you the opportunity to experience college life and pursue postsecondary education, with courses tailored to meet your individual needs.
After high school some people start volunteering or working and other people stay in school and go to college.
Some college programs get you ready for different jobs and others can teach you life skills.
Your high school guidance counsellor can help you figure out which program might be best for you, or you can call colleges in your area to find out more.
Suggested Resources
Ontario Colleges review Inclusive Education programs that give you the opportunity to experience college life and pursue postsecondary education, with courses tailored to meet your individual needs.
Start planning for your transition into adult health and social services. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For parents and caregivers
As parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities age, your planning needs to change. Some issues that become more important as parents age include financial security and social supports for their loved one after parents/supporters pass away, as well as housing needs.
The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process which organizes around one person to support them in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Start planning for how you can best use the adult health and social services available to you. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For your parent/caregiver
As you grow older, the planning needs for you and your child change. Some issues that become more important include financial security, housing security and social supports for your loved one after you are no longer able to provide these needs.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) helps adults with developmental disabilities find services and supports in their community.
The DSO has a webpage with information on transition planning from youth to adult services.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Resources for your parent/caregiver
Partners for Planning includes a webpage that provides information on the Henson Trust.
First Leadership Limited is a detailed guide to transition planning for parents of children with a developmental disability in the Toronto and Central East Region. This guide was originally funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (formerly Ministry of Community and Social Services.)
Save for the future
Ages 15-17
Consider opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). A RDSP helps you save money faster through government contributions.
To be eligible for a RDSP you need to be eligible for and receiving the Disability Tax Credit.
As your child ages, they will be expected to transition from children and youth health and social services to the adult health and community and social services system when they are 18 years old. Many supports and services look differently for adults, it is important to be prepared for this change.