Start preparing for how to access adult health and social services available to you. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For 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.
Start preparing for how to access adult health and social services available to you. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.
For 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.
Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
Connectability is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
EarlyOn Centres offer programs to families and children across Ontario from birth to six years old.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your child.
Ages 5-11
Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
ConnectABILTY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
EarlyOn Centres offer programs to families and children across Ontario from birth to six years old.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your child.
Ages 12-14
Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
EarlyOn Centres offer programs to families and children across Ontario from birth to six years old.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 15-17
Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
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
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 18-21
Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 22-40
Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 41 and over
Agencies in your community may have services for you.
You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Connectability is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Connect with your community
Ages 0-4
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 5-11
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 12-14
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 15-17
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 18-21
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 22-40
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 41 and over
Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
The Government of Ontario has a page where you can find Seniors Active Living Centres throughout Ontario that offer programs catered specifically to older adults.
The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
If you have a disability you may be eligible for certain tax breaks such as the Disability Tax Credit or Medical Expense Tax Credit.
You can ask someone in your circle of support to help you with your taxes.
For parents or caregivers
If you have a child with a disability, check if you are eligible for tax breaks.
If your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also be eligible for other programs such as the Medical Expense Tax Credit or Child Disability Benefit.
If you have a disability you may be eligible for certain tax breaks such as the Disability Tax Credit or Medical Expense Tax Credit.
You can ask someone in your circle of support to help you with your taxes.
For parents or caregivers
If you have a child with a disability, check if you are eligible for tax breaks.
If your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also be eligible for other programs such as the Medical Expense Tax Credit or Child Disability Benefit.
If you have a disability you may be eligible for certain tax breaks such as the Disability Tax Credit or Medical Expense Tax Credit.
You can ask someone in your circle of support to help you with your taxes.
For parents or caregivers
If you have a child with a disability, check if you are eligible for tax breaks.
If your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also be eligible for other programs such as the Medical Expense Tax Credit or Child Disability Benefit.
If you have a disability you may be eligible for certain tax breaks such as the Disability Tax Credit or Medical Expense Tax Credit.
You can ask someone in your circle of support to help you with your taxes.
For parents or caregivers
If you have a child with a disability check if you are eligible for tax breaks.
If your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also be eligible for other programs such as the Medical Expense Tax Credit or Child Disability Benefit.
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.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your child’s life.
Ages 5-11
It is important to plan for your child’s future.
Planning can help you:
Figure out your child’s strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure there is money to meet your child’s needs.
The Plan Institutehas created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your child’s life.
Ages 12-14
It is important to plan for your child’s future.
Planning can help you:
Figure out your child’s strengths, interests and goals.
Make sure there is money to meet your child’s needs.
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.
Inclusion Press is a website that has many planning resources for creating a plan for your child’s life.
Ages 15-17
It is important for you to be involved in planning for your 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.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your life.
Ages 18-21
It is important for you to be involved in planning for your 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.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your life.
Ages 22-40
It is important for you to be involved in planning for your 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.
Inclusion Press is another website that has planning resources for creating a plan for your life.