What services does the DSO offer?

 Developmental Services Ontario is the access point for Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funded adult developmental services and supports. You must apply through DSO to see if you are eligible to receive services.

 How do I know if I am eligible for Adult Developmental Services?

To apply for services, you must prove that you have a developmental disability, live in Ontario, and are 18 years old. You will have to show us different documents to prove this. You must provide a psychological assessment to prove you have a developmental disability. If you do not have a psychological assessment, talk to your area DSO. They will review options with you.

If you are eligible for services, you will receive a letter in the mail confirming your eligibility and you will move onto the next step, completing the application process.

What happens if I am not eligible for services?

 If you are not eligible, you will have the option to request a review of the decision. DSO will make every effort to provide you with information to assist you in finding other resources.

 What happens after I have eligibility confirmed for Adult Developmental Services and Supports by the DSO?

Once you receive a letter from DSO telling you if you are eligible to receive MCCSS funded services, you will be connected to a DSO staff person in your area. The DSO staff person will set up 2 meetings with you to help you complete an application package and determine the level of support you need.

Each meeting will be about 3 hours long and you will need to have at least 2 people who know you well (e.g., parent, guardian, teacher, etc.) with you at the meetings.

Once the DSO staff person knows your needs, you will be connected to services that are available in your area.

 What happens if I do not want to proceed with the application package?

 You may choose not to complete the application package. Please inform the DSO staff person who was in contact with you to explain your reasons for declining the meeting as it may affect your ability to access services and funding.

 Can you send me a copy of the application package to complete it on my own?

 No. A qualified DSO staff person who has been trained through MCCSS will complete the package with you. Information on how to prepare for the package is sent in advance to assist and prepare you for the process.

 After the application package is completed, what happens?

Information from your application package will be entered into a service planning database. This system allows your area DSO contact person to print reports when you want to share them with a service provider and give you a copy if you want one for your records. With your consent, the information collected from the application package will assist DSO to make appropriate linkages to supports and services in your community.

I had my assessment 6 months ago- when will I hear from someone?

 The completion of the application package does not guarantee the start of services. At this point, keep DSO updated if there is a change in your current situation. Keeping your area DSO informed will help them prioritize service requests and keep community partners updated.

 Can I apply to ODSP through DSO?

No, it is a different process to apply for ODSP. However, if you are under 18 you can use the DSO eligibility letter as part of your application for income support with the ODSP. ** applicant can be over the age of 18 and use their DSO letter for ODSP. It is not age specific.

Contact the MCCSS office in your area for more ODSP information.