DSO-TR is the centralized access point for any Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funded adult developmental services in the Toronto region. If you are 18 years of age, or older, some services and supports may be available by request upon eligibility with DSO-TR, while other services and supports cannot be accessed until the DSO “application package” is completed.
Please note, all services and support requests are prioritized based on need and wait times can be involved.
Reach us at:
- 1-855-372-3858 (answered 24/7, with assistance provided in most languages)
- dsotr@surreyplace.ca
MCCSS-funded services available by request, upon eligibility
- Specialized services: for Behaviour Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language assessment or consultation, etc. call Surrey Place Adult Intake at 416-925-5141 ext. 2582 or email adult.intake@surreyplace.ca
- $5,500.00 of Passport funding: for a referral or more information about this individualized funding, contact DSO-TR
- Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW): for a referral or more information about this service for individuals who live independently, contact DSO-TR
- Urgent or transitional supports: Contact DSO-TR for a referral or more information
- DSO Housing Navigation: as described on page 7, please contact 1-855-372-3858 or dsotr.hn@surreyplace.ca for more information
MCCSS-funded services available once the DSO application package is completed
- Community Participation Supports (CPS): such as daytime, recreational and social programs, etc.
- Supportive housing: such as group living, supported independent living, etc.
- Passport funding: additional individualized funding
- Person-Directed Planning (PDP): life planning service
- Family Support Worker (FSW): case management/service coordination
Community Services to Explore While You Wait
NOTE: The following pages include a listing of services and supports provided both without cost and on a fee-for-service basis. The listing has been compiled for informational purposes only and individuals/ families are responsible for assessing the suitability of the services and supports.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
- Variety Village: a sports, fitness and life skills facility located at 3701 Danforth Avenue. Provides sports and wellness activities, awareness, education, training and skills development. Call 416-699-7167 or visit: http://www.varietyvillage.ca/
- City of Toronto, Welcome Policy: a fee subsidy to help individuals access city-operated recreational programs
- City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, adapted programs: adapted recreation and specialized programming options
- Individualized Funding Library: online library to help you learn how to find and use individualized funding (e.g. Passport funding), as well as other resources
- ConnectABILITY: provides an extensive list of non-MCCSS funded programs, services and supports that can be accessed on a fee-for-service basis
- My Community Hub: individuals/families can create an online profile to search and register and pay for activities, classes, programs, workshops, camps, etc. Go to: http://mycommunityhub.ca/ to get started
- Access 2 Card: helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available and accessible to people of all ages and types of disabilities who require the assistance of a support person. Visit https://access2card.ca/ for more information
- Toronto Accessible Sports Council: to promote and facilitate accessible sport opportunities
in Toronto. Visit https://torontoaccessiblesports.ca/ for more information - Eventbrite: is a ticketing platform where you can book various events (free or fee associated). To find an event, search using “date” or “by category”. Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/ for more information
- Toronto Public Library (TPL), adult programs: a variety of learning programs available at libraries across the city
- Toronto District School Board (TDSB), adult learning: offers a variety of credit and general interest programs
- Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), adult education: offers a variety of literacy and language programs
- Community colleges: several local colleges offer adapted programs for adults with developmental disabilities, including:
- Humber College, Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE)
- ConnectABILITY: provides a list of college, adult literacy and continuing educational programs
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Employment Supports: your local ODSP office can connect you to service providers in the community who offer a variety of employment supports
- JVS Toronto, Path 2 Work and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Job-Readiness Programs: programs designed for job seekers who have developmental disabilities or ASD. Call 416-649-1619 or visit: https://www.jvstoronto.org/find-a-job/disability-employment-services/ for details
- Ready, Willing & Able (RWA): uses local employment agencies to help connect employers to registered job seekers with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ConnectABILITY: provides information about employment within the developmental services sector
- Youth Employment Services—YESAbility: is an employment program for youth and adults with disabilities. It provides individualized action planning, career counselling, specialized Job Development, labour market information, work placement opportunities, accommodation support, on-the-job coaching. Visit https://www.yes.on.ca/program/yesability/ for more information
- JVS Toronto—Disability Employment & Inclusion Programs: programs designed for job seekers who have developmental disabilities, ASD, mental health , physical disabilities, etc. Visit https://www.jvstoronto.org/find-a-job/disability-employment-services/ for more information
- March of Dimes Employment Supports: programs include “wrap-around” support and frequent employer contact with a wide range of employers, quick job searches and placement. Visit https://www.modcemploymentservices.ca/services/client-services/ for more information on different types of employment programs offered
- SocialliiASD: focus on creating social opportunities and supporting job seeking autistic adults 18+. Visit https://socialliiasd.ca/ for more information
Planning Resources:
- Housing Navigation, DSO-TR: a team providing resources, information sessions, toolkits, connections, and support to help plan for future creative living situations. Online tool can be found at https://www.dsontario.ca/housing/welcome-to-the-dso-housing-toolkit. Contact the team at: 1-855-372-3858 or email: dsotr.hn@surreyplace.ca.
- LIGHTS, Community Living Toronto (CLTO): a program that assists families with exploring independent living options in the community. Visit www.lights.to to learn more. Call 647-725-1326 or email LIGHTS@cltoronto.ca
- Trying It On For Size (TIFS), L’Arche Toronto: a year-long, person-centered life skills training program exploring how to live independently. https://www.larchetoronto.org/tifs Contact Amanda Hickey at 647-540-1015 or email amanda@larchetoronto.org
- Partners for Planning (P4P): offers free and fee-for-service virtual planning webinars and resources on various topics as well information on accessing fee-for-service Independent Facilitation for individualized planning. Website is http://www.partnersforplanning.ca/ Call 416.232.9444 or email info@p4p.ca
- PLAN Institute: offers free and fee-for-service online resources and a future planning tool. Website is https://planinstitute.ca/ or contact at info@planinstitute.ca or toll-free at 1-844-311-7526 (based in B.C. and operates on PST)
Community Housing:
- Access to Housing, City of Toronto: application process for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing benefits for those with low income. Applications can be made online at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/housing-support/rent-geared-to-income-subsidy/, or you can call the Support Centre at: 416-338-8888.
- City of Toronto New Affordable Housing Developments: Toronto lists new affordable housing developments that individuals can apply for at this site https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/community-partners/affordable-housing-partners/projects-under-construction/ Developments are updated as they become available so registering your email for updates or checking back regularly is encouraged.
- Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto: Keeps a registry of co-operative housing in Toronto, York, and Durham region with information links to open waitlists. Website is https://co-ophousingtoronto.coop/ or contact 416-465-8688 or 1-888-626-2994 or info@coophousing.com
- Housing Stabilization (Rights and Education): is intended to prevent homelessness by meeting the emergency housing needs of Toronto residents who receive financial assistance from Ontario Works (OW) and income support from Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) so that they are able to stabilize their housing situation. Visit https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/support-for-people-in-financial-need/assistance-through-ontario-works/policies-and-procedures/housing-stabilization-fund/
Housing Rights and Education:
- Canadian Centre for Housing Rights: offers educational tools for renters along with advocacy for equality in access to housing at https://housingrightscanada.com/. They can be reached at 416-944-0087 or toll-free 1-800-263-1139
- Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): offers education on legal rights for vulnerable people related to housing and other legal issues. Most information is online at https://www.cleo.on.ca/en and they can be contacted at 416-408-4420 or info@cleo.on.ca
Homeless Support:
- If you need emergency shelter space, please call the City of Toronto’s Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398 or 211
- Contact the DSO for Urgent Response at 1-855-372-3858 or dsotr@surreyplace.ca; more information can be found here: https://www.lumenus.ca/programs-and-services/griffin-community-support-network/
- Housing Help Centre: assistance with finding and keeping housing or preventing eviction. In-person support for individuals and families to apply for the Rent-Geared-to- Income (RGI) housing subsidy. Find your local Housing Help Centre at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/#housing
- Surrey Place Specialized Programs, Services and Clinics: includes counselling, Behaviour Therapy (BT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Audiology and Speech Language assessment or consultation. Also includes the Parenting Enhancement Program (PEP) and Plus 45 Clinic. For a referral or more details, call Surrey Place Adult Intake at 416-925-5141 ext. 2582 or email adult.intake@surreyplace.ca.
Note: must be deemed eligible with the DSO-TR prior to accessing such services - Surrey Place Wellness Services: a monthly schedule of group programming and drop-in sessions for individuals and caregivers. Also includes the Adult Resource Clinic, consultation with a Service Coordinator for individuals 18 years of age or older, who are living with their family. Registration available where you can browse for programs by downloading the monthly guide or using the Events Calendar tab
- Community Living Toronto (CLTO) Home Management: a short-term, community-based program that provides in-home consultation and collaboration for families caring for an individual with a developmental disability. Can also assist in recruiting, training and orienting in-home support workers. Contact Georgina Stergiotis at 647-725-1268 or email gstergiotis@cltoronto.ca
- Developmental services agencies: some MCCSS funded agencies in Toronto also provide specialized supports on a fee-for-service basis, visit: https://connectability.ca/en/ or http://mycommunityhub.ca/ for listings
- wm+a: provides fee-for-service support workers. Call 416-367-5968
- Bartimaeus: provides fee-for-service support workers. Call 416-243-3330
- VHA Home HealthCare (VHA): provides a range of in-home services on a fee-for-service basis: Call 416-489-2500 ext. 4649 or email privateservices@vha.ca
- Dorvict Home & Health Care Services: provides temporary support in the home or community on a fee-for-service basis: Call Heather Bateman at 416-661-1740 or email heather@dorvict.com
- Community Helpers for Active Participation (CHAP), respiteservices.com: the organization respiteservices.com holds the CHAP database of independent workers for hire on a fee-for-service basis: https://www.respiteservices.com/Toronto/respiteservices/chap or call 416-322-6317 ext. 1
- Accessible and/or fee-for-service transportation: various options including:
- Wheel-Trans: Call 416-393-4111
- Beaver Transportation Services Ltd.: Call 416-248-8922
- The BTS Network: Call 416-663-7433
- Dignity Transportation Inc.: Call 416-398-2222
- Canadian Red Cross
- Toronto Ride: Call 416-481-5250
- Better Living Health and Community Services: Call 416-447-7244
- TTC Support Person Assistance Card: provides free travel to a support person accompanying an individual with a disability
HEALTHCARE AND EMERGENCY
- 911: call 9-1-1 for assistance or visit your nearest hospital if you are experiencing any form of emergency and/or your safety or the safety of others is at risk
- Vulnerable Persons Registry, Toronto Police Services: a voluntary registry providing key information to first responders (e.g. information about behaviours, de-escalation techniques, contact information, etc.)
- Urgent Response (UR)/Temporary Supports (TS): for unexpected/urgent (e.g. loss of a caregiver, sudden homelessness, etc.) and temporary support situations (e.g. hospitalization, illness, etc.) call DSO-TR at 416-925-4930 or 1-855-372-3858 for a referral to either of these services
- Griffin Community Support Network (GCSN): a community of partner agencies who provide time-limited, crisis and transitional support: Call 416-222-3563 and speak to an Adult Intake Worker
- Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: provides 24/7/365 support with crisis, emotional support, and suicide prevention/intervention/postvention: https://www.dcogt.com/
- Crisis Text Line: serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via mediums people already use and trust. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. For more information, visit https://www.crisistextline.org/
- Telephone Crisis Support, Gerstein Crisis Centre: provides access to Crisis Workers, available 24/7 through 416-929-5200. http://gersteincentre.org/our-crisis-services/telephone-crisis-
support/
- The Access Point: centralized point of access to apply for mental health and addictions support services and supportive housing: Call 416-640-1934
- BounceBack®: a free mental health skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, delivered by a coach over the phone or online: https://bouncebackontario.ca/
- Reconnect Community Health Services: provides a range of programs for adults and seniors living with mental health and addictions concerns
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Services (ANS), Centre for Addiction and Mental Healthb (CAMH): offers assessment and treatment to adults aged 16-60 with a developmental disability, mental health concerns and/or severe challenging behaviours. For referral details visit: http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/care_program_and_services/dual_diagnosis_program/Pages/default.aspx
- What’s Up Walk-In Clinics: free counselling services provided at six locations across Toronto for those up to age 24, and their families
- Talk It Out: a mental health hub dedicated to improving accessibility to counselling for marginalized communities by providing short-term counselling support and facilitating community initiatives. For more information, visit https://talkitoutto.ca/
- Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS), formerly Local Health Integration Network (LHIN): Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS), formerly Local Health Integration Network (LHIN): provides health care services at home and community: https://ontariohealthathome.ca/
- Trillium Drug Program, Government of Ontario: provides financial aid for high prescription drug costs: Call 416-642-3083
- LifeLabs, Serving Patients with Autism program: a specific blood collection practice for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Physiotherapy (Government funded): government-funded physiotherapy clinics provide assessment and treatment service, including rehabilitation following an injury or hospital stay. For more information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/physiotherapy-clinics-government-
funded - Specialized dental care: hospital-based dental services for those with complex needs:
FUNDING AND LEGAL
- Pooran Law: legal practice specializing in supporting people with disabilities and their families. Visit: https://pooranlaw.com/ for more information
- ARCH Disability Law Centre: a specialty legal clinic that practices exclusively in disability rights laws. Visit: http://archdisabilitylaw.ca/ for more information
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Income support: income support for those who are eligible to help pay for living expenses such as food and housing. Can be applied for at 17.5 years of age
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC): a tax credit available to eligible persons with disabilities/their supporters
- Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC): a tax credit available to eligible families
- Canada Penson Plan (CPP) disability benefits: a benefit available to eligible persons with disabilities under age 65
- Registered Disability Savings Program (RDSP): a savings plan for those who are eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC)
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP): help with the cost of equipment and specialized supports for those who are eligible
- Ability Private Client Group (formerly Bright Future Plan): financial and estate planning service focused specifically on supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. Visit: https://abilitygroup.ca/
OTHER
- DSO-TR Facebook group: for Facebook users, please join our group where members of the Toronto community can connect, find, and share resources
- “Find Help” / 211: provides a database of municipal, provincial, and federal social services in the Toronto region. Go to: https://www.211toronto.ca/ or call 2-1-1 for help with exploring your needs and connecting to appropriate services
- ConnectABILITY: a website and virtual community dedicated to support for families and individuals with developmental disabilities, across the lifespan
- My Direct Plan: online tool to assist with managing direct funding (e.g. Passport funding)
- Surrey Place Wellness Services: a listing of free in-person and online sessions on different topics which can enhance knowledge and skills for individuals and caregivers
- Membership options: we encourage you to contact local agencies such as Family Service Toronto and Community Living Toronto to discuss membership options and request their local newsletter, etc.
- Surrey Place Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Program: Information and tools for adults with developmental disabilities: https://ddprimarycare.surreyplace.ca/
- Siblings Canada: an initiative that allows adults who have a sibling with a disability, to connect, learn and share. Visit https://canadiancaregiving.org/siblingscanada/