While You Wait

OCTOBER 01, 2025

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

MCCSS-funded services available once the DSO application package is completed

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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

Recreation 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 Community Resource List: An extensive list of categorized resources that have been compiled for the purpose of supporting the search for services, discovering new opportunities or browsing for ideas when planning. Visit https://pdpresources.blogspot.com/
Toronto Fee-For-Service DS Service Agencies: This resource allows individuals to search for adult fee-for-service developmental service agencies in Toronto based on their location or preferred service area. Some agencies also offer ministry-funded services—please contact DSO Toronto for details on funded options. Use the website link or QR code to access this resource: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/editmid=115NfNJC88Li4sExNlWpNtu9t3RUev3c&ll=43.71836587756201%2C-79.52509091289062&z=12

Educational Opportunities After High School

Employment Supports

Housing and Supports

Specialized and Clinical Services

Staffing Services

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
Care.com: is an online platform that connects clients and families with local support workers. Caregivers can post job listings and receive responses from nearby support workers, view the services they offer, and contact those who best match the needs of the person requiring support. The platform offers a free basic membership with limited access, as well as a paid membership with expanded features and greater accessibility. Visit https://www.care.com/en-ca/ for more information.
Respite Now: is a free app that matches peoples support needs and preferences with appropriate respite workers based on skills, credentials, experiences, and availability. Caregivers and people supported review matches, choose the respite worker they wish to hire, and pay the worker directly. This service is available Ontario wide. Once a user creates a profile, a coordinator will reach out to provide guidance and support throughout the process, regardless of their location. https://respite-now.com/
Danna Home Care: provides in-home, clinic, and facility care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or recovery needs. Services are delivered in homes and care facilities by licensed personal support workers, nurses, and caregivers: https://www.dannahomecare.com/ Call 647-490-1339 or email info@dannahomecare.com
Nesta Home Care: connects families directly with qualified caregivers, cutting out the agency middleman. Provides matching, background checks, contracts, payroll setup, WSIB registration, and ongoing support – but families maintain the direct relationship with the caregiver. https://nestahomecare.com/ Call 226-270-9413 or email hello@nestahomecare.com

Transportation Services

HEALTHCARE AND EMERGENCY

Crisis Support

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 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 Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS): is a non-police mobile crisis team available 24/7, providing free, confidential, in-person mental health support across the city. The service is available to Toronto residents aged 16 and older. To connect with TCCS, call 211. https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-programs/toronto-community-crisis-service/
CMHA Short-Stay Crisis Bed: program provides temporary residential support for individuals living with serious mental illness, who are experiencing a crisis and are unable to remain in their current living situation. The goal is to support individuals through the immediate crisis and link them to community services for ongoing support. Through two service streams, Short-Stay Crisis Bed Generic and Short-Stay Crisis Bed Mental Health & Justice, the program assists individuals with addressing their immediate physical and mental health needs and develops long-term interventions. https://cmhato.org/programs/short-stay-crisis-beds/ Call 416-789-7957 or e-mail: info@cmhato.org
COSS (Crisis Outreach for Seniors): A mobile crisis response team for seniors across Toronto. The program is publicly funded and free for individuals aged 65+ or 55–64 with geriatric presentation. Some referred services, such as home cleaning or Meals on Wheels, may have associated fees. Please visit https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/crisis-outreach-service-for-seniors for more information

Mental health and addictions services

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/
Family Navigation Project: provide expert navigation of the mental health and addictions service system for youth aged 11 to 29 and their families, who are living in the Greater Toronto Area: https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=family-navigation-project
Woodgreen Counselling and Support Services: registered clinicians offer clinical and therapeutic counselling, case management and group support services to individuals age 16+ experiencing concerns with mental health, substance use and other challenges. Hours are Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with accommodations on a case-by-case basis. *For single session counselling support, please access the Walk-In Counselling service – available every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 4p.m. – 8p.m. Visit https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/counseling-and-support-services-css for more information.

Medical and Dental Care

FUNDING AND LEGAL

Legal Matters

Financial Programs

OTHER

Helpful Resources

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 : Family support groups, Connected Families (forum), Resource directories, Adult-specific topics
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. : Family Service Toronto (FST), Community Living Toronto (CLTO)
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/
Toronto Community Resource List: An extensive list of categorized resources that have been compiled for the purpose of supporting the search for services, discovering new opportunities or browsing for ideas when planning. Visit https://pdpresources.blogspot.com/
Toronto Fee-For-Service DS Service Agencies: This resource allows individuals to search for adult fee-for-service developmental service agencies in Toronto based on their location or preferred service area. Some agencies also offer ministry-funded services—please contact DSO Toronto for details on funded options. Use the website link or QR code to access this resource: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=115NfNJC88Li4sExNlWpNtu9t3RUev3c&ll=43.71836587756201%2C-79.52509091289062&z=12
The Access Point Resource Page: Provides a list of supports, including financial assistance, crisis and distress services, Mobile Crisis Response Teams, food banks, supports for women experiencing violence, addiction services, and short-term or emergency housing resources, among others. https://theaccesspoint.ca/resources/

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