Resources
Explore Our Resources
There is a lot to navigate when you're finding your way through respite, funding, and support.
We've gathered some things that may help.
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Our FAQ answers some of the questions families ask us most often.
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Our BLOG explores topics in a little more depth, from Passport funding to ideas for supporting a good day.
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Below, you'll find links to organizations, funding programs, and other resources that may be useful along the way. The links below will take you to another organization's website.
You don't have to figure everything out at once. Start wherever you are.
Government & Policy - Ontario
Ontario – Adults with developmental disabilities
Official overview of developmental services and supports in Ontario.
Ontario – Programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities
Details on funded supports, including how Passport funding can be used.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
Ministry responsible for Passport, SSAH, and developmental services funding.
Ontario Human Rights Code (disability)
Full text of the Code; useful for rights, accommodation, and service access.
Ontario Human Rights Commission – Disability rights
Plain‑language guidance on disability rights and the duty to accommodate.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) – Ontario.ca
Core accessibility law for organizations and service providers.
Passport Funding & DSO (Developmental Services Ontario)
Passport Program – Resources & Videos
Official Passport resources, including how funding can be used for respite and activities.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) – Funded services
Explains Passport and other funded supports; clear link between DSO and respite.
DSO – For professionals (educators, healthcare, providers)
Targeted info for professionals working with adults who have developmental disabilities.
DSO – Downloadable materials (Passport, contact info, guides)
Printable handouts you can recommend to families and staff.
DSO Central West Region
Regional DSO serving Peel, Halton, Waterloo, Wellington, and Dufferin.
DSO Toronto Region
Regional DSO serving Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, and Toronto.
DSO Central East Region
Regional DSO serving York, Durham, Port Severn, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Simcoe, Northumberland, and Haliburton.
Provincial Agencies, Resources & Supports
Holland Bloorview – Client & family resources
Workshops, parenting resources, and information on respite and recreation for families of children with complex needs.
Geneva Centre for Autism – Resources
Free autism‑specific tools, visual supports, and workshops for caregivers and families.
Family Service Toronto – Accessibility & developmental disabilities
Case management and service navigation for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Toronto.
March of Dimes Canada – Ontario programs
Life skills, attendant services, and home/vehicle modification supports for people with disabilities and their families.
ARCH Disability Law Centre
Free legal information and advice for people with disabilities and their families on topics like education, accommodation, and discrimination.
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO)
Resources for families and educators, including LD@home and LD@school tools for learning disabilities and ADHD.
OTF – Teachers’ Gateway to Special Education
Special education strategies, IEP support, and links to Ministry resources that can help you advocate at school.
Caregiver & Respite Specific Supports
Ontario Caregiver Organization – Helpline & Supports
24/7 helpline, peer support, and respite navigation for caregivers.
Ontario Caregiver Helpline (info page)
How the helpline works; good to link for families seeking immediate help.
Ontario.ca – Respite Care (general)
Government overview of respite options and how to apply via Ontario Health atHome.
211 Ontario (Central) – Search Community & Government Services
Comprehensive directory for local respite, recreation, and support programs.
ConnectABILITY.ca – Resource Directories (MyCommunityHub, etc.)
Curated directories for developmental services, including Passport‑eligible programs.