Funding & Services
Many people who have an intellectual disability are eligible for funding from the Ontario Government. Each program has its own requirements and benefits
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Special Services at Home
- Passport Funding
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
ODSP
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities who are in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support. Ontarians 65 years or older who are not eligible for Old Age Security may also qualify for ODSP supports if they are in financial need.
The program has two components:
- Income Support; and
- Employment Supports
Click here for more information on this program
Click here to view video "LiveWorkPlay" - ODSP & Me - Community Living Ottawa
Special Services at Home
Special Services at Home (SSAH) is an Ontario government program. It helps families who are caring for a child in their home who has a physical or an intellectual disability or an adult who has an intellectual disability.
The Special Services At Home program helps families pay for staff support.
The family can use the money to hire someone to:
- teach new skills and abilities
- teach daily living activities
- provide respite care
The amount of money a family receives depends on:
- the type and amount of service the child needs
- what other help is available in the community
- what other support the family is already receiving
Children and adults who receive funding from a residential program are not eligible for Special Services at Home funding.
Passport Funding
The Passport Initiative is a program of the Ontario Government (Ministry of Community and Social Services.)
People who have an intellectual disability can use Passport funding to buy supports and services. The funding must be used to help you be more involved in your community. The money is usually for three years.
Passport is for people who:
- live in Ontario
- have an intellectual disability
- are no longer in school
- live independently, in supportive living or with family
- people who live at home with their family will be given first priority for this funding
- need support to be involved in their community
You can not have Passport money if you have Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Employment Supports
Passport Funding
- Can be paid directly to you and your family. You would then make your own arrangements to purchase supports and services.
- Can be paid to a community agency that will help you make arrangements for your supports.
How to Apply
- To apply for Passport funding, an application form must be filled out. (click here)
- It is also highly encouraged that people create and submit a plan. The plan should tell about your goals and what support you need.
- It is possible to get money to hire someone to help you create your plan.
- A plain language planning guide entitled “Creating a Good Life in Community: A Guide on Person-Directed Planning – Plain Language” is also available to help you create a plan. (click here)
Assistive Devices Program
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is an Ontario government program. It provides funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities.
Devices covered by the program are intended to enable people who have a physical disability to increase their independence.
The Assistive Devices Program covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment or supplies in a number of categories. Some of these include;
- prostheses
- wheelchairs/mobility aids and specialized seating systems
- monitors and test strips for insulin-dependent diabetics (through an agreement with the Canadian Diabetes Association)
- insulin pumps and supplies for children
- hearing aids
- respiratory equipment
- visual and communication aids
To be eligible for the Assistive Devices Program you must:
- be a resident of Ontario
- have a valid Ontario health card
- have a physical disability for six months or longer
Equipment cannot be required only for sports, work or school. The Assistive Devices Program pays a portion of the needed equipment. The user pays the rest. For more detail on eligibility refer to the Assistive Devices Program link.
