Ontario’s Transformation of Developmental Services

In 2004, the Ontario Government began to look into how we could improve services for people with developmental disabilities. It listened to people with developmental disabilities, to their families, to service providers and to other members of the community. Then it outlined how services could be improved with new legislation.

This new law—which is called The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act (2008)—makes sure that quality services and supports are offered to people in their own communities. It also helps to plan for services in the future.

The new law

• is clear about who can receive services and supports;
• makes it easier for people to apply for services in their communities;
• helps us to make fair decisions about the kinds of support people can receive;
• supports high quality services and supports; and,
• gives people more choices in how they use Ministry funding.