Privacy and Developmental Services Ontario

Our clients’ privacy is important.

Developmental Services Ontario organizations promise to protect our clients’ privacy. We want you to know what personal information we collect, how we use it and how we share it.

Our privacy practices exceed the standards set by these two laws:

• The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act (2008)
• Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) (2004)

What information do we collect?

We consider information personal if it identifies a specific person or could be used to contact them. This information includes their name, address, gender, age, health card number, health status (physical, behavioural, emotional and developmental), personal or family details and information about the services they use. It can also include information on opinions or beliefs and eligibility for services.

How do we use personal information?

Developmental Services Ontario collects personal information to

• decide if a person is eligible for services;
• figure out what services they need and how quickly they need them;
• help people to find services and resources in their communities;
• connect people to service providers and track their progress (for example, how long they wait for the service, and when they start to receive services);
• help us with planning for future services;
• help us to improve our services;
• meet our legal and regulatory requirements; and
• contact people to tell them about upcoming events, activities and programs that might interest them.

We keep information in a database that our staff uses to keep track of waiting lists and demand for services across regions. We may also use anonymous information (information that doesn’t identify specific people) to plan, research and evaluate programs, and to train and educate our staff.