For Professionals

Ontario adults with developmental disabilities have poorer physical and mental health and use more health care. Link to source

As a healthcare care worker, you may encounter patients with a developmental disability who are seeking services and support beyond the care that you are able to provide. 

DSO is the access point for ministry-funded adult developmental services in Ontario. Healthcare workers play a key role in early identification and referral. If a patient has a developmental disability and is 16 or older (services start at 18), they should be referred to DSO to plan for future supports like housing, day programs, and caregiver respite.

Some important things to note:

• DSO does not provide direct care but connects eligible adults to services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
• Medical documentation may be needed to support a person’s DSO application (e.g., diagnosis, assessments).
• Early referral helps avoid service delays when youth transition out of children’s services to adult services
• DSO can help with service navigation and long-term planning for individuals and families.

The resources below can help you better support and get those with developmental disabilities connected with services and supports:

DSO Healthcare Sector Newsletter - Jan 2025

Important quote:  They are nearly two times more likely than adults without developmental disabilities to have at least one return visit to an emergency department within 30 days of an earlier visit or hospitalization (34.5% vs. 19.6%)*. Source

Quick Reads

DSO Brochure - What is DSO

DSO - How to Connect with your area 

DSO Infographics - What DSO Does and Does Not Do (all five graphics)

Your Path to Support - Planning your future

Videos

Educators and Child Welfare professionals play a crucial role in assisting youth with disabilities in realizing their full potential. Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers may need extra support to help them transition from children to adult developmental services.

DSO is the access point for government-funded services for adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario. If a student or youth in care has a developmental disability, they must apply to DSO to get adult developmental services like housing supports, day programs, or respite. Planning early, before they turn 18, is key to avoiding gaps in support.

Here are some important things to note:

• Youth can start the application process early at age 16
• Services in adulthood are not automatic; eligibility must be confirmed through DSO
• Educators and child welfare workers can support families by encouraging early contact with DSO and helping gather documentation
• DSO supports transition planning from school or care into adult life

Here are a few resources that could help you:

DSO Youth Transition Newsletter - March 2025

Videos

As the first trained personnel or responders in all emergency situations, you may encounter patients with a developmental disability who are seeking services and support beyond the care that you are able to provide. The resources below can help you better support them:

Engaging and Communicating Effectively with People with Development Disabilities - YouTube

Videos

Need materials?

DSO would be happy to send you printed materials that you can distribute to your teams, colleagues, patients, students, and clients. Please email us at info@dsontario.ca

DSO knows that the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) are important resources for adults with developmental disabilities. ODSP provides money to help with living costs, health benefits, and support to find and keep a job. Ontario Works gives temporary money and health benefits to people who need help, including those with developmental disabilities, especially while they apply for ODSP.

DSO is the access point for ministry-funded adult developmental services in Ontario.
DSO helps adults with developmental disabilities connect to services like housing supports, community programs, and respite. Even if someone is already receiving ODSP or OW, they must apply through DSO to access these developmental services.

Here are some important things to note:

• DSO is the only way to apply for most funded developmental services in Ontario
• ODSP and OW do not automatically connect someone to developmental services
• DSO assesses eligibility and helps people and families make service plans
• Early referral to DSO is important, especially for youth turning 18; youth can apply at 16 to determine eligibility

Here are some resources that can help you better understand the role of DSO:

ODSP Pamphlet

What DSO Does and Does Not Do

Your Path to Support - Planning your future