As a health care provider, you may encounter patients with a developmental disability who are seeking services and supports beyond the care that you are able to provide. This newsletter is aimed at helping you better support those with developmental disabilities and get them connected with services and supports.

Adults with developmental disabilities must apply through DSO to see if they are eligible to receive Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funded adult developmental services and supports. You or your patients can contact your local DSO to confirm if they are eligible for DSO services.

Call your area DSO below, or login to dsontario.ca, to find out more!

What will happen when your patient or caregiver call their Area DSO?

There are nine DSO agencies across the province helping adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Some of the services that may be available in their communities include: housing supports, caregiver respite, supports to help people take part in the community, specialized and clinical supports, the Adult Protective Service Worker Program, and the Passport program.

When a patient calls their area DSO, the call will be answered by a DSO worker who will talk about the supports and services needed. The DSO worker will:

ask about the person with a developmental disability and their current situation
provide information about services that might be of interest
explain the process to go through what is required to be eligible for services funded by the Ministry

DSO Hamilton-Niagara:

1-877-376-4674

DSO South-West:

1-855-437-6797

DSO Central West:

1-888-841-1121

DSO South-East:

1-855-237-6737

DSO Central East:

1-855-277-2121

DSO North-East:

1-855-376-6376

DSO Eastern:

1-855-376-3737

DSO Northern:

1-855-376-6673

DSO Toronto:

1-855-372-3858

How does DSO support my patient?

Other notable resources:

There are many resources that can help you support patients and families looking for answers. They may want to research useful information, local community resources, programs, and activities, some of which are highlighted below:

DSO Community Resources - Explore the resources section of DSO website. Look up activities happening at local libraries, municipal parks, community, senior centre and non-profit organizations. Find adult continuing education classes and recreation guides from your town/city.

Your area DSO - Explore your area DSO. Visit their webpage on the DSO website to find their most trusted community resources and programs. Follow their Social Media Resources for updates, workshops and more!

*Healthcare Toolkits by HCARDD for Adults with Developmental Disabilities The H-CARDD program was developed to address disparities in health status and health care access faced by individuals with developmental disabilities. In the health care resources section of this website you will find more tools and information for people with developmental disabilities and caregivers, as well as clinicians and service providers.

* Some of these resources may not be directly related to DSO and are shared for knowledge-sharing purposes with due credit.

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