DSO-TR is the centralized access point for any Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funded adult developmental services in the Toronto region. If you are 18 years of age, or older, some services and supports may be available by request upon eligibility with DSO-TR, while other services and supports cannot be accessed until the DSO “application package” is completed.
Please note, all services and support requests are prioritized based on need and wait times can be involved.
Reach us at:
1-855-372-3858 (answered 24/7, with assistance provided in most languages)
MCCSS-funded services available by request, upon eligibility
Specialized services: for Behaviour Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language assessment or consultation, etc. call Surrey Place Adult Intake at 416-925-5141 ext. 2582 or email adult.intake@surreyplace.ca
$5,500.00 of Passport funding: for a referral or more information about this individualized funding, contact DSO-TR
Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW): for a referral or more information about this service for individuals who live independently, contact DSO-TR
Urgent or transitional supports: Contact DSO-TR for a referral or more information
NOTE: The following pages include a listing of services and supports provided both without cost and on a fee-for-service basis. The listing has been compiled for informational purposes only and individuals/ families are responsible for assessing the suitability of the services and supports.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Variety Village: a sports, fitness and life skills facility located at 3701 Danforth Avenue. Provides sports and wellness activities, awareness, education, training and skills development. Call 416-699-7167 or visit: http://www.varietyvillage.ca/
City of Toronto, Welcome Policy: a fee subsidy to help individuals access city-operated recreational programs
Individualized Funding Library: online library to help you learn how to find and use individualized funding (e.g. Passport funding), as well as other resources
ConnectABILITY: provides an extensive list of non-MCCSS funded programs, services and supports that can be accessed on a fee-for-service basis
My Community Hub: individuals/families can create an online profile to search and register and pay for activities, classes, programs, workshops, camps, etc. Go to: http://mycommunityhub.ca/ to get started
Access 2 Card: helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available and accessible to people of all ages and types of disabilities who require the assistance of a support person. Visit https://access2card.ca/ for more information
Toronto Public Library (TPL), adult programs: a variety of learning programs available at libraries across the city
Ready, Willing & Able (RWA): uses local employment agencies to help connect employers to registered job seekers with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
ConnectABILITY: provides information about employment within the developmental services sector
YESAbility: provides individualized action planning, career counselling, specialized Job Development, labour market information, work placement opportunities, accommodation support, on-the-job coaching. Visit https://www.yes.on.ca/program/yesability/ for more information
LIGHTS, Community Living Toronto (CLTO): a program that assists families with exploring independent living options in the community. Visit www.lights.to to learn more. Call 647-725-1326 or email LIGHTS@cltoronto.ca
Trying It On For Size (TIFS), L’Arche Toronto: a year-long, person-centered life skills training program exploring how to live independently. https://www.larchetoronto.org/tifs Contact Amanda Hickey at 647-540-1015 or email amanda@larchetoronto.org
Partners for Planning (P4P): offers free and fee-for-service virtual planning webinars and resources on various topics as well information on accessing fee-for-service Independent Facilitation for individualized planning. Website is http://www.partnersforplanning.ca/ Call 416.232.9444 or email info@p4p.ca
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): offers education on legal rights for vulnerable people related to housing and other legal issues. Most information is online at https://www.cleo.on.ca/en and they can be contacted at 416-408-4420 or info@cleo.on.ca
Homeless Support:
If you need emergency shelter space, please call the City of Toronto’s Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398 or 211
Surrey Place Specialized Programs, Services and Clinics: includes counselling, Behaviour Therapy (BT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Audiology and Speech Language assessment or consultation. Also includes the Parenting Enhancement Program (PEP) and Plus 45 Clinic. For a referral or more details, call Surrey Place Adult Intake at 416-925-5141 ext. 2582 or email adult.intake@surreyplace.ca. Note: must be deemed eligible with the DSO-TR prior to accessing such services
Surrey Place Wellness Services: a monthly schedule of group programming and drop-in sessions for individuals and caregivers. Also includes the Adult Resource Clinic, consultation with a Service Coordinator for individuals 18 years of age or older, who are living with their family. Registration available where you can browse for programs by downloading the monthly guide or using the Events Calendar tab
Community Living Toronto (CLTO) Home Management: a short-term, community-based program that provides in-home consultation and collaboration for families caring for an individual with a developmental disability. Can also assist in recruiting, training and orienting in-home support workers. Contact Georgina Stergiotis at 647-725-1268 or email gstergiotis@cltoronto.ca
911: call 9-1-1 for assistance or visit your nearest hospital if you are experiencing any form of emergency and/or your safety or the safety of others is at risk
Vulnerable Persons Registry, Toronto Police Services: a voluntary registry providing key information to first responders (e.g. information about behaviours, de-escalation techniques, contact information, etc.)
Urgent Response (UR)/Temporary Supports (TS): for unexpected/urgent (e.g. loss of a caregiver, sudden homelessness, etc.) and temporary support situations (e.g. hospitalization, illness, etc.) call DSO-TR at 416-925-4930 or 1-855-372-3858 for a referral to either of these services
BounceBack®: a free mental health skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, delivered by a coach over the phone or online: https://bouncebackontario.ca/
DSO-TR Facebook group: for Facebook users, please join our group where members of the Toronto community can connect, find, and share resources
“Find Help” / 211: provides a database of municipal, provincial, and federal social services in the Toronto region. Go to: https://www.211toronto.ca/ or call 2-1-1 for help with exploring your needs and connecting to appropriate services
ConnectABILITY: a website and virtual community dedicated to support for families and individuals with developmental disabilities, across the lifespan
My Direct Plan: online tool to assist with managing direct funding (e.g. Passport funding)
Surrey Place Wellness Services: a listing of free in-person and online sessions on different topics which can enhance knowledge and skills for individuals and caregivers
Chalmers: an interactive website which provides information about free services in Toronto related to crisis support, shelter needs, etc.
Membership options: we encourage you to contact local agencies such as Family Service Toronto and Community Living Toronto to discuss membership options and request their local newsletter, etc.