Developmental Services Ontario Eastern Region (DSOER)
Region served: Eastern Region
The Eastern Region includes Ottawa; the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry; the United Counties of Prescott and Russell; and Renfrew County.
Definition:
You must apply through DSOER to see if you are eligible to receive adult ministry-funded supports available in your community. DSOER will help you:
- Understand and complete the application process
- Determine the kind of services and supports you need
- Get access to funded services and supports that you need when a spot is available
- Find information in your community
Eligibility:
You live in the Eastern Region, have a developmental disability, and are 18 years old.
You can only access services when you turn 18. However, you can start the process at 16 and be ready to find services when you turn 18.
The documents required to confirm a person’s eligibility include:
- a psychological assessment or report signed by a psychologist or psychological associate registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (or equivalent body in another province) that states the person has a developmental disability in accordance with the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act and Regulation;
- proof of age (document displays person’s name and date of birth); and
- proof of Ontario residency (documents displaying the person’s name, address and citizenship status).
A Service Navigator at DSOER will review your supporting documentation to confirm your eligibility.
DSOER’s online referral form for adult developmental services and supports is available at this link:
https://scsonline.ca/en/intake/application-dsoer/
Application:
You will receive a letter from DSOER telling you if you are eligible to receive MCCSS funded services. If you are, you will be connected to a DSOER assessor. The assessor will set up 2 meetings with you to help you complete an application package and determine the level of support you need.
Each meeting will be about 3 hours long and you will need to have at least 2 people who know you well (e.g., parent, guardian, teacher, etc.) with you at the meetings. Once the assessor knows your needs, you will be connected to services that are available in your area.
Important: DSOER manages the application process and the registry to access residential and community participation services, but does not deliver these services. The completion of the application package does not guarantee access or the start of services. It is not possible to say how long an individual will be on a registry to access a service, as it depends on the availability of the services and resources in that area.
Cost: Free
Stories:
DSO Journeys
The campaign focused on the journeys of six unique individuals and highlighted their struggles and accomplishments and how gaining access to services, along with personal and caregiver resilience, has helped them become more independent and active in their communities.
Related documents or important resources:
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
- Adult Developmental Services Information Session
- Transition from youth to adult developmental services
- How to access services
- Eligibility criteria
- Housing Navigation Brochure
- Housing Navigation Video for adults with developmental disabilities
- Housing Navigation in Ottawa
- Need help finding local housing resources?
Contact:
Email: admin@dsoer.ca
Telephone: 1-855-376-3737
TTY: Bell TTY Relay service
Fax: 1-855-858-3737
Feedback
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Not included in this service:
DSO does not deliver adult developmental services and supports that are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. You must apply through DSO to see if you are eligible to receive services.
