Getting to Know the Developmental Services Sector

Applying for Service

In 2011, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services transitioned access to adult developmental services away from multiple providers and to a single access point, Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Individuals and their families applying for any ministry-funded developmental services and supports for the first time, MUST contact the DSO in their region. The DSO will confirm the person’s eligibility for supports and services and will complete an application package and a Supports Intensity Scale assessment to evaluate the person’s needs.

People who are already receiving service or support, or who have applied and are waiting for services and supports WILL NOT need to re-confirm their eligibility. If they have not yet had a new application packaged completed by a qualified assessor, this will be done by the DSO at a future date.

For more information, please visit the Developmental Services Ontario website.

For more information about the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) please visit the MCCSS website.

Middlesex Community Living provides programs and services that offer an abundance of benefits to both the people we support and the community at large. Some services and programs assist people with their personal goals and outcomes directly, while others are devoted to supporting people in their day to day living.

Middlesex Community Living offers the following programs and services. Click here to find out more about our programs and services.

Other Useful Links

Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities OADD is a professional organization of people working and studying in the field of developmental disabilities, throughout Ontario.

Community Living Ontario Community Living Ontario is a non-profit, provincial confederation that advocates for people who have an intellectual disability to be fully included in all aspects of community life. Community Living Ontario is proud to serve and advocate on behalf of more than 12,000 members across the province. Visit us for a comprehensive list of information links across Ontario.

Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) is a national federation of over 40,000 individual members, 400 local associations, and 13 Provincial/Territorial Associations for Community Living. The CACL National organization is family-based, governed by a Board of Directors with representation from across Canada, activated through a national network of volunteers, and supported through a national staff team.

Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS) is a volunteer-based organization representing 156 agencies providing support and services to people with developmental disabilities. OASIS, through its agencies and their management, staff, and volunteers, is dedicated to helping improve the life of those individuals living with developmental disabilities in Ontario and their families.

Developmental Services Human Strategy In 2008 the Developmental Services Human Resource Strategy was launched, as a partnership between the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) and the Provincial Network on Developmental Services. It was initiated with a vision to professionalize the sector and ensure the best quality of supports for people with developmental disabilities in Ontario. It continues to make significant strides in positioning employment in the developmental services sector as a “career of choice” in Ontario and improving and maintaining a quality workforce in Ontario DD.