RESOURCE CENTER
DSO & Passport Resource Center
Everything you need to understand Ontario's developmental services system.
Written in plain language, by people who navigate this system every day, organized so you can find exactly what you need, wherever you’re starting from.
Not sure where to start?
Take our free 4 question readiness check and get a personalized next step.
Understanding the System
Start here if you’re new to this, see how DSO and Passport funding fit together, and when to begin.
What is Developmental Services in Ontario?
DSO is the front door to adult developmental services, here’s what it actually does and who it’s for.
Understanding Passport Funding
What Passport funding is, how much you could receive, and how the claims process actually works.
Transitioning to Adult Services
Why families should start this process at 16, not 18, and how to avoid the support gap.
Getting Funded
The specifics of what Passport funding covers, and how to make it work for your family.
Can Passport Funding Pay for Support Services?
What’s covered, who you can hire, and the rules around paying family members for support.
Person-Centred Planning Explained
How building a plan around your family member’s actual goals shapes every funding decision that follows.
Building the Right Support
What day-to-day support actually looks like, and how it builds toward independence over time.
How Community Participation Builds Independence
Why ordinary, consistent community involvement matters more than most structured interventions.
Independent Living Skills Explained
The everyday skills that expand what someone can do on their own, and how they’re actually built.
What is Respite Support?
Why respite isn’t optional self-care, it’s what keeps caregivers sustainable for the long run.
Taking Action
Ready to move forward? Here’s exactly what to prepare and what to ask.
Preparing for Adult Developmental Services
The documents, timelines, and assessment prep that make this process go smoothly instead of stalling.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Support Provider
What to ask about training, consistency, and funding before you commit to a provider.
Still have questions specific to your situation?
Every family’s path looks a little different. Let’s talk through yours.