The Passport Program

The Ontario Government created the Passport Program to help adults with an intellectual disability to participate in their communities.  It also helps caregivers of an adult with an intellectual disability take a break (respite) from their caregiving responsibilities.

Passport can provide supports and services to adults so they can:
-take part in community classes or recreational programs
-develop work, volunteer, daily life skills
-create their own life plans (this is called person-directed planning) and reach their goals
-hire their own support worker to access activities of their own choosing that they might not be able to access independently

Individuals and families can choose to either receive money directly so they can purchase their own services and supports, and/or get services and supports through community-based agencies.

Who is eligible for Passport?

The Passport program is for people with an intellectual disability who are 18 years old or older and:
-need support to participate in the community while they are still in school or
-have left school and are living with family or independently in a supported living arrangement such as a group home

How to apply:

Developmental Services Ontario manages the application process for all provincially funded developmental services and supports for adults with intellectual disabilities in Ontario.

Contact Developmental Services Ontario to apply.  If you're eligible, staff there will help you complete an application package to assess your needs and connect you with services and supports as they become available.

Please see the Passport Program Guidelines for a complete description of eligibility, how the funding works, what is and is not covered, and your roles and responsibilities regarding the funding.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the Passport initiative, please contact the DSO South East Region office at (613)354-7977 or visit the DSO site at www.dsontario.ca