Tools & Resources for Families

A Legal Guide to Engaging Support Workers for People with Disabilities

Community Living Ontario




"Being the family member of a person who has a disability comes with lots of joy, surprises, and humour, as well as some challenges and heartache.  It also comes with responsibilities.

One of those responsibilities can be the hiring of support workers.  In Ontario, individualized, direct funding makes this a possibility.  Direct funding gives people more control over their day-to-day lives, where they go, what they do and who supports them to do it.

This makes community more accessible, in ways that are suited to each person.  But, dealing with the issues associated with hiring support workers, can be complicated.  That is why we created this guide.  Community Living Ontario beleives in people.  We believe in families and we believe in people who choose tho make supporting people who have intellectual and developmental disabilites. thier profession.  

We hope this guide helps everyone to sort out the issues associated with these interconnnected realtionships in a way that provides education and help in determining which course is right for you. "

Click here to access A Legal Guide to Engaging Support Workers for People with Disabilities


Respite/Direct Support Planning

This workshop was designed to assist families to develop personalized respite/direct support plans with thier loved ones.  The guides can be used as tools to idenify your needs, priorities and options when creating your plan. 


Respite/Direct Support Planning Workshop PowerPoint

Respite/Direct Support Planning Guide 
fillable version
1.       Download the forms to your computer FIRST
2.       Complete the forms
3.       Save your changes

Please Note: Do not complete the form ONLINE before downloading – your information will NOT be saved.

My Direct Support Plan

Funding Guide and Tracking Sheet 
fillable version
1.       Download the forms to your computer FIRST
2.       Complete the forms
3.       Save your changes

Please Note: Do not complete the form ONLINE before downloading – your information will NOT be saved.



The following booklets may be helpful for you to complete in order to provide pertainent informaiton to anyone providing support to your loved one.  (respite/direct support worker, school, respite home, day time program/community support program)

All About Me - Child

All About Me - Adult