1-855-376-6376
About the DSO – North East Region
On July 4th, 2011 a significant change in adult developmental services took place throughout the province. The Ministry of Community and Social Services has established nine regional Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) contact points to serve as the front door for adult developmental services and supports (age 18 and over). Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca has been designated to be the new contact point in the North East Region.
How to Apply for Developmental Services and Supports in Ontario
Muskoka
Timmins and Area
North Bay and Area
Partnerships
Community Living organizations and other local developmental service agencies will continue with their important role as service providers for adults with a developmental disability. These local service providers will be working very closely with Hands to build strong partnerships. The goal for everyone is to build a new single point of access system that works well for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Why the Change?
This change is being put in place because people with developmental disabilities and families have said that the current system is confusing and difficult to navigate. Decisions about who received support and how much support is received are inconsistent, and applying for service at multiple places is frustrating.
The new regional Developmental Services Ontario contact points are now the single point of access to ministry funded adult developmental services and supports.
Required Functions of DSO
Developmental Services Ontario will:
- Provide Intake support
- Provide information
- Confirm eligibility
- Complete application package (including determination and reassessment of service and support needs)
- Refer to community urgent response process where required
- Match eligible and prioritized individuals to services and supports
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting information to the ministry to support system forecasting
What Does This Mean for Families?
People who already receive developmental services, or people who are on a waiting list do not have to reapply or reconfirm eligibility. These individuals will also have the benefit of being assessed in a consistent fashion through the use of the new Support Intensity Scale. New applicants to service, effective July 4th, will go directly to the DSO to apply for services.
The Developmental Services Ontario regional points of contact will provide a fair and equitable process, seamless coordination of service, while at the same time creating new partnerships and linkages in the community.
How to Contact DSO NER?
1 -855-376-6376
Email: dso@handstfhn.ca
Fax: 705-495-1373
TTY number: 1-800-855-0511
Provincial Website for DSO organizations: www.DSOntario.ca
