How to access supports and services

When an individual is interested in receiving Ministry funded support from Community Living Haldimand they are referred to Developmental Services Ontario (D.S.O.) at 1-877-376-4674. A staff working for D.S.O. will complete an Application to Adult Development Service and Supports with you. Everyone referred for supports and services will complete this process. When your application process is completed the D.S.O. will put your name on the service registry. D.S.O. keeps a current registry for people wanting developmental services within the Haldimand-Norfolk /Niagara/Brant and Hamilton area. The individuals on the wait list and their needs for services and supports are reviewed regularly by the Waiting List Review Committee of Haldimand-Norfolk. This committee meets regularly to identify priority needs of the people on the waiting list for support.

D.S.O. will make a referral to the developmental service provider agency either closest to where the person lives or where they would prefer to live. When a referral for supports and service is made to Community Living Haldimand, the application is reviewed by the Manager of Supports and Services. D.S.O. will provide Community Living Haldimand with a copy of the application package that they completed with you. If your application is accepted, your name will be placed on the waiting list. That said, it is very difficult to tell you how soon support and services will be provided to you. A community planning process must look at how much funding is available, priority ranking, and suitability of an individual on the waiting list to available services.

All ministry funded services require a referral from Developmental Services Ontario (the DSO). For more information visit the Developmental Services Ontario website.

Download Services Brochure

Community Participation Supports

Adults with a developmental disability, for whom employment is not a primary goal are provided the supports and the opportunity for personal development, basic life skills training, social and recreational activities and volunteer activities.

Facilitate and support participation in community-based activities including those run by consumers (eg. social networking, recreational, peer counselling, faith-based and/or volunteer) structured learning, and education to meet an individual’s goals in the area of functional independence and community participation.

Communities in Motion

Adults with a developmental disability who are no longer in school receive support to promote life-skills and community participation.

Supports for social interaction activities required for daily life, particularly those that enhance independent living and personal management skills that support the successful adjustment from life as a student to life in the community as a young adult.

Provide and support opportunities to develop skills that utilize the community infrastructure, such as transportation services, shopping, libraries and recreation facilities and support involvement in community leisure and recreational opportunities.

Support may include assistance in furthering education, personal development such as literacy, numeracy, computer skills, enhanced motor skills and work activities including participation in community settings and volunteer experiences.

Employment Support Services

Through the O.D.E.S.P. Community Living Haldimand assists individuals, who qualify for funding, find and maintain competitive employment in their community. This program promotes the skills of individuals to prospective employers and other community members. On-the-job training and initial staff support are provided for participants to learn and hold their jobs successfully.

Leap Employment Services

Residential Support Services

Supported Group Living Residences

Community based accommodation, care and support for adults with a developmental disability living in group care settings with typically three or more people living together.

Up to 24 hour/day support provides daily assistance, care and support.
Provides accommodation, care and assistance.
Food and residential supports are provided.
Support for activities of daily life (eg. assistance with personal hygiene, medication administration, dressing andgrooming, meal preparation, training on money management, etc.)
Support to participate in community activities.
Support to maintain personal and family relationships and connections.

Supported Independent Living

Personal support to adults with a developmental disability in community based individual living settings.

Individuals live independently or semi-independently in the community and receive periodic guidance and support with activities of daily life (including preparing meals, managing money, shopping for groceries or personal items, etc.)

Individual skill development is provided based on assessed needs and the persons individual support plan. The agency is responsible for individualized staff support with identified activities as per the persons support plan.

Supports for persons residing alone or living independently in a family
or caregiver housing.

Host Family Residences

Community-based accommodation, care and support provided to adults with a developmental disability living in a host family setting supporting and assisting with activities of daily living up to 24 hours a day if required.

Residences and day to day support are provided by the host family.
The agency provides program administration, host-family training, respite and indirect supports and assists with the development of anindividual support plan.
The host family provides accommodation, care and supervision.
The host family provides personal relationships and family connections, as desired by the individual.