Individualized Funding Approaches for Adults

Passport Funding

Passport is a direct funding program that supports adults 18 years or older with a developmental disability to participate in their communities. It also helps families/caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability to take a break. Passport provides funding for services and supports so adults with a developmental disability can:

  • take part in community classes or recreational programs
  • develop work, volunteer, and daily life skills
  • hire a support worker
  • create their own life plans to reach their goals
  • receive temporary respite for their caregivers

For more information about the Passport Program, read the:

  • Latest Passport Guidelines effective April 2022 which include expanded admissible activities for transportation: Passport Guidelines
  • Temporary additions to the list of admissible expenses (effective April 1, 2020 and in effect until further notice): April 2020 addendum, updated March 2022

Contact Developmental Services Ontario to apply for Passport.

Self Managed Attendant Services in Ontario, Direct Funding Program

Direct Funding is an innovative program enabling adults with physical disabilities to become employers of their own attendants.

Different people have different needs. Direct Funding is intended as an option suited to people with physical disabilities who are willing and able to take on the extra management responsibilities (and possible risks) of the program. As employers, participants are fully responsible for managing their own employees within a budget that is developed on an individual basis.

Available province wide, the Direct Funding Program enables adults with physical disabilities to receive monthly funds for attendants of their own choosing, to schedule as they please – whether their needs are at home, at work, or in the community. Individuals self-manage their lives, making their own choices with greater flexibility and control.

The Direct Funding (DF) Program is administered by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT), Inc. in partnership with the Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres (ONILC). It is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network.

For more information go to the following website: https://www.dfontario.ca/

Please note: These descriptions of individualized funding programs in Ontario are for information purposes only. The Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario does not provide support to access funding or detailed information about each program. Please go to the various government sites for more information on how to apply to the programs.