The Ministry of Community and Social Services is inviting Expressions of Interest from Ontario corporations that are interested in establishing and operating application entities for developmental services. The entities will provide a single point of access to ministry-funded adult developmental services and supports in each of the ministry’s nine regions.

A new application process

An important part of Ontario’s plan to modernize developmental services is a new application process.

Right now, people have a lot of “shopping around” to do to find and receive developmental services in many parts of the province. We have heard that the level and type of supports provided varies widely depending on the community. The developmental services system needs to be more fair, transparent and responsive to individuals and their circumstances.

That’s why the government has been working with community agencies, individuals and families to develop a common application process for adult developmental services.

This is the year the new process starts to really take shape.

The application entities are one of the most important aspects of the transformation plan.

The core functions of the application entities will include:

• Providing information
• Determining eligibility
• Determining service and support needs
• Linking people to services and supports
• Administering direct funding agreements

The future application entities will manage applications for adult developmental services and supports. They will also be responsible for matching people to available services and supports and making sure that everyone is treated fairly.

The Minister of Community and Social Services will designate the application entities after the government proclaims the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.