What does the DSO do? If you or a person you care for has not had any contact with the developmental services sector in Ontario then you will have to begin by contacting a DSO centre in your area. If you receive ODSP, have received services through a community living agency or other agencies funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services before July 1, 2011, then you do not have to go through the DSO. Simply call the agency you were last in touch with and they should be able to help you access any services you require. Usually, this is an agency known as your lead agency. Lead agencies are your first point of contact for any services you or someone you care for is looking to access. Anyone entering adult developmental services through the DSO in Toronto is considered to have the DSO as their lead agency.
The DSO -- Step-by-Step:
1. You (or someone you care for) call a DSO centre, they respond by taking your basic information; a critical piece of information requested at this stage is evidence that you or a loved one are eligible for services. Usually a Psychological Assessment is needed to determine if someone meets the definition for having a developmental disability. The document responsible for setting the criteria for eligibility for services is the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act (2008).
2. At your first meeting with a DSO worker you will be asked a lot of basic questions and these will be added to your previous information. The form being filled out at this stage is called an Application for Developmental Services and Supports (ADSS) form. To learn the more details about the ADSS go here.
3. At your second meeting with a DSO worker they will help to complete a form known as the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS). This form is to help the DSO to find out what kinds of supports are needed by an applicant. Do you need a day program? Do you have complex medical needs? Will you need to apply for ODSP and then additional funding? This is what the SIS is supposed to determine. You can find more details about this form here.
4. Last Step -- A report known as Assessor Summary Report (ASR) is prepared from all the information gathered highlighting the most significant details/needs from your previous meetings.
5. A worker from the DSO will be responsible for directing you to agencies that will connect you with needed services.
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