ODSP, DSO, DSTO—who does what?

The social service world is full of confusing acronyms. ODSP, DSO and DSTO are all funded by the Ontario government and all provide services to adults with disabilities. However, they are separate organizations with separate application procedures.

ODSP–Ontario Disability Support Program provides income and employment supports for people with a disability. Also known as “welfare” this program provides a monthly income to adults 18+ who can prove financial need. Those who wish to work are eligible for employment supports such as job coaching and skills training.

Developmental Services Ontario is the gateway to most opportunities for our disabled children. Anyone with a disability, regardless of financial need, may apply. There are nine Developmental Services Ontario agencies across Ontario. The assigned agency in each region conducts assessments of each eligible applicant and helps them find the supports they need in the community.

DSTO is the Toronto Region program of DSO. DSTO is located at Surrey Place Centre and provides DSO services to everyone in the Toronto area. In Toronto, five service Navigators place participants on a community needs list in order to match them to four types of services: residential, community programs, case managers and person-directed planning.

DSO is also in charge of Passport applications as well. Passport funds can be used to pay for a young adult to take part in community classes or recreational programs, to develop work or daily living skills, create a “person directed plan” or to provide respite for caregivers.  You can apply through your local DSO agency–in Toronto that is DSTO at Surrey Place. Anyone may apply for Passport funding, regardless of financial need, but waiting lists are long.

Still confused? Then consider attending the free DSTO Annual information fair Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Place: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre – 6 Garamond Court, Toronto, ON M3C 1Z5 (Don Valley Parkway and Wynford Drive)