Understanding the DSO & individual housing options Presented by: [insert names] Let’s start first with some general information about the DSO

What is the DSO? Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) helps adults with developmental disabilities find ministry funded services and supports in their community. There are nine offices located across the province. Make sure to note that the DSO is the access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

The DSO will help you: understand and complete the application process. determine the kind of services and supports you need. get access to MCCSS funded services and supports that you need when a spot is available. find information in your community.

Call 2-1-1 or visit dsontario.ca How do I contact the DSO? Call 2-1-1 or visit dsontario.ca Call the DSO office in your area to start the application process—you can apply as early as age 16! Transition to next slide with…..Each DSO has an individual or individuals who act as Housing Navigator(s) in that region. You can access information from a Housing Navigator by contacting your DSO.

Helping you understand individual housing options Whether you already have a vision for where you’d like to live, or need assistance putting it together, a housing navigator can help. What is a Housing Coordinator? Read slide

The role of the housing navigator We seek to provide families with the information and resources needed to create a unique and person-centered housing model. MCCSS has funded the DSO’s to develop a new role of Housing Navigator! While waiting or instead of for Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funded services, - Housing Navigators seek to provide families …… read slide.

What we do Point you to resources and organizations that can help you create a plan Provide a tool kit of resources Connect you with family support networks to share information Work with housing organizations to find local options and opportunities Share success stories of people on a similar journey as you

Resources we provide A list of services and resources available to families, both ministry and non-ministry funded Self-assessments and questionnaires to help people decide their housing goals and preferred housing types Housing coordinators across the province have worked together to provide a Provincial Tool Kit full of resources. This toolkit is constantly being updated and local resources are added as appropriate for each district. Contact information for Groups and Support Networks that can help you connect with other families for assistance / partnerships. Self-assessments of personal financial and support resources. Questionnaires to help people decide on their housing goals and preferred housing types. Success stories from those who have created innovative housing options Contact information for family support networks

Finding partnerships In addition to family support networks, partnerships may include: Families / people looking for roommates in your area Families / people with a housing model in mind People looking to pool resources

Regional housing resources Social housing application process Ontario Renovates applications List of municipal housing initiatives List of local housing with affordable rents

Service Areas Currently one full time housing navigator serves the northern and the north east region of Ontario. This catchment area includes: Parry Sound Sioux Lookout Sudbury Sault St. Marie Thunder Bay Timmins Bracebridge Dryden (including the far North) Huntsville Kirkland Lake Manitoulin Island North Bay Insert own stats for this slide And all of the areas in between

Success stories One of the most inspirational ways to motivate action is to see others who have done it. Here a couple of those stories taken from the Partners for Planning website.

Lynn’s homemade plan Let video load and then press play (center of video) Lynn’s Homemade Plan Arthur and his wife spent a full three years planning out an independent living situation for their daughter Lynn, who was fast approaching adulthood. Regardless of their daughter’s challenges, they believed it just as important for Lynn to leave the nest as for their other children.   Having carefully weighed out a broad range of options throughout their planning process, Lynn’s parents eventually chose to re-mortgage their family home to purchase a second home for their daughter. Their proactive approach to creating an independent space ideally suited for Lynn exceeded all of their hopes: Lynn flourished wonderfully as she transitioned into her own safe and secure home, which she shared with her close friend Nancy. Over a decade later Lynn is living in the same house, enjoying her very full life. Let’s watch this short 5 minute video.

Peter’s story – forever home Let video load and then press play (center of video) This is Peter’s Story: Peter Zichy’s mother and siblings knew they had to create a plan for Peter but unfortunately they didn’t get the chance. When Peter’s mother passed away suddenly, his sisters and brother were worried. Thankfully Peter knew where he belonged and who he needed for support. When difficult situations arise, we often think the solution is to hire professionally trained supports but Peter, his family and supporters demonstrate that a caring community can achieve a lot on their own. A caring waitress, a sensitive cashier and a thoughtful neighbour may be all the support someone needs to live in a home they love and a community that cherishes them. Let’s watch this short video

What’s next? Questions & Comments Dictated by your audience. Families: Apply to the DSO – get on the list. Developers – can you become a housing hero?

Your local DSO Please send any feedback or connection requests through your local DSO. DSO Northern Region 1-855-376-6673 DSO North East Region 1-855-376-6376 Your housing navigator: Tracy Girard Northern and North East Regions TracyG@LCCCTBay.org Make specific to your region, add direct phone number

Connect with the DSO! dsontario.ca We invite you to connect with the DSO via : Facebook, twitter, or join our newsletter online