I. Introduction
Developmental Services is the term used to describe the supports and funding
that is provided to adults with intellectual disabilities^1.
In this paper, we describe the evolution of the services and supports available to
persons who have been labelled with an intellectual disability and the delivery
practices of such services.
In Ontario, the supports and services that are now available are governed by
Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with
Developmental Disabilities Act^2 , (“Social Inclusion Act”). These services are
funded by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. A description
of these services, the application process and the quality assurance measures
that are to be put in place by service providers are set out in this primer. Since
these supports and services continue to be reviewed and updated, those
assisting a person who has been labelled with an intellectual disability will need
to check for updates and changes on the Ministry of Community and Social
Services site^3 and the Developmental Services Ontario^4 site.
This primer also contains a section on the use of the Ontario Human Rights Code
(“Code”) to enforce the rights of persons who have been labelled with an
intellectual disability.
(^1) The Term “intellectual disability” is often interchanged with the term “developmental disability”.
In this paper we will use the phrase “labelled with an intellectual disability”. 2
Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental
Disabilities Act, SO 2008, c 14 at e-laws http://www.e-
laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_08s14_e.htm 3
Online: Ministry of Community and Social Services
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/developmental/ 4
Online: Developmental Srevices Ontario http://www.dsontario.ca/