5. TRANSITION PLANNING IN THE COMMUNITY

This section outlines transition planning in the community system through a
Discussion of the following:

• Adult system reality – this is not an entitlement system and you need to
  be prepared;
• A description of accessing adult Services in Dufferin and Wellington Counties
  and the Regions of Halton, Peel and Waterloo.

 

the service system is complex, there are many people accessing the services available
and many waiting for supports. The transition to ad ult life may be a confusing time.
Your child will likely h ave to leave behind some of the supports, if not all, they have
become familiar with as an adolescent. You may need to develop a whole new set of
activities, supports and services that are consistent with your child’s preferences and
interests as they begin their life as an adult. Th ere may b e some services that will
continue to the age of 18 and even beyond (e.g. Special Services at Home) and some
that will not continue (i.e. Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities). There are
different supports and services available to a person over the age of 18 - such as the
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

You need to become knowledgeable about services for adults and how your child will fit into
the system. This is a time for asking questions. B e sure yo u know what is going to happen
to services and supports your family is currently receiving and what new services you may be
eligible for as your child becomes an adult. Use this information as you begin your transition
planning process.

As you make your plans for the future it is important to remember your child is entitled to
service through the publicly funded education system. Ad ult services are not based on a
system of entitlement. Both the increased demand for service and government policies have
required agencies to look at serving those persons in their community who are “most in need”.
Practically this means that while your son or daughter might be eligible for service in the adult
system, they may be on a waiting list for some time. Being prepared is key to a successful
transition, but it is not a guarantee of receiving the supports and services that you might
expect from the system.

the following information explains the access process for each of the communities in Central
West Region.

Access in Dufferin County Th ere are currently three access agencies in Dufferin County serving
people with a developmental disability: Community Living Dufferin, Dufferin Child and Family Services
and Kerry’s Place Autism Services.

Each of these three agencies will help persons with a developmental disability and their family in the
following way:

• provide comprehensive information about services and the system;
• determine eligibility for service;
• document the initial referral information including the types of service
• and supports that are being requested; and
• provide support to the individual and/or family.

Each agency has their own range of services and supports. Dufferin Child and Family Services provides a
variety of services and supports to infants, children and adults. Their services specifically for people with
a developmental disability include the Infant and Child Development Program, the Service Coordination
Program(s) for children and adults of all ages, respite services, the Complex Special Needs Support
program for under18 years of age, the Medically Fragile Technologically Dependent Day Respite Program,
and the Special Services at Home Program. In addition each of these services offer a wide variety of
outreach, social, group work and educational forums. Community Living Dufferin provides a Community
Outreach and After School Activity Program, Employment Programs, a Learning & Leisure Program and a
Behaviour Therapy Program. It also provides and supports community living arrangements and housing for
adults who have a develop mental disability. Kerry’s Place Autism Services provides resource information
for parents, respite, residential and day program supports as well as leisure and recreational activities.

 

If you know the agency and service you want then contact them directly. If you are unsure about what
services and supports you want then you can call any of these three agencies and they will take your
information and make the link to the appropriate lead agency.

Again, the following agencies participate in this access process: Dufferin Community Living Kerry’s Place
Autism Services Dufferin Child and Family Services Access in Halton Region Halton Coordinated Services In
take was developed to provide an intake mechanism for families and/or individuals who are seeking services
in the developmental Services sector in Halton. One call to Halton Support Services provides you with an
entry point to any of the participating developmental services agencies with in Halton . However this does
not mean that services will necessarily be available to meet the needs of families and/or individuals.

Once a call has been made to Halton Support Services (call HSS at 905-849 - 8000 or 1-800-6 00-2013) the
family, individual or caregiver will be connected with the Coordinated Intake Worker who will: take the initial
referral information including the types of service(s) that are being requested ; • begin to make an initial
determination of the urgency of needs and preferences; and • help the family, individual or caregiver in
understanding and matching them with services which might best meet the individual’s or family’s needs.

After this call the family/individual will be sent an Application Information Form to complete along with a
request for medical documentation regarding the individual’s disability. When HSS receives this information
eligibility for service will be determined and an Intake Worker will arrange for an in formation session for the
individual and family. This session will provide in formation on the developmental services sector and other
supports in Halton and help the family/individual Identify their needs.

If the request for support involves residential, day program or passages services, the completed application
information forms will be reviewed by the Halton Coordinated Services In take Committee (HCSIC ) which is
responsible for the residential selection process in Halton and for managing the list of individuals waiting for
service. Yo u need to keep in touch with Halton Support Services if there are any changes in your
circumstances that may have an impact on the referral for service.

the service providers participating in this access process are:

• Community Living Burlington Community Living Oakville
• Christian Horizons
• Developmental Foster Care Service
• Community Living North Halton Halton Support Services
• Access in Peel Region

Within the Region of Peel there are a number of agencies which can assist individuals in their transition to adult
services. Each agency h as its own intake process so you will need to directly contact the agency you are
interested in . If you are unsure which agency would best suit the needs of your family member, any one of
the services can direct you to the most appropriate agency with in the Peel Region .

 

Brampton Caledon Community Living and Community Living Mississauga provide the following Services:

• Service Coordination
• Day Supports/Programs and Planning
• Future Planning
• Supported independent and group living
• Access to Regional support mechanisms

 

Kerry’s Place Autism Services and Christian Horizons each provide similar services as listed above. Kerry’s Place
Autism Services focuses on the unique needs of individuals with a diagnosis of autism and offers parent support
groups, skill building groups and consultation regarding behaviour needs. Christian Horizons operates a variety of
supported independent and group living arrangements in Peel Region.

Family Services of Peel offers counselling services. The Adult Protective Service Worker assists adults 1 8 years
and older who have a developmental disability, and who are living on their own in the community. The worker
will assist the individual to identify their strengths and needs, and will provide support, problem-solving, and life
skills support

Peel Case Management provides services to children and youth up to the age of 18 . This agency assists families
to link with other services in the community which can then assist the family with transition planning.

Residential supports in Peel Region are managed by an inter-agency Committee of service providers and Ministry
representation. This committee is responsible for maintaining a regional list of those individuals who are interested
and need supported living. In addition, any vacancy that becomes available in Peel Region is handled by this
Committee. Access to this service is provided through the agencies listed below.

the following agencies in Peel Region can assist with the transition to adult services:

• Brampton Caledon Community Living
• Community Living Mississauga
• Christian Horizons
• Family Services of Peel
• Kerry’s Place Autism Services

 

Access in Waterloo Region the Developmental Services Access Centre (DSAC) – Water loo Region serves as
the single point of access for adult developmental services in Waterloo Region. It offers a range of professional
and support services, and can assist individuals and families in connecting with residential, community participation
/Passport supports, and respite Services. Individuals mu st have a developmental disability (an intellectual disability
and /or an autism spectrum disorder) in order to be eligible for developmental services.

To make a referral to DSAC, please call 519-74 1-1121 . When you call, some basic information will be collected
about your needs, and then you will b e connected with an intake worker. this per son will confirm your eligibility
for services and obtain information that will help to get you some initial service. You will then be connected with
the community services and programs that can support your goals. After you are in the system, you will receive
regular mailings and updates about new events and programs that may be of in ter est to you. This will include
workshops and programs targeted for people making the transition from school to adult life.

Access in Wellington County
Access Information and Referral (AIR) is the centralized intake and referr al point for Developmental Services in
Wellington. AIR, in conjunction with its service partners, provides access to support for infants, children and adults
with developmental concerns in Wellington County (including access to Passport). AIR will help answer your
questions and make any referrals you want to the services and supports within the Developmental Services system.
You can contact AIR at 519-8 24-4015 or toll free at 1-8 77-216-1116.

the following agencies participate in this access process: Christian Horizons Hopewell Homes Community Living Guelph
Wellington Kerry’s Place Autism Services Trellis Mental Health & Developmental Services KidsAbility Family Counselling
and Support Services Torchlight Services

Tip #16
Contact information for each of these agencies mentioned in the access descriptions is provided in Part 2:
Tools & Resources under Resources for Families.