Information for Students with a Developmental Disability

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Preparing Students with Developmental Disabilities for Life After High School
Why transition planning matters?Planning for adulthood can feel overwhelming for families, especially when many supports change at age 18. Transition planning helps youth build confidence, learn new skills, and stay connected to the supports they will need in adult life. Starting early gives more time to explore options, understand next steps, and make informed decisions. It is never late to begin. 

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services. Youth must apply to DSO to see if they are eligible for adult developmental services. DSO connects people to available services and supports in their community so that they can become more independent and actively involved in their communities. 

Essential steps to prepare for adulthood - a six-step guide
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​Here is a practical guide that maps out key areas of transition planning, starting from around age 14 into adulthood. 

School Transition Goals (Individual Education Plan/ IEP)
This is a good time to align school goals with future needs such as employment, life skills, and greater independence.
What and Why
Set goals in school and map how they link to life after high school. This ensures transition is a regular part of school discussions and is included in the IEP. An active approach aligns learning and supports with future employment, life skills and independence.
Pro-tip
Ask yourself: “What do I want to be able to do when I’m 21?"
Age
14 - 18
Resources

DSO Application
Begin eligibility assessments and planning at age 16 to ensure continuity of supports into adulthood. 
What and Why
Begin conversations and gather documents around eligibility for adult supports early. You can contact DSO at age 16 to start the process; this ensures a smoother hand-off from children’s services to adult services.
Pro-tip
Once determined eligible, request Passport funding as a service to support community participation and caregiver respite.
Age
16+
Resources

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Application
Applying to ODSP before turning 18 can help secure income and benefits needed for stability in adult life.
What and Why
Understand and prepare for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and how it intersects with adult developmental services. You could consider applying to ODSP Employment supports for permanent part time work. Apply for ODSP income supports six months prior to the 18th birthday. This can help provide income stability and benefits - foundational piece of adult independence. 
Pro-tip
You may ask ODSP staff for more information about how to access employment related supports in your community. 
Age
17 1/2 - 18 
Resources
Health and Consent Planning
Youth begin taking a more active role in their healthcare, including gaining skills for decision-making and self-advocacy.
What and Why
Youth begin taking a more active role in their healthcare, including gaining skills for decision-making and managing one’s own healthcare, consent, and selfadvocacy. Look for tools and resources for to help prepare for healthcare appointments. The goal is to make communicating with healthcare providers easier and to learn healthy habits. Small steps taken regularly can help develop some skills and systems for managing one’s own healthcare, consent, and advocacy in the long run.
Pro-tip
Learn about services for adults in your community. For example, your doctor or dentist may only serve children.
Age
Starting as early as 10
Resources

Employment and Community Participation
Encouraging social connections, recreation, further education and volunteer or employment experiences can build confidence and a sense of belonging.
What and Why
Explore recreation, volunteering, employment, social connections, further education and community inclusion. Consider how to develop a life outside of the immediate family, highlighting strengths. It helps build social networks, belonging and meaningful routines that carry into adulthood.
Pro-tip
Connect with community agencies that can support camp experiences, social groups, respite and skill building activities. You can also look into some transitional community programs starting at age 14-21.
Age
14-21
Resources

Future Planning
Planning ahead for housing, transportation, and support networks reduces uncertainty later on.
What and Why
Youth begin taking a more active role in their healthcare, including gaining skills for decision-making and self-advocacy. Look ahead at housing, transportation, support networks, and adult life goals as long-term stability requires thought, time, and early preparation.
Pro-tip
Ask yourself “Where - might I live when I’m 21?” and start discussions early.
Age
16+
Resources