Overview of the Passport Program
Passport is a program that helps adults with a developmental disability be involved in their communities and live as independently as possible by providing funding for community participation services and supports, activities of daily living and person- directed planning. The program also provides funding for caregiver respite services and supports for primary caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability.
The key goals of the Passport program are to:
- Foster independence by building on individuals’ abilities and developing community participation, social and daily living skills.
- Increase opportunities for participation in the community with supports that respect personal choices and decision-making, and help people achieve their goals.
- Promote social inclusion and broaden social relationships through the use of community resources and services available to everyone in the community.
- Help young people make the transition from school to life as an adult in the community.
- Support families and caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability so they can continue in their supportive role.
The services and supports funded under Passport are guided by the following principles:
- Person-centred/directed – services and supports build on individuals’ strengths and are responsive to their preferences, needs and values.
- Choice and Flexibility – individuals identify and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. Direct funding is available to give Passport participants more options in how supports are provided.
- Strong Families and Caregivers – the individual’s family and personal support network is recognized as the primary support for adults with a developmental disability.
- Fairness and Equity – funding amounts are based on a provincial application, needs assessment and funding formula.
- Accountability – individuals, families and service delivery agents must use Passport funding for its intended purpose and comply with spending rules and reporting requirements.
Who May Receive Passport Funding
Adults, 18 years or older, who are eligible for developmental services and supports funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services may receive annual Passport funding.
How to Apply for Passport Funding
Individuals should contact the Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office in their region to apply for Passport funding. The DO will confirm each applicant’s eligibility to receive ministry-funded adult developmental services. Once eligibility is confirmed and the individual has consented to a referral, the DSO will refer the individual to their local Passport agency to receive the $5,000 annual allocation through the program It is possible to receive more than $5,000 per year in annual Passport funding,
individuals must complete an application package at their DO including a needs assessment to access additional funding above $5,000. Once an individual’s application package has been completed, information is transferred to the local Passport Agency. Passport agencies determine how much funding a person will receive using a standard funding formula. Whether a person receives more than $5,000 will depend on their assessed need, priority level and available government resources. The maximum Passport funding amount is $40,250 per year. To promote a fair and equitable service system, all applications for Passport are prioritized according to each person’s unique situation and available resources, giving the highest priority to people whose circumstances place them most at risk For more information about applying for developmental services for adults with a developmental disability contact the local DO office or visit www.dsontario.ca
What Supports Does Passport Funding Cover?
The Passport program is designed to complement and work together with other government programs, resources and sources of funding to provide a wide range of supports. Passport funding can be used for the following services and supports:
- Community participation
- Activities of daily living
- Caregiver respite
- Person-directed planning up to a yearly maximum of $2,500.
- Administration costs of up to a yearly maximum of 10% of a person’s Passport allocation. Service providers will not be reimbursed for administrative expenditures if they are not directly related to the services provided to a recipient
Services and supports may be purchased from the following types of service providers:
- Community service providers
- Developmental services agencies
- Private service and support providers
- Adult education providers
- Personal support workers
- Neighbours, family members, friends
I have been approved for Passport funding. Now what?
Once your funding amount has been determined and is available, you can choose to:
- Have Inclusion Northumberland administer your funding, develop a person-directed plan, and access/ schedule qualified direct support professionals (10% Administration Fee ). This service ensures all reporting procedures, financial accountability, and required service guidelines expected from MCCSS are met, or
- Receive and manage your funds independently, including all required administration, reporting and human resource management.