POST 21

Make a Post-21 Family Plan!


IMPORTANT for families with children approaching age 16

On your child's 16th birthday we highly encourage you to apply to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) so that, when your child turns 21, they will transition from the school to governmental services. The waiting list is five years long and so it is very important that families call to enroll their children as soon as they are 16 so that the transition at 21 is easier.

TO APPLY: Call 1-855-372-3858 (24hrs a day / 7days a week) and leave the following information:

  • Your first and last name
  • Your phone number
  • Child's first and last name
  • Child's date of birth
  • Child's primary diagnosis

In about 2 years you will receive a call from D.S.O to begin the application process, which will include a home visit. It may take a few more years before the funding can be allocated. If you do not hear from the D.S.O after 2 years, call them to follow up. Also, you can read these step by step directions on how to apply for Developmental Service Ontario. 

For more information about this, visit our resource page for "POST 21" years of age.


POST 21 Timeline Considerations


Find resources below and connect with the school to find supports to the following guiding questions for life after high school:

  • What will your son/daughter’s day look like?
  • Who will support your son/daughter during the day?
  • How will you pay for the programs and supports?

Age 14-15

  • Complete Person-Directed Planning
  • Investigating funding opportunities
    • Special Services at Home (ACSD)
    • Assistance for children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
    • Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP)
    • Passport Funding
    • Assistive Device Program (ADP)
    • Respite Services (respiteservice.com)

Open a Savings Account

  • Registered Disabilities Savings Plan (RDSP), Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA), High Interest Savings Account, etc.

Apply for Special Service Cards

  • TTC Support Person Assistance Card

Age 16

Apply to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

  • Apply for passport funding through the DSO

Age 18

Apply for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)


Age 19-21

Investigate Fee for Service Programs

Adult Day Programs, College Programs, Respite Options, Recreation/Leisure Programs etc.

Update your Application Forms (age 20 ½)

  • Developmental Services Ontario
  • Passport Funding


*Works cited

  • Community Living Ontario. (n.d.). Community Living Toronto retrieved December 30th 2014 from clToronto.ca
  • The government of Ontario (2014 December 19). Ministry of community and Social Services. retrieved December 30, 2014, from www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/
  • The government of Ontario. (2011 February 14). Ministry of Children and Youth Services. retrieved December 30, 2014, from www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/english/index.aspx


Transitional planning

When your child turns 21, they will have graduated from Toronto District School Board services and may need to access an adult day program. It is very important to begin this process 1 year to 6 months ahead of graduation. See below a list of private adult day programs

1.     CORE (centre for respect and empowerment)
        16 Springhurst Avenue Toronto, ON M6K1A9  
        416-340-7929

2.    Meta Centre Day Program: 3 Locations:

a.     401 Champagne Drive Toronto, ON M3J2C6  
        416-736-0199 ext 322/330

b.     371 Old Kingston Road Scarborough, ON M1C1B7  
        416-283-9777

c.      1345 Morningside Avenue Unit 10 Scarborough, ON M1B5K3

3.    Pegasus Day Activity Programs: 3 Locations:

a.     Beaches Recreation Centre
        6 Williamson Road Scarborough, ON M4E1K5

b.     Matty Eckler Community Centre
        953 Gerrard Street East Toronto, ON M4M1Z4

c.      SH Armstrong Community Centre
        56 Woodfield Road Toronto, ON M4L2W6

4.    Pines Adult Day Centre
        4130 Lawrence Avenue East Scarborough, ON M1E2R8  
        416-284-7397

5.    Vita Community Living Day Program
        4301 Weston Road Toronto, ON M9L2Y3  
        416-749-6234

6.    Luso Canadian Charitable Society
        2295 St. Clair Avenue West Toronto, ON M6N1K9  
        416-761-9761

7.    St. Jude’s Academy of Arts
        Humber Sheppard Community Centre 3100 Weston Road North York, ON M9M2S7  
        416-740-7187

8.    Behaviorprise Day Program
        1 High Medadow Place Unit #18 Toronto, ON M9L0A3  
        416-742-3282