End the Wait Ontario
Find what you need quickly. Whether you are waiting for services, looking for resources, or ready to advocate for change.
Estimate how long you might wait for OAP services based on current data and your region.
Learn how the Ontario Autism Program works, funding levels, and what to expect when invited.
Email your MPP, share your story, and join the fight for timely autism services in Ontario.
Curated research, WHO guidelines, and primary sources for advocacy and understanding.
Understanding human rights, education rights, and options while waiting for services.
End the Wait Ontario
Find what you need quickly. Whether you are waiting for services, looking for resources, or ready to advocate for change.
Estimate how long you might wait for OAP services based on current data and your region.
Learn how the Ontario Autism Program works, funding levels, and what to expect when invited.
Email your MPP, share your story, and join the fight for timely autism services in Ontario.
Curated research, WHO guidelines, and primary sources for advocacy and understanding.
Understanding human rights, education rights, and options while waiting for services.
Finding suitable, supportive housing is one of the biggest challenges for families. Understand the different models, funding sources, and the reality of waitlists.
There is no "one size fits all". Options range from 24/7 care to occasional drop-in support.
Staffed homes (24/7 support) for 3-6 residents.
Best for individuals with high support needs. Funding typically covers rent, food, and support staff.
Individuals live in their own apartment/home with visiting support staff.
Staff visit for specific hours to help with cooking, cleaning, banking, etc. Requires some independence.
Living with a vetted family (not your own) who provides support.
Similar to foster care for adults. Also known as "Family Home Program".
Cluster of apartments or homes with shared potential supports.
Often created by family groups. Models vary widely (e.g., condo model with shared support worker).
Thousands of adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario are on the waitlist for residential services. The auditor general has repeatedly flagged this as a crisis.
Important Strategy: Even if you plan to create a private solution, REGISTER FOR DSO ADULT HOUSING immediately at age 18. This establishes your place in line for future funding or vacancies, which may become critical as parents age.
Piecing together the financial puzzle is essential.
The primary gateway. Assesses eligibility for MCCSS-funded residential supports (Group Living, SIL).
Portion of ODSP monthly payment designated for rent/mortgage.
Can pay for support workers to come into the home, but CANNOT pay for rent or groceries.
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit. Portable housing benefit to help with rental costs.
Does your child need 24/7 supervision? Can they manage safety alone? This dictates the model needed.
Every skill learned (cooking, laundry, transit) increases housing options and reduces support costs.
Connect with other families. Pooling resources (e.g., renting a house together and sharing support staff costs) is a common strategy.
Apply for eligibility at 16. Confirm housing requests at 18. Keep your file active and updated annually.
Supportive housing waitlists in Ontario are 10-20+ years long. Thousands of adults with developmental disabilities wait indefinitely for funded group home spots. Many remain living with aging parents due to the complete lack of available housing stock.
Source: DSO / OASIS ReportCommitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: October 30, 2025.
Finding suitable, supportive housing is one of the biggest challenges for families. Understand the different models, funding sources, and the reality of waitlists.
There is no "one size fits all". Options range from 24/7 care to occasional drop-in support.
Staffed homes (24/7 support) for 3-6 residents.
Best for individuals with high support needs. Funding typically covers rent, food, and support staff.
Individuals live in their own apartment/home with visiting support staff.
Staff visit for specific hours to help with cooking, cleaning, banking, etc. Requires some independence.
Living with a vetted family (not your own) who provides support.
Similar to foster care for adults. Also known as "Family Home Program".
Cluster of apartments or homes with shared potential supports.
Often created by family groups. Models vary widely (e.g., condo model with shared support worker).
Thousands of adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario are on the waitlist for residential services. The auditor general has repeatedly flagged this as a crisis.
Important Strategy: Even if you plan to create a private solution, REGISTER FOR DSO ADULT HOUSING immediately at age 18. This establishes your place in line for future funding or vacancies, which may become critical as parents age.
Piecing together the financial puzzle is essential.
The primary gateway. Assesses eligibility for MCCSS-funded residential supports (Group Living, SIL).
Portion of ODSP monthly payment designated for rent/mortgage.
Can pay for support workers to come into the home, but CANNOT pay for rent or groceries.
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit. Portable housing benefit to help with rental costs.
Does your child need 24/7 supervision? Can they manage safety alone? This dictates the model needed.
Every skill learned (cooking, laundry, transit) increases housing options and reduces support costs.
Connect with other families. Pooling resources (e.g., renting a house together and sharing support staff costs) is a common strategy.
Apply for eligibility at 16. Confirm housing requests at 18. Keep your file active and updated annually.
Supportive housing waitlists in Ontario are 10-20+ years long. Thousands of adults with developmental disabilities wait indefinitely for funded group home spots. Many remain living with aging parents due to the complete lack of available housing stock.
Source: DSO / OASIS ReportCommitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: October 30, 2025.