Guide
The Passport Program is for Ontario residents aged 18 or older with a confirmed developmental disability. You must have been found eligible for adult developmental services through a Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office. An autism diagnosis alone qualifies if it was made before age 18.
Find your local DSO office through the MCCSS website. Call or visit to start the application process. You will need proof of identity, proof of Ontario residency, and documentation of your developmental disability.
The DSO will guide you through the application form. You will describe your support needs, goals for community participation, and any respite requirements. A support coordinator may help you fill out the application if needed.
After review, you will receive a letter stating your approved funding amount. Passport funding is typically allocated in annual amounts ranging from a few thousand to over $30,000 per year. The amount depends on your assessed needs and available program budget.
You can choose from approved agencies or hire workers directly. Services can include day programs, recreational activities, skills training, and respite care. Keep records of all providers and services for your annual reporting.
Pay providers and submit invoices to Passport for reimbursement, or use direct billing if available. Track your spending against your approved budget. Unused funds may not carry over, so plan your spending across the full funding period.
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Passport Program guidelines and funding information (ontario.ca/page/passport-program)
Developmental Services Ontario
DSO eligibility process and office locations (dsontario.ca)
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
89,799
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23%
Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement