Actions You Can Take

We will all have different starting points for next steps while on the journey toward our visions, goals or dreams.  Below are a few examples for people living with disabilities at different stages in their lives. Choose what works for you, even if to just learn for the future. Click on the blue titles to link to the papers. 

What You Can Do – Taking a Next Step      Great ideas for people living with a disability and their families who want to take a step forward for living an everyday life as a valued citizen.  Start with one idea!  Have you ever felt stuck? Have you wondered what to do next? Have you felt like the only thing to do is wait on a list?  Are you just beginning your life as an adult?  If you have said yes to any of these questions, consider choosing an idea from the pages in this document. Then, just go for it. It can work best to take things one step at a time. What you choose will depend on where you are in your life, what you have already tried, and what makes the most sense for you today, now. 

DSO, Start Early and Connect with Developmental Services Ontario,2023  Plan ahead before your family member turns 18 years old. You can start between 14 and 16 years of age.  This is a one-page guide  created for teenagers who are living with a developmental disability and their families. This sheet provides steps to take before turning 18. It is an easy to use sheet that provides pathways to eligibility and to applying for adult developmental services.

My Home, Focus on the Future – Options, Checklists and Information      Many different things to think about come to life with this publication developed by a family leader with Windsor-Essex Family Network.  It offers noteworthy information and check off lists to help you think of options and possibilities, and actions you may be interested in. 

A Tip Sheet About ODSP Income Support Amounts – Your Son or Daughter Lives in Your Home: Room & Board or Rent?     This tip sheet has been created to assist with learning ahead how the provincial government decides whether someone’s shelter amount is room and board OR a rental amount. 

Who to Call in Windsor and Essex County

Thinking About the Future – Who to Call (2023)          A listing of resources and programs that support citizenship, home living and community inclusion in Windsor & Essex County.  Information about the following is included:  affordable housing programs and benefits, individualized funding for supports, health/personal care related supports, income support, independent facilitation, legal supports/tenancy rights, mediation support, preparing for the future, voluntary trusteeship and financial program, and work/employment supports.

Affordable Renting, Who Does What in Windsor-Essex?     Updated in February 2023, this chart provides information about who does what regarding affordable housing programs in Windsor and Essex County.   This includes contact information to apply for social housing and assessments for eligibility for other programs such as the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB).