1. How do I apply for Passport?
All interested applicants are invited to complete the Passport application form and submit it to the designated community agency/agencies delivering Passport. Please contact your local regional office for information on where to submit your application.
All applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility and to determine funding. A provincial application form will be used to ensure consistency across the province. Agencies administering Passport will be provided with a common decision-making guide.
2. Can I apply for Passport if I am already receiving a Ministry-funded day program?
Yes you may apply for Passport if you are already receiving community participation supports. If you choose to apply, you will need to indicate on the application form that you understand that you will be required to give up your current community participation supports in order to receive support through the Passport initiative. These spots will then be used for other people needing service.
Individuals who have very little or no community participation support will be given more priority under the Passport initiative than those with funded community participation supports in place. Also, the level of funding offered from Passport may not be more than what you currently have.
3. Can I apply for Passport if I am receiving Special Services at Home (SSAH) program funding?
Yes. Through Passport participants receive opportunities for community participation, while SSAH is typically used for respite services and personal development and growth. The Passport initiative is in addition to SSAH.
4. Can I apply for Passport if I am living in a group home or FamilyHome?
Yes, participants in Passport can live independently or in supportive living. However, priority will be given to applicants who are living at home with their families.
5. What is the difference between Passport and ODSP Employment Supports? How do I know which one I should apply for?
Passport is intended to provide opportunities for individuals who are seeking community participation supports but may not be ready or able to pursue competitive employment.
ODSP Employment Supports help people with disabilities prepare for, find and maintain competitive employment.
An individual in the ODSP Employment Supports program is not able to receive Passport funding in addition to their ODSP Employment Supports.
Individuals can apply directly for Passport. If it appears the applicant is more suited for ODSP Employment Supports, the Passport delivery agency will contact the local ODSP Employment Support office to discuss eligibility and re-direct the individual accordingly.
6. I am already on a waiting list for community participation supports. Do I need to go through the Passport application process?
Yes. All applicants of Passport complete the same application form and will be provided with the person-directed planning guide to support the choice of developing a plan. By requiring all people who are interested in community participation supports to complete the same application form, communities can determine the support needs of each applicant and distribute funding fairly and consistently across the province.
7. Do I need to have a plan to apply for Passport?
Creating a plan is a great way to think about your life – how you would like to live, what activities you would like to do, and who you would like to work with to make it all happen. It usually describes a person’s goals, strengths and interests, and may include supports that are available from family and friends, or from support workers, community agencies, or medical professionals, just to name a few. A plan may have other details, but the portion that outlines an applicant’s community participation interests will be reviewed along with the application form.
It is expected that many individuals who have recently left school will have transition plans to submit with their application. The submission of a plan with a Passport application is encouraged, but not required. Participants who choose direct funding and who do not have a plan have the option of using up to 10% of their total funds to purchase planning supports to assist in developing and coordinating one. The planning guide titled Creating a Good Life in Community: A Guide on Person-Directed Planning is also available as a resource to help create a plan.
8. Once I begin receiving Passport funding how long do I keep receiving it?
Passport participants’ needs are reviewed every three years; however an earlier review date may be required should support levels or needs change before this time.
9. What happens after I am told I will receive funding support for Passport?
Participants will have the choice of applying funding towards a community agency, or receiving their funding directly to purchase community participation supports of their choice. The choice to use agency services or direct funding will not be a factor in determining Passport funding support.
Individuals and families who choose direct funding may use up to 10% of their funds to purchase assistance of their choice in managing their funding, submitting receipts/invoices, etc. This type of assistance may be purchased from an agency, a friend, or a professional organization. Or, families may also choose to handle these responsibilities themselves.
10. What is the role of the community planning/advisory group?
Community planning/advisory groups will be established in each region to help inform and coordinate access of all local applicants to the Passport initiative.
As part of the function of these community planning groups/processes, self-advocates and families will be invited to provide advice to the community agencies administering Passport to support effective delivery of the initiative in the community.