What is Passport?
Passport is a funding program, implemented by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, that helps adults with intellectual disabilities to be involved in their communities and to live as independently as possible.
Are You Eligible to Receive Passport Funding?
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the government agency responsible for Passport Funds. Contact your local DSO to confirm your eligibility.
The Phone number for DSO Southwest region is: 1 (855) 437-6797.
For more information visit the DSO website. If you require assistance, contact BPACL at 519-534-0553.
How can I use my Passport Funds?
Passport provides funding for services and supports to make it possible to take part in community classes or recreational programs, and to develop work, volunteer, and daily life skills.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services website.
How Does It Work?
Once your passport funding is confirmed, it is your decision whether to manage the funds on your own, or to obtain assistance with the administration of your funding. One of the services offered through Bruce Peninsula Association for Community Living (BPACL), is Administration of Passport Funds.
Purchase of Services
Although we are not the entity that created or distributes Passport Funds, BPACL is here to help you understand and administer those funds. Some of the many options we offer include:
- Individualized Support Planning
- Opportunities to Register for an extensive variety of activities in our Community Participation Program
- Individualized supports (one-to-one supports, group supports)
- Assistance with volunteer activities, daily life activities, and leisure activities.
- Employment supports
If you Choose to Self-Manage Your Passport Funding, BPACL Can Assist you With:
- Navigating and using the DSO and MCSS websites.
- Accessing a wide range of services
- Transition planning from school to community life
- Creating an Individualized Support Plan
What are the Benefits of Purchasing Services Directly Through BPACL?
- When BPACL administers your Passport Funds, the process is simplified. We take care of all the paper work and we recoup directly from Passport so that you don’t need to spend your own money up front.
- BPACL professionals manage the hiring process, and employ qualified Direct Support Professionals who have the education, training, and expertise required to provide individualized support. Our hiring process includes a background check. We ensure that each Direct Support Professional has a clean drivers abstract, and a minimum of $2 million in liability coverage on personal vehicle insurance policies. A Vulnerable Sector Police Check is also completed for each employee.
- In consultation with you, we complete all scheduling of support workers, and we take care of finding a replacement staff when scheduled workers become unavailable.
- We manage all employee related expenses including Liability Insurance, CPP, Employment Insurance and the payroll process.
- The person supported has access to specialized equipment needed to provide supports. This can include access to wheelchair accessible vehicles for a fee.
Why Choose Bruce Peninsula Association for Community Living?
Quality: Through person directed planning, you and your family will lead a fuller life as you become part of your community on your own terms.
Trust: Because we are accountable to regulatory bodies and audited frequently, you can trust that we operate at the highest standards in the sector.
Because of our experienced, vetted staff, you and your family can trust that getting out into your community is a safe and worthwhile experience.
Advocacy: By spending your passport dollars with Community Living, you are not just buying services, but are part of a movement that advocates for people with intellectual disabilities.
Joseph and his favorite horse, Geronimo are pictured to the left. Joseph has always had a love for horses, and his passport funding has given him the opportunity to spend time caring for horses, going trail riding, and even taking the reins on horse-drawn carriage rides. A support worker, paid for through Passport funding, goes with Joseph to the ranch every week, facilitating the achievement of his equestrian goals, and giving him the opportunity to pursue his passion for horses. Horseback riding is just one of the many activities made possible through his Passport Funding.
When the weather is too cool for riding, Joseph goes to the YMCA every week with his support worker. He is also involved in weekly activities offered through BPACL’s Community Participation Program. Joseph is out in the community playing pool and going to the library each week. He also participates in Outdoor Excursions, which offers weekly trips to various locations in the area. BPACL assists Joseph with the management and administration of his passport funds, and in consultation with him, takes care of scheduling his support worker. Joseph lives a full and fulfilled life and is very happy to have the funding to make this possible.