1. What is Service Coordination?
Service Coordination is a bilingual non-profit agency funded by the Ontario
Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) and the
Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS). We are the central point of access for people with a developmental disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Ottawa. Click on
Service Access for more information.
No, we are funded by both of these Ministries. We are a non-profit organization governed by a voluntary community board of directors.
3. What is a Developmental Disability?
Developmental Disability is the current term used for people with an intellectual delay. To register at Service Coordination, a person must have a Developmental Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder. For further information, see
eligibility requirements.
Contact our
Service Access department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday by calling 613-748-1788 and pressing 0 for reception.
Service Coordination provides services to people with
Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. A psychological assessment is one of the tools relied upon to confirm that a Developmental Disability is present. This information is acquired during the
Intake process .
Service Coordination is the central point of access for persons with a Developmental Disability in the Ottawa region. It is our responsibility to carry out an intake where necessary, offer Case Management support to children and adults and administer such other programs as the
Special Services Worker Bank. We also refer people to existing community programs and services based on priority of need.
When you apply for a particular service, we record your request in our Community Registry. We keep a priority list based on the needs of the individual and family. Priority is determined by some of the following factors: safety of the individual and/or main caregiver, health of the individual and/or main caregiver, financial jeopardy, housing (lack of), factors related to disability. When a vacancy becomes available in a community program, we refer an individual to the program based on priority of need. Waiting time is not always a factor.
8. Why should I register at Service Coordination? What if I don't need any services right now?
Even if you don't need any particular supports right now, by telling us what you may need in the future, we can inform other agencies and the Ministry of immediate and future needs in our community.
9. How can I find and hire a special needs worker?
The
Ministry of Community and Social Services and the
Ministry of Children and Youth Services provides funds directly to families for the purposes of developmental programming and respite to families. The funding programs are:
Special Services at Home,
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities and the
Passport Initiative. If you have these funds and are looking for a Special Needs Worker, contact our
Special Services Worker Bank with your request.
No, individuals in crisis need to contact the appropriate direct services, here are some options:
Please see your local listings for further information.