The Passport Program is for adults in Ontario who have developmental disabilities. It helps cover the cost of participating in recreational and community activities that promote independence and quality of life.

Eligible adults receive at least $5,500 per year in funding.

Learn more: passportfunding.ca

What Can You Use the Funding For?

Community Participation and Daily Living

• Programs and classes that help build life skills, like:
  • Literacy, cooking, managing money, computer skills
  • Support with personal care needs
• Taking part in community activities and events, including:
  • Recreation programs, club memberships, festivals, museums
  • Tickets for live events
• Employment-related supports:
  • Resume writing, job coaching, skills training
  • Transportation for employment
• Hiring a support worker to help with daily living and community involvement

Caregiver Respite

• Temporary support to give your primary caregiver a break

Person-Directed Planning

• Creating a personal plan focused on your goals, strengths, and support needs

Administration

• Coverage for certain employer-related or administrative costs

Technology

• Technology items and services such as:
  • Laptops, cell phones and plans, internet service, printers

Supplies and Equipment

• Items to support social, leisure, and cultural participation
• Sensory tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), maintenance, or repair of equipment

How the Program Works

The Passport Program is a reimbursement program.

You pay for the item or activity first, and then submit for reimbursement. Before you buy anything, check with your Passport contact to make sure it qualifies. If it doesn’t, you can still go ahead—but you’ll need to cover the cost yourself.

How to Get Approved

To access Passport Program funding, you must first be approved for services through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).

Need help with that step?
Check out last week’s blog post:
Financial Fridays: Understanding Disability-Related Programs in Ontario

Extra Help

The Passport Program website also has helpful videos explaining how everything works:
passportfunding.ca/resources#Howtovideos