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SUPPORTED LIVING
A range of housing and support options that foster choice, independence and neighbourhood connections.
Supported living is more than just housing. These programs empower the people we support to make choices about how they live, and help them to experience full and meaningful lives in their communities.
In addition to group homes, we offer a variety of housing options all over the city, including condo buildings and apartments. The people in our supported living programs might live on their own or with a roommate.
There are almost 600 people in our supported living programs!
Staffing support is provided based on a person’s needs. We aim to support people to live as independently as possible. Some people might need 24/7 support, whereas others may only need a few hours a day.
Person-directed practices, which respect each person’s right to consider choices and to make life decisions, guide our supported living programs.
Access to our adult supported living services starts with contacting Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). We recommend that families contact the DSO to begin the assessment process at age 16.
To learn more about any of CLTO's supported living programs, contact Information and Membership at 647.426.3220 or contactus@cltoronto.ca.
Group Living
In our Group Living programs, adults with an intellectual disability typically live together in a variety of situations, including suburban and urban settings, and apartments and detached homes.
Person-directed plans are the foundation of the type of support and housing provided by CLTO and are reviewed at least once annually.
CLTO provides varying levels of support to meet the needs of the people who live in each home.
Access to group living starts with contacting the DSO. We recommend that families contact the DSO to begin the assessment process at age 16.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
People live independently in their own apartments and cooperatives throughout the city.
They may need assistance developing skills in the areas of self-care, household management, budgeting and accessing community resources.
Staff support people in our SIL program with a variety of activities, providing approximately six hours of support each week.
Access to supported independent living services starts with contacting the DSO. We recommend that families contact the DSO to begin the assessment process at age 16.
“A place in your heart, a place in your home.” Adults are matched with a family or individual who provides room and board, support and life skills training in their own home.
Access to LifeShare (host family program) starts with contacting the DSO. We recommend that families contact the DSO to begin the assessment process at age 16.
Individualized Supports
Community Living Toronto (CLTO) offers a range of supported living options for families who have individualized funding and are looking for a customized option that will best suit their needs and goals while fostering growth and independence.
To learn more about individualized supports at CLTO, please contact Information and Membership at 647.426.3220 or contactus@cltoronto.ca.
STEP UP
In collaboration with COTA Health, STEP UP provides supportive living services to youth as they transition to adult services.
Youth have the opportunity to participate in a full-time (up to 3 years), live-in, innovative skill building program that teaches them about living independently.
Participants of this program are referred directly to CLTO by COTA Health.
Specialized Resource Homes
We have specialized resource homes for both adults and children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and present with unique and complex needs.
Click here or call 647-426-3220 for more information about CLTO's Specialized Resource Homes.
LIGHTS
Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in their community. Living in your own home, choosing where and with whom you live, and forming social relationships are fundamental to being part of society.
Inspired by the parents of a child with an intellectual disability, and joined by a team of community leaders, LIGHTS supports like-minded families to network, develop, plan, and create a living arrangement outside the family home while waiting for Ministry-funded supports.
Our Facilitators, grounded in person-directed approaches, guide the person with an intellectual disability and their family through their journey in creating a home, oftentimes with a roommate. Since 2012, many adults have succeeded in "spreading their wings" for the first time and their families have been thrilled to see them flourish!
You do not need DSO funding to access LIGHTS.
TRYING-IT-ON-FOR-SIZE
TIFS (Trying-It-On-For-Size) is a fee-for-service program that helps people with an intellectual disability develop skills and gain experience living independently. Participants complete a series of short-term stays in an apartment where they are supported to develop independent living, confidence and decision-making skills.
Participating in TIFS Toronto is a one-year commitment and is an eligible Passport expense.
To learn more about TIFS, contact Information and Membership at 647.426.3220 or contactus@cltoronto.ca.
What's the DSO?
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ontario.
We recommend that when you turn 16, you begin the application process with the DSO to see if you are eligible for adult MCCSS-funded supports.
