DSRC is the single point of access for children and youth to developmental services in the Region of Waterloo. We offer information, intake, referral, support and services for children and youth up to age 18 who have a developmental disability and/or an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Click here to go to our Contact page for locations, hours of operation and contact numbers.
What is DSRC’s relationship to Sunbeam Centre?
DSRC is a division of Sunbeam Centre in Kitchener, Ontario. Sunbeam Centre provides the governance structure and central administration supports of DSRC. For more information on Sunbeam Centre, refer to their website at sunbeamcentre.com.
What Programs and Services does DSRC offer directly?
DSRC offers clinical services and support services. Most DSRC services are available to both children and adults with developmental disabilities; although adults wishing to access developmental services and supports must first go through Developmental Services Ontario Central West Region (DSO). DSO provides intake and access to developmental services for adults (age 18 and older).
Do your Clinical Consultants provide advice to schools?
The primary focus of DSRC Clinical consultants is with clients in their home. Clinical reports are provided to guardians, who may, if they wish, share reports with school or other service providers. Some suggestions/recommendations made by clinicians may be appropriate for home, community and school environments.
What is Special Services At Home (SSAH) and how can I apply?
SSAH is a program for children and adults with a developmental disability and children with a physical disability who are residents of Ontario. SSAH for children is accessed through Extend a Family Waterloo , while SSAH for Adults has now merged with the PASSPORT Program and is accessed through Developmental Services Ontario Central West Region (DSO).
What is Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) and how do I apply?
ACSD is a financial support program for low and modest income families who have children with special needs who live at home. The program helps parents with the costs that apply to their child’s disability, e.g., travel to doctors or hospitals, special shoes/braces, parental relief, wheelchair repairs. For more information and applications, go to Ministry of Children & Youth Services .
What is the Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP) and how do I apply?
ODSP is an income support plan for adults (over 18 years of age) with disabilities. It pays for certain costs, e.g., medications and dental work; and also offers employment supports and payments. For more information and applications, go to the Ministry of Community & Social Services website.
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable income tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax that an eligible individual has to pay. If you have a child with a diagnosed disability, you may be eligible for this credit. Revenue Canada (RCA) Form T-2201 needs to be obtained from your local RCA office and completed by a qualified professional. For more information go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
The Child Disability Benefit is a nontaxable supplement to the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCBT). It provides financial assistance to families of low and modest income to help with the costs of raising a child (under 18 years of age) who have a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment. For more information go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
What is DSRC’s catchment area?
DSRC serves individuals who live within the geographical boundary of the Region of Waterloo. For certain services; i.e., Transitional Age Youth, clients may also come from Wellington, Dufferin, Halton and Peel Counties.
For adults with developmental disabilities, you may contact the local office of the Ministry of Community & Social Services or your local Developmental Services Ontario agency.
For children with developmental disabilities, who live outside our catchment area, you may contact the local office of the Ministry of Children & Youth Services .
How do I know if I’m eligible for developmental services and supports?
If a potential client is under age 18, eligibility is determined by DSRC. An applicant must have an intellectual disability and/or an Autism Spectrum Disorder. DSRC generally seeks evidence of this diagnosis, as provided by a psychological assessment or equivalent medical documentation. For more information, click here.
If a potential client is 18 years or older, Developmental Services Ontario Central West Region will determine eligibility for services. Applicants must provide evidence of a developmental disability (normally a psychological assessment).
To make a referral, individuals, parents, or guardians can call DSRC at 519-741-1121 and speak with an Intake Worker. A third party making a referral must complete a Referral Package, including a “Consent to Share Information”. For more information, click here.
What services can I access through DSRC?
Services that can be accessed through DSRC include consultation in the areas of behaviour, speech and language, health care, counselling, social work, autism services, service coordination, service resolution, Applied Behaviour Analysis, residential supports, respite supports, and community participation supports.
Is there a fee for DSRC services?
DSRC is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and there is no fee for services provided.
There may be costs associated with respite services or community participation services that are arranged by DSRC but provided by other developmental service agencies.
What is DSRC’s policy on Consent and Confidentiality of information I provide?
What type of information does DSRC collect?
Other information relevant for referral purposes including that held by other agencies.
How does DSRC use the information I provide?
Who signs Consents for me?
DSRC typically seeks self-consent from individuals who are 16 years of age or older; but accepts Consent from a person who has been designated the legal guardian. For individuals under age 16, we will seek Consent from a parent or guardian. Signed Consents are valid for a twelve month period, and may be withdrawn in writing at any time.
Would DSRC ever release my information without my consent?
Where the protection of an individual from neglect or physical/emotional/sexual abuse is a potential issue.
Where our records are subpoenaed.
Where the Ministry of Community & Social Services or Ministry of Children & Youth Services requests to see our records.
Where there is a duty to warn.
Where a communicable disease must be reported to the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a health care professional has abused a client.
Where a physician’s care or treatment in under investigation by the College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Where a coroner is investigating the death of an individual.
Where a legal assessor is evaluating an individual’s ‘capacity’.
Where the Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee is investigating an allegation of adverse harm.