What happens when you turn 18 in developmental services . . .

When you turn 18 . . .

 

Now, you may be only 15 or 16 but, before too long, you’ll be turning 18. Changes take place for people in our community at different stages and ages of life. Here, in the province of Ontario, there are changes to services and supports for people with a developmental disability when they turn 18 years of age. It's suggested that transition planning start at age 14.

 

Very important to know

 

There is something that is very important for you to know about turning 18 and developmental services and supports. Here in the province of Ontario, the government classifies you as an “adult” once you turn 18. How will that affect you? Well, it will mean changes to a lot of things.

 

Change in services

 

First of all, you could be eligible to receive a monthly benefit from the Ontario Disability Support Program. Also, some of the services you may have been receiving before you were 18 might not be available to you any longer. But, on the other hand, there will be new services that you might become eligible to receive.

 

Considered an adult

 

Once you turn 18 and are considered to be an adult, you are then allowed to make your own decisions about things that affect your life. Other people cannot make you do things that you do not want to do. That condition also applies to providers of developmental services. We can advise you about services and supports but you are ultimately responsible to make the decisions about which services you want to receive. There are exceptions to this. For example, if you are on probation after a court decision, others will impose some restrictions on your activities. Other cases would be if you have a guardian who has been elected to make decisions for you or, if you consent to restrictions in a behaviour support plan. Still, for the most part, you have the right to make your own decisions. Yet, recognize that with every right there is also responsibility.

 

We want to help

 

The people working in developmental services and supports in the counties of Haldimand and Norfolk want to help you and your caregivers prepare for those changes. That is why we have created this website and have provided information for you, for your caregivers, for those working in community agencies, for educators and for the general public.

 

It is very important for people to understand the changes in services and support that will take place when you turn 18.

 

Some of the things you should be thinking about are on a sub-page called "Things to think about." You can get there through this link > "Things to think about."