Developmental Disability Support Services in Ontario
Person-centred support for individuals with developmental disabilities — delivered by qualified, compassionate professionals who respect every person's right to dignity, choice, and meaningful participation in their community.
What Developmental Disability Support Includes
Developmental disability support encompasses a broad range of services designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live as independently and meaningfully as possible. At SFCS, our support workers approach every engagement with respect for the individual's unique strengths, goals, and preferences.
We work alongside families, care teams, and community organizations to ensure our support is integrated, consistent, and genuinely goal-oriented. Whether the individual needs 24-hour residential support, day program assistance, or a few hours of community support each week, SFCS can help find and place the right qualified professional.
- Personal care and hygiene assistance
- Daily living skills development and coaching
- Community access, outings, and social participation
- Vocational and life skills support
- Supported independent living assistance
- Residential and group home staffing
- Transition support (school to adult life)
- Family and caregiver collaboration
Who This Service Is For
Our developmental disability support services are available to children, youth, and adults across Ontario who have a diagnosed developmental disability or related condition.
Individuals & Families
Families seeking qualified in-home or community support for a loved one with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other developmental conditions.
Group Homes & Residences
Residential programs seeking experienced DSWs for shift coverage, ongoing support roles, or relief staffing in settings serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Community Programs
Day programs, vocational programs, and community organizations providing services to adults with developmental disabilities who need qualified staff support.
Our Person-Centred Approach
We believe that quality support starts with truly knowing and respecting the person being supported.
Dignity & Respect
Every individual we support is treated with unconditional respect and dignity. We work to understand personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and communication styles to provide truly individualized support.
Inclusion & Community
We support individuals to be active participants in their communities — not just observers. Community connection, friendships, and meaningful roles matter, and our support workers facilitate access to these experiences.
Goal-Oriented Support
We work from individualized support plans that identify personal goals and areas for growth. Progress is tracked, shared with families and care teams, and used to continuously improve the support provided.
Qualified, Compassionate Support Workers
All Developmental Support Workers (DSWs) and community support workers placed by SFCS have completed relevant education and training — typically a Developmental Services Worker diploma from an Ontario college, or equivalent credentials — and have been personally screened by our team.
We look for professionals who combine technical competence with the personal qualities that matter most in this work: patience, empathy, creativity, and a genuine commitment to the people they support.
College-Educated & Credentialed
DSW diplomas, relevant certificates, and documented training in areas such as NVCI, First Aid/CPR, and medication administration where applicable.
Vulnerable Sector Screened
Every support worker has completed a vulnerable sector background check before placement — a non-negotiable standard for anyone working with individuals with disabilities.
Experienced in Supported Living
Our network includes professionals with extensive experience in group home settings, day programs, family support, and community integration work.
What to Expect from the SFCS Process
Initial Consultation
Contact us to discuss your needs. We'll ask about the individual, their daily life, support goals, communication needs, and any relevant medical or behavioural considerations.
Matching Process
Based on your consultation, we identify suitable support workers from our network — considering not just skills, but personality, experience with specific conditions, and scheduling availability.
Introduction & Approval
We provide information about the proposed support worker. Families and facilities are encouraged to ask questions and request an introduction before confirming the match.
Support Begins
The support worker begins their role according to the agreed schedule and support plan. We remain a point of contact for any questions, adjustments, or concerns.
Ongoing Monitoring & Review
We check in regularly to ensure the support relationship is working well. Support plans can be adjusted as the individual's needs or goals evolve over time.