1. Is the Direct Funding Program full?

Yes. But you may still apply and get on the waiting list.

2. How long does it take to get on the program?

As the program has reached capacity, applicants will be interviewed as space on the program becomes available.

3. Do I have to come to Toronto for an interview?

No. We try to interview applicants at their nearest Independent Living Resource Centre if that’s suitable; i.e. in Collingwood, Kapuskasing, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Parry Sound, Sudbury, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Waterloo.

However, we do interviews in other Ontario cities/towns. If travel is difficult for you, let us know; we will try to find a good location.

4. Is it difficult to find attendants?

Finding attendants can be done by putting an ad in the local newspaper, or with online job boards, or posting a note on the supermarket bulletin board, or through your local ILRC, or the Consumer Attendant Roster (CAR).  In small communities word of mouth works well and finding attendants is not usually hard as it is regular work. Since you train your attendants, they do not need to have any special experience.

5. What if an attendant doesn’t show up for work?

This is a common fear but not a frequent occurrence. The relationship between attendants and consumers on the program is quite different from traditional services. In Direct Funding, the attendant works for you, the employer, and a close relationship of trust and reliance may develop.  Attendants are usually reliable in this arrangement.

If an attendant needs to be absent, he or she would let you know and you would call upon your back-up attendant(s). (You can hire temporarily from an agency, also).

6. How do I manage night-time coverage?

Self-managers have come up with different ideas on how to have someone available at night, including having a "sleep-over" arrangement or someone on call. For example, some sleep-overs (overnights) can be considered in your budget and paid at a flat rate (e.g. if you need turning a couple of times in the night).

7. I have a lot of needs and I’m nervous to try something new like this. Are there others like me on Direct Funding?

People with a high level of disability use this program and are usually happy with it. The types of disabilities are diverse; needs range from about 1 hour per day to 6 hours per day (and higher for full-time ventilator users). We could put you in touch with someone who has similar needs to yours. On the other hand, this Program is not for everybody; especially persons who are quite ill, or who need "looking after." 

8. Is the administration involved in being an employer overwhelming. Can I get help with some of it?

Actually, once you get rolling, it doesn’t take much work at all to keep your system going smoothly. A big help is the funding we provide each participant to hire a bookkeeper who can prepare payroll and financial reports for you. In addition, participants often use different people in the community who can give advice and share experience. Also, there is a wide network of successful self-managers who are willing to share their experience and give you advice. Finally, each ILRC has trained staff willing to help you.

9. Do I qualify? What other options are there?

To qualify, you must meet the eligibility criteria listed in the Direct Funding Application Guide and be able to demonstrate this by yourself at an interview. Direct Funding is about personally taking responsibility for managing your attendant services yourself. There are other, less hands-on, options for attendant services in Ontario, if you prefer.  Ask your Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), local Independent Living Resource Centre, or visit the Attendant Services page on this site.

10. What does Direct Funding have to offer?

If you like to have control over the things in your life, then this program may be for you. On Direct Funding, gone are the problems of not knowing who is coming into your home. Gone is hoping that "management" will get around to fixing problems.

As the employer and manager, you get to select who your attendants will be and schedule them around your daily needs. You can have attendants help you anywhere you go in Ontario. In return for full responsibility and some risks, you get control, flexibility and choice in your attendant services.

11.  What if I move somewhere else in Ontario?

Direct Funding is portable within Ontario: funding is not dependent on where you live in the province.  In other words, if you move, all you have to do is call us with your new address and phone number.  You do not have to be reassessed for the program.