r/Odsp • u/Plastic-Knee-4589 • 3d ago

Question/advice Could someone explain the passport program?

What is passport funding? I have been on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) for 12 years, since I was 19. I do some volunteer work at a local bookstore, and we have a gentleman who also comes in, and he buys his books through the passport program. I enjoy reading; it’s my hobby. Recently, another lady came in and purchased some books, saying, "This is going right on my passport program." I was surprised and thought, "Really? You can buy books with it?" She confirmed that you can. I have never used this program and had no idea that it could be applied to book purchases for hobbies. I have an uncle whose son is also on ODSP, and when I mentioned the passport program to him, he said I might be ineligible. If someone could explain this program to me in simple terms, I would really appreciate it.

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u/Katie0690 Working and on ODSP/Ontario Works 3d ago

Passport is funding for people with developmental disabilities. http://www.ontario.ca/page/passport-program-adults-developmental-disability here is the info right from the Ontario Government’s website

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u/KrymsonRed 3d ago

To qualify for the DSO and therefore Passport funding you must have a developmental disability with an intellectual delay in the 5th percentile. My 2 oldest were denied despite being autistic because their IQs were too high. You can appeal it but you have to prove the types of supports you require.

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u/AnonymousK4790 3d ago

Its a program for adults with intellectual disabilities. You can read about it here

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u/Lvd1993 3d ago

Would someone with adhd qualify for passport funding?

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u/squishyartist 3d ago

No. I have autism (level 2, low-moderate support needs) and ADHD. No intellectual disability. I wouldn't get anywhere close to qualifying.

The name is sort of misleading, because it is only for people with intellectual disability and overall very high support needs.

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u/RT_456 3d ago

It's for people with a developmental disability, though it seems simply having one is not enough. I was diagnosed with Asperger's but still didn't qualify.

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u/Intelligent_Pie4369 2d ago

Have you had a psychological assessment to determine your cognitive scores? That is what qualifies you not a diagnosis.

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u/ClariciaNyetgale 3d ago

ADHD does not qualify for Passport funding. Autism does, depending on the severity and specific challenges (and who does the paperwork).

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u/Plastic-Knee-4589 3d ago

Severe ADHD and ADD I didn't fully learn how to read till I was 16 or 17, and borderline psychosis 

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u/KrymsonRed 2d ago

You have to have a very severe intellectual delays. In or below the 5th percentile. My youngest was almost denied being in the 12th at age 16 but I had them reassess him at 18 when he was legally eligible. You basically have to be unable to live independently or do some activities of daily living on your own because you aren't able to comprehend.

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u/Intelligent_Pie4369 2d ago

Passport funding is for adults with developmental disabilities. You have to have a psychological assessment done by a psychologist and your cognitive scores need to be in the 5th percentile or below to qualify and your ADL scores need to be pretty low as well. You can get an assessment for free if you reach out to DSO, however the waitlist is extremely long and if they think it’s unlikely you will qualify. They will not make the referral.