Direct Funding

The Direct Funding Program (Self-Managed Attendant Care) is an innovative self-managed attendant services program which allows adults with physical disabilities to hire and direct their own attendants. Attendants assist with routine activities of living such as dressing, grooming, and bathing.

Under the attendant services programs operating through Supportive Housing (SSLUs) and Attendant Outreach Services, an agency employs attendants and sends them to your apartment or house. However, through DF you are the employer, taking full responsibility for hiring and managing your own attendants. You become the self-manager, determining how and when your services are provided.

Available province-wide, Direct Funding enables you to receive monthly funds for attendants of your own choosing, to schedule as you please - whether your needs are at home, at work, or in the community. You self-manage your life, making your own choices with greater flexibility and control.

Program Overview:

Be an employer of your own staff
Receive monthly funds to manage expenses and work within a budget developed on an individual basis
Hire who you want to care for you
Schedule attendants to meet your needs
Live where you like (Ontario only)

History

DF began as a pilot project, developed by consumers and the provincial government in 1994. It was so successful that it became a permanent program in July 1998.

Who Administers the DF Program?

The Direct Funding Program (DF) is administered by the Centre For Independent Living in Toronto (CILT), Inc. in partnership with the Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres (ONILC). It is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be 16+ years of age
Be an Ontario Resident
Require attendant services due to a permanent disability
Your attendant service needs have been stable for a minimum of one (1) year
Ability to schedule attendants and make alternate arrangements
Capability of recruiting, hiring, training and managing attendant workers
Capability to understand and carry out the responsibilities as an employer
Capability to manage and account for expenditures of granted funds

Please contact us directly for conclusive information about the application process.

Responsibilities of a Successful Candidate:

Undertaking all of the functions and possible risks of being an employer
Managing all of the responsibilities yourself
Reporting quarterly on all expenses
Being a fair and honest employer
Following all Revenue Canada, Employment Standards and Human Rights governing the employment relationship

You can download an application to this provincial program below. It is recommended that you download the guide as well. We are also happy to mail, email or you can pick up these documents from us directly at our Centre (please call first). Please note that the links below will open a PDF document hosted from the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto.