Adult Services Passport Program
Service Guide 2026
What is the Passport Funding Program? The Passport Funding Program is a Ministry funded reimbursement program that helps adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario access services and supports. The goal of the Passport Funding Program is to increase community participation and help recipients live as independently as possible. It also helps caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability take a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
Bethesda’s Passport Program Bethesda is pleased to offer Passport Services for adults with a developmental disability who receive Passport funding. We have 3 services that Passport recipients can chose from: Group events, direct services, and transfer payment recipient services. Please refer to the table of contents to learn more about each service in depth. At Bethesda, we believe in the power of collaboration, compassionate care and innovation to unlock your full potential to live your best life. Together, we create a supportive environment that celebrates your unique strengths while addressing your individual needs. Our compassionate professionals work hand–in-hand with the people we support to offer individualized services that integrate seamlessly into your life. Bethesda’s Passport Program is the first program in Bethesda’s Adult Services catalogue that is entirely fee for service. This means that participants pay for the services they want and then have the option to submit the expense to the Passport Funding Program for reimbursement. We do not receive Ministry funding to run these services. When determining the price of our Passport Services we take into account all costs associated with the service: the hourly wages of staff, the entry costs if going to a community event, parking, mileage costs and more. Our goal is to keep the program sustainable to ensure that we can continue to support the people in our community who benefit from the services for many years to come. 2
Bethesda Passport Services | Service Guide
What Sets Us Apart? OUR STAFF Our Passport Services are delivered by highly qualified, trained, and experienced staff. Bethesda provides continuous professional development and supervision to ensure safe, respectful, and personcentred supports to those who access our services. Staff operate in accordance with Ministry requirements and organizational policies to ensure consistent, high-quality service you can trust. Mandatory Trainings Include: •
First Aid
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Trauma-Informed Care
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Personal Care
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Applied Behaviour Analysis
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Crisis Intervention Training
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Medication Administration
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Person Centred Supports
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and more ...
OUR VALUES The services that we provide are rooted in Bethesda’s core values. •
Respect and Compassion. We believe that people and families should receive compassionate supports that respect their privacy, choices, decisions, and rights.
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Diversity, Inclusivity, and Choice. We believe that all people should be included in society and have the right to choice.
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Collaboration. We believe that collaboration with people, families, partners, and communities lead to success and greater outcomes.
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Innovative, Quality Services. We believe that innovation goes hand in hand with providing quality services.
905.684.6918 |
info@bethesdaservices.com
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TABLE of
CONTENTS What is the Passport Funding Program
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Bethesda’s Passport Program
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What Sets Us Apart
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Transfer Payment Recipient Services
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Direct Services
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Passport Program Events
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Day Program
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Create a Membership
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905.684.6918 |
info@bethesdaservices.com
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Transfer Payment Recipient Services This service is a great option for Passport recipients and their families who are wanting assistance in managing their Passport funding. Bethesda’s Manager of Passport Services will work closely with you to discuss your current needs, identify what is admissible through Passport funding and establish personal goals. We will help you to plan how to spend your Passport funds on what is important to you! Developing social, communication, and life skills. Once your personalized plan is set, Bethesda will support you with: • Collecting, storing, and submitting receipts/invoices to Passport on your behalf • Registering you for community events, classes, and recreational programs • Purchasing items within the technology and Supplies/Equipment categories • Answering questions about the Passport Guidelines • Creating a budget and providing updates about your funding amount Please note that Bethesda does collect a 10% administrative fee for this service.
Please contact the Manager of Passport Services for more details: AdultFeeForService@bethesdaservices.com
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Bethesda Passport Services | Service Guide
Direct Services This service is a great option for those looking for more personalized, one on one supports. Passport recipients can hire Bethesda Support Workers to assist them in their homes or in the community. The Manager of Passport Services will work closely with you to discuss your current needs, identify activities you enjoy, and establish personal goals. Together a schedule will be created for shifts with your Bethesda Passport Support Worker. The Bethesda Passport Support Worker will support you to participate, based on your choices, in activities such as: • Developing social, communication, and life skills • Attending community events, classes, recreational, and educational programs • Providing respite care for unpaid caregivers • Other personally developed activities The cost for this service is dependant on length of shift, support needs, and nature of the activity.
Please contact the Manager of Passport Services for more details: AdultFeeForService@bethesdaservices.com
905.684.6918 |
info@bethesdaservices.com
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Passport Program EVENTS Our Passport Program Events and Community Experiences provide individuals with opportunities to meet new people, build friendships, develop independence, and enjoy meaningful activities within their community. These programs are available to individuals using Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Passport Funding or personal funds. This service is ideal for individuals who enjoy socializing, exploring new interests, and participating in community activities with the support of our kind, caring, and experienced staff. It also provides a valuable respite option for families and caregivers. Participants can enjoy a variety of experiences, including:
• Sporting events and games • Concerts, live music, and theatre performances • Community festivals and seasonal celebrations • Social gatherings and themed events • Museums, parks, and local attractions • Recreational and educational activities • Day trips and special excursions • Nature and wildlife experiences All activities are designed to encourage community participation, foster friendships, build confidence, and create meaningful experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Our group events are typically supported at a 3:1 participant-to-staff ratio. Participants pay one inclusive fee, which may cover:
• Staffing support • Transportation • Admission and activity fees • Event planning and coordination
We do all the planning, so you can focus on finding what interests you!
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Bethesda Passport Services | Service Guide
Individuals requiring one-to-one support are encouraged to contact our Passport Program Manager to discuss personalized support options. Program costs vary based on the type, duration, and location of the activity. As a general guideline:
• Local social events and activities: approximately $120 • Community outings and entertainment events: approximately $150 - $210 • Full-day excursions and specialty experiences: approximately $200 - $300 Past experiences have included sporting events, live theatre and tribute shows, Niagara attractions, boat cruises, wildlife experiences, baseball games, trivia nights, craft activities, seasonal celebrations, and friendship-focused social programs. Specific event details, costs, and registration deadlines are shared as opportunities become available. Many participants use Passport Funding to cover the cost of these supports and experiences. These programs are available for purchase through Bethesda’s Passport Program using your Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Passport Funds or by using personal funds.
Please contact the Manager of Passport Services for more details: AdultFeeForService@bethesdaservices.com
905.684.6918 |
info@bethesdaservices.com
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Day Program This service is a great option for individuals looking for opportunities to build friendships, develop independence, and participate in meaningful activities within a supportive and inclusive environment. The Day Program is designed around each person’s unique interests, goals, strengths, and support needs. Our team works closely with participants and their families to ensure programming is meaningful, engaging, and tailored to what is important to them. Through a variety of activities both within the program and throughout the community, participants are encouraged to explore new interests, build confidence, develop life skills, and foster a sense of belonging. The Day Program supports individuals to:
• Build and maintain meaningful friendships and social connections • Develop independence, self-confidence, and life skills • Participate in community activities and experiences • Explore hobbies, interests, and personal goals • Strengthen communication, social, and relationship-building skills • Engage in recreational, educational, and volunteer opportunities • Become active members of their community in ways that are meaningful to them Our programming is person-centered and flexible, with activities planned based on the interests, goals, and preferences of those attending. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, included, and connected.
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Bethesda Passport Services | Service Guide
The Day Program is currently offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Program participants are supported at a ratio of 5:1 (participants to staff), allowing for meaningful support while encouraging social interaction, peer connections, and independence. As the program continues to grow, we hope to expand our offerings to additional days. This service may be eligible for reimbursement through Ontario’s Passport Funding Program. Program fees vary depending on attendance schedule and individual support needs.
At the core of our Day Program is the belief that everyone deserves opportunities to connect, contribute, learn, and belong.
905.684.6918 |
info@bethesdaservices.com
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Create a Membership Membership needs to be confirmed before you can begin registering for events. Create your membership here
Follow these steps to create a membership account through Bethesda’s portal: 1. Navigate to bethesdaservices.com > Select Adult Services in the menu bar > Select Client Login from the secondary menu bar. 2. Select Membership Level > Adult Services - Free > Click Next. 3. Enter your Email Address > Click I’m not a robot > Click Next. If you will be creating accounts for more than one person, please register each individual with a unique email address. 4. Enter the requested client information for yourself/the person you’re supporting > Click Next. 5. Review and confirm the membership information > Click Confirm. 6. Once your membership application has been reviewed and accepted by Bethesda staff, you will receive an email from admin@portal.bethesdaservices.com with a temporary password. 7. Please log in using the provided temporary password and immediately change your password to one you will more easily remember by clicking the Change password button. 8. Enter your current and new password (new password must include at least 12 characters, upper and lower case letters, at least one number and at least one special character.) > Click Save. Your website membership application is now complete! If you require assistance with creating your membership account, please connect with Ashleigh Geroux at 905.684.6918 ext. 385 or ageroux@bethesdaservices.com
905.684.6918 |
info@bethesdaservices.com
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