Passport Program
April to June 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.
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
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Personal Care
• Applied Behaviour Analysis
OUR VALUES
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Medication Administration
• Person Centred Supports
• and more ...
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.
• Diversity, Inclusivity, and Choice. We believe that all people should be included in society and have the right to choice.
• Collaboration. We believe that collaboration with people, families, partners, and communities lead to success and greater outcomes.
• Innovative, Quality Services. We believe that innovation goes hand in hand with providing quality services.
Passport Program EVENTS
These programs are available for purchase through Bethesda’s Passport Program using your Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Passport Funds or by using personal funds.
This service is ideal for individuals who want to meet new people, build friendships, and enjoy new experiences with the support of our kind, caring staff. It’s also a great short-term respite option for primary caregivers. Activities may include community outings—such as concerts, plays, or sporting events—or relaxed social gatherings hosted in our Schmon Day Program space.
With our group events, Passport recipients pay one price, this includes:
• staffing support
• transportation
• admission costs
• and more
We do all the planning, so you can focus on finding what interests you!
Our group events are staffed in a 3:1 ratio, meaning 1 staff supports 3 attendees. If you or the person you care for are interested in attending an event, but require 1:1 staffing, please contact our Passport Program Manager to express interest and we will work together to get you connected with a direct support staff that meets your individual needs.
APRIL
National Dodgeball Championships
The Dodgeball Canada National Championships is coming to Thorold! This competitive dodgeball event brings together one men’s and one women’s team from each Province to compete for the country’s top spot. This event promises best-of-the-best talent and is sure to deliver on-court excitement!
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 3 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a community sporting event with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option. Participants will meet at our Thorold office, then we will make the short walk to the Canada Games Park. We will finish the afternoon by returning to the Thorold office.
Sign Up Deadline of Thursday, March 26 at 4:00pm.
The cost of your ticket includes admission.
COST:
DATE/TIME $120 per person Saturday, April 4 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Elvis Festival
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway.
Staff and attendees will walk to Canada Games Park
Get ready to rock, roll and relive the magic of Elvis Presley! Enjoy the electrifying live performances by World-Class Elvis Tribute Artists; experience powerful vocals, authentic costumes, live bands, and an atmosphere packed with nostalgia and excitement!
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 4 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a community music event with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option. Participants will meet at our Thorold office, then our Passport Support Staff will drive everyone to the Greg Frewin Theatre. We will finish the afternoon by returning to the Thorold office.
Sign Up Deadline of Thursday, March 5 at 4:00pm.
The cost of your ticket includes admission to see the show. Attendees can bring money if they wish to purchase a meal before or during the show.
COST:
DATE/TIME $210 per person Thursday, April 16 11:45am - 3:30pm
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway.
Staff will drive individuals to Greg Frewin Theatre
Price is Right LIVE
With tons of laughs, great prizes, and all of the excitement of the hit game show, it’s the perfect day out where anyone could be the next big winner!
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 3 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a community event with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option. Participants will meet at our Thorold office, then our Passport Support Staff will drive everyone to the Fallsview Casino. We will finish the afternoon by returning to the Thorold office.
Sign Up Deadline of Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00pm.
The cost of your ticket includes admission to see the show. Attendees can bring money if they wish to purchase a snack before or during the show.
COST:
DATE/TIME $200 per person Sunday, April 19 1:45pm- 5:15pm
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway. Staff will drive individuals to Fallsview Casino
Supported Passport Social Event: Step into Spring
Come for the games and activities, stay for the friendship and fun! Get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and excitement. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and participate in fun activities. To prepare for the changing of the seasons we will be painting our own plant pots. Each participant will go home with a beautiful custom pot that they can plant flowers, veggies, or herbs in.
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 4 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to socialize with peers with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option.
Sign Up Deadline of Thursday, April 16 at 4:00pm.
COST:
DATE/TIME $120 per person Saturday, April 25 3:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda 3280 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Passport Program EVENTS
These programs are available for purchase through Bethesda’s Passport Program using your Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Passport Funds or by using personal funds.
Simply Queen
MAY
It’s North America’s most adored recreation of Queen - the magic and the music. Simply Queen is here and you’re the guest of honour. Impeccable attention to detail makes this the most authentic recreation of the sights and sounds that are Queen: Dreamy guitar interludes, Authentic outfits and instrumentation, Incredible performance energy captures the essence of the Queen concert experience and stage presence, featuring the world-renowned Freddie Mercury impersonator, Canada’s own Rick Rock. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 3 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a community music event with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option. Participants will meet at our Thorold office, then our Passport Support Staff will drive everyone to the Performing Arts Centre. We will finish the evening by returning to the Thorold office.
Sign Up Deadline of Thursday, April 29 at 4:00pm.
The cost of your ticket includes admission to see the show. Attendees can bring money if they wish to purchase a snack before or during the show.
COST:
DATE/TIME $205 per person Friday, May 15 6:45pm - 10:00pm
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway. Staff will drive individuals to the Performing Arts Centre
register
Grand River Boat Cruise
Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon on the Grand River Boat Cruise! We will leave from our Thorold office at 3280 Schmon Parkway no later than 9:45 am and take a 1-hour drive to the Grand River Dock, located in Caledonia, Ontario. Upon our arrival there will be social time with coffee and a snack, followed by a 30-minute Blazing Fiddles Show! We will then enjoy a 3 hour boat cruise, which includes a 3 course lunch. You will get a meal of your choice, along with salad, fresh bread, dessert and a pop. Once the cruise is finished, we should arrive back at the Thorold office between 4:30pm and 5:00pm, depending on traffic.
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 6 and a half hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a community social event with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for a day time respite option.
Sign Up Deadline of Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00pm
COST:
DATE/TIME $300 per person Wednesday, May 20 or Thursday, May 21 9:30am - 4:30pm
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway. Staff will drive individuals to the Boat Docks
Supported Passport Social Event: Trivia with Friends
Come for the games and activities, stay for the friendship and fun! Get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and excitement. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and participate in fun activities. Whether you love friendly competition or just want to relax and chat, there’s something for everyone. This month we are testing our knowledge - let’s see who can answer the most questions about general trivia topics! It’s ok if you don’t always have the answers because we will be learning new things together.
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 4 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to socialize with peers with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option.
Sign up deadline of Thursday, May 21 at 4:00pm.
COST:
DATE/TIME $120 per person Saturday, May 30 3:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda 3280 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 register
Passport Program EVENTS
These programs are available for purchase through Bethesda’s Passport Program using your Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Passport Funds or by using personal funds.
Safari Niagara
JUNE
Experience the magic of Safari Niagara where unforgettable adventures await! Get up close to over 1000 animals from around the world. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of nature and embark on a wild journey together.
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 7 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a group community outing with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for a daytime respite option. Participants will meet at our Thorold office, then our Passport Support Staff will drive everyone to Safari Niagara. We will finish the day by returning to the Thorold office.
Sign up Deadline of Friday, May 29 at 4:00pm.
The cost of your ticket includes admission to the park. Attendees can pack their own lunch or bring money if they wish to purchase lunch.
COST:
DATE/TIME $200 per person Thursday, June 11 9:30am - 4:30pm
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway. Staff will drive individuals to Safari Niagara
register
Welland Jackfish
Calling all baseball fans! Bethesda is hosting a group outing to watch the Welland Jackfish as they take on the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 4 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to attend a group sports event with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an evening respite option. Participants will meet at our Thorold office, then our Passport Support Staff will drive everyone to the Welland Jackfish Field. We will finish the night by returning to the Thorold office.
Sign up Deadline of Tuesday, June 2 at 4:00pm.
The cost of your ticket includes admission to the game, a hot dog or hamburger, popcorn and a drink.
COST:
DATE/TIME $150 per person Thursday, June 18 6:15pm - 10:15pm
LOCATION Start and end at 3280 Schmon Parkway. Staff will drive individuals to Welland Jackfish Field
Supported Passport Social Event:
Kick off to Summer Party
Come for the games and activities, stay for the friendship and fun! Get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and excitement. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and participate in fun activities. Whether you love friendly competition or just want to relax and chat, there’s something for everyone. We are enjoying the heat with a Kick off to Summer Party! There will be lawn games and dinner to enjoy with friends. If there is rain we can always move the party inside with some board games.
This is a fee for service event, participants receive 4 hours of support from an experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is perfect for individuals who want opportunities to socialize with peers with the support of our kind, caring staff or for primary caregivers who are looking for an afternoon respite option.
Sign up Deadline of Thursday, June 11 at 4:00pm
COST:
DATE/TIME $120 per person Saturday, June 20 3:30pm- 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda 3280 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
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:
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.
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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 Kailey Cheropita at 905.684.6918 ext. 385 or kcheropita@bethesdaservices.com