What is a developmental disability?
A developmental disability is a lifelong condition, usually occurring at birth, that affects a person’s intellectual, social, behavioural and/or physical development. A person with a developmental disability may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts or adapting to some of the demands of daily life. This disability varies greatly between individuals and may or may not be accompanied by other physical conditions. It is not a mental illness.
The Developmental Services Act defines a developmental disability as a “condition of mental impairment, present or occurring during a person’s formative years, that is associated with limitations in adaptive behaviour.”
Am I eligible if I am enrolled in a double major program?
Yes, if at least one of the programs is listed in the criteria.
What is the selection process?
The Northeast Mental Health Centre will review all completed applications before sending them on to the Ontario
Association on Developmental Disabilities for review. The Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities will make the grant
award decisions based on the following criteria:
*Weight = 50%. Applicant’s background, experience, and demonstrated interest in developmental services, based on the school, work,
voluntary and relevant personal experiences summarized in the applicant’s résumé and statement of interest.
*Weight = 30%. Applicant’s professional qualifications achieved through school and previous work/voluntary experiences documented
in the applicant’s résumé and transcript.
*Weight = 20%. Match between applicant’s experience, interest and qualifications and the available placement openings, including
consideration of geographic region of placement site and student's ability to provide service in the relevant language as required.
The Northeast Mental Health Centre will notify successful candidates and draft the grant agreements.
I want to apply for a placement in northern Ontario, but I live in southwestern Ontario. Will the transportation amount cover my travel expenses to and from the placement location?
The transportation amount covers expenses incurred for one round-trip to the placement city if the student needs to relocate in order to complete the placement. The transportation amount does not cover expenses incurred for daily commuting costs.
What can I use the grant funds for?
The funds are for living expenses incurred during the placement. No receipts are required.
How will I receive the funds if I qualify?
Funding will be allocated to you by the Northeast Mental Health Centre through direct deposit. You will receive half of your grant at the beginning of your placement and the remainder at the completion of the placement.
Is the grant funding taxable?
Depending on the amount of funding you receive, your grant may be taxable. The Northeast Mental Health Centre issues T4A slips to grant recipients.
For more information, visit the web site of the Canada Revenue Agency
How long are the placements?
Length of placements is determined through the college/university, but they generally last about eight weeks. Grants are available for one placement during a semester.
How often would I be eligible for this grant? Can I apply more than one time?
You may submit an application for one placement grant each semester.
Do I have a choice of agency and/or location?
Guidelines for choosing an agency vary among colleges and universities. Discuss your options for field placements with your college or university program’s placement coordinator. Click here to find out which agencies are currently offering field placements.
Do I have to submit an official transcript or can I print out a copy from my student account?
We will accept unofficial transcript print outs as long as they clearly indicate your name and the course titles. As well, we require that placement coordinators sign unofficial transcripts to confirm their validity.
If I am enrolled in a master's program, do I have to submit a transcript for my undergraduate studies as well as my graduate studies?
No, only a graduate transcript is required. However, you may submit your undergraduate transcript as well if you think it will help facilitate the decision-making process.
Are faxed applications accepted or do applicants have to mail originals?
Faxed applications will be accepted, however the applicant must also mail the original documents for recordkeeping purposes.
What if I do not successfully complete the placement?
You will receive half of your grant at the beginning of your placement and the remainder at the completion of the placement. If you do not successfully complete your placement with the specialized service provider agency, the agreement is terminated and no further payment under the Ontario Developmental Services Career Connections Grant is made.
Students may apply for another grant, but grants previously awarded for placements that were not successfully completed may be deducted from any future grant award.
How does my school find out that I have successfully completed the placement?
It is your responsibility to meet requirements specified by both the agency and your educational institution.
How can I get a better understanding of the developmental services field and the work being done by government and agencies?
Visit the following websites for more information about developmental services in Ontario:
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities
Northeast Mental Health Centre