I’m caring for someone with a developmental disability

The experience of caregivers or those supporting someone with a developmental disability can vary depending on the strengths and needs of the individual. While a developmental disability impacts how a person lives their daily life, there are resources, tools and supports to help you and them enjoy a full and meaningful life. These supports can help,

• strengthen your loved one’s communication and/or advocacy skills,
• build a circle of supportive relationships with people who they trust and who care about them,
• explore their interests and passions,
• as well as grow their independence, build a healthy lifestyle and become well connected to their community.

The experience of supporting an individual with developmental disability can vary widely.

Below are a few ways that caregivers can connect to peers and find supports and resources to meet their unique need:

• Explore the Siblings Canada Learning Hub – a curated collection of free resources that support siblings of people with disabilities
• Connect with your peers. 
  • Learn more about OCO’s Peer Support programs
• Get support at home
  • Learn about respite services in your community
• Get connected to the support you need 
  • Call the Ontario Caregiver Helpline 1-833-416-2273 for information and referrals to connect you to the support you need for you or the person you care for in your community.
• Join one of OCO’s programs
• Watch for symptoms of caregiver stress such as sleep problems, headache, irritability, and withdrawal. Adequate sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition can all help to reduce your stress. Learn about your mental health and caregiving
• Connect with resources to help you in your caregiving role 
  • ConnectABILITY for resources, tools, community hub and activities
  • The I am a Caregiver toolkit includes important information for the new or seasoned caregiver. This information was created by caregivers, for caregivers.
  • Caregiver 101 e-learning (45 +min.) Learn about caregiver roles, conflicts, caregiver burnout and what to expect

• See also I’m caring for someone with autism
• Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disability
• Siblings Canada
• Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
• Canada FASD Research Network offers resources to support caregivers in their role.
• Call 211 or visit 211.ca for free and confidential information about Canadian health and community services available in your area

Not sure where to start? Call our 24/7 helpline or talk to us in our live chat to find resources in your community.