Family-Directed Alternative Support Services are a group of families who have adolescent and/or adult children with severe disabilities.
We support each other through advocacy, mentoring, and sharing our knowledge and experiences.
We may be able to assist you with:
Transitioning to adult services
Providing a network of support
Navigating the ‘system’
Keeping you well-informed
Join our Group
Who are we?
Members are:
parents, relatives, friends and caregivers from all walks of life and professions
willing to share informations, knowledge and experience with others
mentors to new families
Members support adolescents or adults who are:
Developmentally and/or physically challenged
Medically fragile and technology dependent (MFTD)
Medically fragile with high complex care needs
Diagnosed with multiple disabilities
What do we do?
Together we:
Stay informed with guest speakers from the community
Network with each other to keep up to date on the programs, services and/or incentives that become available
Develop and share resources with families
Advocate with government agencies and MPP’s on behalf of our families in need or residential, respite, and community integration funding for their disabled secondary students transitioning from children’s to adult services or adult dependents who no longer qualify for educational support
Assist families with transitioning their dependent adults into a community residential placement. Parents can maintain a decision-making role as their child gains independence within a supported environment
Mission Statement
We believe that all individuals have the right to a dignified and fulfilling life that includes trust, mutually-supporting relationships and a sense of community that honours and respects individual choices
History & Achievements
Community Place North
Family-Directed Alternative Support Services (FDASS) was founded and incorporated as a registered charitable organization in 1993 by a dedicated group of thirteen family members. These family members wanted to improve the current and future quality of life for their adolescent and/or adult children with severe disabilities
FDASS are the proud founders of Project HOPE (Help with Opportunities for Participation & Enrichment). Project HOPE is a permanent, full-day, flexible program created for young adults living at home, who have recently graduated from high school, or because of their complex/high medical needs are unable to access existing community programs, supports or services.
Project Hope renamed Community Place North is managed by Participation House Support Services. Please contact PHSS for more information on employment opportunities, donations etc.
Members created the Parent Advocacy Guide for Passport Funds, which includes: a guide, passport letter and sample biography template. These documents are available in our Resources
FDASS has increased available residential support for families by submitting funding proposals to the Ministry of Health and to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Resources
If you have links to share, please email us with them
Investigation into the Ministry of Community and Social Services response to situations of crisis involving adults with developmental disabilities
Marketplace:Banned from Seniors Homes
Why are some long-term care and retirement homes banning families from seeing their loved ones? Administrators say it's because they're being too aggressive. Families argue they're just fighting for better care.
W5:Growing up Scared
W5's Sandie Rinaldo investigates families coping with severely disabled children, and asks government what they'll do for them as they become adults
Community Place North
