Home
Resources Day Programs Residental Info Parent Groups FAQ Contact Us
Resources Day Programs Residental Info Parent Groups FAQ Contact Us Member Login

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: Members support adolescents or adults who are:

What do we do?

Together we:

Mission Statement

We are caregivers and families of people living with complex disabilities
who support each other by advocating and sharing information and resources



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



Parent Advocacy Guide for Passport Funds

(developed by FDASS members)
Guide Passport Letter Template Sample Biography Template


Agencies
Alice Saddy Cheshire Independent Living Services Karis Disability Services
Community Living London Crest Services Family Services Thames Valley
Forward House Humana Community Services Hutton House
Participation House

Government supports
Community Services Coordination Network Developmental Services Ontario Ontario Disability Support Program
Ontario Ombudsman Southwestern Public Health

Guides and Reports
Developmental Services Waitlist Class Action Inspiring Possibilities: Estate Planning Guide PooranLaw Resources and Tools for Families Engaging Support Workers
Safe and Secure:Six Steps to Creating a Good Life for People with Disabilities

Other resources
City of London - Play Your Way Fund Family Supports at Participation House southwesthealthline.ca - People with Disabilities
southwesthealthline.ca - Home Health and Community Supports Special Olympics Ontario - London TVDSB Special Education
Grief books suggestions Partners for Planning Brand New Day Planning
A Life Worth Living

London-area pupil finds voice




London Free Press article with Gaby White
and her daughter Izzy

Journey to Belonging:
Privatization of DSO

Ontario’s new strategy for developmental services, Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, promises to completely change the way the sector is funded.

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



Day Programs

Community Living London Hutton House L’Arche London
LifeSkills Centre Participation House - Project Hope Participation House - Riverside Church Day Program
Salvation Army London Village Respite Program


Residential Models & Information

DSO & MOH residential lists Legacy Homes
Microboards Microboards - Powerpoint presentation


Parent Groups

Ontario Independent Facilitation Network - OIFN Family Network Thames Valley Ontario Community Services Coalition


Contact Us

If you would like to contact us concerning our group, please email us and we will get back to you
We usually meet the second Thursday of the month

Download the Family-Directed Alternative Support Services brochure



FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our group
FDASS Committee Descriptions