CHOOSING SERVICES

Learn how support funding works in Manitoba and how to choose what’s right for you.

Most of this website is about rights that apply to people all across Canada. But this module is just for people in Manitoba.

In Manitoba, adults with intellectual disabilities can get services and funding through a government program called Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS).

CLDS is supposed to help you with the support you need to reach your goals, be healthy and safe, and stay connected to people and places that matter to you.

This module explains how funding works in Manitoba, how support is chosen, and how you have the right to be involved in every part of the process.

What is CLDS?

Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS) is a voluntary program — that means you choose if you want to be part of it. According to their website, CLDS helps adults with intellectual disabilities:

• Live at home or in the community
• Connect with day services, support staff, or agencies
• Learn life skills and reach goals
• Stay safe and healthy

CLDS is guided by the Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act.

Who can get CLDS services?

To get support from Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS), you must:

• Have a significant intellectual disability that started before you turned 18, and that affects daily living skills.
• Be 18 or older.
• Need help with basic needs, like personal care or managing your money and property.
• Be a Canadian citizen or have legal status to live and work in Canada permanently.
• Live in Manitoba most of the time.
• If you are of registered treaty status, you must live off-reserve in Manitoba before asking for services.

You can apply for CLDS by contacting an office close to where you live. Your school, family, an agency, a doctor, or someone else in your support network can also apply for you, but only if you say it is okay.

Your Community Service Worker

Once you are accepted into CLDS, you will be assigned a Community Service Worker (CSW). Some people call these “my worker” or “social worker.”

Your CSW is there to:

• Help you make a person-centered plan about your goals
• Give you information about services and funding
• Connect you to agencies or supports in your area
• Help if you feel unsafe or someone reports abuse

It’s a complicated system. You don’t have to go through the system alone. Your CSW can be your guide — and your family or support network can be part of the planning too.

How does funding work?

Once you join CLDS, the program will look at what kind of support you need. They do this by setting up a Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) interview with you and people who know you well. This can be a long interview, and many people have said they did not enjoy the process. You can ask for breaks or split the interview into different days if you need to. You are in control.

This interview helps them understand:

• What support you need
• How often you need it
• What is important to you and for you

After the interview, you’ll be given a Personal Support Level between 1 and 7:

• Level 1 = less support needed
• Level 7 = more support needed

This level decides how much funding (money) is given to help pay for your services. That money is called your Personal Supports Budget.

If you think your support level or funding is too low, you can ask for a review.

Types of Supports and Services

Depending on your needs, support level, and your plan, CLDS may offer:

• Residential supports (help living on your own, with a family, or in a group home)
• Day services (activities, job support, or skill-building)
• Support for your family (like respite or help in the home)
• Summer or school in-service supports if you are still in high school
• Clinical services (like assessments or therapies)
• Crisis help (short-term support if you’re in danger or in a tough spot)

CLDS also connects people to specialized services like nurse consultants or mental health support when needed.

How to Choose an Agency That Supports You

Did you know there are over 90 different agencies in Manitoba that support people with intellectual disabilities? That’s a lot of options!

Not every agency is the same. Some offer 24/7 support in a home. Some support you just a few hours a week in the community. Some have lots of staff, some are small. Some are better at helping with certain things (like healthcare or complex needs).

That’s why it’s important to take your time and ask questions like:

• What services do they offer?
• What do they believe in?
• Do they have staff with experience in what I need?
• Will I get a say in how things work?

You should also have a say in what information is shared about you. When you meet with a new agency, they may ask:

• What is important to you?
• What is important for you?

You can also bring your own questions. It’s okay to meet with more than one agency before deciding.

If you start receiving services and it’s not a good fit, you can ask to switch. You are never stuck with one agency or support model. Your CSW can help you look at other options — including something called Self-Directed Support.

Some people might say you can’t switch agencies, but that’s not right. You can always change your support agency, especially if it’s to find a better fit. Sometimes agencies or programs have waitlists or certain rules before you can start, but don’t let that stop you from asking questions or learning more.

Whether you are new to CLDS, thinking about changing agencies, or want to learn about self-directed support — you have the right to explore your options and speak up.

What to Do If You’re Not Happy With Your CLDS Support

You deserve services that listen, respect, and support you. If that’s not happening, you have the right to speak up and ask for help.

• Who to Contact:
• Your Community Service Worker (CSW). Talk to them first and share your concerns—what’s wrong and what you need to change.
• Program Manager. If your CSW can’t resolve it, ask to speak with the Program Manager.
• Regional or Executive Director. If your concerns are still not addressed, you can request to speak with the higher-level director overseeing your region. If you don’t have their contact information, or your CSW or support network will not give it to you, call the Department of Families office closest to your home. They can help connect you.
• Fair Practices Office. If you’re still not treated fairly after talking to your CSW or management, you can contact Manitoba’s Fair Practices Office. They offer free, confidential, impartial help. This is a good place to go if you are feeling stuck. 
  • Phone (Winnipeg): 204‑945‑1047
  • Toll-Free: 1‑800‑282‑8069 ext. 1047
  • Email:  [email protected]

Remember, you have the right to speak up.
Explain what happened, how it made you feel, and what you’d like to happen next.

You won’t be in trouble for speaking up.

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