Developmental Service (DS) coordinators and mental health clinicians recognize the urgent need for trauma-specific counselling for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Compass has seen a growing number of individuals with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) seeking help at Compass' quick access mental health clinic that is not provincially funded. Additionally, Compass has identified a significant number of children, teens, and adults struggling with their sexuality, often exploring it in unsafe ways (e.g., pornography, sexting), which increases their vulnerability to exploitation.

Currently, individuals can only access brief, typically one-time "quick access" sessions, which focuses on safety and stability but fails to address deeper trauma, leaving symptoms unresolved as it is only a single session. Many of these individuals have experienced severe trauma, including involvement with the shelter system, homelessness, addictions, deinstitutionalization, high-risk relationships, and repeated abuse. They are often left cycling through services or waiting for care, without their trauma being effectively addressed, which exacerbates their mental health challenges.

Phase two of trauma treatment—trauma processing—is unavailable to the DS population due to prohibitive costs. The typical cost of trauma therapy ranges from $155 to $180 per hour. The male DS population remains one of the most abused, vulnerable, and traumatized groups in the community, with no access to funded therapy.

There are no available funds for trauma-related services for this group. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) monthly allowance is used for shelter and food, leaving no room to cover the cost of essential trauma therapy. Without dedicated funds for these services, individuals with intellectual disabilities have no way to access the care they need. To address this gap, Compass requires specific funding to effectively support this vulnerable population.