Helpful Websites

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps cover the cost of:

- Voice prostheses, voice amplifiers and electrolarynges

- Communication display boards

- Hand-made collections of pictures and words created specifically to communicate by pointing at picture or words

- Speech-generating devices

- Writing aids, e.g. portable or stationary computers to be used with assistive technology

- Assistive-technology software and hardware for writing aids and speech generating devices

e.g. text-to-speech software, voice-dictation software, mouse alternatives, switches

- Mounting for communication aids used to attach communication aid to a wheelchair or table

Individuals with a communication disability are assessed, prescribed, and dispensed equipment through an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinic or an Individual Authorizer. To find out about an AAC Clinic in your area, contact your local health centre or provider. For information on Communication Aids and Authorization in Ontario, contact the Assistive Devices Program, Ontario Ministry of Health at 416-327-8804 or Toll-free 1-800-268-6021. 

A listing of ADP designated AAC clinics in Ontario is provided on the Centralized Equipment Pool website below:

CDAC promotes human rights, accessibility and inclusion for people who have speech and language disabilities that are not primarily caused by hearing loss.

They promote human rights, accessibility and inclusion for people with communication disabilities by:

- Conducting projects

- Providing education

- Developing and sharing resources

- Consulting to community sectors, policy makers, accessibility committees

- Developing communication support services

Please note, they do not provide direct clinical services.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind provides community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life.  

Developmental Services Ontario agencies can help adults with developmental disabilities find services and supports in their community.  They also provide information and help you or someone you care for plan for the future. There are nine Developmental Services Ontario agencies across Ontario.

The agency in your region will help you access the supports that are available in your community, including: Residential Services & Supports, Community Participation Supports and Passport, Caregiver Respite, Person-Directed Planning, Adult Protective Service Workers, Specialized Supports, Passport Funding, and Third Party Service Providers.

Community Living Ontario is a family-based association assisting people who have an intellectual disability and their families to lead the way in advancing inclusion in their own lives and in their communities.   Individuals can enter their city or postal code to find the nearest member organization.

Epilepsy Ontario is the voice of epilepsy in the province.  Epilepsy Ontario is dedicated to promoting independence and optimal quality of life for children and adults living with seizure disorders. Through a network of local agencies, contacts and associates across the province, Epilepsy Ontario reaches out to people with epilepsy and their loved ones. They do this by providing:

- Client services including counselling and referrals,

- Information

- Education and

- Advocacy services

Canadian Hearing Society offers a wide range of programs and services, products and information at our locations across Ontario to help remove communication barriers at home, school and at work, and provide support and advice for people of all ages who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario) is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. They are made up of knowledgeable parents, professionals, and autistic self-advocates who can speak to the key issues that impact Ontario individuals with autism and their families and loved ones. Members are connected through a volunteer network of 25 Chapters throughout the Province of Ontario.

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is legislated by the Ministry of Education and appointed by the Board of Education to assist the board in understanding the special needs of exceptional children and youth and to advise the board in matters that apply to the delivery of special education services and programs.  The SEAC will also provide information to parents, as requested.  It is made up of representatives nominated from local associations and appointed by the board.

Each Board of Education will have its own Special Education Advisory Committee with information available on their individual websites. The SEAC usually holds meetings once a month from approximately September to June.

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy has established several annual awards to acknowledge persons with cerebral palsy, their families, professionals and community members for their significant contributions in improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy in Ontario.  Two of these awards are provided to students with cerebral palsy who are current Lifetime Members of OFCP and are enrolled in an Ontario College or University and have successfully completed their first year of study.  They are the ‘Eric Waldron Scholarship Award’ and the ‘Nicholas Milojevic Scholarship Award’.

If you have a permanent disability, you could be eligible for full-time OSAP funding if you’re studying at 40% or more of a full course load. To be considered for this benefit, you must self-identify as having a permanent disability when applying for OSAP.

You can get additional aid to help pay for disability-related educational services and equipment. Through one application, you can be considered for the:

- Grants for students with permanent disabilities

- Financial assistance for students with a permanent disability enrolled at a designated post-secondary institution.

- Grant for services and equipment for students with permanent disabilities

- A grant towards tuition, textbook, and accommodation costs for eligible students with a permanent disability.

- Canada student loans program - severe permanent disability benefit

- How a borrower can have student loans forgiven if they have a severe and permanent disability preventing them from pursuing further post-secondary education and from working.

The NEADS National Student Awards Program is offered to encourage full access to post-secondary education for persons with disabilities, who often have greater barriers to participation in higher education, as well as extra costs because of their disabilities. Students must currently be registered in and continuing at post-secondary institution and provide documented proof of registration as part of the application and on receipt of the award. The award will be offered to outstanding applicants who meet the criteria of the program. The awards are paid directly to the post-secondary institution (in the student’s accounts) that the recipients are attending to defray the cost of tuition fees for post-secondary study.

Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) provides appropriate, accurate, comprehensive and effective assessment services and follow up services to the Queen's University student population and to persons with specific learning disabilities in the south-eastern region of Ontario.

NOARC/CÉRNO offers psycho-educational assessments to post-secondary students with suspected or previously documented learning disabilities and associated disorders. Services are available to students with English or Bilingual backgrounds who have been accepted into or are registered at any of the 11 colleges and universities in northern Ontario.

A referral to NOARC begins by contacting the accessibility/disability office on the student’s campus of study. Accessibility/disability staff will determine the need for assessment and assist students in identifying appropriate financial resources to fund the assessment.

This guide is a way for students with disabilities to arm themselves with knowledge they need to access

Attending college can be intimidating when you have a developmental disability, intellectual disability or other learning challenges. Inclusive Education programs (also known as Community Integration through Co-operative Education programs) at Ontario colleges give you the opportunity to experience college life and pursue postsecondary education, with courses tailored to meet your individual needs. You will learn the skills you need to be independent in your community and find employment in your chosen field.

Includes a table of Ontario Colleges offering Inclusive Education programs.

The purpose of the Foundation is not only to provide financial assistance to students with physical disabilities in the achievement of their educational goals but also to help them in making the transition to employment as fully contributing members of society.

The Tamara Gordon Foundation provides financial awards ranging from $750 to $3,000 to physically disabled students enrolled in degree programs at post-secondary institutions within Ontario.

211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthens Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians become more engaged with their communities.

Healthline Information Network brings together listings from organizations that provide a wide variety of services throughout Ontario, including:

- Health Shared Services Ontario

- Local Health Integration Networks

- Health Care Options

- ConnexOntario

- Find Help/211 Ontario

- Behavioural Supports Ontario

ParaSport Ontario provides support to members of the disability community – regardless of age or stage in life – to find, connect with, and participate in competitive and recreational sport programs and activities of their choice to enhance physical function and quality of life.

Many Municipalities run Adapted or Integrated programs for individuals with a disability through their Parks and Recreation departments.  These specialized programs are for individuals with disabilities who want to be involved in recreational activities with other people who have similar interests, abilities and needs in a safe and positive environment. These programs are designed with smaller group sizes.

The link below provides an example from the City of Toronto Parks & Recreation Department outlining their Adapted Recreational programs.  Please contact the local municipal government office in your city to see what they offer.

- They work in the community to support individuals who have developmental disabilities.

- They bring people together by encouraging and facilitating friendships.

- They believe that all people belong and have the right to participate in the community.

- They foster public awareness of the gifts and contributions of people with developmental disabilities.

Family support groups Toronto area: http://extendafamily.ca/our-services/family-support-groups/

Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region - https://www.eafwr.on.ca/

Extend-a-Family Kingston – http://www.eafkingston.com/

Extend-a-Family Hamilton - http://extendafamilyhamilton.synthasite.com/

They are an autonomous alliance of citizens who offer knowledge, tools, and networking opportunities, to individuals with disabilities, their families and friends. Their mission is to assist people in realizing a vision that includes valued relationships; choice and control over their lives; and enables inclusion through meaningful contribution and participation in community.

Provides a social network technology platform that:

- Gives youth with disabilities, parents and professionals a safe, secure and positive online experience every time they log in.

- Removes social barriers and reduces the stigma associated with being different; increasing self-esteem and self-confidence.

- Promotes independence and a better quality of life with learning and skills development.

- Promotes respect, acceptance and inclusion.

EKO members are accredited, publicly-funded organizations that provide services in the ecosystem of child development and rehabilitation supports for kids with special needs and their families.

Each member agency provides a range of child development and rehabilitation services based on the needs of their community.

Smile Canada Support Services is a charity dedicated to supporting racialized children & youth with disabilities and their families.  Their focus is on Muslim communities including refugees and new immigrant families.

Smile has a variety of programs including; Parent Coaching, Financial Assistance, Therapy programs, Parent Support Groups and Service Navigation.

Their Financial Assistance Program offers funding to children and youth up to age 21.

Examples of items covered by their financial assistance includes: therapeutic items like SLP, PT, OT as well as aquatic and music therapy; respite services; assistive technology and other devices, and sensory tools.  See website and application for more details.