Related Categories & Helpful Websites
We have provided you with the following categories to help you search for related categories and helpful websites in the province.
If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, please call our office 416 244 9686
or toll free 1 877 244 9686.
Children and Families Extension 224
Adults Extension 236
Common Secondary Conditions
Education
Provincial Information Database
Recreation & Sports
Peer & Parenting Supports
Common Secondary Conditions
Communication Disability
Ministry of Health – Assistive Devices Program, Communication Aids
https://www.ontario.ca/page/communication-aids#section-4
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
Ministry of Health - Assistive Devices Program, Augmentative & Alternative Communication Clinics
https://web.cepp.org/about/
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:
http://web.cepp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/AAC-Clinic-Mandates-2017.pdf
Communication Disabilities Access Canada
http://www.cdacanada.com/
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.
Vision Impairment
http://www.cnib.ca/en/Pages/default.aspx
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. Through Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, a new health services organization operated by CNIB, they provide personalized rehabilitation services designed to enhance independence, safety and mobility after a loss of sight. CNIB’s other community-based services empower Canadians who are blind or partially sighted to lead rich, full lives, and move us toward a more inclusive world.
Developmental Disability
http://www.dsontario.ca/
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
https://communitylivingontario.ca
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
https://epilepsyontario.org/
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
Hearing Impairment
http://www.chs.ca/
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
https://www.autismontario.com/
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.
Education - Post-secondary Funding, Educational Assessments, Transition Guides
Ministry of Education - SEAC Committee
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/seac/
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.
Toronto Board of Education - Individual Education Plan Parent Tip Sheet
Education - Post-secondary funding
OFCP, Post-Secondary Awards
http://ofcp.ca/programs/funding#a
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’.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/students-special-circumstances
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:
Government of Canada - Education Funding for Students with a Disability
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/education.html
- 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.
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), Student Awards Program
https://www.neads.ca/en/about/projects/ete2/scholarship/
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.
Education - Educational Assessments
Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC)
https://www.queensu.ca/rarc/
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.
Northern Regional Assessment Centre (NOARC)
http://www.noarc-cerno.ca/
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
Education - Transition Guides
RARC - Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
https://www.transitionresourceguide.ca/
This guide is a way for students with disabilities to arm themselves with knowledge they need to access resources at college and university and to make a successful transition from secondary to post-secondary school.
It is aimed to support students as they make the transition in two ways. The Resources section of the guide outlines important information about how students with disabilities are supported at post-secondary school. The information is general to all publicly funded colleges and universities in Ontario, is intended to help students and their families know what to expect as they prepare for the transition to post-secondary.
The Colleges and Universities sections provide more detailed information regarding the specific information and available services at post-secondary schools in Ontario. The information in this section has been compiled from websites and key personnel at post-secondary institutions, with links and contact information provided for students who would like more information on any item.
The Disabilities section provides post-secondary transition information that is specific to different disabilities, such as common concerns and struggles, available accessibility services, and potential student support services.
Planning Network – Guide: Thriving after High School
http://www.planningnetwork.ca/en-ca/Resources/27486/Action-Guide-to-Thriving-After-High-School
This free Action Guide provides information regarding setting clear goals and objectives for your son or daughter, based on their gifts, interests and passions. It is their aim, with this Guide, that it will assist students with disabilities to have the same opportunities as their peers.
OntarioColleges.ca - Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs
https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/education-community-and-social-services/inclusive-education
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.
Provincial Information Database
211 Ontario
https://211ontario.ca/about-211-ontario/overview/
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 Database
http://informationnetwork.thehealthline.ca/
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
Recreation & Sports
ParaSport Ontario
https://www.parasportontario.ca/
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.
Municipal Parks & Recreation Department’s
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.
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/accessibility-at-the-city-of-toronto/accessible-recreation/
Peer & Parenting Supports
Supporting People with Disabilities in Pregnancy, Labour, Delivery, and Postpartum: Resource for Public Health Nurses. This resource provides current evidence about the perinatal health and healthcare experiences of people with physical, sensory, intellectual/developmental disabilities and guidance on supporting them during the perinatal experience.
Childbirth Preparation and Support Tool - Information for Health Care Professionals. This Childbirth Preparation and Support Tool was created for health care providers to use with their patients who might require extra support during pregnancy and childbirth. Examples include individuals who are experiencing a combination of challenges with their mood, behavior, interpersonal relationships, learning and employment.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital - WARMLINE
https://hollandbloorview.ca/clientfamilyresources/familyresourcecentre
The Holland Bloorview Warmline is available to assist in navigating the health care system and answers to questions about programs, services and resources related to childhood disability.
Call 416 424 3888 or 1 877 463 0365
Extend-a-Family
http://extendafamily.ca/
- 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/
Family Alliance Ontario
https://family-alliance.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.
Ability Online
https://abilityonline.org/
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 – Empowered Kids Ontario – Member Directory
https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/memberdirectory
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.