Searching for Developmental Disabilities

COVID-19 Update
Service Canada Centres are open

• for online service go to Canada.ca/service-canada-home
• for assistance accessing services, complete an online request at Service Request
• for people who do not have internet access call 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm
• for assistance in person, make a request for an appointment by filling out the service request form at Service Request
• clients should not book an in-person visit if they:
  • Have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing
  • Have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Have been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

Regular Service
Assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment

• supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market
• supports employers to hire persons with disabilities
• programs and services include job search supports, pre-employability services, wage subsidies, work placements and employer awareness initiatives to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities
• delivered across the country by Service Canada Centres, in partnership with organizations in the community

Provide In-home neurological physiotherapy services for:

• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Stroke Recovery Therapy
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Brain Injury Treatment
• Dizziness/Vertigo
• Motor vehicle accident injuries

Other Neurological Disorders Services/Therapies include:

• Physiotherapy
• Bobath Concept
• Acupuncture
• Craniosacral therapy
• Myofacial release
• Exercise programming
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Functional Electrical stimulation
• PoNS treatment

Provides supported housing and day programs for adults with a developmental disability

• Services are provided on a 280 acre rural property outside Angus, and at a number of locations throughout Barrie
• Day Programs include options for:
  • fine arts, pottery, fibre arts, woodworking and mosaic work
  • meal preparation and food based programming
  • social farming, including animal husbandry, land work, gardening, and forest farming (Maple Syrup Social Enterprise)
  • recreational activities
  • cultural events
• Camphill products are made in day programs by Individuals supported at Camphill, alongside artists and craftspeople from Barrie and can be found for sale at local fairs, markets and community events
• Volunteers needed to help with administrative tasks and to spend time with the residents in the homes and on outings and for special events

Counseling services

• Offering in person sessions and phone sessions; COVID protocols are required for in person appointments, contact for more information
• specializing in case management, coordinating medications and treatment therapy for adults with Bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression and anxiety
• offer in-home, mobile counselling service within the City of Barrie, call for more information
• Medical designation allows for medical receipts to be issued for income tax purposes
• counseling topics include:
  • stress management
  • cancer support care
  • mood disorders (Bipolar, Depression)
  • treatment resistant anxiety disorders
  • eating disorders/self mutilation
  • post traumatic stress disorder
  • couples conflict resolution
  • brief strategic interventions
  • past childhood recovery work from physical/verbal/emotional/sexual abuse
  • addictive lifestyle recovery
  • separation and divorce issues
  • life/career transition
  • business stress management
  • grief counselling
  • obsessive/compulsive behaviour

Strive Learning Centre is a program designed to meet the individual educational, psychological, social and physical needs of children with Cerebral Palsy

• programs are based on the Conductive Education model which integrates speech, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as academic and social skills
• Summer Camps: Residential and day camp, call for dates of camps
• March Break Camp: Day camp held in Barrie, call for dates and location of camp
• Camps at other times of the year may be held depending on demand, call for more information

Help for teens, young adults and adults with high functioning autism (Asperger's) to learn social/life skills necessary for success at school, college, university, the workplace and in life

• programs include individual coaching and consultation, Transition to Life, The Social Club, advocacy, as well as parent and professional workshops
• a network of associates including speech language therapists, physiotherapy and occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, employment specialists as well as mediation and legal supports can be accessed to support individuals or groups

Social development program for youth and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder

• helps youth with intellectual disabilities to transition to adulthood
• small group facilitation
• enable youth with barriers to self determine goals and plans
• facilitate social development and engage in group learning
• educate and practice techniques of emotional regulation
• develop functional skills that increase independence
• foster positive peer interactions and character traits
• participate in life experiences with community partners

Psychotherapy services for youth and adults. In person and online therapy available. Specializing in first responsders and learning disabilties. Offer a low cost counselling program which may be suitable for some individual's needs.

Individuals, couples and family therapy.

Family Service Coordinator develops a family service plan based on family-centered decision making

• families are actively engaged in the assessment, goal-setting and intervention planning process for their child
• uses a collaborative approach to support the child's needs at home, in the community, at school and with the child's behaviour team
• services are flexible and individualized and based on need and strengths
• each child's service plan will be determined by clinical assessment

Catulpa Community Support Services hosts the Ontario Autism Program - Family Service Coordinators within Simcoe County

Helps families link to services

• Coordinator meets with families to help them access appropriate community resources and identify their goals for their child through development of an Individual Family Service Plan (ISP)
• helps parents and children with transitions such as school or adult services
• provides information regarding alternative funding sources applications
• assists with information regarding school-related issues
• assists family and child's community advocacy outreach by providing information services, education and consultation with other program and service providers

An option for families with:

• a child with multiple and/or complex special needs who is experiencing multiple challenges and requires several specialized services from different sectors (e.g. health, school, rehabilitation, community)
• a child with special needs who has ongoing severe physical and intellectual impairment needs that require the use of technology
• parents who are overwhelmed with multiple providers and various goals and suggestions
• high levels of stress that make it difficult to coordinate services on their own

Family support service providing funding for temporary relief from the physical and emotional demands involved in caring for an adult child over the age of eighteen who has a disability

• Once funding is approved, families can contact a DSP (Direct Support Provider) directly by email or phone to provide supports on a fee-per-service basis
• Respite service providers are self-employed and are not pre-screened by Catulpa Community Support Services

Role of Catulpa Community Support Services:

• identification and coordination of natural support systems that may already be in place (parent to parent, family and friends)
• information about local respite care providers, resources and options

Provides a network of support for individuals and families with special or unique needs. Provide case management, advocate for integration opportunities for individuals, and provide respite services when needed. Educate the community about the needs and strengths of persons with developmental disabilities, and work in collaboration with all community, government and service agencies in County of Simcoe, Region of York, the Four Counties and Durham Region

Programs offered include:

• Adult Protective Service Worker Program
• Next Step Program
• Family Resource Services
• Child Respite Care
• Adult Respite Care
• Crisis Response Coordination Program
• Regional Complex Care Case Services
• Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
• Passport Program
• Transitional Age Youth Coordination (TAY)
• Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (MotherCare)
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Initiative and Key Services
• WrapAround Program
• Ontario Autism Program: Family Service Coordinator
• Service Planning Coordination
• Regional Service Resolution Process

Provides case management and advocacy services to people aged eighteen years of age and older with a developmental disability, living independently, or moving towards independence in a community setting, and without significant social support

• Voluntary program where services are offered according to individual needs and goals and may include assistance with seeking accommodation, budget counseling, short-term emotional support or respite care services
• Referral for this service is through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). An individual, family or support person working with the family (with consent) may contact DSO to inquire about supports
• Adult Protective Service Worker services are provided through local offices in Alliston, Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Orillia

Offer programs and services for children and youth with disabilities and other developmental needs in their homes, communities and schools, from birth to their 19th birthday (or up until completion of high school)
Services include:

• intake
• service navigation and coordinated service planning
• assessment and diagnostic services
• specialized clinics and rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language therapy
• support for families by connecting them with other community agencies who provide additional resources and programs
• For general information about CTN visit the website for information on programs and services and local events.

CTN and the services provided by our network partners are funded by Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and are free for families, however, there may be costs associated with provision of special equipment, materials or supplies needed by some kids and youth

Simcoe County Local Sites
Barrie Team: 165 Ferris Lane, Barrie
Alliston Team: South Simcoe One Roof, 129 Young St, Alliston
Collingwood Team: 200 Hume St, Collingwood
Midland Team Site: One Roof, 230 Aberdeen Blvd, Midland
Orillia Team Site: 169 Front Street, Orillia

Outreach Presentations
Presentations on CTN Overview, Programs and Services Overview, as well as Targeted Program Details on ASD and FASD provided in person or virtually

Passport promotes social inclusion by helping adults 18 years or older with a developmental disability participate in their community's activities by building independence and developing social and life skills

• helps caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability take a break from their caregiving responsibilities
• Passport provides funding for services and supports so adults with a developmental disability can:
  • take part in community classes or recreational programs
  • develop work, volunteer, and daily life skills
  • hire a support worker
  • create their own life plans (this is called person-directed planning) to reach their goals
  • get temporary respite for their caregivers
• funding can be used for participation in programs, classes, camps, pre-employment and employment supports programs and transportation to and from activities
• funding cannot be used to compensate a primary care giver regardless of their residence, the spouse of a person with a developmental disability regardless of their residence, or a child under the age of 18
• access to funding under the program is based on available resources
• for more information, go to Passport Initiative
• Passport is funded by the Ontario government and administered by local Passport agencies
• Catulpa Community Services is the local Passport agency in Simcoe County assisting families with funding applications and planning while providing program accountability to Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

House league and rep hockey league for boys and girls in Barrie area

• OMHA classifications AA, A and AE/MD Teams play in the York Simcoe area (Newmarket, Markham, Ajax, etc)
• House League teams all play at Barrie arenas and consist of the following divisions: Squirts (3 yrs), Mite (age 4 yrs), Minor Tyke (5-6 yrs), Major Tyke (7), Novice (8), Minor Atom (9), Major Atom (10), Minor Peewee (11), Major Peewee (12), Minor Bantam (13), Major Bantam (14), Minor Midget (15), Major Midget (16-17)
• House League Select Program for house league players as an extra program for games and practices; players qualify for these teams through a tryout process
• Introductory Program Squirts (Ages 3) offering 10 weeks of learn to skate followed by 10 weeks of learn to play hockey for beginners
• Special Needs Hockey division, also known as PUCKS program (Pushing Unique Changes in Kids Sports) accommodates children and adults who have autism, Down Syndrome or other development-related disorders; program held at the National Training Rinks

Residential option for children and adults with developmental and possibly physical disabilities who for a variety of reasons cannot or choose not to live with their families in the community.

• program is designed to enable the individual to live as an integral part of an alternative family setting
• wherever possible, the individual's relationship with his/her natural family is encouraged and supported and regular visitation takes place
• children attend neighbourhood schools and adults can participate in employment/volunteer/day program options according to their choosing
• all placements are monitored and supervised by a social worker
• the family home provider receives ongoing training, support meetings with other home providers and relief
• program is licensed under the Child and Family Services Act and meets the standards and guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Community and Social Services

A home and community based service that promotes the interests of the family in the community and provides supportive services to families who have a member with developmental handicaps

• resource to families, community agencies and groups
• provides information about summer camps (both day camps and overnight facilities) that serve children with special needs
• provides information about financial assistance available to help send children with special needs to camp

Community Helpers for Active Participation (CHAP) give families a break from the responsibilities of caring for their family member diagnosed with an intellectual disability and/or a physical disability

• hourly and overnight relief available, both in the family home and away from home
• residential respite is provided in one of the Empower Simcoe group living locations that is available to children who are medically fragile or who have high physical support needs and adults who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability who are referred through Developmental Services Ontario
• application for respite funding are also available through this service

Assists individuals with intellectual disabilities in finding employment and developing employment skills

• Employment Support Coordinator/coach will provide on-the-job training, assistance and evaluation where needed to facilitate the individual's transition into work force

Support to individuals with developmental disabilities in Barrie and Orillia who reside in their own apartment, townhouse, rooming house or detached home setting and occasionally when still living at home
Provide support with:

• banking, budgeting, grocery shopping and meal preparation, varies among individuals and can fluctuate as situations arise
• choices of working, volunteering or pursuing leisure activities
• accessing community services as needed

If support needs decrease to a minimum, a referral to the Community Resources Worker Program would be a consideration

Assists people with developmental disabilities to live in a state of dignity and to have the opportunity to participate effectively, sharing in all elements of living in the community

• member of Community Living Ontario
• Programs include:
  • Community Support Services (Employment Support Services, Transition Services, Community Support Program)
  • Accommodation Services (Group Homes, Supported Independent Living)
  • Family Home Program for Children
  • Family Home Program for Adults
  • Children's Homes
  • Adult Respite Program
  • EarlyOn Child and Family Centres
  • Simcoe County Infant and Child Development Program
  • Family Services Program (Youth in Action)
  • Youth Involvement Ontario
  • Family Relief Service
  • Regional Housing Support Services
  • Intake Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), can assist people in filling out OESP application form, call Regional Housing Support Services phone number for assistance 705-739-0485
  • not all programs offered by Empower Simcoe are available in all areas of Simcoe county, see records for individual programs, or call for information

Group Homes for children and adults with intellectual disabilities are one available residential option within Accommodation Services

Group Homes for Children

• level of support provided can range from 24 hour staffing to less depending on the needs of individuals living in the home
• Children attend neighbourhood schools
• Childrens' therapy needs are met through community agencies and the Board of Education
• Annual plan of care developed in conjunction with parents and guardians helps set future goals
• Childrens' group homes licensed under the Child and Family Services Act

Group Homes for Adults

• Adults living in group homes are supported in their choice of work, volunteer and/or recreation pursuits
• A person-centred plan is developed with the individual and those important in his/her life
• Group homes licensed under the Developmental Services Act

Group homes are situated in Barrie, Orillia and adjacent townships

Program features in-person drop-ins and virtual nights for all youth in high school

Youth Drop-in is held at Shak's World Community Centre, 59 Maple Ave in Barrie

Provides social, recreation, leisure and volunteer opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities living in Barrie and surrounding areas

• program components include communication, mobility/therapy supports, virtual reality, Snoezelen Room and computer lab