Searching for Physical Disabilities

Provides an opportunity for partially sighted people or those with sight loss or blindness to meet with others in the community who are living with similar experience.

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

​COVID-19 Update

• For updated information visit: Service during COVID-19
• Both the Downtown and Painswick locations of the Barrie Public Library are open for in-person visits with spaces and services updated to support the health, safety and comfort of all visitors
  • in-person service will include mandatory face coverings, physical distancing practices, strict cleaning protocols with ongoing sanitization of high traffic surfaces and the quarantining of returned materials
  • browse the aisles for books, movies and more or get help from staff, to quickly find what you need
  • access the digital library with a 60-minute session on the public computers or with your own device and free
    wi-fi
  • printing, scanning and photocopying as well as wireless and remote printing is available
  • in-library visits should be brief and no longer than an hour to ensure equitable access to our entire community
• Book an appointment for low contact Express Pickup of material
• Return slots are open 24/7 at both locations,, please note that returned material will be quarantined for at least 3 days before they are checked in
• there are no late fees for overdue items
• virtual programs
• To get up-to-date and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and how you can reduce the spread of the virus access the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Regular Service
Provides informational, recreational and cultural resources for all ages

Resources/Services include:

• books, magazines, compact discs, newspapers, maps, DVDs, Electronic books, downloadable audiobooks, magazines and movies, and Internet access (including wireless)
• online databases on many topics available through the library website and from computers within the library
• multilingual materials
• computers with Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and internet access are available for public use
• Brainfuse HelpNow online tutoring available with Library membership. Knowledgeable tutors provide help in a wide variety of subjects like math, science, social studies, English language arts, and Canadian and world history. Tutors are available every day from 2 pm-11 pm and can provide help in English and French from elementary to postsecondary
• 2 accessible workstations are available with Office 2010
• Talking Book Service, Large Print Book Collection, and CELA materials available to library users who, due to a visual, physical, or learning disability, cannot use conventional print materials
• Library newsletter is available through the website in a version for the visually impaired
• print Braille for children
• specialized unit which magnifies print material for the visually impaired
• a walker and a wheelchair are available to use in the library
• Visiting Library Service available to individuals who cannot visit the library in person
• local history collection, including local newspapers on Microfilm/fiche, Births/Deaths/Marriages indexes, microfilm/fiche reader/printers at Downtown Branch
• musical instrument library in partnership with the Huronia Symphony Orchestra at Downtown Branch
• library collection of the Ontario Genealogical Society, Simcoe County Branch at Downtown Branch

Programs include:

• programs for children and teens including children's storytime programs, Teen Writers Group and Summer Reading Programs
• programs for adults including internet and email workshops, workshops to introduce specialized online resources, as well as information sessions on many topics from health to travel to business
• book clubs for adults, teens and children are offered September-June
• library tours, please book in advance

Information Barrie

• operates as a community information and referral service
• maintains the Information Barrie Community Directory of community organizations/services including non-profit agencies, government offices, health services, clubs and special interest organizations, volunteer opportunities, daycare services and support groups in the Barrie area
• Directory is available through the library website, see separate record

Annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

• held in August and involves Dragon boat races and land-based activities in support of this event
• the Festival is in support of Barrie Public Library plus other local charities

Ontario Library Week (formerly Ontario Public Library Week) is in October

Canadian Library Month is the month of October

Chief Executive Officer is Lauren Jessop, lauren.jessop@barrielibrary.ca

COVID-19 Update
Offices are closed to drop-in service, but organization is still in running, email or call to connect

Regular Service Provides highly skilled service dogs to people with mobility and some other disabilities to help them lead a more independent life

• COPE canine companions assist their partners by doing such tasks as retrieving objects, opening and closing doors, and turning on lights
• dogs are trained by youth in a unique Canines in the Classroom Program operating at local high schools, contact Jane Boake for more information jane@copedogs.org
• youth-dog teams visit local elementary schools on a regular basis to help young children read (Reading Buddy Program)
• provide therapy visits with seniors
• volunteer Puppy Foster families care for the dogs in their homes for up to a 2 year training period
• runs special events and fundraisers, contact Event Coordinator, Deb James deb@copedogs.org for information about upcoming events

Assist persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation

Services include:

• Practical help, advocacy and assistance- from injury right through rehabilitation and into the community, see Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, Regional Services
• Peer Program - matches people who have sustained a spinal cord injury, and their family members, to people who have lived experience with a spinal cord injury, and who understand, see Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, Peer Support
• Cortree Disability Education Centre - online learning platform where people with SCI and other physical disabilities and their families can go for information on relevant topics around living with a disability and business and medical professionals can go for training, see Cortree Disability Education Centre

Provides programs and services that focus on meeting the social and emotional needs of people living with vision loss to enhance their independence and to be the leader in promoting vision health

• nationwide, community-based, registered charity committed to research, public education and vision health for all Canadians
• Call 1-800-563-0887 or 705-728-3352, ext 5281 or email lucia.ricardo@cnib.ca for service
• CNIB Phone It Forward Program: accept donations of smartphones
  • through a partnership with Fixt Wireless Repair, donated smartphones are wiped to the highest data security standards, loaded with accessible apps, and provided to people with sight loss who need them, along with technical training, discounted maintenance, and data plan support
  • a tax receipt will be provided
  • visit phoneitforward.ca or call 1-833-554-5020 for more information

• Falls Prevention:
  • changes in vision, whether associated with the aging process or other causes, can increase the risk of falling
  • use of services and programs provided by CNIB can help those experiencing vision loss remain independent
  • orientation and mobility services may help seniors be more aware of their surroundings, thus making falls less likely

Offer ASL classes based on the Signing Naturally curriculum, in partnership with Georgian College. Offer a variety of different levels in person and virtual. Instructors are Deaf and first language users of ASL.

Professional American Sign Language-English Interpreters and real-time Note-takers provide deaf and hard of hearing people, and those using spoken English in our community, with mutual access to clear communication with one another. Services may be provided in a variety of settings (medical, business, workplace, educational, etc.) and may be offered in-person/on-site or remotely.

Supporting Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people who are seeking employment and their potential employers. Services can be provided in person, virtually or a combination of both.

Provide:

• job search training
• resume and cover letter writing assistance
• labour-market information
• job placement support, job coaching and advocacy in the workplace for those who may be experiencing communication/cultural barriers
• message relay between employers and potential employees
• Interpreting and real-time Note-taking services
• awareness/accessibility training opportunities to potential employers when hiring/employing deaf, deafened or hard of hearing people
• access to necessary amplification, communication and alerting technology

Works alongside culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people of all ages, their families, and the community throughout the region to increase access to local recreational, educational, employment, developmental, habilitation and social opportunities through direct service provision, advocacy, support and sharing of information. Services can be provided in person, virtually or a combination of both.

Programs include:

• Sign Language Interpreting Services
• ASL Community Classes
• Community Support Services - including wellness checks, virtual and in-person visits
• Employment Services
• Advocacy and Accessibility Education
• Information/Resources and Referral Service

For after-hours interpreting services for health and mental health emergencies call numbers in after-hours phone or email interpreting@chs.ca

Provide support and equal access to information, education, resources and services from within the community promoting healthy independent living. Services can be provided in person, virtually or a combination of both.

Personalized support may include:

• LITERACY support, including filling out forms and applications
• Short-term COUNSELLING, crisis intervention and referrals
• COORDINATION of complex services
• Providing an ACCESSIBLE LINK to local community resources
• ADVOCACY for individuals and accessibility education to community
• Specialized PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN with hearing loss of all ages, and their families living in Simcoe County and Muskoka
• Inclusive in-person and online groups, educational WORKSHOPS and events
• COMMUNICATION strategies for individuals with hearing loss and the community at large
• RESOURCES and information relating to hearing loss implications, technical devices, language and culture
• Specialized support and wellness visits to SENIORS (virtual and in-person visits)

Community Support Services staff are fluent in American Sign Language, English and French, and work alongside individuals who identify as culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing, as well as those using an alternative to spoken communication, in their preferred language or mode of communication (speech reading, sign supported speech, text, AAC).

COVID-19 Update
Group is not meeting at this time, call Phyllis at 705-726-1979 for information

Regular Service
Volunteer organization addressing the social aspects of blindness and visual loss, offers:

• 5 pin, 10 pin, and lawn bowling
• trips
• euchre and cribbage games
• acts as an advocate for the visually impaired

COVID-19 Response

• Transportation services currently being offered are for:
  • Medical and essential travel - will drive to areas such as the GTA for essential medical appointments
  • Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic with in Simcoe County and Muskoka, excluding Orillia and Huntsville. Call to book an appointment or book online via CT Link Transportation to Vaccine Clinics Program
    Must have a vaccine appointment booked
  • Grocery pick up and delivery
• In-person service is available by appointment only and staff are working and available to provide assistance by email or phone
• If you know the specific extension or email of a particular staff you are trying to reach, please use it or for general inquiries call 705-721-3313 or email simcoe@redcross.ca

Regular Service
Non-emergency transportation for those in need, such as older adults and adults with disabilities in the community, who are unable to use public transportation or private means

• provides affordable transportation to social gatherings and shopping
• Medical and essential travel - will drive to areas such as the GTA for essential medical appointments
• Volunteer drivers with their own vehicles, as well as wheelchair accessible vans
• Member of the CT Link, Community Transportation Link

Attendant Care Services

• both personal support services and homemaking services
• services are offered in a self-directed model of care for individuals (+16 years) with physical disabilities
• individuals eligible for this program must know their individual needs and the amount of time this requires, be able to explain clearly how the assistance is to be provided and must be able to use their time efficiently

If an individual requires the assistance of a Power of Attorney (POA) or Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) that individual will not qualify for this self-directed program.

Offers information and guidance to Seniors on:

• Vehicle Modifications such as lifts and controls to allow a person with a disability to enter and/or drive
• Accessible Home Renovations including items such as ramps, stair lifts, widening doorways, accessible bathroom facilities
• Assistive Devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, commodes, hospital beds, lift chairs, grab bars, etc.
• Assistance in identifying available funding resources

Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area is a member of the Simcoe Muskoka Integrated Fall Strategy (SMIFS).

Assists adults and seniors, with physical disabilities or limitations, in Simcoe County and area, to live independently.

Programs include:

• Assisted Living Services for Seniors
• Quipit - free online classified website for assistive devices and home care equipment
• Attendant Care Services
• Accessibility, Resources and Connections (ARC)
• Training and Consultation
• Community Development

Community Development and Training and Consultation work supports improvements in accessibility. Offers public education programs relating to Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards and disability related topics, and accessibility consultations to individuals, businesses and organizations.

Member of the North Simcoe Muskoka Community Support Services Collaborative, the Ontario Association of Independent Living Service Providers, the Ontario Community Support Association and the Simcoe Muskoka Integrated Fall Strategy (SMIFS).

Provides communication and hearing health support services to enable people with a hearing loss carry out daily living activities independently, safely, and with reduced communication difficulties

Services include:
Home Visits

• provide information or counselling on understanding hearing loss and managing difficult listening situations including the use, care and maintenance of hearing aids and other listening systems
• help selecting and using specialized communication equipment, e.g. telephones, alarm clocks, television accessories
• provide referrals to other community services

Accessibility Consulting Services

• services to help businesses identify current communication barriers, including:
  • facility and technology assessments
  • education and training workshop to meet accessibility needs and comply with all aspects of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Education and Training

• for consumers, family, caregivers and general public
• in-service training to home-support providers, presentations/community displays

Provides professional counselling services to culturally deaf and hard of hearing individuals ages 16 and older, who are living with mental health issues or other serious challenges

Offers free counselling, education and advocacy to assist with:

• depression, anxiety or bipolar issues
• present or past trauma
• grief and loss
• life transitions
• parenting and family challenges
• relationship struggles
• personal development
• sexuality
• deaf identity
• substance use
• domestic violence

Series of free virtual workshops, held via Zoom providing participants the opportunity for personal input, peer support and social interaction

WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Week 1: Introduction to Hearing Health and Communication
• Week 2: Factors that Influence Understanding of Speech
• Week 3: Stress, Expressing Communication Needs
• Week 4: Difficult Listening Situations
• Week 5: Technology

Provides services to increase the independence of people who are culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened

CHS Interpreting & Translation Services (OIS)

• professional sign-language interpreters
• set fee - organizations and businesses are responsible for the cost of making their services accessible no matter who requests the interpretation service
• advance booking preferred
• for after hours emergency interpreter services for health and mental health emergencies, contact:
  • CHS Interpreting & Translation Services, After Hours Emergency Interpreter Service at 1-866-256-5142 or TTY: 1-866-831-4657 or
  • email urgent@chs.ca or awareham@chs.ca

Communication Devices Program

• carries a wide variety of devices to assist individuals who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing including TTYs (text telephones), visual smoke detectors, baby monitors, signaling devices and alarm clocks
• registered ADP vendor for Teletypewriter for the Deaf

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

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