Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

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

Assist persons with a disability or those who have a barrier to employment to find a job and to help them keep it

• approved service provider of the Ontario Disability Employment Supports Program

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

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

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

The Resource Centre offers Ministry funded community participation day programs for youth and adults with an intellectual disability to promote meaningful community integration. Activities include: employment supports, volunteer support, recreation, leisure and life skills. Ministry-funded programs are accessed through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) - contact 1-855-277-2121CLASS.

CLASS also offers fee for service community participation programs, Passages, which supports people to independent living skills development, employment/volunteer preparation and community access to recreation and leisure activities in South Simcoe which can be accessed directly through intake at CLASS.

Facilitating Youth Involvement (FYI) is an after-school program and there is also a March and Summer day camp program for youth ages 13-21 who have an intellectual disability. Offers a wide range of recreation, leisure and educational activities.

Foundations Transition support - provides skill building and planning for transitional-aged youth who are leaving school and entering the adult world. Includes goal planning, employment and independence skill development. Coordinator works closely with schools and families to develop integrated transition plans and offers time-limited supports for youth.

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

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

Residential and day support services * 13 homes located in rural of York Region, staffed 24 hours, 112 acre working farm

COVID19

• in-person meetings are currently being offered but must be scheduled in advance
• virtual services remain an option where suitable
• visitors must complete a COVID screening questionnaire before coming in
• all visitors are required to wear a mask

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Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

COVID-19 -- in-person service at all Job Skills locations by appointment only -- call ahead; support continues to be available online or by phone


20 week program to support York Region/Brampton youth with disabilities and/or complex barriers to overcome obstacles to employment

Program components:

• program delivered online and in class
• small group and individual sessions giving tools to become and stay healthy, and to meet life and employment goals
• wraparound supports including dependent care, disability supports, travel, and individual and group counseling
• allowance equal to minimum wage paid according to attendance
• skills training
• mentoring and coaching
• work experience placement
• follow-up support

COVID19

• re-opened June 19, 2021 - Saturdays 8 am-1 pm at Newmarket Farmer's Market, 200 Doug Duncan Rd at Riverwalk Commons (Lions Community Centre); outdoor booth open to end of October
• masks required at Newmarket Farmers Market
• will also receive orders through Facebook message or through email info@commonscoffee.org and able to deliver locally roasted coffee in bean or ground form
• will only drop off at door and inform client through their contact information
• e-transfer payment to be made to pay@commonscoffee.org

Work skills and partnership program for individuals with autism and developmental differences

• coffee booth at Newmarket Farmers' Markets (Saturdays, May to October) and during other local festivals and events to develop experiences for employment opportunities
• also provides coffee catering for workshops and conferences

Income Supports:

Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit

• child care costs
• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

Transition Child Benefit -- for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit

Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs-- automated information and payment details, file status * service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca -- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud

Provides an array of services to people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal and deafblind that are customized to each individual's unique needs, method of communication, and goals to enrich their life.

• intervenor and other specialized services
• community-based residences
• supports development of life and vocational skills
• recreational opportunities

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID19 Offices closed to drop-in service, and all client visits and scheduled programming modified

• virtual options available for client services, including telephone wellness checks, med drops, injections, BounceBack program
• free short term telephone counselling (1-3 sessions) for frontline health care and social service workers
• MOBYSS (mobile youth walk-in clinic) virtual or telephone service available
• all other services, case manager/support worker will contact client
• call 1-866-345-0183 or 905-841-3977 for intake, or visit website for information

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Wide range of mental health programs and services, including case management, psychotherapy, emergency room diversion, assertive community treatment, early psychosis intervention, and mobile youth walk-in clinic (MOBYSS)

• mental health court support
• group psychiatry
• Support for Depression Groups
• youth wellness
• employment program
• flexible support
• social recreation/rehabilitation
• community education

BounceBack Ontario, 1-866-345-0224, bouncebackontario.ca
Online and virtual mental health supports (see separate listing Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario)

Family Caregiver Education, Family Support Groups Telemedicine Program
Patient appointments with doctor or specialist via live and secure video connection

• patient attends local CMHA-YRSS Telemedicine Studios in Alliston, Aurora, Markham or Vaughan
• onsite nurse available to help with assessments
• covered through OHIP
• quick dermatologist referrals and recommendations

Living Life to the Full
8-week course provides effective tools to maximize ability to manage life's challenges

• group-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with focuses on understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together to impact well-being
• 90-minute sessions on topics such as understanding unhelpful thoughts, engaging in enjoyable activities, coping with anger, and problem solving
• for all ages

Workshops
Information regarding mental health and illness, guidance on responding respectfully and effectively to those struggling with mental health issues, coping mechanisms, and workplace responsibilities in relation to mental health

• variety of topics including Mental Health First Aid, Workplace Wellness, Resilient Minds in Tough Times, Seniors and Depression, Mental Health Works

Provides supports and services to individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities who live in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, Township of King, and Whitchurch-Stouffville * Offers a day program, community participation supports, supported group living, supported independent living, associate family program (foster care), respite services and employment services

Services and Programs:

• Associate Family
• Community Participation Supports / Day Program
• Employment Strategies
• Family Connections - Respite Services
• Supported Group Living
• Supported Independent Living

Assist people who have a developmental disability with locating and maintaining employment

Supports include:

• job preparation
• coaching
• career development
• workplace support
  

Supports individuals with developmental challenges over 18 years of age in various job related endeavours or volunteer placements in the community. To ensure a successful experience, Employment Consultants are continuously tailoring services to meet the needs and changing interests of people supported. The support provided often requires gaining access to diverse services in our community. Acceptance to this program is based on readiness, staff caseloads, and level of need.

Assists individuals 18 years of age and over explore/obtain and/or maintain employment opportunities. Empployment Specialist Support Staff work directly with the individual and the potential employer to ensure mutual satisfaction. Connects potential employers with suitable employees.

For Job Seekers, support may include:

• Pre-employment preparation, including in-class and practical work experience
• On-the-job support
• Ongoing communication with employee/employer as needed
• Support with your job search
• Support with the interview process
• Education and assistance with applying for funds/services that maybe available to you

For Potential Employers, provides the following services:

• Provides access to qualified employment candidates
• Pre-screen potential employees and their skill set
• Supervise on-the-job training
• Be a liaison between employer/employee
• Provides seasonal/part-time/casual employees
• Educates employers and staff on working with people with support needs
• One of two employment staff will provide on-the-job training, assistance with evaluation to facilitate the individual to explore/obtain or maintain employment opportunities within the community.

Pre-Employment Training - An eight-week program designed for job seekers to help them prepare for competitive employment. Provides in-class modules on:

• Resume Writing
• Job Search
• Safety
• Included in the 8 week program is on-the-job training placement, and tours of local industries, restaurants and facilities to educate the job seeker in the different types of employment that could be available to them.

Offers the following supports:

• Children's Developmental Support Services, (CDSS) - Provides support for infants, toddlers, and children up to the age of 12 who have a developmental support need or is at risk for and who attend a licensed childcare programs. CDSS consists of the Simcoe County Resource Consultation Services, Ontario Autism Programs, and the Quality Inclusive Support Services. Offices are located across the Simcoe County, including Collingwood, Alliston, Bradford, Barrie, Orillia, and Midland. Service is Free of Charge and is funded by the County of Simcoe.
• Supported Living Home (SLH) - Supports over 90 adults in 20 supported living home settings including Penetanguishene, Midland, Port McNicoll, Waubaushene, and Victoria Harbour. In addition offers supports in the Family Home Program to people in the Supported Independent Living Program. The type of support an individual requires depends upon their specific needs.
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) - services are offered to people who are living independently in the community . SIL Support Staff are available to offer support in budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, medical appointments and community participation, based on the identified needs of the person supported. The hours of staff support fluctuate based on the needs of the individual.
• Supported Employment Programs (SEP) - assists individuals 18 years of age and over explore/obtain and/or maintain employment opportunities. Employment Specialist staff work directly with the individual and the potential employer to ensure mutual satisfaction. Connects potential employers with suitable employees.
• Community Participation Supports (CPS) - provides individuals with a broad range of social and recreational opportunities in and around their local community. Weekly social, recreation events are shared with all individuals participating in the CPS program. Individuals are given a schedule of options to choose from (virtual and in-person) to meet their individual preference. CPS services focuses on including and supporting everyone to experience social and recreational activities in order to enhance skills, build new friendships and stay active.
• Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Program - provides support to young people with support needs between the ages of 16 to 21 in their school to adult life transition. The TAY co-ordinator acts as a support/resource to the teen, family, school and community agencies. The young adult's interests are explored, skills and abilities are assessed and plans are made through the Person Directed Planning model to assist in meeting goals for the future. Supports and resources are put into place based on individual preferences and interests.

CLH DSS is the host agency for the Community Networks of Specialized Care - Central East (CNSC - CE). The CNSC - CE provides coordination and linkages to supports for adults with a developmental disability and high support and complex care needs (HSCCN) in Simcoe, York, Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge.

Day programs include counselling, wellness programs, peer support, drop-in supports, and 5-week pre-employment and life skills program

Connections
For individuals experiencing or impacted by addiction and/or substance use

• drop-in services
• individual and family counselling
• supportive groups
• community activities

Pathways Pre-Employment and Life Skills
Training and employment preparation services include 5-week training and pre-employment supports to help find and maintain employment, Mon-Fri 9:30 am-11:30 am; visit website for monthly course date schedule

Residential Treatment for Men
Kettleby Ranch program includes 3-month residential treatment, with peer support and abstinence-based recovery

Residential Treatment for Women
The Garden program includes 3-month residential treatment, with peer support and abstinence-based recovery

Wellness Centre
Physical, mental and spiritual wellness programs

Services have been amended to reflect and comply with Government Guidance Documents for the Global Pandemic, COVID-19. Wendat Community Programs' Adult Mental Health Service assists adults with mental illness by providing support, treatment and rehabilitation services through the provision of a range of services.

Services and supports for individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing

• general support counselling
• mental health/wellness counselling
• sign language interpreting
• hearing care counselling program for 55+
• hearing healthcare/audiology services
• communication devices program
• video conferencing services
• employment services for job seekers
• sign language classes for individuals and businesses

Emergency Interpreter Service, 24 hours, 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, urgent@chs.ca, SMS or text 416-712-6637

Deaf-Blind Intervening Services 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, Allan Wareham awareham@chs.ca