Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

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

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

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

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

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
  

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

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

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

Employment social enterprise offers preparation for career in construction industry, including recruitment, training and employment for residential and commercial construction and property services

• in-class training and employment readiness
• on-the-job work experience
• trade-specific skills training
• assistance in finding long-term employment or apprenticeship
• transportation and food support
• connections to employers
• wraparound supports

Areas of service available to construction industry include home renovations, landscaping, site clean-up and demolition, and general labour

In partnership with YMCA, LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre, Humber College, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

COVID19 All CMHA York Region & South Simcoe locations closed to drop-in service, and all client visits and scheduled programming modified, visit website for information

Virtual options available for client services, call 1-866-345-0183 for details: telephone wellness checks, med drops, injections, BounceBack program

All other services: case manager/support worker will contact client

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Community Support Coordinator Program
For people living in social housing, including information and referrals for mental health services, addiction services, housing assistance (eviction prevention, tenant/landlord relationship), financial assistance, hoarding/clutter and housekeeping, legal aid, education and system navigation, and wellness promotion

Employment Support Program
For individuals with mental health issues who are unemployed or under-employed, includes employment services and workshops

• pre-employment skills building such as goal setting
• resume writing
• interview skills
• problem solving
• assistance with job search
• job coaching
• Career Café drop-in resource centre

Family Caregiver Education Program
For individuals, families and caregivers, including access to professionals and other caregivers to increase knowledge about mental illness, gain skills and practical strategies to assist in loved one's recovery, and to promote self care

Support for Depression
For people experiencing or who have experienced mental illness, including peer support groups, mutual support and coping skills develop, trained peer volunteer facilitators, safe, non-judgmental environment (no registration required)

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

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.

Employment experience program

• containers are processed and recycled by youth with intellectual disabilities providing work experience and social time
• funds raised donated to community charities and events
• accepts donations of empty alcohol containers such as bottles, cans, tetras and wine bags

Long-term residential care and vocational training for adults with a developmental disability * woodworking shop, Craft Studio, dance troupe



Day Program

Employment programs for youth and young adults, offered at locations in York Region

Specialized Training for Employment Program (STEP), 647-637-6023
Employment training and supports, including counselling, one-on-one job coaching and paid work placement opportunities, and first aid and workplace safety training if needed

• for youth who self-identify with mental health challenges
• must be unemployed and not attending full time school

Base 4 Success (B4S), 647-393-3749
12 week paid pre-employment training and paid work placements for youth who face barriers to employment

• must be unemployed and not attending full time school

Every Bite Matters (EBM), 416-574-8676
14-week paid culinary-focused employment program, includes 9 weeks paid pre-employment and culinary training, and 5 weeks paid work placement

Youth Success Strategy (YSS), 647-229-4183
Assistance with job search process, including resume, cover letter, and interview preparation

Community Support Services: supports individuals with intellectual disabilities of all ages and their families in accessing resources and opportunities in their community including:

• individualized guidance and support: immediate assistance (no w/l)
• education and self help workshops/groups
• respite options: March Break and Summer Camps for Children, Youth, and Adults in Stouffville, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan * weeknight and weekend programs are offered on an as needed basis
• parent operated programs: led and driven by parents and participants to create program options with the support and guidance of CLYS Coordinators

The Community Support staff offer services in a variety of languages including:
Cantonese; Mandarin; Hindi; Punjabi; Urdu and Tamil. Contacts:

Winny Ho (Cantonese, Mandarin) at 905-884-9110, ext 382
who@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
Crystie Lau (Cantonese, Mandarin) at 905-884-9110 ext 267
clau@@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
Puja Jit (Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu) at 905-884-9110 ext 640
pjit@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
Athavi Kugathasan (Tamil) at 905-884-9110 ext 703
akugathasan@communitylivingyorksouth.ca

Project Search: offered to participants nearing or at the end of completing high school * program includes: in-class facilitation, on-site support, one to one supports regarding employment (ie. job coaching)Contact Ellie Siegel at 416-606-9058
esiegel@communitylivingyorksouth.ca

Fee For Service Options:
Marketplace: provides a selection of group educational courses, social activities and recreational opportunities for adults in collaboration with local municipalities and school boards
Contact: Cathy Johnston at 1-877-737-3475, ext 380
cjohnston@communitylivingyorksouth.ca

Learning Academy: offers an educationally-based curriculum, with a focus on the practice and improvement of various literacy skills and community based activities * It is offered in two locations: Vaughan and Richmond Hill
Contact: Cathy Johnston at 1-877-737-3475, ext 380
cjohnston@communitylivingyorksouth.ca

Residential and Day support:
The following services are available through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) through the Regional Prioritization Process (https://www.dsontario.ca/):
Residential Services: Group Homes, Supported Independent Living, Community Participation Programs

Services and Programs:

• Markham
• Vaughan

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE


S.P.R.I.N.G. Program

• Comprehensive employment and job search services
• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE

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

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