Searching for Disability Associations

Empowers individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential through all stages of life through services that include:

• bursary program for therapies and conferences (offer families financial support for therapies, assistive devices, activities or lessons to help children with Down Syndrome, and for parents to attend conferences)
• online new parent community (private forum for parents of children with Down Syndrome in Halton)
• peer groups (run by volunteers and offer monthly social events, programs and workshops to help develop skills and offers transitional support)
• Graduate Group (persons over 21 who have Down syndrome)
• family social and networking events
• advocacy support
• one-on-one reading program
• library and developmental resources

Member of the Central West Region

• oversight is provided by core provincial staff

Activities include:

• increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals on the spectrum, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact
• providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services
• organizing meetings, events, and programs

Local support groups provide mutual support from other people living with Parkinson's Disease

• offers a safe environment for talking about personal experiences, enhancing the ability to cope with the daily challenges of Parkinson's
• some groups are subject specific (young onset, newly diagnosed and care partners, as examples) while others are more general
• all are designed to provide a safe, comfortable place for people to connect and share with each other on how to live well with Parkinson's

A volunteer organization dedicated to helping individuals with Tourette Syndrome, their families and other interested parties by gathering and distributing information, promoting local self-help and professional services and promoting research

Services include:

• information and support for the newly diagnosed
• resources/information to parents, students, educators, clinicians and those interested in learning more about TS
• supporting research and fundraising

Peer-to-peer support group for prostate cancer patients, their families and friends

• events include monthly service meetings

Various chapter programs for stroke survivors, caregivers and families

• monthly meetings
• seasonal events throughout the year

Major services:

• operates a resource centre in Burlington
• offers programs to support the specific needs of children and youth with learning disabilities
• hosts lectures and workshops related to Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and other relevant topics
• holds regular parent advocacy sessions to empower parents to advocate for their children
• provides information and resources related to Learning Disabilities

Also hosts an annual conference for educators, professionals, and parents

• combines peer-reviewed research with hands-on strategies for understanding and working with students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD

Education, programs and support to people living with arthritis

• website provides detailed information to help support those with arthritis, including how to find a doctor, accessing medications, learning to advocate and finding care
• online learning includes modules on managing chronic pain, daily living, staying active and mental health and well-being (see website for full listing)

Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education Program (AREP):

• client-centred rehabilitation services (physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers available)
• consultation and guidance on arthritis self-management in the home, workplace and community
• individual and group education sessions (topics may include dealing with pain, arthritis medications, exercises and others)

Provides support and resources to all affected by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

• support groups
• online support groups
• online resources

Peer support for those who have experienced a stroke to:

• exchange information and resources
• learn new skills
• explore the personal impact of stroke and build supportive relationships

Help survivors, family and caregivers through their journey with a brain tumour by providing connections with others who have faced life with a brain tumour thereby offering reassurance, reducing feelings of isolation and reinforcing a positive, hopeful attitude, and by sharing practical information to:

• help make informed decisions about brain tumour treatment options
• learn about relevant community resources
• enhance coping skills in order to reduce anxiety, feelings of loss of control and fear of the unknown
• talk to others about changes in family roles and the financial strain that can come as a result of a brain tumour diagnosis

Provides education, support and resources to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and to their families

• supports research
• maintains local support groups
• strives to end the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the regions of Halton and Hamilton

Services include:

• forwarding of applications for the National "Safely Home" program for persons at risk of getting lost
• resource centre, information presentations, support groups and counselling for persons with dementia, spouses, relatives, caregivers, professional groups
• referral to related services including respite care, transportation, alternate housing, long-term care
• diversity outreach to build links with ethnic groups in the community

CARERS program: eight group sessions focused on the development of effective problem solving skills and tools which help to improve communication and manage dementia related behaviour

• guidance and coaching is offered by clinical staff
• for more information see here

The Family Services team is composed of registered social workers and professionals who provide support to individuals and families affected by HD

• offers support and services to all people affected by HD
• services include information and education, referrals to community resources and individual advocacy

Also offers education and support to health, social service and community workers, and collaborates with other service providers to improve and expand existing services as well as increase awareness and understanding of HD and support for advocacy

Online Resources:

• Learn about Huntington Disease: fact sheets, booklets, publications and other HD related resources
• Young People Affected by Huntington Disease: virtual Youth Chapter of the Huntington Society of Canada

• Support: nine scheduled meetings that provide opportunity for sharing experience and the time to socialize, peer to peer support
• Education: guest presenters who are myeloma and healthcare specialists
• Advocacy: bring awareness to myeloma, and to inform the local community of patient treatment challenges

A virtual 8-10 week program that includes workshops, health activities, and guest speakers to assist people living with diabetes and people who may be at risk of developing diabetes to develop skills with diabetes management and improve overall health.

Also offers a virtual support group, an informal space where people with diabetes or clients at-risk can offer each other peer support.

• cystic fibrosis information
• fundraising for research and education
• support groups

• provides information to other interested parties
• promotes public awareness and measures to encourage individuals to take preventative steps when working or playing outdoors
• establishes and maintains a resource library containing current information about vector-borne diseases in general, and specifically literature about Lyme and other tick-associated diseases

The program assists adults with developmental disabilities living with their families or in the community with little or no support by:

• Providing information and making referrals to needed community services.
• Arranging for needed supports and services to best meet the individual/family needs.
• Advocating on behalf of the individual/family to access and maintain support services.
• Providing individual support to meet individual/families' goals and needs.
• Enhancing strengths and capacities in individuals and families using natural or formal supports.
• Providing emotional support and guidance.

Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Programs, services, education and on-going support for individuals with dementia, as well as, support for family members and caregivers. Information, education and consultation services to community organizations and local health care agencies is also provided.