Searching for Developmental Disabilities

This list may not be complete as new medical laboratories continue to open.

Labs may close their doors early if the number of patients already waiting is high. Call ahead to confirm closing times.

Dynacare:
10 Eastern Ave, Acton, 1-800-668-2714, Hours: Mon-Thu 8 am-12 noon * closed for all statutory holidays

• laboratory services
• walk-in service
• wheelchair accessible

LifeLabs:
All Lifelab locations offer a Serving Patients with Autism Program

99 Sinclair Ave, Unit 102, Georgetown, 1-877-849-3637, Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-4pm, Sat 7:30 am-12 noon * closed Sat of holiday weekends

• laboratory services
• ECG
• Holter monitoring
• walk-in service
• wheelchair accessible

1A Princess Anne Dr, Unit 107, Georgetown, 1-877-849-3637 Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am-4 pm

• laboratory services
• ECG
• wheelchair accessible

Provides sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Athletic programs include:

Heroes Track and Field Team
Sunflowers Rhythmic Gymnastics
Halton Hills Galaxy Floor Hockey
Halton Hills Waves Swim Team
Halton Hills Guardians Basketball Team
Rocks Curling Team* Soccer Team

Overview of how to find a dentist, hygienist or emergency dental services, free and reduced-cost dental care, and directs to other dental-related listings in this directory

TO FIND A DENTIST:
See Ontario Dental Association website here or Yellow Pages under Dentists

TO FIND A DENTAL HYGIENIST:
See College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario public register here or see Yellow Pages under Dental Hygienists

SPECIAL NEEDS DENTISTRY:
Dentistry at LaSalle, 905-481-9078 * 18 Plains Rd W, Unit 1, Burlington
* dental services for wheelchair patients, see website for more information

Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto), 416-596-4200
* dentistry clinic for persons with special needs (doctor referral required), see here

EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES:
Health Connect Ontario provides advice and information over the phone, see separate listing here

IN-HOME DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES:
See list here


FREE DENTAL SERVICES
Children and youth aged 17 and under:
Healthy Smiles Ontario
* provides free preventative, routine and emergency dental services for eligible children and youth aged 17 years or under
* for more information, including eligibility and how to apply, see here

Adults and older adults:
Ontario Works Adult (OWA) and Dental Care Counts (DCC) Programs
* provide financial assistance to those who qualify to access dental care, which is intended for urgent dental needs and is not an on-going regular dental care program or an insurance plan
* for more information, including eligibility and how to apply, see here

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
* provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older
* for more information, including eligibility and how to apply, see here


REDUCED-COST DENTAL SERVICES
Oral hygiene, cleaning, etc:
Some colleges with oral health education programs have reduced-cost oral hygiene clinics:
* in the Burlington/Hamilton area this is available at the Southern Ontario Dental College in Ancaster (for information see here)
* in the Oakville/Mississauga area this is available at the Canadian Academy of Dental Health & Community Sciences in Mississauga (* for details see separate listing here)
* reduced-cost clinics are also available in Toronto at George Brown College WAVE Dental Clinic (see separate listing here)

Cleaning, scaling, oral hygiene services, etc. may be less expensive at independent dental hygienists, rather than through a dentist's office
* to find independent hygienists, see 'To Find a Dental Hygienist' above

For other procedures:
University of Toronto, Dental Faculty, Reduced Cost Dental Clinic
* fillings, dentures, braces, bridges, implants, children's dentistry, root canals, crowns, treatment of gum disease, extractions of wisdom teeth, and more, Oral Surgery Department can perform tooth extractions for patients who do not want any other dental treatment
* for details see separate listing here

George Brown College, WAVE Dental Clinic
* dental (oral) hygiene services, x-rays, scaling and polishing, denture clinic, restorative dental hygiene (dental fillings, veneers, bonding
* for details see separate listing here

• supported residential living
• supported independent living
• Family Home Program -- recruits families or individuals to share their home and provide support to a person who has an intellectual disability

• literacy
• volunteering
• physical fitness
• socializing
• computer skills
• one-to-one support from volunteer students

• 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

• 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

• 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 residential support to adults with developmental disabilities
• homes located in Acton, Milton and Georgetown
• people receiving support can share a home with up to four other people
• 24-hour care is provided by staff on a shift-rotation basis
• residential services include: assistance with day-to-day routines * development of skills in meal preparation, household responsibilities, shopping, budgeting, and all aspects of daily living * administer medications and treatments * medical, dental and specialist consultations and follow-up * leisure and recreational activities

• provides adults with an intellectual disability living in their own homes with the necessary supports to develop community connections and empowers people to live independently within their community
• tailor to individual's unique needs, abilities, desires and goals
• services include: financial planning and budgeting * medical coordination * meal planning and preparation * apartment management including tenant-landlord issues * organizing social and recreational activities * supporting the involvement of family and friends and exercising one's rights
• for more information contact Pam Pereira at 1-888-941-1121 or ppereira@clnh.on.ca

• provides minimum support services and job opportunities to individuals to enable them to be competitively employed in the community
• assists with job search, job training and maintaining employment
• foundational job skill building such as mock interviews, resume writing, skills assessments, and volunteering help ready individuals for employment
• offered in Acton, Georgetown and Milton areas
• local volunteering opportunities give individuals the framework to build upon skills if they are not quite ready for work

• encourages goal-setting and advancing in areas of interest as well as recreation and leisure activities
• can be offered through the week, evenings and weekends flexibility of services after business hours
• after school respite
• contact Karen Wilson at kwilson@clnh.on.ca or call 905-878-7656 ext 244

• offered within Inclusive Supports, the HUB is community-based with an emphasis on communication, recreation, education, volunteerism, and wellness
• This program engages our supported individuals 7 days a week with a focus on assisting those with significant behavioural challenges

• Programs in both Milton and Georgetown
• Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm
• Activities include onsite and community fun (cooking, movies, crafts, games, and so much more!)
• Activities are chosen based on participant input and abilities
• Fee-for-service (Passport funding may be utilized)
• For more information please contact passports@clnh.on.ca

• available in Acton, Georgetown, Milton and surrounding areas
• work with families, licensed child care staff and other community partners
• Resource Consultants provide support to children and their families in the form of case management, service coordination, program consultation and advocacy, including transition to school * type of support varies with the individual child and family's needs * no diagnosis is required
• parents/caregivers can refer their child by calling Halton Region at 311 and ask for Children's Development Services to complete the intake process

• information sessions on choices about future life directions
• Resource Coordinators will assist with the transition from school to work opportunities, community based activities, community living
• partnerships with Halton Catholic and Halton District School Boards
• assistance with referrals to community activities
• for more information about either Preschool Inclusion services or Transitions contact Paula Woods at ext 255, email pwoods@clnh.on.ca or transitions@clnh.on.ca

• provides opportunities for school aged children and youth, with developmental disabilities to participate in an enjoyable and friendly recreation program, and respite for their families
• September to June, twice per month, 6 hours per Saturday
• junior and senior programs available
• activities include movies, music, games, sports and crafts, bowling, swimming or attending community events
• cost for this program is $45
• for more information contact Karen Wilson at ext 244 or kwilson@clnh.on.ca

• crafts, games, swimming, indoor and outdoor activities - all with individual needs taken into consideration
• full days
• cost is per week per camper
• locations in Milton and Georgetown
• limited spaces available
• for more information contact Karen Wilson at 905-878-2337 ext 244 or kwilson@clnh.on.ca

• provides after school care to children and young adults with disabilities
• Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm, September through June on regular Halton School Board school days
• $55 a day including dinner
• locations accessible to Milton and Georgetown families
• activities include games, crafts, baking, painting, sports, outdoor walks, community and sensory activities
• program is coordinated according to the interests and abilities of the participants
• for more information contact Karen Wilson at ext 244 or kwilson@clnh.on.ca

• Evidence-Based Behavioural Services (EBBS) including behavioural assessment, one on one and group behavioural intervention sessions, parent and caregiver training * fee-for-service
• other services include parent/caregiver supports and training, behaviour consultation, workshops, social groups, consultations with school personnel and other professionals
• for more information email oap@clnh.on.ca
• OAP Entry to School Program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) for children ages 3 to 5 years old entering school for the first time * this group-based, skill-building program is delivered in a 6-month block to children with autism, and focuses on supporting children to develop school-readiness skills * to register, call 905-855-2690 extension 1 or email intake@erinoakkids.ca

• child and family services (birth to 12 years of age * types of support varies * children must be attending in a licensed child care program * service coordination, program consultation and advocacy including transition to school)
• transitions - planning for high school to adulthood (ages 14-25 * information sessions about future life directions * assist with the transition from school to work opportunities, community based activities and community living * assistance with referrals to community activities)
• recreational and respite programs: Saturday Centre * summer camps * after school respite * 5 to 21 years of age
• Ontario Autism Program (OAP)/ OAP Entry to School Program/ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) * in partnership with Kerry's Place, ErinoakKids, and Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Central West Region * ages 0-18

• Residential accommodations (24-hour care) * homes are located in Acton, Georgetown and Milton * supports are designed to meet each person's needs and goals * contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-888-941-1121 or email dso@dscwr.com to access supports and services
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Life Skills * services include financial planning/budgeting, medical coordination, meal planning/preparation, apartment management inclusive of tenant-landlord issues, organizing social/recreational activities, supporting involvement of the person's family and friends and exercising one's rights
• Employment Skills and Volunteer Opportunities: community employment * assist with job searches, job training and maintaining employment in the community
  
• Recreational programs : Adult Day Programs (21 years+ * Mon-Fri 9am-3pm), Friday Friends (21-35 years of age) and the Drop-In Centre (35 years+)
• full-day summer camps (21 years+)

• Adult Services and Supports
• Services for Children and Youth

The Halton office is the contact point for families/individuals who are interested in accessing:

• residential services and supports
• caregiver respite
• community participation supports (with social and recreational activities, work activities and volunteer activities, including Passport)
• specialized services, such as service coordination or clinical services
• person-directed planning supports

• delivers an adult day program housed in the Ellen Mitchell Recreation Center
• holds number of fundraising events throughout year to raise funds for its programs

Provides sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Online Support Programs: After Stroke Virtual Community Conversation * Polio Virtual Support Group * Caregiver Conversations
• Online Information Programs: After Stroke - Ask an Expert * Caregiver Support E-learning sessions * Family Caregiver Webinar Series
• Online Exercise and Movement Programs: Virtual Stroke Recovery Program * Virtual Exercise
• Online Social Programs: Aphasia Peer Connect Virtual Group & Connect & Share
• all online programs require registration

Services are delivered by therapists with experience providing Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services to children and youth with autism in the Halton region

• intervention focuses on teaching social skills, functional life skills, and social communication

Service options for birth to age 6 include:

• Entry to School: for children ages 3 to 6 years of age, registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and entering school for the first time
• Project ImPACT: an early intervention caregiver program in partnership with Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services
• Drop-ins: times where children and their families can come together to socialize and meet others

Service options for youth 7-21 include:

• Drop-ins: times where youth can come together to socialize and meet other youth
• Teen Drop-in: registered program for teens ages 14 to 17 with Autism
• Walk-in appointments: free single sessions about topics such as general strategies regarding problem behaviour or recommendations for skills development
• High School Readiness: behaviour therapists go through what to expect from high school and strategies for making the transition smooth
• Job Ready Program: designed for individuals with autism between the ages of 15 and 21

Service options for families and caregivers include:

• Family Service Planning: a behaviour therapist helps families make decisions around priority goals, service modality, and helps connect families with services
• Urgent Response Services: time-limited service to respond to one specific need for children and youth up to 18 years of age to prevent further escalation of risk of harm to self, others, and/or property
• Foundational Family Services workshops: different workshops open to anyone who is, or has a child registered, in the OAP
• SibShop: a place for siblings, ages 8 to 13, of people with autism to meet with other siblings who may share similar experiences
• Visual Supports Clinic: behaviour therapist will create customized visual supports to use as a proactive strategy and provide tips on how to use them effectively

• face-to-face visits suspended
• call clinician or office for assistance
• new referrals accepted

• monitor a child's overall development
• provide verbal feedback and written letters or reports to parents and service providers with parental consent
• plan for transition to school

• help families access needed supports and services
• clarify roles and responsibilities when families are involved with multiple service providers
• collaborate with community partners

• based on identified child risk factors for children born under 35 weeks gestation
• monthly consultation clinic
• regular developmental screenings
• helpline available for information and support, 905-564-7485, ext 302

• The Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
• Group Services
• The Resource Portal (free resources to help the autism community)
• Transitional Adult Services
• Respite and Recreational Services
• Parent and Caregiver Supports
• Social Skills Groups, Sibling Groups and Camps
• Adult Supports and Employment Services

• IBI (Intensive Behavioural Intervention) Funding Program provides financial support to low-income households (less than $50,000/year) for children with autism age 17 and under to receive a one- time grant of up to $1000 for IBI Therapy
• Autism Awareness Program called the Gallery of Inspiration * this program invites individuals with autism and with artistic talents to showcase their creativity at the agency's gallery * the gallery provides a forum for the public to learn about autism through discovery of the hidden capabilities of individuals with autism

• residential services and supports
• caregiver respite
• community participation supports (social and recreational activities, work activities and volunteer activities, including Passport)
• specialized and professional services, such as service coordination or clinical services
• person-directed planning

• Community Living Centre - East Wellington (Erin)
• Supported Independent Living program (Erin)
• EmployMEnt Options (Erin)

• audiology; infant hearing program; preschool speech and language
• assistive devices resource service
• blind low vision early intervention program; early intervention resources
• medical clinics
• occupational therapy, physiotherapy, recreation therapy

• Coordinated Service Planning - for residents of Peel with a child/youth with complex needs who is under 18 years or young adults living in Peel with complex needs between 18-21 years who are still in school
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) services
• transition services for children and youth
• respite services for children, youth and young adults - daytime and overnight - NOTE respite services are temporarily unavailable and expected to reopen in the summer of 2023; call organization for updates or visit website
• service navigation and social work services for families with a child receiving service at ErinoakKids

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessment
• caregiver-mediated early years program
• entry to school program for children 3-6 years registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
• free foundational services: post-diagnosis consultation, virtual learning hub, online workshops for parents and caregivers, social groups for preteens and teenagers
• Urgent Response Service: up to 12 weeks of services/supports to respond to a specific need for children and youth up to 18 years registered in the OAP to prevent further escalation of risk of harm to self, others and/or property

• non-medical assistance provided for activities of daily living in the home, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and helping with range of motion
• also assists individuals requiring more complex supports that may include g-tube feeding, tracheotomy supports as well as other activities of daily living.

• volunteers work with persons with mobility challenges to craft creative, custom-built solutions to overcome barriers to work, play, personal hygiene and other daily activities
• no charge, except for building materials