Searching for Developmental Disabilities

COVID-19 Update: Events and community-based programming temporarily cancelled. Online access to resources and support available.

Aims to provide Inclusive and accessible events, programs, and resources, connecting people of all abilities.

Support group members address concerns related to ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome/ASD. Participants learn coping strategies and gain tools connected to life skills, medication, alternative therapies, and managing impulsive behaviours.

Common issues discussed include:

• self-care
• addictions
• making and keeping friends / romantic partners
• study skills
• procrastination
• perfectionism
• stigma
• entrepreneurialism
• finding the right work environment

Program activities focus on language and communication, life skills, health and fitness, food preparation skills, media arts, creative expression and community events * academic learning and practice of life skills * recreational and leisure activities * social engagement and inclusive community experiences * development of friendships and interpersonal skills

Program areas include:

• Educational Day Program
• social network events such as dances, board games, art and karaoke
• Cottage Crashers summer program
• Weekend Warriors nature excursions
• evening programs and workshops

COVID Update: Currently operating online and remotely. Coffee Nooks are closed until further notice. Online meetings and activities available.

Community members and adults with developmental disabilities and their families working together to provide opportunities in the community.
Strength-building through job skill acquisition and training.
Online community and engagement.

Behaviour therapy and consultation using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to support clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and dual diagnosis. Services offered:

• 1:1 In centre ABA therapy
• Social/ Daily Living skill Groups
• Behaviour Consultation
• 2:1 ABA therapy

Note: There is no diagnosis required to receive services. Some services have a waitlist.

Community based mental promotion and education services for individuals and families facing mental illness and developmental challenges. Services include:

• outreach / case management
• specialized psychiatric and mental health assessments and treatment for adults and seniors
• Intensive Geriatric Service Workers (IGSW) - work with frail seniors after release from hospital or who display a complex number of needs
• programs for school-aged children and teens
• specialized programs for eating disorders and 1st Episode Psychosis
• family support options for families caring for children with developmental or physical disabilities - can help families apply for funding to receive one-to-one support; respite services; access to Supporting Kids in Camp program
• infant and pre-school support services - pre-school assessment consultation for child care providers and families of children 2-6 years of age
• court support worker - support to individuals with mental health issues who find themselves in conflict with the law
• employment services and support
• 1st Step Program - Early Psychosis Treatment Team - Interdisciplinary team provides support to individuals in the early stages of psychosis and their families; initial assessment includes medical screening, medical history and psychiatric interviews; treatment may include counselling, medication, individual and group treatment, family education and finding supports for day-to-day living

At Kerry's Place Autism Services, we provide social, recreational, educational, consultation and behavioural learning opportunities for children, youth and adults. Our primary objective is to enhance the quality of life of the persons we support, and to empower them and their families, through evidence-based and person-directed supports.Services offered:.

Services offered:

• Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
• Consultation Services
• Resource Centre and Library
• Adult Supports and Employment Services
• Transitional Adult Services

Residental serivces and supports:

• Group Services
• Respite and Recreational Services
• Evidence-Based Behavioural Services
• Parent and Caregiver Supports
• Learning and Development

Provides consultation, training, respite, and recreational supports to persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families, schools and other organizations regarding ASD. Consultation and teaching focuses on behavioural supports, communication strategies, life skills and social skills, transitions, and long term planning.

• Services Offered:


• The Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
  
• Consultation Services
  
• Resource Centre and Library
  
• Transitional Adult Services
  
• Respite and Recreational Services
  
• Workshops
  
• Social Skills groups and Sibling Groups and Camps
  
• Residential Services and Supports
  
• Adult Supports
  

AIR is the single point of access to developmental services for children and youth in Guelph and Wellington County. AIR will collect information and determine eligibility for children and youth under the age of18 for Ministry of Child, Community & Social Services (MCCSS) funded developmental service programs.

Provides information and assistance with:

• accessing developmental services to parents and care providers of children between the ages of birth and 18 years
• information to community members and professionals regarding developmental supports and services in the region

Counselling is offered in person/phone or by video for most programs. Staff continue to be in contact with developmental service clients. Walk-in mental health clinics (Mon in Mount Forest - call for appointment, Tue in Harriston - call for appointment, Wed in Guelph - in-person walk in, and Thu in Fergus - in-person walk in. For appointments, call 519-824-2431.

Distress Line is available 7 days a week, 8 am-10 pm: 519-821-3760 or 1-888-821-3760

Individual, couple, and family counselling:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): confidential counselling and referral services for employees and their families
• Service coordination / case management services for people with a developmental disability and autism spectrum disorder across the age continuum
• Access Information and Referral - AIR- intake for children's developmental services for Guelph and Wellington County

Support Groups

Children:

• Breaking Free - children who have witnessed family violence
• Child and Youth Sexual Assault Team (CYSAT) - children who have been sexually abused, and youth at risk for sexually offending
• High Conflict Communication - separating or divorcing families to foster good communication with children and develop a parenting plan

Men and Women:

• Partner Assault Response Program - for people who perpetrate violence
• men's and women's groups - people surviving childhood sexual abuse
• trauma counselling and support groups
• women who have experienced domestic violence
• member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario

Consultation and Training:
Employers and community groups with respect to interpersonal work-related issues, stress, parenting, problem solving, conflict management and other areas where personal issues impact work and family life. (EAP)

**Satellite offices in Mount Forest, Fergus and Harriston

COVID-19 Update: temporarily closed to ensure the safety of participants and their family members.

Programs provide enriched learning experiences that facilitate growth, independence, self-esteem, life skills, peer interactions, and encourage community involvement for participants.

• educational day program
• evening programs and social events
• cottage getaways
• summer excursion day programs
• entrepreneurial program
• volunteering opportunities

Community and day services for adults with a developmental disability, with the goal of full participation and inclusion in community life.

Services include:

• employment / job skills development
• life skills development
• education and literacy
• personal interest courses
• support to volunteer in the community

Service Options:

• employment

Community Options:

• wrap-around services
• volunteer opportunities

Residential Options:

• residential supports or group home living
• Modified Group Living
• Supported Independent Living

Programs include:

• Attendant Outreach
• Assisted Living
• Accessibility - Transportation and Advocacy services
• Seniors Assisted and Supported Living
• Homemaking for Seniors
• Community Inclusion and Recreation
• Community Directory available on website

Attendant Services:

• Supportive Housing / Assisted Living Services - personal care and support with activities of daily living for adults with a permanent physical disability and frail seniors in designated apartment buildings.
• Attendant Outreach - Home-based personal care and support with activities of daily living for adults with a permanent physical disability.

Homemaking for Seniors: Matches eligible clients with screened homemakers to assist with light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation and laundry.

Willow Place: Inclusive social housing environment that includes units modified for tenants with mobility challenges and units offering rent subsidies.

COVID-19 Update: List of resources and supports and virtual services available to Wellington region and chapter members during COVID-19.

Activities of Wellington Chapter:

• helps the community learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• conducts special speaker and/or training workshops (topics include advocacy, support and latest news in ASD research)
• works with community partners to promote and enhance awareness about autism
• holds various fundraising events throughout the year
• runs programs and events for individuals with ASD and their families to get involved, socialize and network

Housing trust that supports adults with severe autism and high health needs.
Offers outreach activities and support groups.

Family support service providing temporary caregiver relief for people who are caring for a family member with a developmental and / or physical disability.

• facilitates the connection of Direct Support Providers with families requiring respite support
• connections through a Family Registry and Support Provider Database
• information on community respite services and workshops / events

Respiteservices.com in the Wellington region is hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington

Services include:

• Information about respite services.
• Registration with the CHAP Program (Community Helpers for Active Participation) to connect with independent respite providers.
• Referrals to other respite options.

Consists of agencies funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Respite services in Guelph and Wellington County are co-hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) and Family Counselling and Support Services (FCSS). Programs involved in this collaboration are Family Support Options Service (CMHA WW) and Access Information and Referral (AIR).

Service providers include CMHA WW, Hopewell Homes, Christian Horizons, Community Living Guelph Wellington, Kids Country Club (Cambridge) and The Darling Home for Kids (Milton).

Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services operates DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES ONTARIO CENTRAL WEST REGION, the access point for Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funded adult developmental services in Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin, Halton and Peel Regions. Confirms eligibility, completes application packages and makes referrals for Ministry of Children Community and Social Services funded adult developmental services.

Services include:

• residential services and supports
• community participation supports
• person-directed planning
• specialized and professional services
• caregiver respite

Program principles:

• have fun while learning
• accessible, inclusive hockey experience
• development of individual and team hockey skills

Provides recreation facilities, programs and consultation services for Cambridge residents

Provides recreation facilities, programs and consultation services for Cambridge residents

A fully inclusive hockey program for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, a co-ed team all players are part of the team and participate in all games whether they are learning to skate (with 1:1 supervision) or have played hockey for years. A member of the Canadian Adapted Hockey Alliance, creating opportunity for individuals with developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities to develop strength, hockey skills, sportsmanship and life skills, while deepening their love of the game and team. On the ice utilizing strict COVID-19 protocols as directed by Public Health and the management of the Cambridge Sports Park (Buckingham Sports)

Provides recreation facilities, programs and consultation services for Cambridge residents

Provides recreation facilities, programs and consultation services for Cambridge residents