Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

COVID-19 Update: CMHA Waterloo Wellington has altered service delivery to protect public health and safety. For more information about service changes, visit COVID-19: Update on Services. If in crisis, or not yet connected to a CMHA service, call 1-844-HERE247. For urgent document requests, call Reception at 1-844-CMHA-WW3 (264-2993).

Provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. Promotes the mental health of all people through research and information services, sponsored research projects, education, workshops, seminars, pamphlets, newsletters and resource services. Encourages public action and commitment to strengthening community mental health services, legislation and policies affecting services.

Information and Education: brochures and information sheets, workshops and educational events, leisure information, internet access, advocacy and skill development

Referral Services: provided by HERE 24 SEVEN 1-844-437-3247, for many services in the community from a centralized location ; one-to-one meeting where staff can suggest options related to mental health support services (including those provided by the Centres for Mental Health), mental health treatment services and other services available in the community

Support Services: coordinate support services for individuals (youth, adults, seniors and families) who struggle with a significant mental health issue so that they may live and fully participate in their community ; address and overcome barriers in housing, employment, education, leisure, relationships, financial stability and social pursuits; intensive support to short-term crisis support, to intermittent support, provided as needed

Bridging Employment Supports, Links To Work: helps persons with disabilities (ages 16-65) to obtain paid, competitive employment; call 1-866-387-6660 ext 4087 to make an appointment

Entrepreneurship Project: assists individuals who have been involved with the mental health system become self-employed or start their own business; referrals made through local CMHA Centres for Mental Health, other area agencies, or by self referral

Self Help Program: supportive environment for people with lived experience in mental health and addictions; mutual support, sharing of common issues and resources; one-on-one peer support and support group meetings designed to assist individuals in their own growth and development by sharing successes and developing strategies; self help resource centre; recovery planning groups (men's and women's groups); advocacy support, services of entrepreneurship facilitator

Self Help, Spark of Brilliance: community-based mental health initiative that promotes healing, recovery and discovery through the expressive arts; workshops open to people living with mental health issues and / or addictions and their supportive allies, including family members, friends and mental health workers

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.

Offers employment and job search services and access to Employment Ontario programs

• one-on-one employment counselling: interest testing and career planning, job search training, resume and interview preparation, labour market information, community resource and referral information
• access to on-the-job training opportunities
• Job Developers available to help clients connect with employers
• Job Finding Club, Career Decision Making and other employment-related workshops

NOTE: Click link to see more information on Second Chance Employment Counselling, Ontario Employment Services programs

• Employment Ontario Youth Job Connection program for youth having difficulty finding and keeping jobs. There is a paid pre-employment program followed by a supported paid work placement
• Employment Ontario Youth Job Connection Summer for youth ages 15-18, having difficulty finding and keeping work, or have never worked. There is a paid pre-employment program followed by a supported paid work placement
• Employment Ontario- Better Jobs Ontario: assists individuals to complete and submit applications for re-training for in demand occupations in Ontario.
• Ways2Work: employment program for at risk youth, ages 15-30; includes six weeks of life skills workshops and a 10-week work placement for which they are paid a wage for the full 16 weeks; during this time participants will obtain certificates for training, such as First Aid / CPR, Safe Food Handling, Smart Serve, WHMIS
• ACE (Achieving Competitive Employment): individualized employment support program for people with disabilities, including students

Offers a variety of programs and services from recreational / social day programs to supported volunteer opportunities.

Service Options:

• employment

Community Options:

• wrap-around services
• volunteer opportunities

Residential Options:

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

Serves Cambridge community members with a developmental disability, and provides events and activities to enrich their lives

• Outreach program helps individuals to access community supports; volunteer placements, daytime recreational activities
• Community Connections
• Community Participation Support
• Residential Services
• Supported Employment Services

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

Services include:

• Employment services and support with training / education options for all job seekers, youth and adults.
• Drop-in resource centre with access to computer and internet, fax, photocopier, newspapers, business directories.
• Hiring support for employers.
• Job search and training support for job seekers.

Access to Employment Ontario programs including the Canada Ontario Job Grant, Second Career and Youth Job Connection.
Assistance to access Service Canada funded programs.
Programs available for individuals with special needs.

Offers employment services to unemployed people. May include:

• Labour market information
• Employment needs assessment
• Career planning
• Employment counselling
• Diagnostic assessment
• Job search skills
• Job finding clubs
• Job placement services
• Developing an employment action plan
• Referral to appropriate intervention
• Participant case management and follow-up

Provides job readiness education and training specific to workplace literacy, numeracy and soft skills (social and interpersonal) development for adults who are interested in working towards competitive employment (minimum wage or better) and/or traditional volunteer jobs.

Employment supports include:

• Individualized information and referral
• In-depth assessment of employment goals and barriers
• Personal employment planning
• Service coordination to help meet your employment goals
• Pre-employment/ job search/ interview skills
• Individualized Employment Wellness Support and Marketing plans
• Job development
• Job maintenance coaching

Services for persons with disabilities

Individual Support Services​: opportunities for:

• in-home respite
• out-of-home respite
• transportation
• school-to-work transitional supports

Supported Independent Living

• for a person who chooses to live independently or with a roommate
• level of support is determined on an individual basis
• can range from several hours per day to a few hours each week

Community Participation Supports / Employment Supports

• encouragement to pursue employment
• volunteer
• leisure and recreation opportunities
• life skill development
• community involvement
• vocational and recreational activities
• options explored on an individual basis
• supports available to enable the person to participate in activities

Family Home Services

• for persons who prefer a family-like setting
• person shares the family home with a family, similar to foster care
• the matching of individuals with families ensures compatibility
• long-term arrangement
• staff frequently meets with the family home provider and the individual to offer support and guidance

Community Residences

• provides a quality residential setting for adults and children who require assistance in daily living
• three to six individuals live in shared accommodations and usually receive 24-hours/day support

Offers a variety of care and support services to deaf children, adults and seniors with a variety of needs including:

• troubled youth
• intellectual disability and deaf plus individuals
• youth and adults with behavioural, emotional or psychiatric problems
• young offenders
• dually diagnosed individuals

Services include:

• children's and adult's group homes
• PAH Children's Mental Health Program: partnership with Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) * provide specialized children's mental health service for the deaf and hard of hearing children, youth and their families
• Assisted Living Program for Deaf Seniors age 65 and older who require personal assistance with activities of daily living
• Outreach Services: Personal Support Workers (PSW) provide in-home assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, medications reminder), light housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation
• Respite care and parent relief: provides deaf individuals with special needs who live at home the opportunity to meet new friends and become involved in new activities in a signing environment while offering parents a break from the challenges of daily care * subsidized by an Individual's Passport funding, respite options can also be purchased in Toronto or Milton during the day, overnights and weekends as well as a number of activity based camps and workshops are offered throughout the year
• Sign Language Services: Classes are offered for hearing individuals from Grade 9 and up * courses are provided in Toronto and Milton & American Sign Language (ASL) instructors are certified to teach using the Signing Naturally Curriculum
• Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf (BRHD): 64-bed home long-term care facility in Barrie provides a home-like atmosphere while supporting resident's independence, sense of belonging and dignity * services include 24-hour nursing care, physicians, physiotherapy, personal support workers (PSW) to assist with the activities of daily living * activities and programs are directed by residents * housekeeping, hairdressing services, foot care, dental and eye clinics are also available * all meals are cooked on site

Services and Programs:

• Community Participation Supports - Adult Day Services
• Ernest C. Drury School for the Deaf
• PAH!

Day services and supports for adults with a developmental disability with the goal of full participation and inclusion in community life.

Offers employment / job skills building, life skill development, education and literacy, personal interest courses and volunteering in the community.

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

Overview of programs ranging from basic education and literacy to workforce preparation, career training and job search assistance programs, and directs to other related listings in this directory

ADULT LITERACY & BASIC EDUCATION
Reading, writing, speaking, communication, computation and/or problem solving skills:
* for adults who cannot read or write at a functional level) see Adult Literacy Programs here
* to strengthen functional skills in these areas see Adult Basic Education programs here


SECONDARY EDUCATION
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
* to complete at locations in Halton, see here


PREPARING & TRAINING FOR THE WORKFORCE
Prevocational Training (for people with disabilities, including mental health issues)
Instruction and/or counselling to develop:
* physical and emotional tolerance for work demands and pressures
* personal-social behaviours
* basic manual, academic and communications skills needed to acquire basic job skills
* see Prevocational Training programs here

Career Awareness and Counselling
* Career Awareness (provides information and data about various industries and professions): see here
* Career Counselling (provides information and guidance in evaluating aptitude, abilities and interests, to choose a vocation or career and select the type of training): see here

Vocational Assessment
Tests skills, abilities, interests, personality traits and other attributes for success in different occupational areas or specific positions
* may include programs that allow people to try out jobs for short periods of time to see if there's a 'fit' and, for people with disabilities, determine what supports might be needed to succeed if hired.
* for programs see here

Job Training
* Vocational Education, see here
* On the Job Training, see here
* Computer and Related Technology Classes, see here

Work Experience/Internship Programs
* Work Experience Programs, see here
* Internship Programs, see here

Apprenticeship
* Apprenticeship Preparation, see here
* Apprenticeship training, see here

Job training expense assistance
Financial assistance or loans to help people pay for tuition, books, living expenses, transportation, disability supports, assistance in caring for dependents etc.
* for programs see here


JOB SEARCH
Pre-job Guidance
Provides skills in preparing a resume, job application letters/questionnaires, answering job ads and taking employment tests, tips on appropriate dress, personal appearance and interview techniques, etc.)
* for programs see here

Comprehensive Job Assistance Centres
One-stop centres that may include job counselling, testing and assessment, pre-job guidance, job matching and referral, labour market and career information, information on financial aid for education and training, and referral for job training, transportation, child care, personal and financial counselling, etc.
* for programs see here

Specialized Job Assistance Centres:
Disability-related programs:
* Comprehensive Disability-related Programs, see here
* Supported Employment (job coach works side-by-side with client in workplace), see here
* Centre-based Employment (separate and supported work centres for those with disabilities), see here

Ex-offender Employment Programs, see here

Immigrant/refugee Employment Programs, see here

Indigenous Employment Programs, see here

Summer Employment Programs, see here

Vocational Rehabilitation (for people with disabilities, emotional problems or history of substance abuse), see here

Youth Employment Programs, see here

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Continuing to provide virtual and modified services using email, phone, text, and video conferencing, while also gradually re-opening office locations to be able to support clients virtually or in-person. Check website for current status.

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Employment Connections Program includes:

• employment planning - developing a realistic employment goal
• support coordination - assistance with successful transition to employment; advice on funding supports to access training and employment opportunities
• employment preparation - assistance with resume updates, job searches, applications and interview skills, vocational life skills training
• job placement - assistance with job searches by establishing contacts that can lead to employment
• on the job training/coaching - providing support to individuals while training on the job
• job maintenance - providing ongoing follow-up to help maintain employment

Youth Employment Program provides:

• a client centered program that responds to the varied employment needs of transitional aged youth,16 to 24 years, who are experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues
• outreach service to meet youth in the community, accessing at-risk youth who traditionally are not seeking services
• youth-oriented service that will assist youth in developing the skills they need to become contributing members of their communities

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Continuing to provide virtual and modified services using email, phone, text, and video conferencing, while also gradually re-opening office locations to be able to support clients virtually or in-person. Check website for current status.

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Employment Connections Program includes:

• employment planning - developing a realistic employment goal
• support coordination - assistance with successful transition to employment; advice on funding supports to access training and employment opportunities
• employment preparation - assistance with resume updates, job searches, applications and interview skills, vocational life skills training
• job placement - assistance with job searches by establishing contacts that can lead to employment
• on the job training/coaching - providing support to individuals while training on the job
• job maintenance - providing ongoing follow-up to help maintain employment

Youth Employment Program provides:

• a client centered program that responds to the varied employment needs of transitional aged youth,16 to 24 years, who are experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues
• outreach service to meet youth in the community, accessing at-risk youth who traditionally are not seeking services
• youth-oriented service that will assist youth in developing the skills they need to become contributing members of their communities

CLNH provides support and services to children and adults with special needs for adults * volunteers and placement opportunities available, contact by email at volunteers@clnh.on.ca

Services for adults include:

Residential Accommodations

• 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

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

• 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

Job/Work Skills and Opportunities (21+ years)

• 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

Community Supports + Rec and Leisure Programs

• 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

The HUB

• 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

Adult Day Program

• 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

A non-profit organization providing assistance to individuals with a developmental disability so that they may live in a state of dignity and participate in all elements of community living to their fullest potential * volunteer opportunities available


Services for Children and Youth (birth to 25 years of age) include:

• 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

Services for Adults include:

• 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+)

Services and Programs:

• Adult Services and Supports
• Services for Children and Youth

A program that focuses on skill building, pre-employment opportunities and literacy skills, providing meaningful day supports to adults with developmental disabilities. Pre-Employment program training includes assisting individuals to identify job skills and interests, resume writing, interview skills, job search and some job coaching.

Offers employment supports for people with disabilities who want to work in competitive part-time and full-time employment

• matches clients to jobs geared to their interests or long-term goals
• offers retention services to employers in Halton Region

Career Consultation services:

• assess individual's needs and match them with correct resources and support
• provide case management
• help to identify and analyze an individual's skills
• help to select an appropriate employment path

Job Preparation programs include:

• work adjustment training
• work hardening
• help to develop and improve skills
• improve performance and enhance employability

Job Placement services include:

• job development services
• job coaching/management
• help individuals find and adjust to their new positions in the workforce

Providing personalized service focused on clients' needs and abilities through intake assessments, customized employment plans, funding for education, technology, clothing, specialized equipment and wage subsidies.

Services include:
• Accommodation and Accessibility related assessments
• Occupational therapy assessments
• Mental health support
• Online training
• One-on-one personalized appointments
• Dedicated support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members
• Funding for clients and employers
• Job Coaching
• Job Retention

Abilities to Work supports persons with disabilities, helping them to find opportunities in employment, self-employment, education or training.

Offering personalized service designed to find the best match for clients and to eliminate barriers to employment.

Offering support to employers through assessment of their accessibility readiness and education on how to be more accessible and to remove barriers to employment.

Programs include:

• Employment Ontario is a specialist disability service provider in Peel
• Ontario Disability Support Program employment services provider in Dufferin-Wellington
• Ontario Employment Assisted Services provider in Dufferin-Wellington
• Specialized programs funded by the Government of Canada
• Opportunities Fund (Workreadiness Program)
• Government of Canada Sectoral Initiatives Program (Employability Health Support Services Program)
• Provincial Skills Development Fund (Women in Trades Program)

Call for more information

Program offers financial assistance to help individual/family with essential living expenses

• benefits, for individual/family, including prescription drugs and vision care
• help finding and keeping a job, and with career advancement

Program offers two types of support:

Income Support: financial assistance provided each month to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter

• also includes benefits for clients and their eligible family members
• health benefits (prescription drug coverage, dental coverage, vision care, medical supplies, medical transportation, pregnancy and breastfeeding nutritional allowance, extended health benefit)
• disability-related benefits (assistive devices, additional help for hearing aids and mobility devices, guide dog benefit)
• employment incentives and benefits (employment and training start up benefit, coverage for up-front child care costs, work-related benefit, transitional health benefit, employment transition benefit)
• transition child benefit

Employment Supports: services and supports to help clients with disabilities find and keep a job, and advance their careers

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) automated information and payment details, file status 1-800-808-2268 (service not available to TTY users), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun 12 noon-5 pm

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