Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

Provides training and support services for persons with developmental disabilities to enrich quality of life, wellness, individual/social functioning and community integration

Services

• programs for individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages
• family support and parents group
• community education, outreach, and partnerships
• Zoom programs

Adult Programs

• daily living enrichment program (Mon-Fri day program)
• job venture and vocational training
• group living adaptation program
• personal growth enhancement program (1:1 training)
• Saturday social club

Children's Programs

• Kids Link Social Club
• personal growth enhancement program (1:1 training)
• children's interest/extracurricular classes
• summer/winter/March break holiday camps

Youth Programs

• Youth Connect Social Club
• personal growth enhancement program (1:1 training)
• mentorship program
• youth counselling
• volunteer/vocational training projects
• summer/winter/March break holiday camps

Autism programs for children

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) programs under the Ontario Autism Program for children with autism
• School Age Bridge Program
• after school academic help
• individually scheduled one-on-one ABA programs

Progressive Bridge Program

• year-round program, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm
• enriched ABA program focusing on school readiness
• program delivered in three progressive levels
• children move forward at their own pace until they are ready for school
• children taught in a combination of individual instruction and groups according to clinical assessments

After School Academic Help -- Individual academic help scheduled after school

Individual Scheduled Program -- tailored to individual children based on their needs and the family's time and resource constraints. Number of hours and goals are decided collaboratively by the parents and the clinical supervisor

COVID19 -- health services and counselling by appointment only

• COVID-19 Helpline, 647-918-1205 -- free phone counselling available, call or refer to website for options
• Thrift store accepts online donations

Health services -- counselling service, medical consultation, and Tele-Rehab physiotherapy, call or refer to website for options

Youth services -- leadership and mentoring programs

• tutoring for high school students

Thrift store -- accepts donations during opening hours

Tax clinic -- part of Community Volunteer Income tax program, by appointment during tax season, service in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Arabic, contact for eligibility and appointment taxclinic@105gibson.com or 905-946-8787 ext 168

105 Gibson Cultural Café -- vocational training, employment to those with visual impairments with sighted volunteers

Recreational, cultural, and spiritual activities -- sports programs, Abundant Life Program for retired and semi-retired individuals, Community Classroom learning opportunities for various age groups

COVID19 -- Some programs run online, see website for details


Programs for children, youth, and adults with learning disabilities (LDs) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) including parent and adult support groups, tutoring services, advocacy and information and referral

Tutoring

Volunteer tutors from different diverse and educational backgrounds work one-on-one with children in grades 4-8 on:

• supporting students with homework help
• recognizing comfortable learning styles, learning strengths, and study habits which assist children in better learning
• assisting children with numeracy and literacy skills which need further development

Girls Connect

• designed for girls ages 7-18 with a primary diagnosis of LDs and/or ADHD
• participants divided into age appropriate groups addressing the unique needs of girls with LDs and ADHD.

SOAR Transitions Elementary

• for students in grades 7-8 diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD
• assists in developing life skills to succeed academically and vocationally

SOAR Transitions Secondary -- supports students in secondary schools diagnosed with learning disability or ADHD gain practical coping and advocacy skills in one to one and group sessions

Strategies for Life

• one-on one program that focuses on the socio-emotional effects of LDs and Attention Deficit Disorder
• identifies unique challenges the participant may face and assists youth in developing resiliency.

Summer Camp

• day camp for children with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD
• safe, encouraging and positive environment for learning social skills
• activities include outdoor swimming, nature walks, and arts and crafts

Job Fit Program

• helps adults and/or youth with LD's and/or ADHD explore interests, strengths, and areas of need in order to pursue employment
• covers how to ask for accommodations in the workplace
• ensures clients have a full understanding of their LD's and develops client's confidence to join the workforce

Parent Support Group

• virtual support group to help guide caregivers through different stages of accepting and managing their child's Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD
• monthly opportunity to meet and share common experiences, handle emotions, strategize for strengths and challenges in a positive way

Adult Support Group

• opportunity to network with individuals with LD's and/or ADHD, gain social support, problem solve and share successes.
• learn different strategies to deal with and manage LDs and/or ADHD.

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@communitylivingsouth.ca
Crystie Lau (Cantonese, Mandarin) at 905-884-9110 ext 267
clau@ommunitylivingyorksouth.ca
Puja Jit (Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu) at 905-884-9110 ext 640
pjit@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
Athavi Kugathasn (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


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

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

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

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

Serves café food and beverages to all including large orders for local businesses and organizations and offers day program for adults with special needs

Day Program Components

Café Program

• customer service, merchandising and sales skills
• product knowledge, stock management/inventory
• cash handling skills
• food hygiene

Kitchen Program

• kitchen safety, personal and food hygiene
• food recognition, cooking and recipes
• cleaning

Life Skills Program

• personal hygiene, dressing, household chores
• nutrition and meal planning, grocery shopping
• money management and budgeting
• relationships, anger management
• literacy, geography, community safety and awareness of current affairs
• cognitive stimulation through arts and crafts, self-concept exercises

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

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

Housing Stabilization Fund, 416-397-5550 -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit and essential furniture

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

COVID19 -- Employment services offered online or by phone; contact organization for service updates


Employment Programs for Youth

Programs offered at locations in Richmond Hill, Markham and across York Region include:


Specialized Training for Employment Program (STEP), 647-637-6023

• employment training and supports to youth with barriers and who self-identify with mental health challenges including first aid and workplace safety training if needed
• counselling, one-on-one job coaching and paid work placement opportunities
• for ages 15-30 who are 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
• for youth 15-30 who are currently unemployed and not attending full time school

Youth Job Connection (YJC)

• 3 weeks paid pre-employment workshops; can include certification such as first aid and workplace safety if required by employer
• job developer assists youth to find paid employment after pre-employment workshops
• for youth 15 to 29 years old who are currently unemployed and not attending full time school

Youth Job Connection Summer (YJCS)

• supports secondary school students with multiple barriers gain work experience either throughout summer vacation or at a maximum of 10 hours per week during school year
• participants must complete 20 hours of paid pre-employment training prior to employment placement
• for ages 15 to 18 years old who are unemployed and currently enrolled in school

Youth Success Strategy (YSS) 647-229-4183

• guides youth through job search process
• resume/cover letter assistance; interview preparation

Every Bite Matters (EBM), 416-988-3164

• 14-week paid employment program for youth ages 15 to 30 years who face barriers to employment and are interested in culinary skill development
• youth placed during weeks 10 to 14 with 24 hours/week in a culinary-focused employment placement

COVID19 Office closed; all services operating from Central Branch | Lipa Green Centre, call or visit JF&CS website for information

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Individual and group counselling, information and referrals, parenting support, mental health and wellness programs and workshops, supplementary financial assistance program

Pathways to Employment in partnership with JVS Toronto

Woman Abuse Program includes support with effects of emotional, physical and sexual abuse; partners with Jewish Women International to provide kosher apartment on emergency basis for one woman and her family until able to obtain appropriate living arrangements

1 Open Door: community hub of UJA Federation's partner agencies such as JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Service) Toronto, JVS Toronto

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



Day Program

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

ODSP Employment Support Program -- assists persons with disabilities to locate and retain employment

• assistance with job search, resume writing, interview preparation, job placement and ongoing support
• rapid re-employment assistance

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.

For general information on services offered, visit Kerry's Place or select a specific service below for more information.

Services Offered:

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

A non-profit social service agency dedicated to providing services for individuals with developmental disability * provides residential supports * community and day programs/supports * outreach and respite * person directed planning * supported employment services

COVID19 -- services provided by phone, online or in-person

Skills-development training courses and job-search support services to prepare unemployed or underemployed newcomers, immigrants and refugees for jobs in manufacturing supply chain operations including:

• shipping and receiving
• parts picking
• production logistics coordination
• purchasing and inventory control
• dispatching and transportation route and crew scheduling

In collaboration with York University

COVID19 -- Some services have reopened or are operating virtually; for more information, call or visit website


Advocates for and provides support and services to children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability

Children and Youth

• information on early childhood programs, school placement, registration, education plans
• help in accessing funding and programs
• development of a plan to ensure consistency between home, school and community programs
• employment programs for youth

Adults

• skills development including literacy, money management, social skills, and travel training
• job placement
• Adult Protective Service Worker Program (APSW) -- supportive services for adults 18 years and older living or planning to live independently in the community. Services include case management, counselling, advocacy

Families

• Family and parent support groups
• in-home consultation and collaboration with other professionals to plan for services

Residential Services

• supported group living
• supportive home share
• supportive independent living
• LIGHTS, www.lights.to -- helps families explore community residential options and funding eligibility

Respite Services

• adult fee-for-service programs
• residential respite for children and adults
• summer camps

ConnectABILITY, www.connectability.ca -- online information, tools and workshops for people with a developmental disability, their families and support networks

Person Directed Planning -- helps clients to set goals and find the supports necessary to enable them to reach their goals

Academic Supports -- assists clients enrolled in college or university programs with individualized academic support

Day Supports

• arts, recreation
• life skills development including money management and emotional/social skills
• respite for teens

Employment Programs

• pre-employment training
• employment counselling and placement
• employment supports for clients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Specializing in life and social skills for people with intellectual disabilities, developmentally delayed and autism.

• day program for the developmentally delayed to service persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. Day program has a 1 to 6 ratio.
• Saturday program for the developmentally delayed for persons to engage in leisure activities and community outings to receive assistance in meeting developmental milestone
• after school program for the developmentally delayed to aid persons with communication, socialization and fine motor skills.
• senior program for seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia or any other impactive disorder

Programs offered include:

• counselling services for families
• literacy
• summer camp
• community outings
• respite and drop-in
• March break
• PA days
• arts and craft
• vocational training
• budgeting
• fitness
• bus route training

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

Housing Stabilization Fund, 416-397-5550 -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit and essential furniture

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

COVID19 Restrictions in effect, call for information on specific programs and services

Range of community support services including information, decision support and referrals to community mental health programs and services; case management services and Community Treatment Order (CTO) case management services; transitional support program for youth 16-24 years; women's health and wellness groups, including culturally-specific newcomers groups; family support and education; ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Training; public education

Employment Services
Comprehensive employment assistance, employment preparation, job coaching, and employment placement and support

Housing Services
Access to housing outreach worker, case management and affordable supportive housing

Mental Health and Justice Crisis Prevention Program, 416-458-9466, fax 416-289-6843 (referrals)
Assistance for individuals at significant risk of incurring criminal charges, including access to mental health services and supports; home or community location visits

Mental Health Court Support and Diversion Program, Metro East (Scarborough) Court, 416-285-4177
Diversion of individuals from court system to mental health and community support services; court support worker assistance; consultation available for individuals who do not qualify for diversion

New Dimensions and East Metro Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)
Community treatment, rehabilitation and support services for individuals with serious mental illness

Rehabilitation Action Program (RAP)
Intensive, culturally sensitive case management for individuals who experience linguistic and cultural barriers to accessing services

Employment programs and Security Guard training program

• life and employability skills development
• assistance with entry into the workforce
• some programs provide tuition assistance for skills training at eligible private career colleges (programs must meet Funder criteria)
• employment assistance for persons with disabilities

Employment placement -- finding the job and adapting to the workplace

Community-based day program

• recreation
• academics
• arts and crafts
• social skills
• communication and vocational training
• spiritual care

Program also offered at 1132 Broadview Ave