Searching for Developmental Disabilities

COVID19 -- Call Health Connection with questions or concerns at 1-800-361-5653 or visit york.ca.


Early intervention and high-risk home visiting services; clients receive blended home visiting services from Public Health nurses, family visitors and social workers

COVID19 - For urgent help - telephone support only * all other non-essential services suspended until further notice

Home-based and centre-based autism programs * Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) supports * transitional support services for children transitioning into other community services, including school * support groups * parent and caregiver education, training * information and resource sessions, resource kits, videos * service navigation and coordination * programs at Haliburton Outdoor Centre

COVID-19 Response
For service updates, see COVID-19 Update from Kinark.

Regular Service
Transition based services for children with an ASD transitioning from the Ontario Autism Program intensive ABA services into publicly funded schools as part of Connections for Students program.

Kinark administers the SSP-ASD for the Central East Region of the Province, in Simcoe, York, Haliburton, Peterborough, and Durham counties. Other consultants serve these areas.

Presentations can be offered on trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-harm.

COVID19 -- enhanced screening and cleaning protcols; contact organization for more information


Programs and integration support for children with autism

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) one-to-one therapy
• occupational therapy, speech therapy
• social skills and emotional regulation programs
• School Readiness Program, ABA tutoring
• respite services
• PA day programs and camps

Project Impact: parent coaching to assist in child development

COVID19 -- For urgent help - telephone support only * all other non-essential services suspended until further notice

Single point of access for children and youth to be placed on the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) waitlist for autism services

Facilitates an integrated and coordinated intake process to identify needs of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families * provides access to Family Support Workers to assist families with service and program navigation and support, including direct funding options * visit Ontario Autism Program for more information

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 -- 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.

Participants design a schedule of activities whereby their quality of life is the focus, and are supported in creating and following through on plans to realize their desires and aspirations

Day Programs are divided into four units of service: Centre-Based Activities, Community Integration, Recreation Leisure and Work Experience * participants can choose activities from all four units * counselling services available

Available classes include:

• life skills
• computer training
• literacy
• health and nutrition
• ceramics
• dance and movement
• music therapy
• gardening
• communication
• relationships
• money
• art
• crafts
• drama
• home economics
• beauty salon
• holistic health therapies

COVID19 -- Day program open and complying with public health guidelines; call or visit website for updates


Day and educational programs for adults with developmental and intellectual challenges

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

COVID19 Contact agency for details

Licensed child care centres and Early Learning Programs (ELP), extended day and school-age programs (before and after school programs), licensed home child care (see separate listing), family support programs, summer camp

• integration services for children with developmental disabilities

Local lead agency for EarlyON Child and Family Centres

Community group and mental health services including online and in-person clinical services, facilitated group and individual support

Fill the Gap

• one-to-one, specialized tutoring program for special education students and students at risk for academic failure, who are struggling in their current school setting
• for students with attention deficits and organizational weaknesses, executive functioning weaknesses, learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and others
• works with each student to individualize their program
• areas of focus include early language concepts, pre-reading skills, phonemic awareness, hand writing skills, reading, comprehension, counting and math fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions), critical thinking skills

Clinical Services

• counselling for families, teens and and young adults on stress, worries, anxieties such as workplace/career/family stress, relationships, attention/organization issues
• children and youth well-being through life skills training, school/university counselling, assistance with learning disabilities and developmental concerns
• approaches and therapeutic modalities used include Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dialetical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), brief psychotherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, Self-Regulation Facilitation and Education (Shanker Method), Positive Behaviour Management-Restorative Practices

Youth Group

• virtual and in-person get together for youth high school age and older
• interactive and fun place to connect
• mature subjects discussed

Other Programs

• Lexia -an adaptive blended learning program that accelerates the development of literacy skills for students of all abilities, helping them make that critical shift from learning to read to reading to learn
• The Mightier - a digital program for kids that uses their heart rate to teach coping skills through game-based play
• Kind Hearted Oak Program - youth internship program for youth of high school age; college placement students accepted

Resource Lending Library

• library has books, DVDs, manuals and journals for lending and reference
• subjects include parenting, special needs and mental health literacy
• variety of resources to support home therapy, education and play skills

COVID19 -- contact program for current COVID program adjustments; visits currently by appointment only - no drop-ins


Day program, life skills and social skills

Provides residential treatment for children and youth with brain-based disabilities such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder with an all-inclusive approach to treatment including; education, psychiatric consultation, life and social skills training, and recreation

Homes:

CH Mono -- capacity 9

• for ages 12-18
• on-site Section 23 classroom

CH Stouffville -- capacity 8

• for ages 8-18
• on-site Section 23 classroom

CH Markham -- capacity 8

• for ages 12-18
• for youths who have been diagnosed with PDD ( Pervasive Developmental Disorder) and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)
• in-house day program focused on applied academics and life skill development

CH Orangeville-- capacity 6

• for ages 12-18
• on-site Section 23 classroom

CH Tottenham -- capacity 7

• for ages 8 -18
• on-site Section 23 classroom

Palmer Home -- capacity 8

• for transitional age youth ages 17-21
• focuses on life and vocational skills training

COVID19 -- Call Health Connection with questions or concerns at 1-800-361-5653 or visit york.ca.


Early intervention and high-risk home visiting services; clients receive blended home visiting services from Public Health nurses, family visitors and social workers

Apartment with 24-hour personal care

• bathing, dressing, bowel/bladder assistance
• meal preparation and eating
• medication assistance
• assistance with complex routines including assisting people who are ventilator dependent or use j/g tubes
• assistance with all activities of daily living

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

Literacy and basic skills training, including numeracy, digital, communication and interpersonal skills

• helps learners prepare for employment, apprenticeship, secondary-school credit, post-secondary education and greater independence

Adults with special needs program at Participation House, 9 Butternut Lane, Markham

• individualized instruction and support
• adults with varying levels of abilities build and enhance their employability and life skills for success and independence at their own pace

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

COVID19 -- clinics continued by videoconference with Southlake Regional Health Centre and Markham Stouffville Hospital, plan is to resume clinics at MacKenzie Health

York Region Early Intervention Services provides multi-disciplinary neonatal services, including assessment and monitoring of development in all areas * referrals to community supports

COVID19 -- clinics continued by videoconference with Southlake Regional Health Centre and Markham Stouffville Hospital, plan is to resume clinics at MacKenzie Health

York Region Early Intervention Services provides multi-disciplinary neonatal services, including assessment and monitoring of development in all areas * referrals to community supports

Residential and service supports for adults with developmental and physical disabilities * respite services, day programs, recreation and adult education services available

Services and Programs:

• Butternut Lane Residence
• Cedarcrest Manor
• Farintosh Group Home
• Frances DiCarlo House
• Hagerman Corners
• St Lukes Lodge
• Tony Wong Place

Provides resources to support parents of children on the autism spectrum and autistic self-advocates to constructively express dissatisfaction and contribute to creative solutions to problems existing in human service systems