Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

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

Offers a number of Community Day Service locations throughout Oakville * the goal of each location is to provide an array of opportunities for each person to participate in meaningful day time, educational, leisure and social opportunities


Innovations:

• a person centered option, where prospects are based on personal interests and interests of the group
• features a strong community focus, allowing people to partake in social, recreational and volunteer opportunities within their community
• offers a variety of activities where people choose what they want to participate in such as the computer lab, arts room, music room, current events room or meditation room * each area assists people to engage in creative forms of learning amongst their peers
• offered Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm

STEPP (Skills Training to Enable Personal Progress):

• offered to people who wish to develop skills and build relationships with others
• participants have the ability to explore their talents while enhancing their literacy, numeracy and various skills of interest
• also offers recreational opportunities, community engagement and volunteering and a strong focus on healthy living and personal growth
• offered Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm

Summer Respite

• provides a safe and caring environment for children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 21
• activities include games, Snoezelen room, community events, parks, music, sports, arts and crafts and life skills
• contact Neil Rogers at 289-795-5130

• XCEL: offer a variety of activities, creating exciting opportunities for people to develop their skills while building relationships with others * offered Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4pm * contact Julie Bisbicos, Day Services Manager at 905-464-5838

• supported independent living: offers varying amounts of support to people where they live based on their individual needs
• 24 hour support: provides support for up to 5 people residing in a group living setting

• helps individuals to find/maintain employment in the community
• job coaches work with the person and employer to achieve successful employment in the Oakville area
• job coaches also provide support for a volunteer/work experience, work training and/or situational assessment

• provides a safe and caring environment for children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 21
• activities include games, music, sports, arts and crafts and life skills
• contact Neil Rogers, 289-795-5130

• funded by New Horizons Seniors Program
• offers adults 55+ the opportunity to attend recreation and leisure activities that promote health and wellness and foster relationship building with community members
• contact Neil Rogers, 289-795-5130

• Community Participation Supports - Day Services
• Residential Services

Major services:

• job placement for persons with physical, mental health and developmental disabilities
• employment plans that outline the steps to reach a job goal
• job coaches who focus on keeping the job
• self-employment mentoring to test feasibility of new ideas

Partners with Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP), Employment Ontario (EO), Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Centre for Skills Development, YMCA and Sheridan College on employment initiatives for people with disabilities

• 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

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

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

• life skills training
• job readiness
• radio broadcast training
• advocacy and referral
• counselling and support
• education and training for the public

• 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

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

• individual employment counselling
• disability disclosure and overcoming barriers to employment
• pre-employment training and workshops
• labour market information
• resumes and cover letters
• job search techniques
• job coaching
• access to accommodation, assistive devices and supports
• post-hiring support
• now offering incentives for eligible individuals who are interested in accessing remote work opportunities

• essential skills upgrading for clients preparing for employment or returning to school
• resumes and cover letters
• job search techniques
• interview preparation
• online applications
• paid work experience with job coaching throughout the employment period
• support to find job placement or further education or training

• candidate recruitment and selection services
• workplace accommodation and accessibility assessments and audits
• workshops in AODA (Access for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliance
• support for employers with purchase of disability related equipment (where eligible; Personal Protective Equipment/PPE not included)
• wage incentives for qualified participants
• call or email for details

• 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

• employment counselling and job coaching
• workshops and other pre-employment training
• job search techniques
• resumes and cover letters
• overcoming barriers to employment
• financial supports
• return to work planning
• post-hiring support
• career fairs

• assists persons with disabilities to locate and retain employment
• includes assistance with job search, interview preparation, job placement and ongoing support
• applicants do not need to be receiving income support from ODSP to be eligible for employment supports

• for individuals with disabilities 15 years or older wishing to train for job placement as a health support service worker
• must be legally able to work in Canada
• must be unemployed or not working more than 20 hours per week, and not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
• participant must not be enrolled in full time education or training

• training youth 15-29 years old with disabilities who are interested in starting or completing an apprenticeship, for work in industrial construction and manufacturing -- including but not limited to electrical, plumbing, carpentry, heavy equipment operation, welding, tool and die manufacture, sheet metal work
• occupational therapy assessment, employment counselling, academic upgrading and digital literacy
• funding for disability related costs, tools, work clothing
• resume building and interview preparation
• job matching, coaching and support

• hiring incentives
• accessibility audits
• workshops on AODA compliance

• 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

• 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

Services offered to individuals who have a developmental disability, include:

• residential support includes group homes and a supported independent living program
• LifeShare Program provides alternative living arrangements for children and adults who have a developmental disability
• Employment Services includes employment planning, supports coordination, job training, placement and maintenance, and travel route training
• Day Programs teach participants skills they need to enrich their quality of life and provide inclusive recreational activities
• Children's Inclusion Services provide resource support to children who have a developmental disability attending preschools or daycare centres
• Respite program provides after school or evening care in a safe and caring environment for individuals with a developmental disability allowing parents and caregivers an interval of rest from their busy schedules

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.

-------------------------------------

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

• 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

• 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

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

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

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

• information and referral
• assistance with forms filling for social assistance applications, health cards, other benefits
• interpretation and translation services
• commissioner of oaths services for verifying documents

• planning and goal setting
• job search techniques
• resumes and cover letters
• interview skills
• overcoming barriers to employment
• career exploration workshops

• individual assessment and counselling
• psycho-vocational assessment
• skills development
• work hardening program
• overcoming barriers to employment
• simulated work environments in light industrial and office clerical settings

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

• 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

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

• individual employment and job search assistance including 6-8 weeks of customized workshops on enhancing interview skills and increasing self-confidence
• team building, volunteering and networking sessions with employers
• First Aid and CPR training and certification
• development of essential life skills

• 12 weeks of paid work placement in field of choice and ongoing monitoring and coaching support
• support for interview clothing