Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

COVID19 Staff can be reached by phone or email. Messages left on answering machine will be returned within 24 hours.


Array Services provides a variety of residential supports ranging from supported independent living to group home living.

• Offers two Community Participation programs which work collaboratively to provide individuals with community day support options.
• Communication Opportunities Relationships Education (CORE) program: Community-based day supports program works with Array's residential programs, individuals from local long-term care facilities, and individuals who attend on a fee-for-service basis to develop a weekly schedule of activities
• Supported Employment Program (SEP): Offers skills training and development in American Sign Language (ASL) environments with support for employment, education and independence

ODSP provides income and employment supports to people who have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is documented by a Health professional. A financial assessment will also be made to assess eligibility.

For Income Support the amount of the benefit will depend on the size of the family, age of dependent children/adults, shelter costs and availability and receipt of income, special diet. Other benefits include: prescription drugs, dental services, eyeglasses, hearing aids and special medical necessities.

ODSP Employment Supports helps persons with disabilities to find a job, advance to another job if under employed, overcome a disability-related job crisis to maintain employment and retain long-term employment.

The following services are delivered and/or administered at the local level:

• Ontario Disability Support Program which includes the Income Support and Employment Supports Programs

Provides specialized employment services to individuals who are blind or partially sighted and are experiencing barriers to getting or keeping employment. Employment services include:

• labour market information
• employment needs assessments, career planning, developing an employment action plan
• employment counselling, job search skills
• referral to other services
• assessments for disability-related accommodations
• case management and follow-up

COVID-19 Response
Services offered virtually and in person by appointment. Staff available by phone or email and in person by appointment.

Regular Service
Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of: Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Offers employment services which may include

• dissemination of labour market information
• employment needs assessment
• career planning, employment counselling, diagnostic services
• job search skills, job placement services
• developing an employment action plan, referral to appropriate interventions, assessments for disability-related accommodations and
• participant case management and follow-up

Provides a range of services to people living with a developmental disability and their families so that they may enjoy meaningful lives through connection, contribution and choice.

Support children with special needs, their families and the early learning community.

Assist people who face employment barriers to find and keep a good job.

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Persons with Disabilities and Persons on Social Assistance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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 resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• 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

Better Jobs Ontario - Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• 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

Services for employers - help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant - financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Satellite location: 14 Queen St, Lakefield 705-652-1935. Fax: 705-652-5191

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Services at this agency/site can be tailored to meet the needs of Persons with Disabilities and Persons on Social Assistance

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

Assist adults with Down Syndrome surmount barriers to obtain volunteer and/or employment.

Allows participants to have a valuable and educational experience while having fun

• morning focus is working on the projects of choice
• afternoon focus is life skills and social skills such as food handling and safety

Proceeds from the sale of items created by the participants go right back into the group towards a lunch program

• participants plan, shop and make their lunch
• once a month large group outing which can include: bowling, movies, lunch at the restaurant, mini-golf

COVID19 Group therapies are all suspended.
All other outpatient services have moved to telephone/OTN except for those who do not have phone/computer, and those requiring injections and blood work.
Patients can still see their therapist/psychiatrist by phone/OTN but they are trying to defer non-urgent cases.


Regular Service
If you are in immediate crisis, go to the Emergency Department or contact the Four County Community Mental Health Crisis Response Program at 705-745-6484 or 1-866-995-9933 * 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Provides assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for adults with schizophrenia and other psychosis disorders. In partnership with clients, families and other service providers, assists clients with living, learning, work and social needs.

Services include:

• psychiatric consultation and treatment
• psychosocial programs and peer support
• rehabilitation including vocational support, employment assistance and education
• clinical case management
• community liaison
• education and support for clients and families

Provides services in the clinic and in the community.

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Persons with Disabilities and Persons on Social Assistance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities who are in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support.

There program has two components:

• Income Support: provides financial assistance and other benefits to eligible people with disabilities and their families. This includes accommodation and basic living expenses, as well as prescription drugs, basic dental care and other supports.
  
• ODSP Employment Support: program works with community service providers to help people with disabilities prepare for and find jobs, keep a job and advance their career. The program can also help people with disabilities become self-employed.

Provides a range of services to people living with a developmental disability and their families so that they may enjoy meaningful lives through connection, contribution and choice.

Support children with special needs, their families and the early learning community.

Assist people who face employment barriers to find and keep a good job.

Provides personalized support for people with developmental disabilities who are living on their own in the community.

Services are:

• provided through direct support and by linking people with resources in the community,
• offered on a one-to-one basis and in groups
• based on the needs, interests and goals of each person

Education courses include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, goal setting and problem solving.
• Developing and maintaining job skills (paid and volunteer).
• Communication and literacy.
• Socialization and interpersonal skills.
• Basic hygiene, self-care and care of clothing.
• Housekeeping.
• Menu planning, food selection and meal preparation.
• Money concepts and budgeting.
• Use of medication.
• Safety and recognition of hazards at home and in the community.
• Use of public transportation.
• Use of leisure time and recreational facilities.
• Coping with emergencies.

In addition to providing classes and workshops, the Supported Independent Living team also runs social groups for men and women, and a collective kitchen and garden.

Employment and volunteering

Supported Independent Living teaches people how to find and learn a new job. We also help the people we serve to learn about volunteering in the community.

Support to families

Supported Independent Living provides information and support to families in such areas as:

• applying for Passports funding.
• learning about government funding and supports.
• finding suitable caregivers.
• getting to know other families.
• helping to form circles of support / support groups.
• providing emotional support when it is needed.
• referring/ connecting to the appropriate community supports and services.

Northern Learning Centre

As part of the Supported Independent Living (SIL) program, the group meets at the Fenelon Falls United Church and is run by Community Living Trent Highlands staff and volunteers.

Members work on their skills in reading, writing, math and money, arts and crafts, journaling, budgeting, telling time and Canadian studies.

Celebrations are held along the way for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions.

On occasion, a guest speaker will come out to the Northern Learning Centre to share special knowledge or talents.

A cooking class at the church is also offered. The members of the cooking group plan, shop for, prepare and enjoy a meal together.

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Persons with Disabilities and Persons on Social Assistance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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 resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples , Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Women, Youth

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 Response
Contact for service. Until further notice - remote/digital services available only.

Regular Service
Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• 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

Services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Youth and Women

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite offices located in

• Roseneath -- 9059 County Road 45, Roseneath, Ontario K0K 2X0 (Alnwick Civic Centre). Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1pm to 4 pm
• Colborne -- 6 King Street, Colborne, Ontario K0K 1S0 (Cramahe Public Library). Hours of Operation: Thursday 1 pm-4 pm.

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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

Assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with finding meaningful ways to contribute to their community and/or earn money through volunteer and employment opportunities.

• People work with a Direct Support Professional to discuss their goals, participate in assessments to determine current skills and abilities, and develop the necessary skills to meet their volunteer or employment goals.
• Fee for service opportunities are also available for those who would like to purchase support

Community Living & Respite Northumberland (CLRN) supports children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and their families to live inclusive and fulfilling lives in their community.
Services are provided in the following categories:

• Community Options: planning and assessment, PULSE Sports & Recreation, employment and volunteer, skills and education, community participation
• Early Transitions: Children's Services and Building Bridges, Summer Youth Program
• EARN (Employment Assistance Resource Network)
• Individualized Funding Brokerage
• Person-Directed Planning
• Respite
• Supported Living Options: LifeShare and Individualized Supported Living

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Persons with Disabilities and Persons on Social Assistance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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 resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• 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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• 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 services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

COVID19 - Building is closed but meeting with clients digitally and still offering all services * new clients are welcome


Support to people with intellectual disabilities to live, work and be active members of the community

• residential supports, community supports programs (day services)
• respite care, family support, youth services

Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) - (separate listing)