Searching for Disability Associations

Provide a wide range of individualized services within family settings for children with developmental disabilities.
DIRECT SERVICES: accessing community services, advocacy, case coordination, emotional support, guidance, identification of needs, planning, respite supports and direction in special services at home. Also provides Family Outcome planning, workshops, resource and information sharing.
INDIRECT SERVICES provides linkages to Assessment & Treatment services, counselling services, educational programs, parent groups, protection services, behavioural services and recreation programs.

Supports for people living with vision loss * research, public education, and vision health services * assists with building confidence, skills, and providing opportunities to fully participate in life

• peer support * groups, one-on-one mentorship, phone, or online
• home-based support (Vision Mate)
• support for students and parents (Beyond the Classroom)
• culture, recreation and sport programs
• youth empowerment programs
• advocacy groups and education

CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail experience that gives people with disabilities hands-on access to the latest breakthroughs in assistive technologies, as well as tried-and-true favourites. The number one goal isn't necessarily to sell products; it's to give our customers the skills and confidence they need to make the most out of assistive tools that can help them lead better lives. www.cnibsmartlife.ca

COVID-19: Fully operational. No drop-ins accepted at this time. Call ahead to book an appointment.

Supports for people affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS * helps people remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible * referral to other community services

Provides:

• education through the delivery of workshops, education sessions, resources and materials, speakers, peer education services
• referral to qualified medical, dental, mental health and legal services
• crisis intervention
• support groups
• friendly visiting
• counselling services
• community outreach
• caregiver support
• supportive housing
• 24 hr, case management, 'to-your-door' home supports for community residents
• immigrant/refugee, migrant worker, newcomer assistance, families, singles, or couples
• StreetWorks-needle exchange
• Safe Injection Site
• Naloxone training
• volunteer groups providing fundraising events
• Public Health Nurse available Monday afternoons for HIV, Hep C and STI testing as well as wound care

On-site rapid HIV testing Tuesday mornings * Testing services also include Hep C, STI and pregnancy testing and teaching * Also provides wound and abscess care services * Tuesday afternoons a Hepatitis C Outreach Worker is available for education and referrals to the Hepatitis C Care Clinic

COVID-19: Groups are currently run virtually. Not all groups are run ongoing.

CHRONIC PAIN SELF MANAGEMENT: A 6 week workshop for people who live with an chronic or ongoing pain who want to learn ways to better live with their pain and improve their quality of life.

GENDER QUEST: A support group for adults in any stage of gender transition, including those questioning their gender, modeled after Sherbourne Health Centre's Gender Journeys group.

HOT TOPICS IN HEALTH: A monthly drop-in session that provides information on different Hot Topics in health as chosen by our clients. Topics could range from health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes to healthy behaviours such as sleep and mindfulness.

QUIT SMOKING GROUP: A smoking cessation program that helps people develop a personal quit plan, deal with any barriers or challenges related to quitting and access 6 months worth of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (eg. patch, gum, lozenges and inhalers). * limited access currently to COVID-19*

TAKE CHARGE! CHRONIC DISEASE SELF MANAGEMENT: A 6 week workshop for people who live with an ongoing health problem who need help identifying coping strategies, setting goals, managing stress, making healthier lifestyle choices, working with their healthcare team and living life to the fullest.

TRANS/GENDER-QUESTIONING YOUTH GROUP: A monthly social support group for gender diverse youth aged 14-19 years. Provides an opportunity to meet other trans and gender questioning youth for discussion, movies, guest speakers and snacks.

Additional groups are available to clients. For more information, call or visit.

Offers the following services:

• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy to treat the following: * urinary incontinence, urgency/frequency issues * pregnancy and postpartum pelvic issues * birth trauma and cesarean recovery * organ prolapse * genital pain * painful bladder syndrome/ Interstitial Cystitis * chronic constipation * chronic non bacterial prostatitis * chronic back pain, sciatica and SI joint

• Maternal Mental Health program to address the following: fertility * pregnancy loss * perinatal mood changes * high-risk pregnancy * medical complications for mother/baby * neonatal * birth trauma * adjustment to motherhood * guilt * life transition * relationship changes * intrusive thoughts * parenting support

• Individual Therapy to address the following: parenting * trauma * anxiety * depression * relationship issues * life transitions * stress management * work-life balance * coping skills

Self help support group for persons living with chronic non-malignant pain (pain lasting more than 6 months). A safe venue to learn information on new treatments and medications, common problems, and coping strategies.

COVID-19: Visits are now being offered in person, telephone and OTN (virtually). The type of appointment will be a collaboration between the patient and Diabetes team. Masks are mandatory. Patients are encouraged to fill out the Patient / Visitor Screening Form before arriving. Click here for further COVID-19 updates.

Provides education and information, counselling and follow-up to those living with diabetes. The program includes monitoring, blood sugar levels, food choices, exercise, medications, and lifestyle choices.

Providing advocacy and support. Dedicated to improving opportunities that promote independence, confidence and inclusion to people with down syndrome.

Self help group for individuals who have an ostomy (or for people about to have ostomy surgery). Monthly meetings include information sharing and speakers from the medical or health support fields, primarily ostomy related.

COVID-19: Office is closed to the public. All face-to-face programs have been suspended except for the in-home respite program. Referrals still accepted - see website. All intakes, counselling and social interactions continuing over telephone. Registered clients continuing to recieve any incontinence products and transportation vouchers as per usual.

Provides services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias, and their families, including support groups, counselling and education programs * promotes Alzheimer's research and partners with MedicAlert Safely Home to provide a nationwide program designed to help identify the person who is lost and assist in a safe return home

Contact office for further information on caregiver support meetings * offers a Speakers Bureau

Provides education, support and Information to those living with diabetes as well as their families. Workshops provide group learning on various diabetes related topics including monitoring, blood sugar levels, food choices, exercise, medications, and lifestyle choices. Insulin management and support provided.

Committed to empowering and maximizing the quality of life for individuals living with the effects of an acquired brain injury and their families through support, social activities, community and peer opportunities, advocacy, and information. Committed to education, awareness, and prevention of brain injury in St. Catharines and the Niagara region.

Provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. The only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services.

Some of the Programs and Services Include:

• Information and Referral
• MS Knowledge Network
• Peer to Peer Support Program
• Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program
• Equipment Special Assistance
• Support and Self-Help Groups
• Educational and Awareness Events
• Friendly visiting program

For information and supports on navigating an MS journey, please contact an MS Navigator by emailing msnavigators@mssociety.ca.

COVID-19: Phone and virtual services remain open.

A support group for those who have gone through the trauma of pre-amputation or amputation. Also offers service for the family and friends of amputees. The group offers a visitation program if requested by the family, hospital, or surgeon. Will try to provide financial assistance towards the cost of prosthetic based on eligibility and availability of funds. Also offers social events. Helps towards gym membership at Brock Wellness Center for amputees who are interested.

Works to enhance the lives of Ontarians living with the effects of acquired brain injury (ABI) through education, awareness and support.

Services include:

• Information and resources on acquired brain injury
• Telephone support line
• Provincial peer support program
• Online caregiving after brain injury resources (www.caregiverinfo.ca)
• Online caregiver support groups
• Online concussion support groups
• Personal advocacy and support
• Training and education for families and professionals

A support group for stroke survivors of all ages and their caregivers, family members and friends. General meetings are usually two hours long. Guest speakers are often part of the first hour, providing information on a variety of topics.

During the second hour of the meeting, stroke survivors and caregivers separate into two groups. These separate sessions allow each group to share their thoughts and provide support.

Offers a variety of services and supports for children and youth with special needs and their families.

Ontario Autism Program (OAP): offers support to all eligible families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. Children and youth who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by a qualified professional are eligible for the program until the age of 18.

Children's Developmental Assessment Services (CDAS): provides family-centred, comprehensive developmental assessments for children/youth with a developmental disability or if an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis is suspected.

Children's Behaviour Services: provides assessments, behavioural consultations, educational opportunities, and clinical and recreational group services.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Respite Services: offer a variety of recreational activities for children/youth to enjoy with their peers.Our respite programs include after-school social skills respite, Saturday respite, pre-school respite, and intensive in-home respite support services.

Bethesda also offers respite camps for March Break and Holiday Drop-In Programs.

FEE FOR SERVICE OPTIONS:
Bethesda offers a range of clinical services to assist children and youth in developing new skills. These individualized treatment plans are collaboratively developed with individuals and caregivers to promote growth, independence, and improved quality of life. Programs include:

• Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
• Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI)
• Psychology Assessments
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy

Community-based support and rehabilitation services to adults living with the effects of an acquired brain injury * family and support persons are encouraged to participate

Programs include:

• Community Outreach Support Services
• Residential Services (24-hour support)
• Supportive Housing Services (on-site staff support)
• Vocational Services (pre-employment, return-to-work, and job coaching)
• Psychological Services
• Social Work
• Therapeutic Recreational Services
• Educational opportunities for individuals and families

Offers a number of programs for seniors and adults with disabilities.

Offers a virutal mutual support group and information on learning to live with Parkinson's disease.

A support group for individuals with trigeminal neuralgia

A non-profit agency dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in the Niagara Region who are affected by epilepsy. Epilepsy Niagara provides support services, education and public awareness to all persons living with epilepsy and their support network throughout the Niagara Region.

Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support devotes itself exclusively to the unique non-medical needs cancer presents. At Wellspring Niagara, we provide a caring community in-person and online, so anyone living with cancer, their caregiver, and family members can access vital information, meaningful support, and effective coping strategies.

Offers a wide variety of free wigs, hats, and other items designed to help women and men who are living with the effects of cancer treatment. Will accept wig donations.

Host in-person Look Good Feel Better workshops.

COVID-19: Many in-person support groups are not meeting. Virtual Support Groups are still meeting, as well as newly expanded Virtual Programs section. See website to access virtual support groups.

Offers support for persons suffering from a brain tumour and/or their friends or family.

Support groups help to:

• reduce anxiety and help with feelings of loss of control, fear of the unknown, changes in family roles, and financial strain
• provide reassurance from others who have already traveled the road
• offer practical information to help in making informed decisions about treatment options
• enhance and strengthen coping skills
• provide a unique social network that may reduce feelings of isolation and reinforce a positive, hopeful attitude

Provides programs and services for individuals in Niagara, Hamilton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families.

Services offered include programs for children, youth and adults with Autism, summer camp, autism family-friendly events and outings, an on-site sensory room, connection to other community resources and supports, bursaries and more.

Provide a variety of programs for children, youth, teens and adults with autism. These programs run Sep-Dec & Jan-Apr. The Summer Camp program runs in Jul & Aug. Lengths of programs vary.

Provides services and supports for adults with ASD and youth transitioning into adulthood.