Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

COVID-19 -- For COVID-19 related resources and other information from Community Living Toronto's ConnectABILITY.ca website CLICK HERE

• Network of community agencies delivering employment support services
• liaison between people with disabilities who need assistance finding and maintaining employment, and employers requiring recruitment assistance
• supports and strategies for employers to make their workplaces more accessible and provide full inclusion for people with disabilities

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

• includes assistance with job search, interview preparation, job placement and ongoing support
• delivered by various community organizations located throughout the City of Toronto

COVID19 Virtual programs and supports available; cafe closed until further notice

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Community-based recovery program includes employability and interpersonal skills development through food service training while volunteering in a public café business

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 - Closed for Fall 2020

• visit GBC website program description to check availability for Winter 2021

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Supported education program -- 3 semesters

• focus on interpersonal skills, problem solving, career and vocational exploration and planning
• college credit courses include English, computer skills, as well as a range of mandatory and elective courses
• individual supportive counselling and follow-up
• participants may achieve an Ontario College Certificate upon successful completion of the program -- call for details

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 Mental Health Support Warm-Line available 7 days a week for anyone feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, or depressed

• 3 pm-12 midnight call 416-960-9276, text 647-557-5882, or visit www.warmline.ca for online chat 12 noon-12 midnight
• 3 pm-7 pm (ET) call 1-888-768-2488, available nationally

Wellness Check-ins and Mental Health Follow Up
Individuals are offered a follow-up and check in if they need it

Web-based and Virtual Support
Online groups/social events including exercise, cooking, stress reduction, Double Recovery, recreational activities

• members only activities, Mon-Fri 9:30 am and 1 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm
• non-members welcome Mon-Fri 11 am and 3 pm, Sat-Sun 3 pm
• see online schedule for program details

Community Support

• daily takeout meal for members from 576 Church St, delivery for those with complex health issues, primarily members, call for details
• housing support via phone
• Senior Day Program daily phone outreach, meal and supplies provision, for existing members only
• Weston Mount Dennis Community Place Hub phone outreach 10:30 am-4 pm, virtual sewing lessons, free coffee/sandwich Mon-Fri 1 pm-2 pm, call 416 323-1429 for details

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Community-based psychosocial rehabilitation centre, based on the clubhouse approach

The Clubhouse
Members attend the Clubhouse to begin recovery from serious mental illness, and participate in work-focused activity units including clerical, maintenance, food services

• peer and staff support
• evening, weekend and holiday social and recreation activities
• social and recreation opportunities for young adults, such as podcasts, social media, spoken word

Warm Line, 416-960-9276
Peer support telephone line operated by and for consumers/survivors, including text format; online chat also available, visit www.warmline.ca for information

Double Recovery Program
Self-help meetings for individuals with concurrent disorders of mental illness and addictions held at various downtown locations

Employment Program
Part time employment in the community for Clubhouse members, at competitive wages, includes group, transitional and independent employment opportunities, and staff support as required

Residential Services
Affordable housing for Clubhouse members, including flexible as-needed support in bachelor and one bedroom apartments

Participates in Senior's Corner Mental Health Day Program at St James Town Community Corner, 200 Wellesley St E, 416-458-9616, nkhandaker@progressplace.org; and in Weston Mount Dennis Community Place Hub, 1765 Weston Rd, 416-323-1429, khaji@progressplace.org (see separate listing)

Employment-related counselling available to people with epilepsy and related conditions, focusing on job acquisition, retention and workplace adjustment. Consultancy services to employers also offered.

Services include:

• intake and assessment
• counselling & referrals
• job search support groups
• career planning
• interview and resume help
• job development & placement
• job coaching
• risk assessments
• job search workshops
• help identify issues in the workplace from the perspective of employee and employer and evaluate the impact of the employee's seizures/disability
• make recommendations for workplace accommodations and offer support for implementation
• offer various solutions for any problems that arise in the workplace
• provide epilepsy education and training to company staff
• approved by ODSP Toronto for job retention
• help those without employment to prepare for the job market (offering support in job search strategies)

Ontario Employment Assistance Services (OEAS) - includes labour market information, employment needs assessment, career planning, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, job search skills, job placement services, developing an employment action plan, referral to appropriate intervention, and participant case management and follow-up

Services offered virtually

Offers employment services which may include

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

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

COVID-19 -- contactless pick-up and drop-off options; see website for more information

Courier services

• employment, training and support program for individuals from the neuro-diverse community, in a point-to-point delivery service
• delivery on foot or by public transit

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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

Case Management

• direct service including counselling
• advocacy
• escort to appointments
• help to navigate different systems, such as housing, legal, health care
• help with application for ODSP, connecting to housing workers, finding a doctor
• referrals for case management through The Access Point (see separate entry)

Counselling

• using different therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Solution Focussed, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative

Crisis Outreach Services for Seniors (COSS), 416-217-2077

• on-call mobile crisis service for adults 65 years and older, with addictions or mental health challenges
• partners include LOFT Community Services, Haven Toronto, and South Riverdale Community Health Centre; see Toronto Seniors Helpline listing for details

Work Initiative Network (WIN)

• community based program that helps adults experiencing mental health issues find paid employment

Ontario Employment Assistance Services (OEAS)
Employment needs assessment and counselling for persons returning to work

• barriers to employment explored, action plan developed and implemented
• career planning, job search skills, labour market information, job placement and retention support
• referral to appropriate employment service or vocational training program
• case management and follow-up

Employment programs including employment preparation, and social and support service; telephone, email or virtual assistance also available

Adapting to a Changing World
8 week WRAP program for individuals seeking recovery from substance use, including online individual and group support, referrals to essential services

• for Ontario Works (OW) recipients
• continuous intake, contact 416-461-7739 ext 215, or ryanb@oasismovement.org
• up to five weeks of post-program support

Employment Essentials Program for People in Recovery
6 week in-class program includes self-assessment and individual support, life skills, employment preparation, basic computer literacy training and information on education and employment options

• for Ontario Works (OW) recipients
• up to six months post-program support

Employment Support Services
Job placement and retention, including job preparation and placement, life skills development, resume preparation, and assistance with interview and networking skills

• for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients
• income reporting

Metro Oasis Club
Café social club, including information and referral, peer support, and support services for families and friends

• 12 step meetings on site (Alcoholics Anonymous)
• public awareness and education

Oasis Clothing Bank, www.clothingbank.ca
For information on local donation drop boxes or home pickup, call 416-751-0553 or visit website

• no direct services to individuals requiring clothing

Education and employment opportunities through social enterprise and pre-employment training programs * operates Out of this World Café, Parkdale Green Thumb Enterprises, Raging Spoon Catering, College Street Catering and Grassroots Research * pre-employment training programs, including Food and Horticulture Training, Relief Worker Training (shelters and drop-ins) * Voices from the Street public speakers available on a variety of issues

CV19 Update

• accepting applications for an 8-week program called ReachingHIRE, a training and job placement program for adults who self-identify as having a learning challenge or intellectual disability
• offers daily online workshops, peer networking and one-on-one support to help clients reach employment goals, connect with job opportunities, and receive on-going support up to 6 months after program completion
• program requires referral from OW caseworker

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Support and Job Retention Program -- ongoing support and counselling in finding and maintaining paid employment * assistance learning new job duties * on site work visits and telephone contact to assist in solving work problems * resume updating

Employment Resource Program -- available to current and past Project Work participants * walk-in job search centre * access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone * resource materials, job listings, labour market information

Other Services -- customized plans can be developed on a fee-for-service basis including employment training, employment assessment, employment preparation workshops, job placement, job coaching and job maintenance

COVID-19 -- In-person services may be impacted -- check website for updates


Offers employment services which may include:

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

COVID-19 -- In-person services may be impacted -- check website for updates

www.WORKink.com -- online information on employment issues for persons with disabilities * job board for employers and job seekers

Job Accommodation Service (JAS)

• for employers; identifies individual workplace accommodation needs of persons with disabilities
• accessibility audits and onsite assessments
• case management services (fees on a sliding scale)
• presentations and workshops

Partners Program

• counselling and assistance for job-ready persons with disabilities to seek employment

Workplace Essential Skills Partnership (WESP) -- see separate entry

COVID19 Update -- in-person service may be available -- check ahead; most services remain virtual


Career Discovery

• career testing to individuals who are looking for help with their career path
• additional skills training may be available upon completion of program

Career Opportunity

• individual career counselling and support
• seminars and guest speakers
• assistance with resumes and cover letters
• interview preparation
• job matching
• access to computers, telephone and internet for job search purposes

YESAbility

• career counselling for youth and adults with disabilities
• individualized action planning including matching skills and qualifications with appropriate part time employment opportunities
• resume and interview tips
• on the job coaching
• assistance in gaining work experience and marketable skills
• provides access to transportation, assistive technology, and accommodation devices and services that will prepare individuals for maintaining employment
• access to additional assistance through ODSP Employment Supports, including transportation and assistive technology, to enable students and recent graduates to learn and become better equipped to thrive in a competitive labour market.

Support in accessing services and resources * information and referral * educational and vocational planning * library * advocacy in obtaining required equipment * volunteer opportunities

Programs, services, support and assistance for Canadians living with a disability * most services and programs administered by provincial Easter Seals * includes:

• assistive and adaptive technology - financial assistance and direct programs to ensure Canadians with disability have access to essential technology
• education and training - includes employment training and services, scholarships and bursaries and life skills programs
• sport, recreation and leisure programs - includes activities such as sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, swimming and more
• rehabilitative and occupational therapy
• residential and respite programs - available in Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal
• summer camps - 14 specialized camps across Canada for children
  

Disability Travel Card - Program for people with a permanent disability which offers a discounted ticket for their support person when traveling with Via Rail Canada, and Coach Canada

Access 2 Program - Program for people with a permanent disability which offers free admission for their support person to movie theatres, cultural attractions and recreation facilities