Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

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

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

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

COVID19 Office closed; all services operating from Central Branch | Lipa Green Centre, call or visit JF&CS website for information

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Individual and group counselling, information and referrals, parenting support, mental health and wellness programs and workshops, supplementary financial assistance program

Pathways to Employment in partnership with JVS Toronto

Woman Abuse Program includes support with effects of emotional, physical and sexual abuse; partners with Jewish Women International to provide kosher apartment on emergency basis for one woman and her family until able to obtain appropriate living arrangements

1 Open Door: community hub of UJA Federation's partner agencies such as JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Service) Toronto, JVS Toronto

COVID19 -- Check Facebook page for online programming and updates; respite and Saturday program currently not running, but may resume in summer of 2023; contact organization for update


Programs for adults with developmental disabilities

• day program
• after school program
• holiday programs
• high school transition
• job training
• skill building activities for life skills, social, and fine and gross motor skills through educational curriculum and hands-on activities

Employment programs for youth and young adults, offered at locations in York Region

Specialized Training for Employment Program (STEP), 647-637-6023
Employment training and supports, including counselling, one-on-one job coaching and paid work placement opportunities, and first aid and workplace safety training if needed

• for youth who self-identify with mental health challenges
• must be unemployed and not attending full time school

Base 4 Success (B4S), 647-393-3749
12 week paid pre-employment training and paid work placements for youth who face barriers to employment

• must be unemployed and not attending full time school

Every Bite Matters (EBM), 416-574-8676
14-week paid culinary-focused employment program, includes 9 weeks paid pre-employment and culinary training, and 5 weeks paid work placement

Youth Success Strategy (YSS), 647-229-4183
Assistance with job search process, including resume, cover letter, and interview preparation

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

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

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

Long-term residential care and vocational training for adults with a developmental disability * woodworking shop, Craft Studio, dance troupe



Day Program

A non-profit social service agency dedicated to providing services for individuals with developmental disability * provides residential supports * community and day programs/supports * outreach and respite * person directed planning * supported employment services

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

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE


S.P.R.I.N.G. Program

• Comprehensive employment and job search services
• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE

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

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

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

A non-profit, faith-based organization providing services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Ontario

Supports and services in Simcoe County include:

• community residences in Barrie, Orillia, Keswick and Bradford and throughout Ontario
• supported independent living - assistance with meal preparation, banking, house keeping and medical appointments and more
• employment supports, community involvement and access to volunteer opportunities and recreational activities

COVID-19 - In-person services have resumed and virtual workshops and support continue

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• 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

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

Person Directed Planning -- helps clients to set goals and find the supports necessary to enable them to reach their goals

Academic Supports -- assists clients enrolled in college or university programs with individualized academic support

Day Supports

• arts, recreation
• life skills development including money management and emotional/social skills
• respite for teens

Employment Programs

• pre-employment training
• employment counselling and placement
• employment supports for clients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

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@@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

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of all client groups

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

Operated by the Toronto District School Board; Funded by Employment Ontario

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.

COVID-19 - In-person services have resumed; virtual workshops and support continue; contact agency by phone or email, or check website for information to find assistance

Comprehensive employment job search services

• 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

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

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

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

COVID19 -- Call or check website for service updates

Residential Services

• community group homes and apartment living for adults 18 years and older
• some homes wheelchair accessible

Day Program and Support Services

• vocational training
• life skills, educational workshops
• respite services
• recreation and arts programs
• March break program for youth 16-21 years

Clinical Services

• art therapy, behaviour therapy
• counselling and psychiatric consultation
• transitional and permanent treatment programs for disorders such as Prader Willi Syndrome

Mens Sana, Families for Mental Health

• residential services
• drop-in/day program
• family support
• information and referral; assistance with housing and financial issues
• social, recreational and educational programs

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

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

Provides supervised and supported recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities to help people with developmental disabilities improve their quality of life * social and recreational activities, compensated vocational experience, life skills training and community inclusion, literacy and computer training, sensory development, health and fitness, and holistic therapies

COVID19 - Reopened with strict government guidelines; contact by phone or email for information


Services

• vocational day program
• social and life skills training
• job placements with on-the-job coaching
• weekend respite

COVID19 -- Contact organization for COVID updates; virtual programs available, visit website for details


Services

• person-centred planning; in-community and in-home respite services
• life skills instruction
• vocational training and volunteer placement; pre-employment training at Chocolate Concepts
• literacy and numeracy instruction; computer and technology training
• fitness and nutrition programs (gym on-site); general health education
• recreation and group outings; Saturday Social Program

Building Relationships -- small group program teaching and reinforcing social skills