The social enterprise Help Seeker purports to offer a way to identify service providers (community, health and social services) that are in your geographical area.
DANI maintains a page of community resources that includes events and activities.
The Prosserman JCC (in North York) offers a variety of recreational and social programs.
Viability "is a neurodiverse team working to co-create brighter futures with neurodivergent people and allies, build community, and transform workplaces, schools, and our broader society in ways that support everyone."
Huddol is an online support group that seems to focus on general health and wellness, but includes a group for caregivers and individuals with disabilities. I have browsed it a bit and it seems short on practical information but might be useful if you're looking for some virtual connections with like-minded people, perhaps similar to Facebook?
Surrey Place hosts the Individualized Funding Library which provides some general guidelines and suggestions around using funding, including hiring workers.
A resource about microboards ("A Microboard is an autonomous group of at least five committed family and friends who join together with a person who has a disability to create a supportive not-for-profit corporation.")
Partners for Planning has an estate guide
Connectability has what is, in my view, a woefully inadequate set of articles intended for adults with ASD or their family members.
Advocacy
ARCH Disability Law Centre is a great source of information about legal issues and those with disabilities of all types. They have a new Respecting Rights newsletter run by self-advocates that you can subscribe to.
Autism Ontario's "Forgotten" report, although dated, has some useful information.
Autism Ontario's "Forgotten" report, although dated, has some useful information.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
This therapy is sometimes recommended for caregivers. Learn more at this blog: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Or watch this video.
Communication Supports
If your loved one uses visuals to communicate, and you prefer to work with print-based materials (I'm sure there are endless electronic resources), check out this Visuals Engine. I also like PictoSelector, a collection of neutral, simple line drawings for common activities, including personal care: I used this as lot when my guy was younger.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
Loval love is a great (Toronto-specific) community-based website: they call is "your guide to living well & doing good". It's a potential resource for finding communities to engage with (for example, they have a list of community gardens that welcome volunteers).
Meetup is an online organization that helps people connect with others who have similar interests for events and activities, some of which involve a fee. It strikes me as an untapped resource for community building, with a huge list of areas of interest, and possibly a mechanism for creating your own group for your own special interests.
Meetup is an online organization that helps people connect with others who have similar interests for events and activities, some of which involve a fee. It strikes me as an untapped resource for community building, with a huge list of areas of interest, and possibly a mechanism for creating your own group for your own special interests.
Connections/Information Sharing
Connected Families is a not very active online resource for discussing matters with other families (you need to set up a login to participate). In my experience, it's mostly professionals who respond to queries or comments.Huddol is an online support group that seems to focus on general health and wellness, but includes a group for caregivers and individuals with disabilities. I have browsed it a bit and it seems short on practical information but might be useful if you're looking for some virtual connections with like-minded people, perhaps similar to Facebook?
Devices and Tools (adapted devices, sensory items, etc.)
Wellwise (Shopper's Drug Mart)
CareEasy (for family caregivers to share responsibilities)
Employment
DANI offers a social enterprise and supported employment program.
Reach Toronto (located in the west end of Toronto) offers a variety of
youth and adult programs including life skills, financial literacy, employment training and independent living.
The "Completing the Circle program" is offered in several GTA locations and focuses on helping those under 30 who face barriers to employment (not disability-specific).
The Family Support Network for Employment has a variety of useful videos. They offer an online, self-faced "Learning Paths for Employment" program for families.
JVS Toronto offers a variety of employment programs.
Kerry's Place offers an EmploymentWorks program in different parts of the GTA. The contact person is stephanie.bass@kerrysplace.org, 416-537-2000 x245.
Employers can find resources at https://odenetwork.com/service-agencies/tools-resources. Note that this Oshawa-based organization is not really a resource for families and individuals, but could be useful for families who want to encourage and support employers. The website includes list of agencies who support disabled workers and programs to help prepare for employment.
Job Start: Where Futures Begin is a program for 15 - 29 year olds that offers training and pre-employment workshops, paid placement, and assorted training in a 3 week workshop. They're located at Dufferin and King. Contact Mercy via phone (416) 231-2295 ext. 5723/ 5741 or email m.prempeh@jobstart.org. [added 12/29/19]
A parent has a great blog focused on employment issues for people with ASD or Asperger's: well worth checking out, and includes a self-assessment tool to help people determine what jobs might suit their skills best. For those ready to work, the site also lets you upload your resume if you're neuro-divergent and interested in working from home. [added 01/04/20]
The Ability Learning Network offers employment supports and skills training. [added 03/07/20]
JVS Toronto offers a variety of employment programs.
Kerry's Place offers an EmploymentWorks program in different parts of the GTA. The contact person is stephanie.bass@kerrysplace.org, 416-537-2000 x245.
Employers can find resources at https://odenetwork.com/service-agencies/tools-resources. Note that this Oshawa-based organization is not really a resource for families and individuals, but could be useful for families who want to encourage and support employers. The website includes list of agencies who support disabled workers and programs to help prepare for employment.
Job Start: Where Futures Begin is a program for 15 - 29 year olds that offers training and pre-employment workshops, paid placement, and assorted training in a 3 week workshop. They're located at Dufferin and King. Contact Mercy via phone (416) 231-2295 ext. 5723/ 5741 or email m.prempeh@jobstart.org. [added 12/29/19]
A parent has a great blog focused on employment issues for people with ASD or Asperger's: well worth checking out, and includes a self-assessment tool to help people determine what jobs might suit their skills best. For those ready to work, the site also lets you upload your resume if you're neuro-divergent and interested in working from home. [added 01/04/20]
The Ability Learning Network offers employment supports and skills training. [added 03/07/20]
Woodgreen offers a "Capability" program that offers pre-employment and potential for 12 weeks of paid work experience.. Contact Jessica Singh jsingh@woodgreen.org or 416-405-5292. Office located at Lakeshore and Islington. [added 02/04/22]
Lumenus offers life skills and other programs, including mental health and respite. Services offered in a variety of locations in the GTA, including North York, downtown, and Etobicoke. 416-222-1320 [added 02/04/22]
Financial
The Bright Futures Plan group appears to be a centralized resource for estate planning, Henson Trusts, and the like. [added 090521]
The Planning Network publishes an Estate Planning Guide, as does Community Living Toronto.
Surrey Place hosts the Individualized Funding Library which provides some general guidelines and suggestions around using funding, including hiring workers.
A resource about microboards ("A Microboard is an autonomous group of at least five committed family and friends who join together with a person who has a disability to create a supportive not-for-profit corporation.")
Partners for Planning has an estate guide
General Information
The Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network "offers information and communication tools to connect adults with Autism, family members, caregivers, friends, support workers, teachers, administrators and policymakers". Note that it appears to no longer be active, but the historical information can still be usefulConnectability has what is, in my view, a woefully inadequate set of articles intended for adults with ASD or their family members.
Partners for Planning offers a resource "Safe and Secure: Seven Steps on the Path to a Good Life for People with a Disability", available for free (although shipping costs apply).
Landlord Connect publishes a weekly list of affordable housing units. (Toronto only)
Ottawa-area lawyer recorded a Housing and Transitions workshop
The DSO has a housing toolkit.
The Toronto Developmental Services Alliance website has a variety of housing-related resources
Reena has a "community residence"
Options for Homes is a social enterprise involved in developing housing.
The Partners for Planning Network hosts webinars, has a searchable resource directory and a future planning book you can order or view online
The website of Ron Mallis,Toronto area financial advisor who specializes in disability issues (and who my family relies on and vouches for); includes a blog dealing with issues such as finding Henson Trust trustees and much more.
Autism Ontario has a few articles related to those over 18, and a service directory that, the last time I tried to access it, didn't work.
Autism Speaks has a variety of resources related to adults, although some (most?) might be not applicable to Canada.
Connectability has a bunch of resources that I personally feel are inadequate, but they do have a directory of fee-for-service programs. Their online Connected Families resource sounds good in theory but is not very active and seems to mostly be contributed to by service providers.
Autism Speaks offers several resources, although they may be too U.S.-focused to be useful: Community-Based Skills Assessment, Housing and Residential Supports and an Employment Tool Kit.
Autism Ontario's knowledge base, although not specific to adults and somewhat outdated, has useful information around areas of health and volunteering (including an article I apparently wrote!).
This is a video from a sibling of someone with a developmental disability. (Note that Partners for Planning also has lots of stories on their website).
Once upon a time Respite Services was a great resource for support workers (through their "CHAP" program), but they seem to have fewer workers available these days. You register with them as a family and then can access an online registry of available workers (who have been vetted by Respite Services). They also can connect you with respite workers.
ARCH Disability Law Centre has a whole page devoted to attendant services, what they are and how to get them, along with other valuable resources about respecting the rights of those with intellectual disabilities. [updated 01/02/2022]
Partners for Planning has a new resource guide for hiring support workers. [added 1/4/20]
Integrated Autism Consulting offers several transition-oriented programs for young adults with ASD in particular, as well as some recorded planning webinars. Although originally operating out of Barrier, they now offer services in several other Ontario locations, including the GTA.
Housing Resources
In Toronto, the DSO Housing Navigator in Alexandra Shannon. The DSO housing toolkit is found here.
LIGHTS is a Community Living Toronto organization that is involved with independent living for
LADD is a US-based organization serving adults with developmental disabilities. Although of course their service offerings are not applicable to those of us in Canada, their "Smart Living" program might be replicatable.
This article talks about types of technology that can help people with developmental disabilities live more independently. For a Canadian perspective, see this site.
City of Toronto Housing Plans
Ottawa-area lawyer recorded a Housing and Transitions workshop
The DSO has a housing toolkit.
The Toronto Developmental Services Alliance website has a variety of housing-related resources
Reena has a "community residence"
Options for Homes is a social enterprise involved in developing housing.
This website (from a US-based organization) has a good article about person-centered housing
Non-profit for co-housing (Jan 2, 2022)
Independence Skills
Sunflower Developmental Services (sunflowerrcs.com) offers a day program focus on skill development. Ratio of 1:6. (April 2022)
Individualized and Group Supports
Extend-a-Family offers a variety of services and supports, including Safe and Secure Futures Network family support meetings.This article discusses pathways to inclusion.
The Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario has some usefull resources, including, as of October 2022, a free downloadeable paper about individualized funding. (Nov 2022)
Legal
This resource explains legal capacity and supported decision making.
This resource deals with estate planning and offers an on-screen version of an estate planning guide.
Life Skills
This US-based site (note that this is a paid service or $30 a year) offers videos-based instructions intended to develop cooking skills for people with intellectual disabilities. There's a free 30 day trial.
Mental Health Resources
Cleaning up some old email and found a link to these resources provided by HCAARDD. from a virtual course offered early in 2021. Some, but not all, over COVID-specific. Includes supports for self-advocacy,
Mindfullness and Relaxation Apps
Medito seems like a good offering for Android phones: it is free, has a large number of meditation recordings organized by theme, and includes a timer you can use for independent meditation. Available on Google Play (along with a large number of other such apps).
Outings and Activities (Toronto-based)
This blog lists lots of things to do in Toronto.
Windreach Farm (located north of Whitby) is definitely worth checking out: the people are wonderful, and they offer a variety of programs and events.
Bust a Move: "We provide a safe space for people of all abilities to independently create and express themselves and believe people of all abilities have a voice to make change."
Windreach Farm (located north of Whitby) is definitely worth checking out: the people are wonderful, and they offer a variety of programs and events.
Bust a Move: "We provide a safe space for people of all abilities to independently create and express themselves and believe people of all abilities have a voice to make change."
Planning
The Ontario Independent Facilitators Network has an "ideas in practice" site that has some excellent articles. They also offer a variety of resources available on their site and publish a monthly newsletter you can subscribe to on their website, including a list of independent facilitators. You can also connect with them via:
* Facebook
* their Ideas Blog
* their Stories Blog
The Empowering Ability website offers a variety of resources including podcasts and training (for supporters and families. Personal view is full marks for enthusiasm, Mr. Goll's style might not suit everyone.
This is one particular video recording of a presentation on planning for a good life.
The BC-based Plan Institute has an online Future Planning tool.
The Facilitation Leadership Group offers "training, coaching, and consultation" at the community level (not disability-related).
Programs (Day Programs) and Services
DANI offers day programs.
Respite Services has an online list of fee-for-service day programs.
You can find and register for many fee-for-service programs at My Community Hub, which is, in my not-so-humble view, an extremely badly designed site that is frustrating to use. It covers only offerings from agencies funded by the provincial government.
Autism Speaks Canada's "Connections" has a searchable list of service providers that, for Toronto at least, is extremely limited. Note that you need to register to use Connections. Connections also includes a "Communities" discussion group that seems to focus primarily on children, and a "Resources" section for education, funding and other resources, but nothing I'd rely on or re-visit.
Autism Speaks Canada's "Connections" has a searchable list of service providers that, for Toronto at least, is extremely limited. Note that you need to register to use Connections. Connections also includes a "Communities" discussion group that seems to focus primarily on children, and a "Resources" section for education, funding and other resources, but nothing I'd rely on or re-visit.
The Community Access Learning Centre offers programs as well as staffing.
SAAAC Autism Centre offers a "Living 'N' Learning Adult Day Program", weekdays from 9 to 3
Recreation Programs
Toronto Parks and Recreation offers programs for adults up to age 29.
DANI offers recreation programs.
Respite
New Visions Toronto offers, in addition to residential (group) homes, overnight respite (you must be registered with DSO).
Improving Lives Respite Services offers in-home respite services and services specifically for high-need individuals.
Improving Lives Respite Services offers in-home respite services and services specifically for high-need individuals.
Sunflower Developmental Services offers "after hours" respite (2 hours), located at Ellesmere and McCowan area.
Resources
Helen Sanderson Associates operates out of the UK, but their website has some good resources that are generally applicable, including information and resources for person-centered practices.
Search and Rescue for Autism has content for both families/individuals and first responders. The site offers several free safety-related social stories in PDF form.
The website of Ron Mallis,Toronto area financial advisor who specializes in disability issues (and who my family relies on and vouches for); includes a blog dealing with issues such as finding Henson Trust trustees and much more.
Autism Ontario has a few articles related to those over 18, and a service directory that, the last time I tried to access it, didn't work.
Autism Speaks has a variety of resources related to adults, although some (most?) might be not applicable to Canada.
Connectability has a bunch of resources that I personally feel are inadequate, but they do have a directory of fee-for-service programs. Their online Connected Families resource sounds good in theory but is not very active and seems to mostly be contributed to by service providers.
Autism Speaks offers several resources, although they may be too U.S.-focused to be useful: Community-Based Skills Assessment, Housing and Residential Supports and an Employment Tool Kit.
Autism Ontario's knowledge base, although not specific to adults and somewhat outdated, has useful information around areas of health and volunteering (including an article I apparently wrote!).
Safety
Although I've managed so far with just a cell phone and the Prey software, there are numerous tracking devices out there to help with people who wander. One company offers a "Lifeline with Wandering" product that might be of interest (I have never used this).Siblings
Autism Ontario offers virtual meetup groups for siblings of those with a developmental or other disability, including (but not restricted to) autism. To register, click here. [added Dec. 2021]
Social
Dreamweavers offers social drop-in programs as well as scheduled programs like one that focuses on social skills through playing board games, and another where participants cook and sell snacks (the last two are typically held at the Miles Nadal JCC).
Miles Nadal JCC (Bloor and Spadina) offers several social programs for people with disabilities.
Kerry's Place offers, at their Rusholme Road location, "The Social", a free program for adults with ASD who want to enhance their social skills.
Meetup groups are intended for the general public, and cover a wide range of interests and hobbies in lots of different locations. Might be an untapped resource for both caregivers and the people they care for.
Kerry's Place offers, at their Rusholme Road location, "The Social", a free program for adults with ASD who want to enhance their social skills.
Meetup groups are intended for the general public, and cover a wide range of interests and hobbies in lots of different locations. Might be an untapped resource for both caregivers and the people they care for.
Support Groups
https://www.huddol.com - online support group for caregivers and individuals with disabilities (not sure it's exclusively that, however)
Support Workers and Services
Pooran Law has some resources about legal obligations when hiring support workers.Once upon a time Respite Services was a great resource for support workers (through their "CHAP" program), but they seem to have fewer workers available these days. You register with them as a family and then can access an online registry of available workers (who have been vetted by Respite Services). They also can connect you with respite workers.
ARCH Disability Law Centre has a whole page devoted to attendant services, what they are and how to get them, along with other valuable resources about respecting the rights of those with intellectual disabilities. [updated 01/02/2022]
Partners for Planning has a new resource guide for hiring support workers. [added 1/4/20]
Software Tools/Apps
In addition to Prey Project, which I use to track my son (well, his phone, which is pretty much always with him), as described in another post, I find these apps useful:
- Go Here, an app produced by Crohn's and Colitis Canada, helps you find the nearest publicly-accessible bathroom.
- There are several transit apps available to help for way-finding, I use Transit.
- I run big parts of my life with a combination of Evernote, AnyDo, and a shared Google calendar for appointments and events to keep everyone in the family informed, Devon has the calendar on his phone so I can put in reminders about WheelTrans pickup times and the like, although this also sometimes means that DVD release dates show up in everyone's calendar.
Awake Labs manufacturers technology for a shared electronic "communication book" (Reveal Stories), which currently appears to be a pilot project.
No comments:
Post a Comment