This is a place for YOU to talk and connect about everything from the little stuff to the really big stuff, how you solved problems, found resources and found ways to make your dreams happen.

Tell your stories, your ideas, your successes and even your frustrations. Share your tips to help others succeed and find tips that could help you.

Your feedback and ideas were collected in a survey last September which were used in the development of Connected Families. Your feedback will always be important and we welcome your suggestions!

Check out Connected Families now!

Each year another group of students who have an intellectual disability leave high school and begin to look for activities that will support their continued development and engagement in their communities.

With this growing demand, community agencies are looking for ways to expand the availability of activities beyond their government funded spaces which do not become available very often.

One way of meeting growing demand is to offer activities for a fee. Individuals and their families, including those who receive individualized funding (for example, Passport funding), can choose to purchase many different types of activities to participate more fully in our communities.

As a result, this survey was drafted by a group from community agencies who offer community participation supports and wants to find out what activities people are interested in.

Please complete the survey to help us plan choices for future activities.

Click here to take the survey

Tax Tips 2011

Diversity is a broad term that refers to the variety of differences among people. Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition definition of diversity is:

“Diversity is commonly understood in terms of dimensions that include but are not limited to race, age, place of origin, religion, ancestry, Aboriginal status, skin colour, citizenship, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability/ability, marital, parental or family status, same-sex partnership status, creed, language, educational background, literacy level, geographic location, income level, cultural tradition and work experience”.

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion addresses the extent to which diversity is truly acknowledged and respected within a group, organization or society.  The United Way definition of inclusion is:

“Inclusion speaks to the extent to which individuals and groups value, respect and include differences knowledge, preferences and perspectives.  Inclusion refers to a sense of belonging.  An inclusive environment fosters respect for individuals, values them for who they are and generates a level of supportive energy and commitment so that individuals have the opportunity to contribute, thrive and meet their full potential”.

A Must Read…

The Canadian Facts
The primary factors that shape the health of Canadians are not medical treatments or lifestyle choices but rather the living conditions they experience. These conditions have come to be known as the social determinants of health.
http://www.thecanadianfacts.org

Inclusion in the Toronto Region
Social issues, such as poverty and crime, are usually viewed as being separate from business issues. The reality, though, is that these issues impact the business community and a region’s growth.
http://www.bot.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Promoting_Social_Cohesion&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4793

OCASI Wraparound Research Project (Source: Prepared for OCASI by Jonquil Eyre Consulting) This report is intended to be a resource for immigrants and refugees with complex needs as well as background for an OCASI initiated training program for managers and supervisors of settlement services interested in looking into developing and implementing this alternative model.
OCASI Wraparound Research Project

The New Global Mindset: Driving innovation through diversity
Cultural diversity offers the flexibility and creativity we need to recreate the global economy for the 21^st century.  Differing voices and viewpoints are powerful factors in steering innovation.
http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/Driving-growth/The-new-global-mindset–driving-innovation-through-diversity

Diversity Briefing:  Questions for Directors to Ask
There is a growing body of research regarding the benefits of diverse teams in the areas of organizational performance and problem-solving.
http://www.rogb.ca/director-series/director-briefings/item40363.aspx

Chinese Cultural Guide for Employers
Cultural influences, practical guidelines, tips and techniques to help the employer and newcomer in the Canadian workplace.
Chinese Cultural Guide for Employers

Useful Links

Interfaith Calendar – Annual calendars for the primary sacred times for world religions. http://www.interfaithcalendar.org

Settlement Sector & Ethno-Specific Organizations

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
OCASI was formed in 1978 to act as a collective voice for immigrant serving agencies and to coordinate responses to shared needs and concerns.  Its membership is comprised of more than 200 community-based organizations in the province of Ontario.   The Mission of OCASI is to achieve equality, access and full participation for immigrants and refugees in every aspect of Canadian life.
http://www.ocasi.org

Settlement.org
The Settlement.Org website provides newcomers with information and resources to settle in Ontario, Canada.
http://www.settlement.org

Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office
Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office is a community based multicultural, multi-service agency providing community-based services to residents of Thorncliffe Park and surrounding communities. Programs and services include information and referral, a family violence program, women’s counseling, settlement services, language classes for newcomers, employment assistance services, an Ontario Early Years Centre for Don Valley West riding, youth services and delivery of community information workshops and seminars
http://www.thorncliffe.org

Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities
CAMD is a not for profit federally incorporated association of Muslims with disabilities whose vision is to create a global village that includes full access for persons with disabilities. CAMD’s mission is to work toward an inclusive society by promoting principles of accessibility.
http://www.camd.ca

Spirit of Life
Their mission is to support, enhance and contribute to the integration of individuals with Developmental Disabilities and other special needs, and their families to the broader community by providing public education, advocacy and coordinated services, through a concerted effort with partners within the Chinese community in Greater Toronto Area.
http://www.thespiritoflife.org

Midayanta community Services
Midaynta Community Services is a social and settlement services agency, working to improve the quality of life of newcomers in Toronto and vicinity.
http://www.midaynta.com

Ethiopian Association in Toronto
Provides information, supports and services for the Ethiopian community in Toronto.
http://www.ethiocommun.org

Rexdale Women’s Centre
Supports immigrant, newcomer and refugee women and their family members of all generations to become fully participating members of Canadian society who are self-sufficient, financially secure, safe, happy, healthy and socially active in the Greater Toronto Area.
http://www.rexdalewomen.org

Working Women Community Centre (WWCC)
Working Women is a charitable organization that provides a variety of programs and services, which help immigrant women adjust to living in Toronto.
http://www.workingwomencc.org

Delta Family Resource Centre
Delta Family Resource Centre, a non-profit community organization envisions a healthy and empowered community where families and children thrive. A multi-ethnic, multi-site organization situated in a diverse community that is committed to enhancing the potential of families and children by supporting and addressing identified needs.
http://www.dfrc.ca

Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT)
The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization that aims to help all newcomers to Canada, especially Arabs, and to provide a friendly place to socialize and reach services and opportunities.
http://www.arabcommunitycentre.com

Afghan Women’s Organization
The Afghan Women’s Organization works with refugees and immigrants, and those who have experienced wars and persecution, with a special focus on women and their families. Its mission is to improve their quality of life and to promote their social and economic inclusion in order to enable them to become contributing members of society and to live in dignity.
http://www.afghanwomen.org

The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto is a non-profit, non-political organization with an objective to build a Chinese Cultural Centre for residents of the Greater Toronto area.
http://www.cccgt.org/F.cgi/(en)/accueil.cgi

North York Community House
North York Community House is a dynamic neighbourhood centre for newcomers, building strong healthy communities.
http://nych.ca

LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer) Sector

SprOUT
sprOUT is all about connecting LGBTQ people labeled with intellectual disabilities across Ontario. We hold fun events such as dances, BBQs, movie nights and parties. Our workshops on sexual health, self advocacy, and how to create LGBTQ positive space are co-facilitated by LGBTQ people labeled with intellectual disabilities. We also offer consultation to individuals, their families and support workers.
http://www.griffin-centre.org/reachout.php

The 519 Church Street Community Centre
The 519 Church Street Community Centre is the hub of community life in Toronto’s diverse Church and Wellesley Village.  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer (LGBTTQ) communities and our allies and friends have always found a welcoming place at The 519.
http://www.the519.org

Rainbow Health Network
Our vision is the optimal health and wellness of people and communities of all gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as intersex people.
http://www.rainbowhealthnetwork.ca

SOY (Supporting Our Youth)
SOY works within an anti-oppression framework to create opportunities for queer and trans youth and adults to build an inclusive, welcoming community together.
SOY develops initiatives that build skills and capacities, provide mentoring and support, and nurture a sense of identity and belonging.
http://www.soytoronto.org

Sherbourne Health Centre
Sherbourne Health Centre is an established community-based health centre in downtown Toronto. We offer high quality primary healthcare and programs and services that support physical and emotional wellbeing.  We particularly welcome and serve newcomers to Canada, those who are homeless or unsafely housed, and members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) communities.
http://www.sherbourne.on.ca

Egale Canada
Egale Canada is Canada’s LGBT human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.
http://www.egale.ca

Aboriginal

Miziwe Biik
Miziwe Biik is committed to assisting all persons of native ancestry in the Greater Toronto Area to attain a better quality of life.
http://www.miziwebiik.com

Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre is an autonomous vibrant cultural agency that involves and serves the indigenous community with confidence and commitment to their well-being. Provides counselling, material assistance and other direct services to First Nations people as well as to encourage and enhance spiritual and personal growth.
http://www.councilfire.ca

Aboriginal Housing Support Centre
We encourage Aboriginal families and individuals who are paying too much rent for substandard accommodations, to apply for non-profit housing; and we provide counselling and support services for families or individuals who are at risk of losing their private market rental to remain housed until a non-profit housing unit becomes available.
http://www.aboriginalhsc.org

Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Our mission is to improve the health and well being of Aboriginal People in spirit, mind, emotion and body by providing Traditional Healing within a multi-disciplinary health care model.
http://www.aht.ca

2-Spirited People of the 1^st Nations
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations is a non-profit social services organization whose membership consists of Aboriginal gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Toronto.   The 2-Spirits organization’s programs and services includes: HIV/AIDS education, Outreach, Prevention, support and counselling.   For 2-spirited people and others living and affected by HIV/AIDS.
http://www.2spirits.com

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Serves native families and children in the Toronto area, including First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all those with Aboriginal heritage who choose to be served by the agency.
http://www.nativechild.org

Native Women’s Centre
The Native Women’s Centre provides safe, emergency shelter for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives due to family violence, homelessness, or conflict with the law.
http://www.nativewomenscentre.com

Noojimawin Health Authority
Noojimawin Health Authority (NHA) is an urban and rural Aboriginal Health Planning Authority.  NHA focuses on research, data collection, and analysis, communication, information sharing, and planning related to community health programs and services.  NHA’s activities are within the context of the Aboriginal Health model, which strives to articulate Aboriginal community priorities and provide a regional and provincial perspective.
http://www.noojimawin.com

Resources and Other Documents

Ethno-Specific

Disability, Cultural and Service Engagement among Chinese, Somali and Tamil Communities in Toronto( English)
A high proportion of individuals and families of different cultures, languages, beliefs and customs poses a real challenge for social service agencies in the metropolitan area.  Service organizations must bring new consumers into their ways of doing business while respecting the needs and boundaries of those consumers.  This dual need appears to be especially important in the area of service provision to persons with intellectual disabilities.
Disability, Cultural and Service Engagement among Chinese, Somali and Tamil Communities in Toronto (English)
Naafanimada, Dhaqanka, iyo Habka Loogu Adeegi Karo Bulshada Soomaliyeed ee Toronto (Somali)
Disability, Culture and Service Engagement among Chinese, Somali and Tamil Communities in Toronto (Simplified Chinese)
Disability, Culture and Service Engagement among Chinese, Somali and Tamil Communities in Toronto (Traditional Chinese)
Disability, Culture and Service Engagement among Chinese, Somali and Tamil Communities in Toronto (Tamil)

What is an Intellectual Disability? (Mandarin)
Document

Spirit of Life Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study
This is a needs assessment and feasibility study for the establishment of the Chinese Developmental Disability Services Council in the Greater Toronto Area.
http://www.thespiritoflife.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58%3Areport-is-now-ready-for-download&catid=7%3Asol&Itemid=24&lang=en

Aboriginal

2-Spirited People of the 1^st Nations: We are part of a Tradition
A guide on Two-Spirited people for first nations communities.
http://www.2spirits.com/We%20Are%20Part%20of%20a%20Tradition%20report.pdf

Toronto Aboriginal Persons Demographic Snapshot
A snapshot of Aboriginal Persons in Toronto based on the 2006 census.
www.toronto.ca/demographics/pdf/aboriginal-affairs-cttee-presentation.pdf

Urban Aboriginal Families and Children with Disabilities
This 2006 study examined the challenges identified by urban Aboriginal families of children with physical disabilities and determined practical solutions for policy makers and service provider to help eliminate or overcome these obstacles.
http://www.fsin.com/healthandsocial/childportal/images/NAFC-Disability-17-03-06.pdf

General

Growing up in a New Land (Sourced from Best Start Resource Centre)
This guide is for service providers who work with newcomer families who have children aged zero to six.  It will help service providers understand the special needs of families that are new to Canada.
Growing up in a New Land

Determinants of Mental Health for Newcomer Youth
This article discusses post-migration determinants of mental health for newcomer youth in Toronto and reflects on policy implications.
http://canada.metropolis.net/pdfs/immi_health/Immigrant%20Mental%20Health%20-%20pgs98-102.pdf

Barriers to Health Service Utilization by Immigrant Families Raising a Disabled Child: Unmet Needs and the Role of Discrimination
This study assessed attitudinal, policy, and practice barriers to health service utilization by immigrant parents from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean who are raising a disabled child or youth in the Greater Toronto or Hamilton areas.
http://welcomingcommunities.ca/library/report/families-with-disabled-child

LGBTQ

LGBTQ Terms and definitions
A list of some of the terms and their definitions used within the LGBTQ community
LGBTQ Terms and definitions

Every Class in Every School _Homophobia in Canadian Schools
The final report on the first national climate survey on homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Canadian schools.
http://www.egale.ca/extra%5C1489.pdf

The open house will include a tour of the facility, an outline of what a typical day would be like for clients, a review of the application process and a question and answer period.

All individuals regardless of the complexities of their needs, including those with complex behaviours will not be turned away from Enhanced Day Program.

RSVP edayprogram@gmail.com or 416-805-2871. Visit www.edayprogram.com for more information.

Back by popular demand, this Inclusive Education webinar series will be of interest to parents and professionals alike and will include topics ranging from the importance of holding a vision to understanding the use of technology in the classroom. It is designed to explore the value of inclusive education practices for students who have an intellectual disability, provide information on how to navigate through the educational system, and rejuvenate the hope of families as they come to know that good inclusive practices do exist and that there is evidence to show that all children, with and without disabilities, benefit from inclusive education.

Click here to register

Come and join us to learn and practice how to facilitate the New Story with people who need and want support to participate.

February 21, 22, 23
April 12, 13

Click here to download the brochure