ThriveAbility Community Connections – Program Description

Agency/Organization: ThriveAbility Community Connections
Program Contact: info@thriveabilitycc.com
Program Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (year-round)
Cost: As low as $120 per day
Languages: English only
Current Availability: 5 spaces remaining

Program Overview

ThriveAbility Community Connections offers a non-traditional, fast-paced school-like day program designed for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are approaching employment readiness but require continued structured support to get there.

This program is not a 1:1 support model. Instead, participants engage in a dynamic, multi-layered daily schedule focused on:

• Work-readiness and pre-employment training

• Life-skills and independence development

• Hospitality and customer service training (including operation of the ThriveAbility Café)

• Community participation and volunteer placements

• Communication, social confidence, and teamwork skills

• Functional literacy and numeracy skill development to support independence and employment readiness

Participants are expected to transition between activities, follow group instruction, and work toward greater independence in a structured, real-world environment.

Our goal is to help individuals bridge the gap between supported programming and meaningful employment and community participation.

Staffing Ratio

Recommended ratio: 1 staff : 12 participants
Typical staffing model: Minimum of 3 staff onsite at all times

Participants must be able to function safely and appropriately within a group setting without dedicated one-to-one support.

Environmental and External Factors

While ThriveAbility maintains a safe and supportive environment, there are certain external factors beyond our control that families and participants should be aware of:

• The program operates at a fast pace with frequent transitions

• Regular community outings take place in busy public environments with varying levels of sensory stimulation. This includes trips throughout Toronto using public transit, such as Union Station and TTC subway lines, often during high-traffic times.

• ThriveAbility is located on the second floor of a heritage building that does not have elevator or ramp access. Participants must be able to independently navigate two flights of stairs to access and exit the program. Therefore, the program is not suitable for individuals who require mobility aids such as wheelchairs or for those who are unable to safely use stairs without assistance.

This Program Is Suitable For Individuals Who:

• are seeking purposeful, structured days to learn & grow

• are working towards gaining employment but still need to improve job skills

• benefit from being amongst like-functioning peers

• might be young adults transitioning from high school, seeking a meaningful next step toward independence and employment after graduation

• Can participate safely in a 1:12 group ratio

• Are motivated to build independence and work toward employment

This Program Is Not Suitable For Individuals Who:

• Require one-to-one support

• Are currently in crisis

• Have significant behavioral challenges, including aggression or inability to regulate safely in a group setting

• Cannot follow instructions and interrupt group learning environments

• Are not independently mobile

• Require ongoing assistance with most daily living activities, including toileting, as the program is not staffed with personal support workers.

Program Philosophy

ThriveAbility is intentionally designed for individuals who are ready for a higher level of expectation, responsibility, and growth. Participants are supported in developing real-world skills, confidence, and independence through meaningful and practical experiences.