MagnusCards is a free app that combines a proven method of instruction (Social Stories) with elements of game design to help people learn life skills. With Magnus as your guide, you can collect and create digital Card Decks, which provide step-by-step instructions for various social interactions, situations, behaviours, and activities. For example: grocery shopping, doing laundry, and taking the bus.
Tip sheets:
“Competitive employment is broadly defined as remunerative employment that can reasonably be expected to contribute to a person’s economic well-being. It can mean conventional employment where there is a typical employee/employer relationship and the employee is earning minimum wage or more. It can include full-time, part-time, contract, or seasonal employment in order to recognize the diverse nature of people’s disabilities and how their disabilities may impact their employment.”
Excerpt from Social assistance policy directives Ontario Disability Support Program – Introduction to Employment Supports – September 2006 Link
The Family Support Network for Employment (FSNE) is a family-led coalition that seeks to engage individuals with intellectual disabilities and their family member in supportive networks around employment, social infrastructure, and resources. We believe employment is a means of inclusion. https://fsne.ca/
Topics include:
Learn more about:
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/employment_support/
Employment Supports: A Panel Discussion (Recorded at DSO Info Fair Toronto Oct. 11, 2018)
The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) and the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) are very proud to be partners in the delivery of the Ready Willing and Able (RWA) initiative. RWA, a three-year project funded by the Government of Canada, is designed to increase the workforce participation of people with intellectual disabilities and ASD.
http://readywillingable.ca/
A professional body of employment service providers united to increase employment opportunities for people who have a disability. Their Vision is that all people who have a disability in Ontario have access to the labour force and the ability to achieve meaningful employment.
http://odenetwork.com/
Autism Speaks would like to help you with your employment search by giving you tools and tips while you look for a job. As an adult on the autism spectrum, you have strengths and abilities that employers are just beginning to understand. Therefore, we have written this guide to help you research, find and keep employment in the current, competitive labor market.
Employment tool kit
There is no right or wrong way to approach employers and other community members. Every situation is different. Here are some general tips that might help you in your quest to network within your community.
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Often times when a person with an intellectual disability is beginning any new activity, whether it is work or recreational, they will need different kinds of supports to transition them into the activity.
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Gaining work experience is a great way for someone to explore occupations that might interest them in the future.
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Are you new to the workforce? Do you not have a lot of work experience? Do you wonder, “What do I possibly have to offer an employer”?
If you were to do an online search for the most valuable employee character traits, you’d see that some of the top things employers are looking for are related to your personality. In other words, things you have total control over!
Read more >>
You have a new job – great! But this doesn’t mean that it’s time to sit back, relax and collect a paycheck. Your boss isn’t going to pay you to just show up! It is very important that you continue to be a good employee if you want to keep your job – and keep earning more money.
Read more >>
Have you recently started working? Are you now feeling stressed about everything you have to do at work, or keeping your job? Work is hard sometimes, but there are many ways to cope. Below are some tips on stress management in the workplace.
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What is disclosure?
Releasing personal information about yourself for a specific purpose. Today, more job seekers with disabilities are entering the workforce. For persons with disabilities, finding and keeping work is usually no different than for those without disabilities. However, there may be additional things to consider, such as disclosure—if, when and how to tell people about your disability. Read more
Richard talks about disclosure from a job coaches perspective
David discuss disability and disclosure in the workplace
A panel discussion with: Lubna Aslam, David Mahoney, Amal Kandar, Elaine Flis, and Tanya Hickey.
A service created for employers, job seekers with a disability, and employment support professionals to come together to track, match, and secure meaningful job opportunities. Learn more >>
Employers from a variety of organizations talk about their experiences and the various ways that being open to disabled talent has been good for business.
We hear from some of their employees too.
Play
CBC News looks at how Canadian businesses have found hiring disabled Canadians has boosted their bottom line. It’s an approach that’s been coined “return on disability.”
Play
Hear from job seekers speak about their own lived experience searching for employment and advocating for accommodation.
Discussion panel: Lucia Marchionatta, Jessica Rotolo, Dorlean Lieghfars-Rotolo, Jonathan Anderson.
Moderated by: Greg David
In 2003, Sam walked into a Starbuck’s location and asked Chris for a job. Chris said “yes”. This is a story of their journey, the ups and downs and what they have both learned about the benefits of the Employee/Employer relationship.
In this important Keynote, Joel will invite employees to foster diversity and inclusion in a meaningful way. Joel will address how unconscious bias can affect our daily interactions and shape important decisions. He will outline how inclusion can help drive innovation and business
Have you recently started working? Are you now feeling stressed about everything you have to do at work, or keeping your job? Work is hard sometimes, but there are many ways to cope. Below are some tips on stress management in the workplace.
Your family and friends, your co-workers or even a job coach – talking about your stress can be really helpful. Even talking to your boss can help you feel better.
It might sound obvious, but skipping meals and not drinking enough water can put a lot of pressure on our bodies – and in turn put us in a bad mood. Bring a reusable bottle of water and a snack to work or keep a few non-perishable snacks in your locker or bag just in case.
Take part in various workplace activities – dances, baseball games, holiday parties etc. This will give you a chance to blow off steam and get to know your co-workers a little better.
When you feel overwhelmed, take a mini-break to stretch, breathe deep, or roll your head.
Keep photos handy of loved ones, vacations or hobbies that you enjoy outside of work. These will be reminders that while your day might be stressful, it will be over soon enough.
Breaks are important – they give you a chance to recharge. Try to plan ahead to have something to eat (rather than walking around trying to find something). Sit and relax if you are on your feet a lot or go outside if you are in the same place. Do something different.
A lot of stress at work can be avoided if we become more organized. Start wearing a watch so you know what time it is. Get your lunch and clothes ready the night before work so that you have more time in the morning to get ready (and therefore aren’t rushing to be on time). Plan your travel time – if you know it takes you 30 minutes to get there, give yourself 45 or even 60. If you aren’t rushed it will go a long way to ensuring you are on top of your duties.
Are you new to the workforce? Do you not have a lot of work experience? Do you wonder, “What do I possibly have to offer an employer”?
If you were to do an online search for the most valuable employee character traits, you’d see that some of the top things employers are looking for are related to your personality. In other words, things you have total control over!
Here are some examples of important traits employers look for:
So the next time you think you don’t have anything to offer an employer – THINK AGAIN
While diplomas and experience might be required for some jobs, being a good employee means so much more. Many employers just want someone who will take the job seriously and try their best. Going for a job interview? Make sure you reference the points above as being some of your key strengths. The result might surprise you.
You have a new job – great! But this doesn’t mean that it’s time to sit back, relax and collect a paycheck. Your boss isn’t going to pay you to just show up! It is very important that you continue to be a good employee if you want to keep your job – and keep earning more money.
Put it away in your locker or turn it off (not just on vibrate) when you are working. Phones are distracting and being on your phone at work looks unprofessional – even if you are just checking it for the time.
Don’t just try to be on time for your first day – you need to be on time EVERY day. Even from your breaks. Get a watch to help you (after all, your phone should be put away or turned off)
The first three months are in a job are very important. This is the time you make a long lasting impression on the boss and your co-workers. Missing work during this time looks bad! Sure, some bosses will be flexible – but not forever. Do you want to keep making money? Make it your goal to not miss one day of work in your first three months.
The best way to make sure you keep your job is to try to keep the people around you happy. If you can make their jobs easier you will guarantee no one will want to see you get fired. If you aren’t too busy, ask a co-worker if you can help them with anything. And if you are busy, keep the people around you in mind while you work. Odds are you can do your job in such a way that it will help others.
So you absolutely have to miss a day of work. Or you run into issues getting to work and are now going to be late. If you can’t avoid being late or missing a day then you have to call. No exceptions. It might be awkward for you but the employer needs to know you are going to be away – even if just for half an hour. And please, don’t get your parents or friends to call in for you. This is your job and you need to take responsibility for your actions.
It’s a good idea to ask a lot of question during your first few weeks of work. However, if you find you are asking a lot of the same questions, keep a small note book handy and write the most important things down.
Know your schedule in advance and plan accordingly. Let the doctor know your schedule – don’t just take the appointment they suggest. If necessary, find a new specialist that can meet your scheduling needs. Missing work for medical or dental appointments is not appropriate.
Appearances are important. Take care of yourself – stay neat and clean at all times. If you have a uniform, make sure it gets washed after every shift. It is uncomfortable to talk to people you don’t know well about hygiene, but if you are not maintaining a neat and clean appearance then your boss will talk to you. How embarrassing!
Broke up with your boyfriend? Had a fight with you dad? Having trouble paying your rent? It can be difficult to let go of the things going on in your daily life – but you have to find a way. When you are at work you need to focus on work. Telling co-workers your personal problems will make them uncomfortable. And especially don’t share your personal life with customers!
If your boss is asking you to do new things – don’t say no (unless it puts your personal safety at risk of course). Odds are they are trying to get you to do new things because they trust you. And if they need you to come in on your day off, or stay a little late, that’s ok! It means more money for you and will show them you are a team player.
Make sure the people you hang around with at work don’t influence your performance on the job. If your friends take longer breaks or talk back to the boss, don’t follow their example. Odds are they won’t be working there much longer.
Learn how to do the job safely, and then work on your speed. The person next to you might do things twice as fast, but they have probably had a lot longer to practice. You will get there eventually – hurting yourself on the job won’t benefit anyone.
These presentations were recorded at the 11th annual DSTO Information Fair.
Developmental Services in Toronto (DSO TR): An Overview
Be Informed. Be Involved. Be Engaged.
The Toronto Partnership – Developmental Services Toronto (dsto): Orientation Session
Diversity is our reality but inclusion is a conscious choice that we must make to ensure that every person feels welcome and accepted. When people feel included they participate, contribute and express themselves safely and freely. Diversity makes us better and stronger when we know how to tap into its potential.
Below is a collection of useful links and resources to deepen our understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in order to better serve diverse individuals and communities.
This is a growing list that we will continue to update and expand. Do you have resources to recommend? Please send them to us and we will add them to the toolkit!
Recorded at a Transition Planning training forum put on by The Toronto Networks of Specialized Care in partnership with the DSTO Shared Learning Forum and ConnectABILITY.ca This is one of 9 videos that were recorded during a 3 part Certificate Series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to Transition Planning.
Presenters: Jennifer Paterson, Deanna Djos
A three part series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to transition planning
This training will provide participants with knowledge and skills to better prepare individuals with a developmental disability and those who support them to move through these transitions with confidence and with the resources they need. The series will also include information on supporting a system of seamless planning and implementation, as well as unique issues for different transitions (e.g., youth to adult, adult to aging, environment changes).
Presentations:
Handouts:
Presentations
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Recorded at a Transition Planning training forum put on by The Toronto Networks of Specialized Care in partnership with the DSTO Shared Learning Forum and ConnectABILITY.ca This is one of 9 videos that were recorded during a 3 part Certificate Series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to Transition Planning.
Presenters: Angela Gonzales, Lindsay Wingham-Smith