Matt, a father, shares his experiences of being a primary caregiver for his daughter Leah, who has a developmental disability as well as complex care needs. Matt speaks about resources that he has used with some success, and the transition into adulthood for Leah and what it means for both father and daughter.
This presentation was done for a LIGHTs event in partnership with Community Living Toronto on April 12th, 2017.
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).
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Handouts:
Presentations
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Presentations
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This year we started each day off with a short 1/2 hour activity focused on equity and diversity.
Join A-Team for their March 16th open meeting. An open meeting means every participant can bring one guest to the meeting with them. (Please let them know if you will be bring a guest).
The meetings start at 7:30pm at KW Habilitation (99 Ottawa St. S, Kitchener) on the 3rd floor.
The topic for the March meeting is: Navigating Employment Services in the Region. Jenn Delhorbe, Supervisor of Community Participation and Employment Supports with KW Habilitation will be the guest facilitator.
Please RSVP by emailing ateam.waterlooregion@gmail.com
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.
Read more >>
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.
Read more >>
Gaining work experience is a great way for someone to explore occupations that might interest them in the future.
Read more >>
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.
Read more >>
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
Starting a new job can feel overwhelming. Stress is a normal part of work life, but it doesn’t have to control you. Here are 10 practical tips to help reduce stress.
Sharing your concerns with someone can help lighten the load. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, job coach, or mentor—talking it out often brings clarity and comfort. If appropriate, you can also talk to your supervisor or HR for support.
It’s important to protect your well-being. Boundaries help you recharge and prevent burnout. It’s ok to say “no” when your plate is full.
Breaks aren’t just time off—they’re opportunities to reset. Eat a snack, take a short walk, breathe deeply, or simply rest. Avoid spending every break on your phone; doing something different from work helps your brain truly rest.
Skipping meals or not drinking enough water can drain your energy and mood. Bring a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks to work. Simple habits like eating healthy food regularly and staying hydrated can improve how you feel throughout the day.
Stress often grows when things feel chaotic. Use a daily planner, app, or simple checklist to stay on top of tasks. Prepare your clothes, meals, and essentials the night before. Plan extra travel time to avoid the stress of running late.
Even in a busy workplace, small personal touches can create a sense of peace. Keep a photo of a loved one, a vacation snapshot, or an inspirational quote nearby. These reminders can help you stay centered during tough moments.
Workplace groups—like book clubs, walking teams, or lunch groups—can help you feel more connected and supported. Positive social interactions reduce stress and remind you that you’re not alone.
Physical movement—even five minutes of stretching or walking—can release tension and boost your mood. If your job is physically demanding, use breaks to rest. If it’s sedentary, find short ways to move and stretch during the day.
Progress is progress. Give yourself credit for what you accomplish each day, even if it’s just finishing a difficult task or staying calm in a tough moment.
If stress becomes overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for help. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and community mental health services can provide support. Talking to a counselor or therapist can make a real difference.
Workplace stress is common—but manageable. These tips won’t eliminate every challenge, but they can help you build routines that support your mental health and help you feel more in control.
Just starting your career? Not sure if you have what employers are looking for? You might be surprised—many of the most valued qualities are personality traits and behaviors you can develop and showcase every day.
You don’t need years of experience to be a great employee. Employers appreciate people who take their roles seriously, show initiative, and work well with others. When preparing for an interview, highlight these traits—you already have more to offer than you think!
Starting a new job is exciting—but keeping it takes effort. These simple tips will help you succeed, build strong relationships, and keep earning money.
Being dependable builds trust. Arrive on time for your shift and breaks. A few minutes early is even better. Use a watch or alarm to stay on track.
Phones can be distracting. Turn yours off and keep it stored during your shift. Use it only on breaks unless your supervisor says otherwise.
It’s okay not to know everything at first. Ask questions when you need help, and write things down so you don’t forget. That shows you’re taking your job seriously.
Good hygiene and clean clothes help make a great impression. If you wear a uniform, wash it after each shift. Take pride in how you present yourself.
A great attitude goes a long way. Offer help to your team, say yes to new tasks when you can, and be open to feedback. It shows you care and want to grow.
If you’re running late or can’t make it in, call your supervisor yourself. Don’t ask a parent or friend. Being honest and responsible matters.
Being a great employee isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, trying your best, and being respectful. When you do that, you don’t just keep your job—you grow in it.
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!