ConnectABILITY Homepage

Pre-employment skills development program for adults with developmental disabilities

An innovative 1-year program that empowers adults with developmental disabilities by developing employability skills, enhancing communication, fostering independent living skills, and promoting activity and inclusion within the greater community.

Limited spots are available

Program Includes

  • Warm, welcoming, inclusive environment
  • Developing key employable and life skills
  • Education on employer expectations and workplace practices
  • Hands-on workplace simulations
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) progress reports
  • Communication with parents or caregivers
  • Guidance from experienced professionals

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Diagnosed with developmental disabilities
  • Able to commute to and from the program site
  • Able to use transport for supervised outings, e.g. TTC or alternative transportation arrangements

Submit your application here: https://www.jvstoronto.org/riseability-registration/

See Directory listing for more details

Random Draw for New Affordable Homes Coming to West Square Parkview

New affordable rental homes are coming to West Square Parkview at 15 Gibbs Rd. in June 2026. West Square Parkview will offer modern, affordable living in a fast-growing neighbourhood. On-site amenities include a multi-purpose social lounge, laundry room, and a co-working space with library.

A portion of the 217 affordable homes will be available through a random selection process coordinated by Greenwin Corp. on behalf of KingSett Affordable Housing Fund. These homes include studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. Monthly rental rates for these homes will range from $1,106 to $2,361, depending on the unit. Annual rent increases will apply based on the provincial Rent Increase Guideline.

More information about these affordable rental homes, as well as the random selection process and eligibility criteria is available on the project website: https://www.westsquareparkview.ca/

To be entered into the random selection process, interested and eligible residents can apply by completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the project website: https://www.westsquareparkview.ca/#eoi

The deadline to apply is February 17 at 5 p.m.

PA Day Respite Options for Individuals with Special Needs

Now is the time for parents to register their child for the following:

  • Post 21- Transition
  • School  PA Days
  • After- hours/ School
  • March Break 
  • Summer Break
  • Winter Break
  • ASD Social Groups
  • & any other Respite options needed.

Parents can call the program directly to set up an intake or for more info.

See flyer for more information

SUNFLOWER DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
1970 ELLESMERE ROAD UNIT. 1
SCARBOROUGH ONTARIO
M1H 2W1

Day Program:  416- 289-2223
Fax: 416- 289- 6853
Direct: 416-629-7252
WEB: SUNFLOWERRCS.COM

Respite Day 2026 at Bryan’s Place

A welcoming, inclusive program designed for kids of all ages to enjoy a fun, safe, and supportive day while caregivers and parents take a well-deserved break.

Respite Day Details

Sundays:
• January 25
• February 22
• March 29
• April 26
• May 31
• June 28

Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: CAD $65 per day

Activities Include:
• Arts & Crafts
• Music 
• Games 
• Dog Therapy

Location:
2238 Dundas St West, Unit 102
Toronto, ON

How to Register:
Please send an e-transfer to bryansplace2022@hotmail.com to secure your child’s spot.
Spots are limited, and registration is confirmed upon payment.

At Bryan’s Place, we believe every child deserves a space where they feel supported, valued, and free to be themselves.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out:
+1 (437) 607-2238
www.bryansplace.ca

We look forward to welcoming your child to our Respite Days in 2026!

Holland Bloorview – Recreation, Respite & Life Skills Fair

WHEN: Saturday January 24rth, 10am – 2pm

  • Learn about recreation, respite and life skills programs across the GTA. 
  • Talk to representatives from community programs. 
  • Find the right program and services to fit your needs. 
  • Connect with with Holland Bloorview Family and Youth Leaders and Mentors 
  • Register for summer and seasonal programs and services

All attendees MUST pre-register for free

See flyer for more details

Register now

Wills and Estate Planning [webcast]

WHEN: January 21st 7pm EST 

If you’re supporting a family member with a disability, one of the most important steps you can take to help secure their future is to have a will and estate plan in place.

Join us on January 21st 7pm EST for the Wills and Estate Planning webcast, as our guest panelist, Brendon Pooran of Pooran Law, discusses estate planning considerations families must be aware of when caring for a family member with a disability.

What’s in it for you:

  • An understanding of the fundamental elements of an estate plan;
  • An overview of how to get started in setting up a will;
  • A breakdown of different types of trusts people typically include in a will;
  • An overview of the two types of Power of Attorney; 
  • An opportunity to connect with other families in our Virtual Discussion Groups;
  • A digital workbook filled with free legal resources, worksheets and practical next steps that will support you in taking action.

Panelist

Brendon Pooran

Brendon has been involved with various disability organizations as a member, volunteer, employee or director for most of his life. He created PooranLaw to provide support to this community and to influence disability law and policy throughout Canada.

In addition to practising law, Brendon teaches Critical Disability Law at York University, is the Past-President of Community Living York South and is a founding director of both PLAN Toronto (now Partners for Planning) and Microboards Ontario. He is also a former Senior Lawyer Member on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board.

A live Q&A will follow the webcast. Register using the link below – we look forward to having you there!

Register now

Exploring Affordable Rental Options in Toronto (webinar)

Join the DSO Housing Navigator for Toronto Region for a free virtual presentation on various types of affordable and rent geared to income housing options in Toronto, available to individuals with low to moderate income.

Topics covered will include:

  • The difference between rent geared to income (RGI) and affordable rental housing
  • How to apply and maintain your application for RGI
  • The Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
  • Indigenous affordable housing programs

Open to people with a developmental disability, their family members and/or support networks, and developmental service professionals interested in affordable housing options in Toronto.

When: Thursday January 29th 10am – 11am EST

Where: Online – Microsoft Teams

Register here

Life Skills with Lumenus

The Lifeskills and the Independence with Lumenus programs now have sessions being offered at both sites, Finch and Hartsdale.

The Lifeskills with Lumenus program is geared to individuals learning key skills and enjoy working in a group setting.

The Independence with Lumenus offers more complex topics and enhances fundamental skills already developed.

COST/FEE: FREE
PROGRAM LENGTH: 8 weeks
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals who are 18+ and live in the Toronto area.
LOCATIONS: 1124 Finch Ave. W., Unit 1 & 65 Hartsdale Drive
REGISTER: Email Rakayla at rbenjamin@lumenus.ca for inquiries or for registration.
Register by January 24, 2026

Relationship and Sexual Health Education at Lumenus

Join our group to ask our facilitators questions and learn with peers more about sex education, dating, consent, healthy relationships, sexuality and the law, social media safety and other topics.

Cost/Fee: FREE
Eligibility: This program is designed for adults (18+) with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
When: Starts January 6, 2026
Length of Program: 6 weeks (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Location: The winter session will be offered remotely.
Register: Email Rakayla at rbenjamin@lumenus.ca for inquiries or to request the registration package.

  1. Home
  2. Articles posted by Jason