ConnectABILITY Homepage

New Affordable Housing Opportunity at 610 Martin Grove Toronto

A new rental community is opening in Etobicoke, at Martin Grove and Eglinton. Scheduled for occupancy in November 2025, this newly built property will offer affordable apartments and a variety of modern amenities, all in a convenient and charming location:

mintoapartments.com/gta/Etobicoke-apartment-rentals/610-Martin-Grove-Affordable/main.html

The 87 affordable rental homes will be a mix of one and two-bedroom units. For one and two-bedroom units, the rent payable is $1,630 and $1,859, respectively and is subject to the Provincial rent increase guideline. These affordable homes will be filled through a random draw process coordinated by the developer, Minto Apartments. To enter the random draw, complete the registration form available on Minto’s website:

gta Etobicoke-apartment-rentals-Martin-Grove-Affordable Registration-Form~2995.html – mintoapartments

More information about the units and the application process for the random draw can be found in FAQ’s available on Minto’s website: https://www.mintoapartments.com/gta/Etobicoke-apartment-rentals/610-Martin-Grove-Affordable/FAQs~2994.html

The deadline to submit an application is August 3, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

Building more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent and autistic talent

Goodfoot is hosting the next session in our information series for Toronto-based employers, focused on building more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent and autistic talent.

📅 Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

In this session, we’ll draw from our experience at Good Foot Delivery to share practical strategies and knowledge employers can use right away, including:

  • A helpful overview of neurodiversity in the workplace
  • Actionable tips for hiring, onboarding, and supporting neurodivergent employees
  • How inclusive practices benefit your whole team—not just neurodivergent staff

Whether someone is new to inclusive hiring or looking to deepen their approach, this session offers something for everyone. It’s free to attend and open to all—no need to have joined previous sessions.

Whose Voice? Real Choice [webcast]

WHEN: June 16 at 7pm

We all benefit from the support of trusted relationships when making decisions. However, too often people with developmental disabilities are underestimated and not given the opportunity to make choices for themselves. 

Join us on June 16th, 2025 at 7pm EST for a BRAND NEW P4P Webcast, Whose Voice? Real Choice, as we talk about how we can shift our mindset and actions to support opportunity for people with disabilities to take the lead in their own lives. 

This webcast will:

  • Help families rethink how they support their family member to communicate and make their own decisions 
  • Show ways to support the decision-making journey starting with small choices
  • Help families understand the impact of assuming capacity and providing clear information to people with intellectual disabilities
  • Support your ability to honour diverse communication methods beyond words
  • Provide real stories from families who changed the way they think about communication and how that opened them up to new possibilities

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

Autistic Adults Drama Workshop

On Sunday June 15th Autism Ontario, in partnership with Dramatherapist Nicolas Bezier, will be offering autistic adults a Drama Workshop at Beaches Sandbox Community Center in the heart of the Toronto Beaches, from 12-2pm.

Tickets are just $10 per person. Caregivers and supporters are welcome to attend for free! 

Connecting with Friends [online]

Join a group of peers and learn about friends, discover what you are looking for in a friend, and practice your skills at making & keeping friends. 

The Relationship Group is for self advocates with a Developmental disability to build safe and strong relationships. We work on safety, respect and self esteem. 

This group is for anyone who:

  • Is interested in learning about healthy relationships.
  • Wants to listen and share their relationship experiences.
  • Is looking to meet up with peers.
  • Is able to attend all meeting dates
  • Is 18 years or older.

When: Thursday July 3 & July 10 from 7pm – 8:30pm. Please note a zoom link will be sent prior to each session. 

If you are interested in registering, please contact one of the following.

Linda Ger Walters: lingerwalters@gmail.com, Relationship Group: relationship.group.toronto@gmail.com

See flyer for more details

EDGE Program Accepting Immediate Referrals (Job Seekers Living w / Disabilities)

The EDGE (Integrated Employment Services) Program is accepting immediate referrals of individuals living with disabilities who are seeking employment of more than 20 hours a week.

The EDGE program staff can either jump right into job development with job seekers, or begin with soft skills training, then move into job development, depending on the client’s needs.

This program also includes a robust interview prep workshop (“Suitable Impressions”) with brand new professional clothing and hygiene products, as well as a financial literacy workshop,  

Once clients are employed, they are supported for up to a year in a job coaching, employment retention and professional development capacity. The entire program is completely free-of-charge (flyer attached).

Space is limited. Kindly send referrals at earliest possibility, or have clients reach out directly to: edgeprograminfo@brandsforcanada.com, noting that they heard about the program from Siofra Burgoyne.

To qualify, clients must be:

  • Living with a disability
  • Legal working age
  • Legally able to work in Canada & residing in Ontario

Clients may be receiving ODSP income supports, but don’t have to be. An individual may self-identify that they are living with a disability to qualify for the program.

See flyer for more details

RiseAbility is expanding…

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

Cook Up Some Fun This June in Cooking with Confidence

We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new cooking program this June in collaboration with Lisa Dicki, creator of Cooking with Confidence! Lisa will lead participants through a fun and engaging culinary experience, complete with cooking classes, step-by-step tutorials, and delicious recipes designed to boost your skills and confidence in the kitchen.

This is a hybrid program with limited space:

  • 8 in-person spots available at Sibley
  • 8 virtual spots available for those who prefer to join from home

Program Details:

  • Dates: Tuesdays, June 3 – June 24
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost:

  • $215 for in-person participants
  • $100 for virtual participants

Sign up:

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your culinary skills, this program offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best. Spots will fill quickly—sign up soon!

We hope to see you in the kitchen!

Questions: Connect directly with Community Participation Supports (CPS) at 647-729-2976 or cps@cltoronto.ca

EnAbling Inclusive Futures – new Autism resource guide and training launched!

Kerry’s Place Autism Services is excited to share a new resource guide, EnAbling Inclusive Futures: An Introduction to Providing Accessible and Inclusive Services and Supports for Autistic Persons. This comprehensive guide has been developed to prepare community organizations like yours with practical strategies and actionable insights on creating more inclusive and accessible services and supports for Autistic persons. 

Inside EnAbling Inclusive Futures, you’ll find valuable information covering key topics such as:

  • understanding neurodiversity and Autism
  • practical strategies and suggestions for fostering inclusive environments and services
  • resources for further learning and development

Is your organization ready to create meaningful change for Autistic persons? Click here to download our guide now! We encourage you to share this guide with your team and explore how its content can be integrated into your organization’s practices. 

Want to learn more about fostering inclusive and accessible services for Autistic persons?   Contact our Learning and Development team through our inquiry form and ask about our EnAbling Inclusive Futures Training Packing.  Our 3-hour workshop and 1-hour consultation aims to empower community organizations to build inclusive and accessible supports that unlock the full potential of Autistic persons.  This training package is currently being offered for free to eligible organizations.

Thank you for your commitment to building a more inclusive community for Autistic persons!