ConnectABILITY Homepage

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!

EnAbling Inclusive Futures

Teens & Adults Inclusive Arts-Based Workshop

Specialized for individuals with disabilities and diverse neurological & physical abilities. 

CAMP CARROT

This summer, join us at camp carrot! A virtual summer arts adventure for creatives who love to dream, play, and perform! Set in nature, camp carrot blends drama, music, movement & storytelling into fun-filled days of theatre games, exploration, and big imagination. Each week sparks creativity through scene-making, improv, catchy camp cheers, and collaborative play.

Build confidence, make friends, and shine in your own unique way! Unleash creativity. Embrace Nature. Step into the spotlight.

WHEN: July 4 – August 22 | Fridays from 11:00am to 1:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
AGES: 16+

See flyer for more details

Corbrook Summer Camp

Get ready for lots of fun

  • Community Day Trip + TTC Training
  • Fun & Games in the Park/Beaches
  • Picnics / BBQ’s
  • Life Skills
  • Cooking & nutrition
  • sports & dance
  • mindfulness, yoga & meditation
  • arts & crafts/experiments
  • Self advocacy & activism

Dates

  • Week 1 – July 7 – 11
  • Week 2 – July 14 – 18
  • Week 3 – July 21 – 25
  • Week 4 – Aug. 11 – 15
  • Week 5 – Aug. 18 – 22
  • Week 6 – Aug. 25 – 29

Cost

Ages 14 – 18: FREE
Ages 19+: $600/wk

See flyer for more details

Register now! – 416-245-5565 | East Scarborough: Fatima.Rashidi@corbrook.com | North York: Sinead.Tawse-Smith@corbrook.com

Alternatives to Guardianship [webcast]

WHEN: June 3 | 7pm EST

In the last few years, there has been an increase in discussion around parents and caregivers seeking guardianship for their family member with a developmental disability. The Alternatives to Guardianship webcast helps families understand that guardianship can be unnecessary and limit the rights of a person with a disability. 

Join us on June 3, 2025 at 7pm EST for this important webcast as we discuss the implications of guardianship and explore decision making alternatives in Ontario.

What’s in it for you:

  • Understanding of where guardianship would be necessary and an overview of decision-making alternatives in Ontario
  • Insights into alternative ways of thinking about a person’s ability and right to make their own decisions
  • Overview of the drawbacks to guardianship
  • A live Q&A session to address your questions

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