Links

This is intended to be a resource for people with disabilities (and their families and caregivers) where we provide access to information, support networks, government programs and much more.

Advocacy/Human Rights/Politics:

Ability OnLine Support Network
A family friendly information site.

Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped
ARCH, A Legal Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities, is an Ontario-wide community legal clinic and legal resource centre for individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

All the information you need regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. Under this landmark legislation, the government of Ontario has developed mandatory accessibility standards that identifies, removes, and prevents barriers for people with disabilities.

Canadian Human Rights Commission
The commission ensures the protection of the Human Rights Act.

Canada Revenue Agency - Canada Housing Benefit Top Up

The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit aims to help low-income renters with the cost of renting. You may be eligible for a tax-free one-time payment of $500 if your income and the amount that you pay on rent qualify.

Elections Canada
Information about the Canadian Federal electoral system.

Legal Aid Ontario:

They provide legal services for those on a low-income.  They provide both advice and referrals.

The Path to 2025: Ontario’s Accessibility Action Plan - information in this link has been archived.

Is the Action Plan will that strengthen the foundation Ontario has built since 2005 to becoming a fully accessible province and to continue to build momentum to drive us forward to completion in 2021.

Stop Gap Foundation

The Foundation's mandate to help communities discover the benefits of barrier-free spaces and providing the support to create them. 

Toronto Health and Social Services Directory

Use this directory to find health, social and community services in Toronto, including the former municipalities of East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and York.

World Institute on Disability
A public policy centre dedicated to establishing the independence and social inclusion of people with disabilities.

 

Aids-Devices/Rehabilitation:

Hollister
Hollister is a manufacturer of healthcare products,  including ones for ostomy, wound and continence care, and breast-feeding.

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Programs for dog guides for people with disabilities.

Shoppers Home Health Care

Shoppers Home Health Care is a retailer of a complete selection of specialty home health care products and services.

Silverts
Silverts is a retailer of accessible clothing for the elderly and people with disabilities.

 

Assistive Technology:

AccessNow:

AccessNow is an app that shares accessibility information about places around the world.

Apple Accessibility Features
Information about accessibility features for Apple products.

Assistive Devices Program (Ministry of Health)
Outlines the services available through the Assistive Devices Program. Visit this site to find out which categories of assistive devices are covered under the program and which are not.

Systems Integration & Research Services Inc.
A provider of home automation systems.

Universal Motion Inc.
Wheelchair lifts and van conversions as well as wheelchair accessible vans for sale.

Wheelchairs
Mobility products including scooters and all terrain wheelchairs.

Garaventa Accessibility
Innovative products to help solve the most difficult accessibility challenges.

RD Equipment Inc.
RD Equipment designs products to promote accessibility and independence for the elderly and disabled.

Sunrise Medical
Manufacturer of homecare and extended care products: mobility products, respiratory products, daily living aids and assistive technology.

 

Associations/Memberships/Networks:

Canadian Mental Health Association:

Provides a wide variety of services and supports to people experiencing mental illness and their families.

 

Disabilities/Diseases/Disorders:

Brain Injury Society of Toronto

The Brain Injury Society of Toronto – (BIST) supports people living with the effects of an acquired brain injury and their family members.

Community Head Injury Resource Services

Community Heard Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) provides community-based support and rehabilitation services to adults living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.

Cota:

Cota is an accredited community-based organization that supports adults with mental health and cognitive challenges

HD Buzz:

The latest on Huntington disease research news written by scientists in plain language.

Huntington Society of Canada

The Huntington Society of Canada provides counselling services to individuals and their families living with Huntington disease.

LD Online: Information about Learning Disabilities
Information about learning disabilities for parents, teachers and professionals.

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Information on where and how to access supports to overcome multiple sclerosis related barriers, information on the nature of the condition, and many other items of interest.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (Canada)
At this bilingual (English/French) site you can learn about the recent developments in muscular dystrophy research, resources available to those with the condition and what you can do to make the supports available more effective.

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
Support for people with CP in Ontario, with a wide range of services, resources, and programs.

Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada provides information as to the medical nature of these two conditions.

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Champions excellence in service, advocacy, and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. See also Spinal Cord Injury Canada.

 

Funding/Income Sources:

Ontario Disability Support Program
Discusses Orders-in-Council in relation to ODSP.

Ontario Student Assistance Program
Information on financial assistance available to college and university students in Ontario.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation provides financial supports to non-profit community groups based in Ontario making contributions towards social/community well-being.

 

General:

211Ontario.ca

211 is a helpline and online database of Ontario's community and social services.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health.

City of Toronto - Emergency Preparedness
Information about how to prepare for an emergency.

Family Service Toronto

Family Service Toronto is a non-profit social service agency that provides a variety of counselling, community development, advocacy and public education programs.  Their services are available to everyone who lives or works in Toronto.

Harmony Place

Harmony Place Support Services (HPSS) is a not-for-profit organization that provides day programs for adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. The focus at HPSS is to provide services that blend respect, dignity, choice, and advocacy with meaningful connections to the community. 

Government of Canada
This is the website of the Canadian federal government.  It contains extensive links and information on government services and programs.

The Healthine.ca

A health services directory of health and health-related services, programs and organizations.

Luso Canadian Charitable Society

The Luso Canadian Charitable Society is a community based organization that supports diverse families and adults that are living with developmental and physical disabilities to reach their full potential.

Ministry of Government Services
Provincial government site for information and links on issues such as how to start a new business, what resources are available to run and maintain a business, resources available for your personal financial assistance, scam alerts, etc.

Montage Support Services

Montage is a non-profit registered charitable organization that provides residential and community support to adults with physical and developmental challenges. Building on a foundation of individual abilities and personal dreams, they develop innovative and inclusive services that encourage meaningful participation in each person’s community.

Opioid information and resources

Health Canada Information Regarding Opioids and Problematic Prescription Drug Use

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Patient-Friendly Information

 

Persons with Disabilities Online
Information on accessibility, education, employment, financial supports, health, housing and residential issues, personal services, rights, reports, publications, fact sheets, resources, tax programs, transportation and more.

Scadding Court Community Centre

Located in the heart of downtown west Toronto, they offer a wide range of programs, services and opportunities for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Our work is about supporting individuals and families, strengthening communities and building a better Toronto.

Unison Health & Community Services

With four full-service locations, Unison offers core services that include primary health care, counselling, health promotion, early years programs, legal services, harm reduction programs, housing assistance and adult protective services as well as special programs like Pathways to Educations and Diabetes Education and Prevention.

Vibrant Healthcare Alliance 

Born out the April 2017 merger of the Anne Johnston Community Health Station and Tobias House Attendant Care Inc., Vibrant Healthcare Alliance was formed out of the commitment to create a dynamic and more client-centric approach to enhancing the quality of life and health outcomes of individuals living in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly vulnerable individuals with complex needs.

WestPark Healthcare Centre

West Park is a public hospital located in West Toronto that helps individuals manage difficult health challenges like lung disease, diabetes, stroke, amputation and musculoskeletal issues. They  offer – specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing and long-term cares services and community health services.

 

Housing/Independent Living:

AXSMAP

Is a an accessibility map

Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (C.I.L.T.) Inc.
C.I.L.T is a resource centre that operates on and promotes the philosophy of Independent Living. Visit this site to view the extensive range of resources and services offered, including the administration of the Direct Funding program.

Independent Living: Disability Resources & Services
The Institute’s purpose is to promote the opportunities of persons with disabilities to gain more personal and political power, self-determination, full participation and equality through information, training materials, consultancy and technical assistance.

 

Recreation/Leisure/Sports (Active Living):

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability
The Active Living Alliance provides opportunities for participation for individuals with physical disabilities in fitness and sports activities.

Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing

They are a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of skiing for persons with disabilities.

Community Association for Riding for the Disabled (CARD)

The Community Association for Riders with disabilities is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults through quality therapeutic riding programs.

Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario

The Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario (DSAO) is dedicated to providing people living with a disability the opportunity to learn about and enjoy sailing.

Full Radius Dance
Full Radius Dance promotes modern dance for the general public, dance artists and people with disabilities. The company works with the talents of both dancers with or without a disability to promote diversity in our society.

Tangled Art + Disability

Tangled Art + Disability is a an arts organization that is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for artists with disabilities.  They offer a wide variety of entertaining/educational events, exhibits, and classes.

Variety Village:

Through their integrated sports and recreation programs and services, Variety Village makes a profound difference in the spirits and lives of people with disabilities and their families in the greater Toronto area and across Ontario.

 

Transportation/Vehicles/Travel:

e-Bility
e-Bility provides information about accessible transportation, accessible travel spots, relationships, sexuality and more! You must register to join e-Bility. It’s Free!

Fodor’s Travel On-line
This website provides information about cruises, national parks, smart travel tips, tipping guides, destination guides as well as bargains and precautions that should be taken when traveling.

Google Maps

Google Maps will help you reach your destination. All you need to do is enter the address or intersection of your destination and Google Maps will map it out for you. Then you can print out the map and begin your journey.

Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality is a non-profit organization that promotes accessible travel for people with disabilities.

Wheelchair Accessible Transit Inc.
Providing a specialized wheelchair transit service to individuals with special needs.

Volunteerism:

Volunteer Canada

Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism through ongoing programs and special projects.