Disability Travel Card
Region: Canada
Age: Depends on which company you are traveling with
This card lets you get a less expensive ticket for your support person when you take VIA rail, Greyhound Canada, or Coach Canada.
Tag: 12-14
Canadian Tire Jump Start
Region: Ontario
Age: Children ages 4 – 18
This program pays for sports and community programs for children whose families do not have much money (low income). This money goes straight to the organization running the program.
Access2Entertainment
Region: Canada
Age: All Ages
The Access2Entertainment card lets you get a free ticket for a support person when you go to specific places for entertainment (like the movies, climbing gyms, or museums). You will have to pay a small fee to purchase your card and it does expire so you will need to renew the card. There will be an expiry date on the card.
Begin planning for transition into adult services
Ages 12-14
As your child ages, they will be expected to transition from children and youth health and social services to the adult health and community and social services system when they are 18 years old. Many supports and services look differently for adults, it is important to be prepared for this change.
Suggested Resources
- ConnectABILITY has a webpage with information to help plan ahead.
Plan for high school
Ages 12-14
- Planning ahead can help get your child and school prepared for this transition.
- This is often called “Transition Planning.”
Suggested Resources
- Easter Seals Ontario launched Easter Seals Kids at School, a blog featuring articles for parents and caregivers on how to help their child succeed in school.
Capacity and consent
Ages 12-14
- As children get older, they develop the ability to legally make decisions about important aspects in their lives around their health and finances.
- Issues around capacity and consent are complicated.
Suggested Resources
- PooranLaw has a webpage with information on consent, capacity and legal decision making.
Ages 15-17
- Consent means giving your permission for something to happen.
- By law, people must consent to decisions about their healthcare and finances.
- You can get help from family, friends, or workers to help you make decisions.
- Some people might not legally be able to give consent.
- There is a legal process to determine if you cannot give consent.
- If you are not legally able to provide consent on your own, it is important to know who can provide consent for you.
Suggested Resources
- PooranLaw has a webpage with information on consent, capacity and legal decision making.
Ages 18-21
- Consent means giving your permission for something to happen.
- By law, people must consent to decisions about their healthcare and finances.
- You can get help from family, friends, or workers to help you make decisions.
- Some people might not legally be able to give consent.
- There is a legal process to determine if you cannot give consent.
- If you are not legally able to provide consent on your own, it is important to know who can provide consent for you.
Suggested Resources
- PooranLaw has a webpage with information on consent, capacity and legal decision making.
Ages 22-40
- Consent means giving your permission for something to happen.
- By law, people must consent to decisions about their healthcare and finances.
- You can get help from family, friends, or workers to help you make decisions.
- Some people might not legally be able to give consent.
- There is a legal process to determine if you cannot give consent.
- If you are not legally able to provide consent on your own, it is important to know who can provide consent for you.
Suggested Resources
- PooranLaw has a webpage with information on consent, capacity and legal decision making.
Ages 41 and over
- Consent means giving your permission for something to happen.
- By law, people must consent to decisions about their healthcare and finances.
- You can get help from family, friends, or workers to help you make decisions.
- Some people might not legally be able to give consent.
- There is a legal process to determine if you cannot give consent.
- If you are not legally able to provide consent on your own, it is important to know who can provide consent for you.
Suggested Resources
- PooranLaw has a webpage with information on consent, capacity and legal decision making.
Prepare your child for employment
Ages 12-14
- Volunteering through high school is a good way to build skills towards employment and meet new people.
- Gaining employment experience while in high school may be beneficial for when your child transitions into adulthood.
- Learn about Employment Supports to help your child prepare for employment.
Suggested Resources
- The Government of Ontario has a website listing various programs that help youth find a job.
Work with your child’s school to provide supports in the classroom
Ages 5-11
- Your child’s school can help you figure out what support your child may need in the classroom. Ask about Special Education options.
- You can begin this process by speaking with a teacher or school principal.
Suggested Resources
- The Ontario Ministry of Education provides information on Special Education in schools in Ontario. They have created a resource guide to support educators on implementing effective programs and services for students with special education needs.
- Easter Seals Ontario launched Easter Seals Kids at School, a blog featuring articles for parents and caregivers on how to help their child succeed in school.
Ages 12-14
- Your child’s school can help you figure out what support your child may need in the classroom. Ask about Special Education options.
Suggested Resources
- The Ontario Ministry of Education provides information on Special Education in schools in Ontario. They have created a resource guide to support educators on implementing effective programs and services for students with special education needs.
- Easter Seals Ontario launched Easter Seals Kids at School, a blog featuring articles for parents and caregivers on how to help their child succeed in school.
Find services in your community
Ages 0-4
- Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- Connectability is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- EarlyOn Centres offer programs to families and children across Ontario from birth to six years old.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your child.
Ages 5-11
- Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- ConnectABILTY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- EarlyOn Centres offer programs to families and children across Ontario from birth to six years old.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your child.
Ages 12-14
- Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- EarlyOn Centres offer programs to families and children across Ontario from birth to six years old.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 15-17
- Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) has a webpage to help you understand “How to Access Services” through the DSO.
- You can start the application for Developmental Services Ontario at the age of 16 to see if you are eligible for services. This will help you to avoid delaying services when you turn 18. (Add) Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) has a webpage to help you understand “How to Access Services” through the DSO.
- Passport Program Funding is an Ontario Government program that provides funding to adults with a developmental disability. Passport provides funding for services and supports in your community. Please see the Passport Program Quick Fact Sheet for tips on Passport Program Funding
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 18-21
- Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) has a webpage to help you understand “How to Access Services” through the DSO.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 22-40
- Agencies in your community may have services for you and your family.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) has a webpage to help you understand “How to Access Services” through the DSO.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Ages 41 and over
- Agencies in your community may have services for you.
- You may have to pay for these services. Others could be free.
Suggested Resources
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) includes information on “How to Access Services” through the DSO.
- Connectability is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is a resource directory listing resources and supports for children and adults.
- MyCommunityHub is an online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario. There are resources on here for you and your caregivers.
Connect with your community
Ages 0-4
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 5-11
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 12-14
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 15-17
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 18-21
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 22-40
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.
Ages 41 and over
- Getting involved in community programs and activities may help you and your child build relationships and a circle of support.
- Some ways to get involved are through local community centres, public libraries and the YMCA.
Suggested Resources
- The Government of Ontario has a page where you can find Seniors Active Living Centres throughout Ontario that offer programs catered specifically to older adults.
- The YMCA is a charity that supports people of all ages and abilities to join in, give back, and gain the connections, skills and confidence they need to thrive. It provides financial assistance to families who are not able to afford program fees.
- Partners for Planning has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network in their community. There is also a Guide to making friendships with supportive people.
- ConnectABILITY is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports.
- Libraries across Ontario have free programs for people of all ages who are interested in different things. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has a list of public libraries in Ontario.
- There may be free activities in your community, you can call 211 for this information.
- Local community papers may also include information for upcoming events, be sure to check them out.