Community Participation

You can use your Individualized Funding to pay for programs and activities in your community. There may also be free activities in your community, which you can find out about through your newspaper, community boards, or on the internet. You can also check the resources listed below for free or paid activities, or call 211 to learn more about what is available in your area.

If you are going to pay for programs and activities using your Individualized Funding, it is very important to plan for this in your budget. It is also important to keep your receipts because you may need them to show how you spent the money.

Resources

• The YMCA is a community-focused organization that helps people of all ages and abilities to be fit and healthy.  It provides financial assistance to families who may not be able to afford program fees.
• Boys and Girls Clubs help children and youth of all abilities to live positive and healthy lives.
• 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.
• Ontario Municipalities Listing provides links to websites for over 400 municipalities in Ontario. You can click through to your community to find what is available to you.
• Partners for Planning  has created a resource that will help families connect with a Family Support Network  in their community.
• ConnectAbility is a website for people with developmental disabilities and their families where you can find a resource directory listing resources and supports in many communities.

Your local community centre is a place where you can connect with other people in your community and find free activities.