Independent Living

ATTENDANT SERVICES, RESPITE, HOUSING & INDEPENDENT LIVING TRAINING

Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (formerly APPD)
Offers a variety of in-home support services, as well as supportive living programs for persons 16+ with a physical disability. Must be able to self-direct own care.

3141 Sandwich Street, Windsor, ON N9C 1A7
Phone: 519-969-8188
Fax: 519-969-0390

Community Care Access Centre
CCAC provides attendant services to persons with physical disabilities according to specific criteria set out by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Short Stay Program – offers caregivers up to 30 days of respite three times per year. Persons are cared for in a long-term care home. There is a daily fee. Contact CCAC for more information.

5415 Tecumseh Road East, 2nd Floor, Windsor, ON
Phone: 519-258-8211 or 519-310-2222
Website: www.healthcareathome.ca

Gage Transition to Independent Living Program
Empowering those with physical disabilities to live independent lives. The Gage Transition to Independent Living (GTIL) offers a community setting in uptown Toronto for people with disabilities to learn and practice independent living skills. Clients are selected for either a six or maximum 18 month ‘transitional’ program. Clients are provided with a one-bedroom apartment and access to on-site attendant services (24 hour) and health and life skills education.

West Park Healthcare Centre
82 Buttonwood Avenue, Toronto ON M6M 2J5
Phone: 1-416-481-0868 ext 229
E-mail: ginette.grewal@westpark.org
Website: www.westpark.org

Growing Up Ready Life Transitions Checklists
Young people and their families go through many changes as they grow up. The Growing Up Ready resources are designed to help children and youth with disabilities to get ready for adult life. A Timetable for Growing Up is a chart of things to think about at different ages and stages, starting from birth. The Skills for Growing Up Checklists are for use with children 7 years of age and older.

Website: www.hollandbloorview.ca

Handi-Transit
A non-profit transportation service for people who, because of a physical mobility problem, are unable to board the public transit system in the City of Windsor. There is an application process and a fee for service.

Phone: 519-966-0930
Website: www.windsoressex.cioc.ca

Hype Summer Transition to University Program
A FREE, four-day summer transition program aimed to help students with disabilities make the transition from high school to university. Participants stay in residence for free (with meals provided), gain valuable exposure to the accommodation process, partake in workshops on beneficial learning strategies, adaptive technologies, the importance of self-advocacy, financial aid and much, much more. Attendees of HYPE will also get to participate in McMaster University’s ALTITUDE ropes course.

Phone: 1-905-525-9140 ext 24711
Website: www.macinsiders.com

The Independence Program
For individuals with a disability that are 17-18 years of age or up to age 21 if in high school. This program is designed to increase independence and may include topics of meal preparation and cooking, money management and budgeting, public transit and community navigation, directing attendant care needs, recreation and social skills building and supported or independent living preparation.

Date: Sunday, July 20th 2014 to Friday, August 8th 2014
Location: Ryerson University, Toronto – Pitman Hall Residence
Cost: approx. $2,000.00 *Financial assistance may be available
Deadline for application submission: February 28th 2014
For more information, contact Natalie Timbrell
Phone: 416-425-6220 ext 6451 | 1-800-363-2440 ext 6451

Photo ID Card
For more information, go to the Ministry of Transportation website and search for “photo card”. The card for individuals 16 years of age and over, will make it easier for people with a developmental disability who don’t have a driver’s license to do things that require official identification such as: apply for work, open bank accounts, and access government services. Designed with input from Ontarians with disabilities, seniors and advocacy groups, the card is similar to a driver’s license. It includes the card holder’s name, photo, signature, address, gender, and date of birth. It also has the same security features as a driver’s license to help prevent fraud and identity theft.

Toll Free: 1-800-387-3445
TTY Toll Free: 1-800-268-7095
Website: www.ontario.ca/government/ontario-photo-card

Life Skills Training

Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities of Windsor Essex County
This program is held at St. Clair College in collaboration with APPD. This program assists adult students to develop competency in basic living skills. The course is taught 2 nights a week and is 2 hours in duration. Topics include cooking, grooming, money management, transportation etc.

2001 Spring Garden Road, Windsor, ON N9E 3P8
Phone: 519-969-8188

Employment Supports – Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (formerly APPD)
Participation Industries offers skills training and sheltered work opportunities for adults with physical disabilities. Training is offered in inspection, assembly, woodworking and wicker, collating and mailing.

3141 Sandwich Street, Windsor, ON N9C 1A7
Phone: 519-969-8188 Fax: 519-969-0930

Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS): Ontario Disability Support Program – Employment Support
Assists individuals in becoming employable and self-supporting and reduces/eliminates any disability-related barriers to competitive employment opportunities. Application process required for self-directed clients.

270 Erie Street East, Windsor, ON
Phone: 519-254-1651
Website: www.mcss.gov.on.ca

Financial Supports

Developmental Services Ontario
Developmental Services Ontario helps adults with developmental disabilities connect to services and supports in their communities. To confirm if a person has a developmental disability, we will need to review a copy of a psychological assessment. We can help you, or someone you care for, to connect with available residential supports, caregiver respite, community participation supports (like recreation, volunteering, employment, or in-home supports), professional and specialized services, person-directed planning, and other supports to help people with developmental disabilities become more involved in their communities.

3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 212, Windsor ON
Phone: 519-945-3797
Website: www.dsontario.ca

Direct Funding Program
Enables adults with a physical disability to become employers of their own attendants. Attendants assist with routine activities of living, such as dressing, transferring and toileting. Funded by: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Administered by: Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT), Inc.

Phone: 1-800-345-9950
Website: www.cilt.ca

Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS): Ontario Disability Support Program – Income Support
The Income Support component of the program provides financial assistance to help with basic needs and accommodation costs, up to the maximum amount allowed, for people 18 years of age or older who have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last one year or more and qualify financially. The amount of money you receive from the ODSP will vary depending upon your rent costs and family size. You may also be entitled to benefits such as drug and dental coverage, Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefits and Employment Start Up Benefits, or financial assistance for special diet requirements, special needs items as well as eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.

270 Erie Street East, Windsor, ON
Phone: 519-254-1651
Website: www.mcss.gov.on.ca

Windsor-Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports
Windsor-Essex Brokerage is a Central Access Point for persons with developmental disabilities who are transitioning into adulthood in Windsor and Essex County. Information and planning support regarding housing, employment, community opportunities, legalities, and financial planning is provided.

3357 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N8W 5J7
Phone: 519-966-8094
Website: www.windsoressexbrokerage.com

Financial Assistance for Home and Vehicle Modifications

Ontario March of Dimes: Home and Vehicle Modification Program
The HVMP provides funding for basic home and/or vehicle modifications to children and adults with disabilities that restrict mobility.

291 King Street, 3rd Floor, London, ON N6B 1R8
Phone: 1-877-369-4867, press “2” to speak with an Intake Counsellor
Website: www.marchofdimes.ca

President’s Choice Children’s Charity
This charity provides financial assistance to purchase expensive mobility equipment, environmental modifications, etc., for families who have children with physical or developmental disabilities.

Phone: 1-866-996-9918
Website: www.presidentschoice.ca

Tax Credits, Financial Savings Plans and Rebate Programs

Disabled Property Tax Relief in Ontario
This program provides a 10% rebate on your municipal property taxes each year for owners of homes that are built or modified to accommodate persons with disabilities. This applies to people who would otherwise have to live in other premises where they can get special care. The exemption applies to any increase in value as a result of changes made to the exiting home after May 15, 1984 to accommodate an eligible person with a disability, or 10 percent of the assessed value of a new home that is built to provide housing.

Phone: 1-866-296-MPAC (6722)
Website: www.fin.gov.on.ca
Request for Reconsideration Form: www.mpac.ca/property_owners/forms.asp

Ministry of Revenue: Refund of Sales Tax – Motor Vehicles
Under certain conditions a refund of retail sales tax may be obtained on certain licensed motor vehicles purchased for the purpose of transporting people with permanent physical disabilities. Tax paid on long term leases, those 12 months or longer, may also be refunded. Application forms are available at the Ministry of Revenue or at the above listed website.

215 Eugeine Street West, Unit 103, Windsor, ON N8X 2X7
Phone: 519-250-0066
Application for Refund Form: refundmotor.pdf

Registered Disability Savings Plan
The RDSP is a long-term savings plan for Canadian residents who have a disability, who are under the age of 60, and who are eligible for the Disability Amount or Tax Credit. A matching Canadian Disability Savings Grant of up to $3,500 per year will be paid on eligible contributions made to an RDSP. The Government of Canada will also contribute a Canadian Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 per year to the RDSP of eligible Canadians who have a low or modest income, even if no contributions can be made.

Phone: 1-800-622-6232
Website: www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca

Henson Trust
A Henson Trust, is a special form of Trust arrangement. A child or adult who receives Child Benefits or Ontario Disability Support Program benefits will be disqualified from receiving them if left an inheritance, unless the parents’ Will creates an absolute discretionary “Henson” Trust, which will protect the inheritance. The Henson Trust is funded by insurance or assets, and suitable Trustees are chosen to carry out the terms of the Trust. For more information contact your financial advisor.

Website: www.disabilityadvocategerard.com

Scholarships

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON APPLICATIONS AND APPLICATION DEADLINES.

Aird Scholarship
In honour of the Honourable John Black Aird, on his retirement as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. This scholarship is intended to help students with physical disabilities to study full-time at a recognized Ontario post secondary institution. Two scholarships of $2,500 are awarded each year to two applicants who meet the following criteria:
have a physical disability that is a major, long-term impairment that severely restricts their activities;
a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; an Ontario resident – you are considered an Ontario resident if you have lived in Ontario for at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding registration for your post secondary program in September. This period excludes times spent at educational institutions. plan to register in September in the first year of either an undergraduate degree program at a recognized Ontario university or a two- or three-year certificate program at a college of applied artsand technology or private post secondary institution in Ontario.
not have previously received an Aird Scholarship.

Website: www.canadian-universities.net

Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)
Intended to assist students meet disability associated costs related to their participation in post-secondary education;
Can receive up to $8,000 from the federal government and $2,000 from the provincial government;
Students must apply to OSAP to be eligible for BSWD. Amount of funding from BSWD is determined by the OSAP assessment. If nil OSAP assessment, students still may receive BSWD through a different assessment;
Meet with Disability Advisor at your post secondary institution to determine your disability related educational costs (what funding may/may not be needed and what is/is not covered by the bursaries).

Website: www.osap.gov.on.ca

Employees of Canadian Airlines International Education Bursary
In memory of the late Whipper Billy Watson. The employees of Canadian Airlines International in conjunction with the Bloorview MacMillan School Board have established a bursary to assist students with physical disabilities in their full-time study at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology. The $2,000 bursary is granted each year to one male and one female applicant who demonstrate potential for studies at the Community College level.

Applicants must:
be physically disabled by a major, long-term impairment that severely restricts their physical activities;
be Canadian citizens or permanent residents; and intend to register in September in the first year of a College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Website: www.bloorviewschool.ca

Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
This is an annual scholarship, valued at $4,000 and renewable for up to four years. Students must be studying towards a first degree or diploma, be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and not over 25 years of age. Demonstration of the highest ideals and qualities of citizenship will be criteria for the selection of recipients. Further relevant qualities are courage in overcoming obstacles, involvement in humanitarian service and participation in sports, fitness and community service.

Website: www.terryfoxawards.ca

Keith Gilmore Foundation
In honour of the late Keith Gilmore, this scholarship was established for worthy applicants taking post secondary education in the fields of agriculture and journalism, and for those schools that offer it, agricultural journalism. The $750 scholarship is available and will be awarded in late summer to an individual enrolled in a recognized diploma program in agriculture and/or journalism or communications. The successful applicant will have already completed a minimum of one year in a diploma program. With the application, include an official transcript of grades and a resume written by the applicant outlining: the field of studies they wish to pursue; the general goals to which they wish to put their degree to use; an outline of their involvement in community service, school affairs and other extracurricular activities.

Website: www.keithgilmorefoundation.com

Global Television Network Broadcasters of the Future Awards: Internship Award for a Canadian with a Physical Disability
This annual Scholarship-Internship Award is offered to a Canadian student with a mobility impairment and provides educational assistance as well as a challenging opportunity to work in private television in pursuit of a career in broadcasting. The Award, valued at up to $15,000, covers all tuition fees* and textbooks* for one full scholastic year of a radio and television arts program or journalism program at a recognized Canadian university or college, commencing in the Fall. The Award also includes a three- or four-month internship at the Global Television Network in Don Mills (Toronto), for the summer and moving expenses associated with the internship. In addition, the Award covers transportation, hotel and attendance expenses at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters annual convention, in November, where the award will be presented. (* As determined by the specific university or college course outline).

Eligibility:

• Canadian citizen with a mobility impairment
• Secondary school graduate with a grade average suitable for admission to the college/university
• Strong English language communication skills.

Website: www.tru.ca

E.C. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a conscientious student who shows promise of benefitting from further education. The recipient must be a resident of Windsor/Essex County, have a financial need and show charitable or voluntary community work.

Student Access Awards Program
These awards, valued at $2,500 annually, are to encourage Canadian students with disabilities to pursue a university or college education in an undergraduate, graduate and diploma program in any field of study. A disability is a functional limitation resulting from a physical, sensory or mental impairment that, for an indefinite period, affects the ability of the student to perform the activities necessary to participate fully in post secondary learning. Candidates must meet the following definition: must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Canada for at least two years as a permanent resident; must be entering or enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or diploma program in a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Award recipients are selected based on their combined achievements in the areas of Employment, Community Involvement and Academic excellence. Candidates must include, with their application, the following documents:
two letters of reference: if possible, one from a person who can attest to the applicant’s employment background and one from a person, other than a parent, who can attest to the applicant’s community involvement.
complete and official academic transcripts covering the last two years of study (note: faxes or photocopies will not be acceptable as official documents); proof of admission at an educational institution; a medical certificate or doctor’s endorsement is not required.

Website: www.neads.ca

General Bursary and Scholarship Program
Bursaries are available to full-time post secondary students who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and have satisfactory academic standing (minimum GPA 2.0) and are in financial need. These bursaries (ranging from $100 to $1,000) are awarded to deserving students by sponsoring organizations, corporations or individual donors. Students can only apply for General Bursaries from October 1st to December 15th. Applications are available from the Financial Aid Office.

What Is It?
A bursary is a gift of money (ranging from $100 to $1,000) awarded to a deserving student by a sponsoring organization, corporation or individual donor. A T4A slip will be issued for income tax purposes.

Who May Apply?
Bursaries are available to full-time post secondary students who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, who have a satisfactory academic standing, (minimum GPA 2.0), and are in financial need.

John H. McGivney Bursary
Any student, who has a physical disability, is a resident of Windsor/Essex County and is planning to attend a post secondary program at a community college, university, private post secondary program or government sponsored program designed to give recipients skills beyond the secondary school level can apply.

How To Apply:
Applicants can apply in writing to Brenda Santarossa, Ph.D, Principal at the following address:
John McGivney Children’s Centre – School Authority
3945 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON N9C 4C2

The contents of the letter should include:

• The applicant’s name, address and phone number
• Career or post secondary program aspirations
• Name of the course of study they hope to attend

How this bursary will assist them
Obligations of Recipients: Recipients must provide proof of registration before the award can be paid out and they must attend a post secondary program in the year of application

Website: www.jmccentre.ca

Ontario Student Assistance Program
For full funding, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person and have lived in Ontario for 12 months for Ontario portion. Must maintain full-time status – 40% – this works out to be two 1/2 credits each term or one full credit; Maximum funding (single students) = $350/wk (Canada = $210/wk, Ontario = $140/wk).

Website: www.osap.gov.on.ca

Social & Rec Opportunities

Ability OnLine
Ability OnLine is an extraordinary and absolutely free internet community. Here, young people with disabilities and illnesses connect with all kinds of possibilities that address their needs for friendship, support, and information. They meet and chat with other people like them in a virtual world that transcends boundaries and barriers. They make friends, get tips from mentors, and freely participate in an atmosphere of collaboration, companionship, and support.

Website: www.abilityonline.org

Access 2 Entertainment Card
The Access 2 Entertainment Card provides free admission, (or a substantial discount), for the support person that accompanies a person with a disability at all participating entertainment venues. The person with the disability pays the regular admission fee. The card indicates to the ticket seller that the individual requires the support of an attendant.

c/o Easter Seals Canada, 40 Holly St, Suite 401, Toronto, ON M4S 3C3
Phone: 1-416-932-8382 ext 227
Website: www.access2card.ca

Windsor Regional Hospital: Community Pool Program
Offers therapeutic pool facilities to individuals with chronic pain
You must have a medical clearance from your family physician or specialist. Cost is $70 for an eight week session (16 visits).

Who qualifies?
Patients who have been through physiotherapy pool program and no longer require physiotherapy intervention. Individuals with chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, arthritis, etc.

• Pool temperature is maintained at 95-99 degrees.
• All sessions are supervised by a kinesiologist.
• Must either be independent and able to dress and undress as well as get into the pool independently or attend with a helper.
• Must be continent.
• Change rooms have benches and grab bars in bathroom stalls
• * Must also be independent and able to dress and undress as well as get into the pool by him/herself, no hands-on assistance.
• ** The pool has a lift, but has not been used in years.
• *** Can have a helper to supervise one-on-one throughout the whole pool session.

Physiotherapy Department, Tayfour Campus
Phone: 519-257-5207
Website: www.wrh.on.ca

D.O.O.R. 2 Adulthood
Disability Ontario Online Resource aims to improve the process of transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities and their families by providing information about services, resources, and events related to transition, and the opportunity to network and share ideas.

Phone: 1-800-363-2440 ext 3287
Website: www.bloorview.ca

Easter Seals and the March of Dimes: Life Stage Transitions Project
A Service Navigator can help youth between the ages of 16 and 29 years old with physical disabilities locate local community services to assist with meeting their needs in the following areas, including: employment, education, social, recreation, and independent living. This program can also link youth with a Peer Advisor to share personal experiences and develop strategies for some of the challenges they may face.

Phone: 1-416-425-3463 ext 7209
Email: ahammer@marchofdimes.ca

Easter Seals and the Ontario March of Dimes: Recreation Connections
Social outings, day trips, and sporting events are offered to individuals between the ages of 16 and 29 years old who have a physical disability.

Phone: 1-800-263-3463 ext 7250
Website: www.eastersealscamps.org

Harmony in Action
Harmony in Action provides day, evening and weekend activities for adults with physical and or developmental disabilities.

3939 Carmichael Street, Windsor, ON
Phone: 519-252-5871
Website: www.harmonyinaction.com

Miracle League of Amherstburg, Ontario
The Miracle League provides the opportunity for children and adults with disabilities a chance to play baseball, make new friends, and build self esteem.

Contact Chuck Bondy at 519-919-4641
Website: www.amherstburgmiracle.com

Swimming at the Vollmer Centre
Family change rooms, Hydraulic change table and Private lessons available. See website or call for details about public swimming times and fees.

2121 Laurier Drive, LaSalle, ON N9J 0B4
Phone: 519-969-7771
Website: www.town.lasalle.on.ca

Windsor Aquatics Club (WAC): Adie Knox Herman Recreational Complex
Offers competitive swimming and coaches that will assess children who are 5 years and older to ensure that they are placed in the correct group according to their abilities. Fees apply, two week free trial period.

1511 Wyandotte St. West, Windsor, ON
Phone: 519-971-7479
Website: www.windsoraquatic.com

Wheelchair Basketball: LaSalle Lightening Wheelchair Basketball Club
For persons 15 years and older with disabilities and able-bodied players. Combines basic basketball skills with wheelchair mobility. Begins in January and ends in March and takes place on Tuesday nights from 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm at Holy Cross Elementary School, with a pay-as-you-go fee.

Phone: 519-969-7770 ext 249
Website: www.wheelchairbasketball.ca

Snoezelen
A darkened room with soothing music and lights. The effect is both relaxing and stimulating at the same time. It provides people who have sensory and learning disabilities with appropriate relaxation and leisure opportunities.

Community Living Windsor
2840 Temple Drive, Windsor, ON
Phone: 519-974-4221
Website: www.clwindsor.org

Sunnyside Rehabilitation Services
11811 Tecumseh Road East, Suite 118
Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 4M7
Phone: 519-739-6061
Fax: 519-739-1419
Toll Free: 1-877-479-4460
Email: intake@sunnysiderehab.com

Driving Evaluation and Training Centre
Individuals with disabilities related to physical, cognitive or perceptual function that either hold a valid driver’s license or have the ability to obtain a learner’s permit are encouraged to undergo an evaluation of driving skills. The evaluation is designed to assess each client’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and provide recommendations as needed. Referrals may be made by physician’s, therapists, individuals requiring service, insurance companies, case managers, community service agencies, etc. Referrals can be made for any individual who requires an evaluation of their driving skills or adaptive equipment needs by contacting Toni Potvin, Program Coordinator.