Just as beginning school is an important step in a child’s life, leaving high school, going to post secondary education, getting a job or moving out on their own away from home is an equally important milestone. Change can be full of excitement, however at the same time it can be confusing and cause anxiety over what lies ahead.
There are many things to think about, such as:
- School and work
- Housing
- Personal Care and Support
- Transition Support
- Health and Wellness
- Transportation
The organizations and resources listed below can offer support to help you through this transition.
Transition Support
Bloorview Kids Rehab
Services offered include recommendations for living more independently, pursuing interests and employment and accessing useful programs and services. For more information, call (416) 425-6220 ext. 3205 or visit http://www.bloorview.ca/programsandservices/transfertoadultservices/index.php
The National Education Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has a transition guide entitled “Moving On” at www.neads.ca/movingon
Special Needs Opportunity Windows (SNOW) is an online provider of resources and professional development opportunities for educators and parents of student with special needs.
www.snow.utoronto.ca
Youth Path
A Government of Canada source for information about programs and services available for youth at the local level and beyond. It serves employers of youth and youth service providers.
www.youth.gc.ca
Office for Disability Issues of Human Resources Development Canada
This federal government office can provide information on federal programs and services for disabled persons.
www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sdd-dds/odi/
Disability Ontario Online Resource
An online resource aiming to improve the process of transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities and their families. For more information, call 416-425-6200 toll free at 1-800-363-2440 or visit www.bloorview.ca/door2adulthood/aboutus.htm
Vocational Planning
Discoverability, Bloorview Kids Rehab
Services designed to meet the educational transition and career planning needs of high school students with disabilities. For more information, call (416) 425-6220 ext. 3205 or visit www.bloorview.ca
Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario awards post secondary scholarships annually. For more information, call
(416) 421-8377, toll free at 1-800-668-6252 or www.easterseals.org
There are many post secondary educational scholarships for students with a disability. For more information, contact The National Education Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) at (613) 526-8008 or visit www.neads.ca or the college/university of your choice.
Student Awards provides access to an extensive database of scholarships and bursaries offered by public and private sector organizations, as well as post secondary institutions.
www.studentawards.com
Financial
Ontario March of Dimes
The March of Dimes offers assistance for adults 18 years or older (16 years for attendant care). Programs include: employment advice & training, mobility aid funding, home & vehicle modification, independent living support, recreation and integration services. For more information, call (416) 425-3463 or toll free 1-800-263-3463 or www.marchofdimes.ca
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
The Ontario Disability Support Program is a provincial program intended to meet the needs of people with disabilities and help them become more independent. ODSP has 2 parts, Income Support and Employment Support.
To Qualify:
- You must be over 18 years of age
- Have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last one year or more
The program is income based. For more information and an application package, contact your local Ministry of Community and Social Services office (blue pages of the telephone book) or visit
www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/social/odsp
