PARENT RESOURCES
The suggestions listed below are intended to help/assist parents/caregivers
Special Education -TDSB
Toronto District School Board's Special Education Department provides services for a variety of children with special needs within various schools throughout the board, including neighbourhood schools and congregated and integrated sites depending on the individual needs of the child. These needs include children with physical, developmental and complex medical needs. Parents must contact the principal in their neighbourhood school first who will notify the Special Education department. A Special Education Program Recommendation Committee (SEPRC) meeting will be held to review the child's specific needs and eligibility for enrollment into an Intensive Support Program (ISP).
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Rd. Toronto Ont M4G 1R8.
416-425-6220
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital provides a variety of inpatient and outpatient services for children up to 18 years of age, with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, autism and brain injury. They provide personalized, interprofessional care, treatment, technology and also participate in groundbreaking research. There are various parent/caregiver workshops along with family support and some integrated programs that are open to the community.
Congregated Site Parent Network - Toronto ( CSPN)
CSPN is a parent network which supports parents/families within GTA-based congregated elementary and high schools. They provide information to parent's and caregivers of children with complex special needs.
The Toronto group was started by parents of boys with complex needs, who previously attended Sunny View School, and Oakwood Secondary School, both congregated sites. The youngest son is currently attending a congregated high school site.
This group believes that congregated sites serve the needs of students with complex and behavioral disabilities, and they are essential. Parents when looking for school programs should always be provided with a choice as there is a role for both integrated and congregated sites.
Recreation/Camp programs
Toronto District School Board - Summer School Programs
TDSB holds 1/2day summer school programs for students with developmental and physical complex care needs in a variety of locations throughout the board in both elementary and high schools for students from 5-21 years of age. Parents should ask their principals in the early spring where they will be located. Busing is included.
Easter Seals Ontario Camps
email- camp@easterseals.org
website- www.eastersealscamps.org
Easter Seals Ontario sends kids from across the province to specialized fully accessible camps for children with disabilities. They offer remote- online, overnight camp, discovery camp, Leaders in Training, Gear up and Family camps. There are two camps; Merrywood and Woodeden. Parents must register their child.
Camp Awakening
info@campawakening.com 416-487-8400
This camp includes summer camp, March Break and leadership programs for children, teens and young adults with physical disabilities. The program provides the opportunity to gain independence, make lasting friendships, develop confidence and learn new skills at 3 camp locations across Ontario. Leaders-in Training, M.I.L.E.S,traditional camp, adult camp, outdoor camp and March Break camp.
City of Toronto Parks and Recreation - Accessible Recreation
416-395-6128 www.toronto.ca
Provide an accessible, variety of recreational programs for children, youth and adults with special needs. It is necessary to obtain an AIS (adapted and inclusive services) membership to register for programs- contact the number above at least 4 weeks prior to registration so they can assess your child's needs.
Holland Bloorview- After school & Weekend Programs
Spiral Garden Summer Camp
Holland Bloorview runs a variety of arts, music, aquatic, and sports programs from September to June.
During the summer an integrated outdoor art, garden and play program for children 6-18 years old with and without disabilities for four different sessions is held. Parents must complete a registration form.
Variety Village
3701 Danforth Ave. Scarborough M1N 2G2 varietycamps@varietyvillage.on.ca www.varietyvillage.ca
Offer a variety of integrated full day camp programs from ages 4-20+. For questions contact the support Supervisor.
Respite Care
Respite care creates opportunities for all family members to live actively, participate in community activities and also provides parents/guardians time for themselves knowing their children are being taken care of.
Respite Services website
Provides an extensive list for families to find respite services for their child within a data base.
Safe Haven
1173 Bloor St W Toronto- (also locations in North Yok, Etobicoke, Woodbridge, Aurora) 416-535-8525 ex 282 - www.safehaven.to
They will provide care from several hours to a long weekend for children with special needs while parents take well deserved time to recharge. They also provide residential care.
Toronto Foundation for Student Success - Dream Serenade
Is a program for students in the Toronto District School board with developmental, physical & complex care needs in congregated and integrated programs, which provides funding through a summer bursary program to help parents with costs related to summer camps, respite care, food, health/hygiene needs etc. It is necessary to apply for a bursary, so parents need to talk to their principal or social worker. This program is funded through a benefit concert that is held yearly.
Holland Bloorview Respite Care
contact 416-425-6220 ext 6406
info@hollandbloorview.ca/services/programs-services
A range of overnight and day respite services from birth to 18 years of age is offered. The day respite program is limited to 2 date requests and if needed a third date can be requested dependent on availability. The weekend respite day program is offered on Sundays from 1:00-7:00pm.
Adult (21 & over- day programs)
Once students with complex medical, physical and developmental needs finish high school at 21 years of age, parents often search for appropriate programs to meet their specific needs.
Listed below are several day programs for these young adults in the GTA.
Post 21
10 Denfield St. Etobicoke, Ont. M9R 3H1. 416-358-2750
Post 21 is located inside Central Etobicoke HS. It is an adult day program focusing on enriching, individualized programming, engagement, learning, socialization and the community based on the participants needs. Post 21 runs for 12 months of the year. For further information and to visit contact Supervisor at info@post21
Let's Grow- Learning & Living Hub
129 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Toronto Ont. M4W 2S3 -(437) 982-0137 -located inside Rosedale Presbyterian Church
Let's Grow is a safe and fun midtown program that believes every member is unique and on a path of living and learning that puts their needs, safety and growth first.
For information contact- info@letsgrowhub.com
Steer Friends
30 Innovator Ave. Unit 5 Stouville, Ont. (905) 642-0234.
Their goal is to empower and enrich lives through stimulation and a variety of activities including skill development, community involvement based on individual needs. info@steerfriends.org
Variety Village Adult Day Program-
3701 Danforth Ave Scarborough Ont. M1N 2G2- 416-699-716 bhay@varietyontario.ca
Participants enjoy a structured program where they can continue to learn and develop skills through a variety of fun and interactive opportunities.
E-Mail: sunnyviewcharity@gmail.com
Find the school:
450 Blythwood Rd. Toronto Ontario
M4N 1A9
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