Community Organizations
There are many organizations that provide support, advocacy, direct programming, and resources to children, youth, and their families across Ontario. The list below is not exhaustive, however make up some of the larger organizations that support individuals with exceptionalities and their families.
General
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance (AODA Alliance) – www.aodaalliance.org
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – www.camh.ca, 416-535-8501, toll-free: 1-800-463-2338
- Easter Seals – www.easterseals.org, 416-421-8377, toll-free: 1-800-668-6252
- Empowered Kids Ontario – www.empoweredkidsontario.ca, 416-424-3864
- Family Alliance Ontario – www.family-alliance.com, 905-723-8111
- Integration Action Group for Inclusion in Education and Community – www.inclusionactionontario.ca, toll-free: 1-877-681-5128
- Kids Help Phone – www.kidshelpphone.ca, toll-free: 1-800-668-6868, text: 686868
- Provincial Parent Association Advisory Committee on SEAC- www.paac-seac.ca
Supports by Category
Acquired Brain Injury
- Brain Injury Canada – www.braininjurycanada.ca
- Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) – www.obia.ca, 1-800-263-5404
- Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network – www.abinetwork.ca, 416-597-3057
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Canada – www.autismcanada.org, 647-362-5610, toll-Free: 1-800-983-1795
- Autism Ontario – www.autismontario.com, 416-246-9592, toll Free: 1-800-472-7789
- Geneva Centre for Autism – www.autism.net, 416-322-7877
- Kerry’s Place Autism Services – www.kerrysplace.org, toll-Free: 1-833-775-3779
- Ontario Autism Coalition – www.ontarioautismcoalition.com
- South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC) – www.saaac.org, 416-289-0100
- Surrey Place – www.surreyplace.ca, 1-833-575-5437
Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
- Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC) – www.caddac.ca, 416-637-8584
- Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) – www.caddra.ca, 416-637-8583
- Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario – www.ldao.ca, 416-929-4311
Blind / Visual Impairment
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) – www.cnib.ca, toll-free: 1-800-563-2642
- Deaf Blind Ontario Services – www.deafblindontario.com, 905-853-2862, toll-free: 1-855-340-3267
- VIEWS for the Visually Impaired – www.viewson.ca
Communication
- Child Development Programs – www.childdevelopmentprograms.ca
- Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD) – www.oafccd.com, 519-290-1763
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Canadian Hearing Services – www.chs.ca, toll-free: 1-866-518-0000
- Deaf Blind Ontario Services – www.deafblindontario.com, 905-853-2862
- VOICE for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children – www.voicefordeafkids.com
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders FASD Ontario Network of Expertise (FASD ONE) – www.fasdontario.ca
Giftedness
- The Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC Ontario) – www.abcontario.ca
Learning Disabilities
- Association Francophone de Parents d’infants Dyslexiques ou Jayant tout auto trouble d’apprentissage (L’AFPED+) – www.afped.ca, 613-604-2845
- Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario – www.ldao.ca, 416-929-4311
Parent Groups
There are many parent groups set up across Ontario – some established through community organizations, and some stemming from community parents identifying a need and self-organizing.
Parent groups can be an incredible support as you navigate these processes. These groups are a good way to connect with others who have had similar experiences, and have developed expertise in navigating the special education system. The groups also provide spaces for parents to share stories and to provide one another support.
To find groups in your area, you can:
- Ask your school to connect you with the school’s Parent Council
- Search online for parent support groups
- Ask a trusted community organization for connections to established groups
- Join a parent support group through an organization
- Some cities will have city staff that are in place to provide connections and to support grassroots groups in getting started. Contacting these staff, or getting connected through community spots such as community centres, can help you find a group that meets what you’re looking for.
