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Community Directory

Community Directory

Choose a sub-heading below to quickly jump to an area that interests you.

ADVOCACY
ACCESSIBILITY NEWS
ASSISTIVE DEVICES, EQUIPMENT AND FUNDING
CAREGIVER SUPPORTS
CLOTHING
EDUCATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOUSING
INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT
PERSONAL RESPONSE SYSTEMS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION
RECREATION AND LEISURE
SENIOR SPECIFIC
SUPPORT SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION
YOUTH SPECIFIC

Advocacy

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities
A team of people with disabilities, deeply committed to the principles of self-help and consumer advocacy. They work for the human rights of all people with disabilities in Canada and around the globe.
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DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN) Canada
A progressive, volunteer-drivem, feminist organization promoting social justice, human rights and the advancement of equality rights.
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The Guelph Barrier Free Committee
The Committees of Barrier Free develop strategies to identify barriers and recommend and carry out solutions that are integrated, raise awareness and effectively build healthy barrier-free communities.
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Accessibility News

AccessOn from Access Ontario

This channel features amazing stories about accessibility and other original content to get you talking and sharing. “Stay tuned” for monthly video themes, accessibility news and more. Accessibility matters to us all.
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Accessible Media Incorporated (AMI Television)
Essential Service: PSWs
Canada in Perspective Episode featuring Guelph Independent Living

Assistive Devices, Equipment and Funding

Assistive Devices Program – Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Provides consumer centered support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities and provides access to personalized assistive devices appropriate for an individual’s basic needs.
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Residential Rehabilitation Asistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP – Disabilities)
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers financial assistance to allow homeowners and landords to pay for modifications to make their propety more accessible to persons with disabilities.
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Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) – Secondary/Garden Suite
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers financial assistance for the creation of a Secondary or Garden Suite for a low-income senior or adult with a disability – making it possible for them to live independently in their community, close to family and friends.
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Caregiver Supports

Alzheimer Society of Waterloo-Wellington
Works to improve the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, their families and those who provide care.
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The Family Caregiver Magazine
Publication to help family caregivers carry out their responsibilities more effectively and with less stress.
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Hospice Wellington
Offers a five-week Caregiver’s Support Group for those caring for an individual with a life threatening illness.
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Respite Services
Explore Respite Options available in Wellington County. Please note that some options may have a waiting list.
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St. Joseph’s Community Outreach Programs
Offers programs primarily designed for people who want to live their lives to the fullest and maintain their independence despite limitations imposed by Alzheimer’s Disease, brain injury, illness, or conditions that contribute to frailty.
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Clothing

IZ Adaptive Clothing
IZ Adaptive Clothing offers fashionable casual, professional, and formal wear that makes wheelchair users feel both empowered and proud. The line celebrates both body and spirit, and provides a seated client the freedom to finally define their own personal style.
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Education

The Disability Services Office at Conestoga College
Committed to providing equal access to educational resources and facilities for students with special needs at Conestoga College.
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Library Centre for Students with Disabilities (UofG)
Offers a range of services, software, and technology that enable students with disabilities to read, write and research more effectively.
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National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
A consumer organization, with a mandate to encourage the self-empowerment of post-secondary students with disabilities.
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General Information

Abilities (The Canadian Abilities Foundation)
A Canadian cross-disability lifestyle magazine widely read by people with disabilities, their families, friends and professionals.
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Access Better Living – Timmins
To promote independent living and community involvement for persons with disabilities through the provision of quality services and housing.
 
Access Independent Living Services – Toronto
To ensure adults with physical disabilities can live independently in the community and pursue their individual goals by providing innovative attendant support services
 
AccessOn: Breaking Barriers Together .
Making Ontario accessible for people of all abilities starts, by changing the way we think about people with disabilities.
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Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO)
To provide adults with physical disabilities with services that ensure they are able to live, work and play in the community with choice, opportunities, and the confidence of full citizenship.
 
Bellwoods – Toronto
Bellwoods is a charitable, not-for-profit organization providing community based, client directed support services, client and family centred care, Independent Living education programs, and accessible, affordable housing for persons with physical support needs living in the Toronto area.
 
Centre for Independent Living In Toronto (CILT)
The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) is community-based resource organization run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.
 
City of Guelph – Accessibility in Guelph
The main page to learn about accessible services available within the City of Guelph.
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Cheshire – London
Since 1979, Cheshire has been a non-profit, government funded organization that works to enable adults with significant physical disabilities and frail seniors to live actively, independently and with dignity in their own community.
 
Cheshire Homes – Hastings – Prince Edward
Supports adults living in the community by providing caring, dependable and individualized service while fostering partnerships in the Health Care Sector.
 
Community Living Ontario
Community Living Ontario is a non-profit, provincial association that advocates for people who have an intellectual disability to be fully included in all aspects of community life.
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The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington
Provides services and programming for families and individuals. Responds to the needs of families and individuals while promoting self-sufficiency and a sense of community.
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Independent Living Canada
Independent Living becomes a reality for individuals through the support offered by an Independent Living Centres (ILCs). ILCs are located in communities from coast to coast.
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Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region
ILCWR is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that is dedicated to providing consumer-directed services and programs to help people with disabilities achieve independence.
 
Kawartha Participation – Peterborough
KPP provides self-directed support, complex care, and affordable housing for people with diverse needs to live independently in their home and achieve their goals. Specializing in activities of daily living for people with physical disabilities.
 
Nucleus Independent Living – Oakville
Nucleus Independent Living allows people who require assistance with daily living the opportunity to live independently in the community and become active, functioning, self-sufficient members of society.
 
Ontario Association of Independent Living Service Providers (OAILSP)
OAILSP provides members with professional development, involvement in provincial intiatives and network opportunities in order to advance the leadership capacity for independent living service provider organizations in Ontario.
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PACE Independence – Toronto
PACE is a non profit community support service organization that provides support services to adults with disabilities.
 
Participation House – Brantford
As part of the healthcare system and in partnership with other organizations, Participation House – Brantford supports adults with physical disabilities and complex needs to live as independently as possible.
 
Service Canada – Persons with Disabilities Online
Access to services and information for persons with disabilities, family members, caregivers and all Canadians.
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Traverse Independence
Traverse Independence assists adults with acquired brain injuries and physical disabilities traverse the distance between where they are today and where they dream of being – independent and self sufficient.  The organization’s programs are dedicated to maximizing our clients’ abilities to live independently and to support them on their journey of growth.
 
Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network
The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) plans, integrates (connects and improves), and funds health services to improve the health and well-being of approximately 775,000 residents in Waterloo Region, Wellington County, the City of Guelph, and the southern part of Grey County.
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Housing

Accessible Standards for the Built Environment
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Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
A resource for information on home adaptations, programs and financial assistance for persons with disabilities and seniors.
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Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA)
ONPHA leads, unites and supports a strong community-based affordable housing sector that helps to build vibrant, healthy and diverse communities for all Ontarians. They strengthen members’ capacity and impact by promoting housing excellence, influencing housing policy, and providing innovative solutions and opportunities.
 
Wellington County – Housing Services
Provides information about applying for affordable and/or accessible housing in Guelph and Wellington County.
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Income & Employment

ACCLAIM Ability Management Inc.
A full service disability management firm, they offer workplace health and wellness assessments, case/claims management, WCB/WSIB/CSST services, in-house assessments, Independent Medical Assessments, ODSP support services, etc. to employers.
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Achieving Competitive Employment (ACE)
Helps students with disabilities to get and keep jobs while they are in school.
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Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits
Offers information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits.
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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Information about income tax and services specifically for persons with disabilities.
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Helping people with disabilities save for the future
Helping people with disabilities save for the future – Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
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Online application for social assistance
The Online Application for Social Assistance allows residents of Ontario to find out if they might be eligible, and to start the application process, for Ontario Works, Temporary Care Assistance, Ontario Disability Support Program, and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities.
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Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
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Ontario March of Dimes
Enhancing the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across the province.
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Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – Publicly Funded Drug Programs
Provides information on the different publically funded drug plans offered by the Province of Ontario.
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Torchlight Services
Works with adults who have varying levels of physical, psychiatric and/or developmental disabilities who lack valuable work experience.
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WORKink
A virtual employment resource centre for job seekers with disabilities, offers a unique range of employment and recruitment services.
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Personal Response Systems & Medical Information

Canadian MedicAlert Foundation
Provider of emergency medical information services linked to customized medical bracelets, necklets, and watches for Canadians of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and special needs.
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Lifeline Canada (Personal Response System)
A personal response service that lets you summon help any time of the day or night – even if you can’t speak.
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Recreation & Leisure

The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD)
Promotes, supports and enables Canadians with disabilities to lead active, healthy lives. Provides nationally coordinated leadership, support, encouragement, promotion and information that facilitates healthy, active living opportunities for Canadians of all abilities across all settings and environments.
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City of Guelph – Recreation and Leisure Support Services
Provides information on eligibility criteria and applying for the Personal Assistant for Leisure Activities (PAL) and the Leisure Access Card.
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The Enabling Garden
A multi-use garden designed for children, the elderly, families, but especially for those community members with varying degrees of physical and cognitive abilities.
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Freedom’s Wings Canada
Provides people with disabilities the opportunity to fly. The program strives to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities by providing a physically and intellectually exciting and challenging introduction to flight.
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PIN -The People and Information Network
Helping to link prospective volunteers with meaningful volunteer work.
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Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre
Provides therapeutic, recreational and sport equestrian programs for children and adults with disabilities.
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University of Guelph Athletics – Special Needs Programming
Working with the Centre for Students with Disabilities to offer services for individuals who may have special needs. Trains volunteers to work one-on-one with those in need.
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World On Wheelz – Accessible Travel Arrangements
Specializing in accessible travel arrangements for wheelchair users, slow walkers, and seniors with special needs.
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Senior Specific

The Evergreen Seniors Centre
Register for courses and events hosted at the Evergreen Seniors Centre at this site.
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Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
Run out of the Evergreen Seniors Centre, the Association offers courses, recreation and services.
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Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI)
The Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI) program offers financial asistance for minor home adpations that will help low-income seniors to perform daily activities in their home independently and safely.
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Housing and Mortgages for Seniors
This guide will help seniors of all ages to understand some of the options open to them and precautions that they should take when it comes to owning a home, downsizing, paying a mortgage, taking out a reverse mortgage, and selling property.
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Seniors for Seniors
An organization catering exclusively to the needs of senior citizens and older adults, pairs seniors in need of assistance with seniors who provide a variety of services.
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Seniors Offering Support
A hotline offering support to individuals aged 55 and over residing in the City of Guelph and Wellington County. Trained, senior volunteers provide information on community resources, support, and assistance in accessing services and community support programs.
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Support Services

Asbestos – The Mesothelioma Center
A world of support for families affected by mesothelioma.  The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com gives you the latest mesothelioma information, support and free access to top specialists for better care and peace of mind.
 
Canadian Red Cross
Offers a variety of services that help Canadians with limited mobility to continue living independently in their own homes, providing peace of mind for them and for their families.
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The Canadian Council of the Blind
A national self-help consumer organization of persons blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired.
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The Canadian Hearing Society
Provider of services, products, and information that remove barriers to communication, advance hearing health, and promote equity for people who are culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing.
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The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Dufferin
Dedicated to the promotion of the mental health of all people and ensuring the provision of the best possible services for individuals with mental health concerns.
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The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
A source of support, information and most importantly, hope, for all Canadians affected by vision loss.
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The Canadian Paraplegic Association – London Region
A community expert on spinal cord injuries, providing practical help and service to people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities as they integrate into their communities.
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Community Living Guelph Wellington
Advocates for, promotes, and facilitates the full participation, inclusion and empowerment of people who have an intellectual disability.
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Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Aims to provide services and equipment to those Chapter members living with MS and to contribute research dollars towards finding a cure.
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Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
A non-profit, charitable organization with a mandate to address the changing needs of people in Ontario with cerebral palsy.
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Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services
Committed to assisting people with developmental and mental health disabilities to not only cope successfully with the challenges they face, but to lead lives filled with meaning and promise.
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Transportation

Access to Travel
Provides information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada with the aim of making traveling an easier and more enjoyable experience for Canadians with disabilities.
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City of Guelph Parking Passes for Persons with a Disability
Information on obtaining free City of Guelph parking passes for persons with a disability.
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City of Guelph Transportation – Mobility Service
Provides service from accessible door to accessible door within the City limits of Guelph.
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City of Guelph Subsidized Bus Passes for Persons with a Disability
Provides information on obtaining a subsidized bus pass for persons with a disability who are on a limited income in Guelph.
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Ministry of Transportation – Accessible Parking Permit
Provides information on obtaining an Accessible Parking Permit (APP), which are issued to individuals, entitling them to park in accessible parking spots
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Red Top Taxi Accessible Taxis
Provides accessible transportation service for persons with physical disabilities who require transportation to out-of–town medical appointments. Check site for fare information.
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Sparrow Hawk Industries Ltd.
Sparrow Hawk offers all types of accessible vehicle conversions, driving controls, and related products.
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Youth Specific

KidsAbility
Aims to help children and young adults with developmental, physical and communication disabilities. Provides services to children from birth to eighteen years of age.
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Rainbow Programmes for Children
Operates the summer recreation program, Rainbow Day Camp, summer fun for everyone! This accredited, inclusive, not-for-profit, charitable organization has been providing quality summer programming since 1973.
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