York Support Services Network
240 Edward St. L4G 3S9 Aurora, ON, Canada

Join Autism Ontario next Thursday, January 14th from 12-1 p.m. for their webinar, Ask the Doctor: Autism and Mental Health A Focus on Caregivers" Click here to register: http://bit.ly/Autism-MentalHealth

People and families who employ or buy services from eligible workers with funding from the Passport program will be eligible for temporary financial support to cover their wage increase. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/2N3Hhpn

Help lead the way on disability inclusion in action! Submit a video to Accessible Canada of yourself signing O Canada in American Sign Language, Langue des signes québécoise and/or Indigenous Sign Languages by February 15.

Happy New Year from all of us at YSSN! Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy 2021! Please note that our offices will be closed January 1, 2021 and will reopen on January 4, 2021.

Finding your Housemate(s): Implementing your Housing Vision I have a plan now what? This event is meant to support people who have a plan, are ready to implement their plan, and need to find others with similar visions. ... During this session: You will have the chance to share your housing vision with other families You can connect directly with families during this session You can continue a private offline conversation with families should you choose Who should attend: This event is designed for families that are looking for a housing partner in either York Region or the Toronto area. Date and Time: January 26, 2021 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Space is limited, click here to register: https://conta.cc/34j3Ax0

Join The Ontario Caregiver Organization for a two-part webinar designed to address the issues and concerns that caregivers may have when developing and implementing a crisis plan.

Tune into Rogers TV on January 18, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to watch Kickback, a 12 hour marathon of programming promoting mental health.

Join Autism Ontario for a free webinar on January 21st at 12 p.m. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/Autism-AutismOntario

#Simcoe families, join a virtual discussion on today’s housing reality and how you can plan for housing. Planning Together: Sharing Housing Visions to Inspire a New Reality January 20th, 2021 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.... This session is designed for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Here is what you will learn: - How to start - Open your mind to possibilities - Unlock your housing vision - Set goals using planning tools - Hear inspiring stories - Negotiate resources to support the implementation of your plan - Gain confidence to plan your housing vision For more information and to register please contact: Heather Grasman at [email protected] Space is limited!

The mental health effects of COVID-19 are real. We had 25% more crisis calls, texts and chats in 2020 than the year before. Please reach out if you need support at 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or chat with us online at cope.yssn.ca. #CallTalkConnect #mentalhealth

#DYK there are community agencies that provide snow removal help for seniors or people with disabilities? Call 2-1-1 to learn how to access snow removal programs. Ontario 211 #dial211 #HelpStartsHere https://211ontario.ca

#ICYMI the deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit is tomorrow

Do you have a housing plan? Are you looking for a housing partner? Don't miss "Finding your Housemate(s): Implementing your Housing Vision" During this session:... - You will have the chance to share your housing vision with other families - You can connect directly with families during this session - You can continue a private offline conversation with families should you choose Who should attend: This event is designed for families that are looking for a housing partner in either York Region or the Toronto area. Date and Time: January 26, 2021 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Space is limited, click here to register: https://conta.cc/34j3Ax0

Attention Caregivers! Join us for virtual mindfulness sessions every Tuesday in February! Learn how to reduce stress, increase resiliency, improve relationships and regulate emotions. This program is for caregivers caring for a child or adult with a developmental disability or autism, or who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. Register here: https://bit.ly/2Lj5mZ7

#ICYMI: The Ontario Community Support Program has been extended until 2022. This program was launched in April 2020 to help eligible people with disabilities a...nd low-income seniors stay home and self-isolate during the pandemic. This extension means that eligible people with disabilities and low-income seniors will continue to have access to the program over the coming winter months. Find out if you’re eligible and learn more about the program: http://ontario.ca/d3ll #peoplewithdisabilities #protectingseniors #COVID19 #MealsonWheels

You can register for the Winter series of microboard courses provided by Microboards Ontario during the months of January, February and March (beginning January... 7th) by visiting their website at microboardsontario.com. These online Zoom courses are designed for people, families, and all agency employees including planners, front-line, management and family support staff. Vous pouvez vous inscrire à la série de cours d'hiver sur les "microboards" offerte par Microboards Ontario pendant les mois de janvier, février et mars (à partir du 7 janvier) en visitant leur site Web à microboardsontario.com. Ces cours en ligne via Zoom sont conçus pour les personnes, les familles, les employés des agences, incluant les planificateurs, les employés de première ligne, les cadres et le personnel de soutien aux familles.

Notice to people receiving services, families and agency partners At York Support Services Network, our primary concern continues to be the safety of the people we support, their families, and our staff, to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. We have addressed risks in a number of ways:...Continue reading

We are pleased to partner with The Ontario Caregiver Organization for a free webinar on self-care for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Learn first-hand tips from our Family Peer Mentors on how to sustain self-care by reducing stress, improving one's well-being and by focusing on finding the joy in the holiday season!

A great read for those looking for alternative housing models.

Planning for a Good Life Now and in the Future Create a plan for the future so you can live your best life! Join us for a virtual series that will help you learn how to:... plan and build your vision for your future life, identify your interests, strengths and how to build your support network, focus on key goals (e.g. skill building, community activities, health and fitness, finances, employment, relationships, etc.), be inspired to develop an individualized housing plan move you from your vision to real life, learn ways to maximize available resources and incorporate technology in your plan, and more! Date and Time: Starts January 27th, 2021 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (or a time suitable to participating families) Cost: $1,600 *Planning is an allowable expense under the Passport program Who should attend: This session is open to any family in Central East Region For more information or to register for this workshop please contact: Kelly Casey [email protected] 289-221-9665 Katherine Pickard [email protected] 1-866-257-9776

York - Planning for your future Tonight from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Planning can be tough and with the right guidance and supports, it can be an easier journey. Join Katherine Pickard and Kelly Casey to discuss the following: ... The Landscape: Why Start Planning? What is Planning and how can it contribute to a meaningful life? Some Inspiration- Stories How to get started: Resources, Tools and Tips Click here to register: https://bit.ly/36Kh7y2

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services wants to hear your ideas, comments and feedback to help improve supports for people with developmental disabilities across Ontario. The survey takes about 45 minutes to complete and will close on December 4, 2020.

Attention all care partners! The Ontario Caregiver Organization is hosting a webinar next week about advance care planning. Follow the link below to register. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oco-webinar-advance-care-plann

York Support Services Network crisis workers have partnered with York Regional Police officers for the last 15 years to respond to mental health-related calls, ensuring that people find the help they need. To learn more about how the Mental Health Support Teams work together on the scene watch the video below. #CrimePreventionMonth If you or someone you know are experiencing a crisis or require assistance, please call 1-855-310-COPE

York Region families looking for housing partners, register today for "Moving to implementation: Finding a housemate(s)", an event to support people who have a plan, are ready to implement and need to find others with similar visions. Space is limited, register today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/i-have-a-plan-now-what-moving-t

On November 25 at 12:55 p.m., there will be a test of the Alert Ready system in Ontario. This includes testing on compatible mobile devices, television and radio. Learn more: https://www.alertready.ca/ #AlertReady

Ontario is continuing the Community Support Program to connect people with disabilities, seniors & others, with meals, medicines & other essentials while they stay home during the pandemic.

Is your child interested in learning how to code their very own video game? Register below for this exciting workshop offered by Codezilla on November 19th. https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=4606

Foundational Services Fall Workshop Series This workshop series is for families who have a child with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. Click here to register for one or all of the workshops: https://www.yssn.ca/caregiver-support#OAPworkshops... If you have a child with autism and need help to register with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) please call YSSN at 905-898-6455 ext. 2574 to request an appointment with an OAP support worker.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our YouTube channel filled with cooking videos, fitness classes and crafts the whole family can do! While ...you are there, be sure to subscribe and like to keep up to date with the newest videos. https://www.youtube.com/cha/UChHPFHj10LbzfVBsFnE_6zQ/videos See more

Take a look at Recreational Respite's December calendar. Programs include recreational and independent skill mastery opportunities for children, youth and adults with disabilities.

Caregivers, join us tonight to learn about the benefits of a good night’s sleep and tips to help improve your sleep. Register here: https://conta.cc/3nCn6Mw

Si vous avez manqué notre webinaire gratuit sur le thème de l'auto-compassion pour les aidants naturels, ne vous inquiétez pas! L'enregistrement sera affiché sur notre page Vimeo - n'oubliez pas de vous abonner: https://vimeo.com/ontariocaregiver

Amazing workshops, support groups and groups from Kinark Autism Services .

Do you have questions about the COVID-19 disability tax credit? Join Community Living Ontario for a free webinar about the disability tax credit and how to unlock other federal benefits. November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Click here for more information and to register: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZMlceygqDkiHdGd164S5dj20SO3oh8Ve

Autism Ontario is looking for art for their 2020 Holiday Card! See the post below for more details:

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday! If you need mental health support during the holidays, our Community Crisis Response Service, 1-855-310-COPE (2673) is open 24/7. You can also text us at 1-855-310-2673 or live chat at cope.yssn.ca, from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. All of our other programs and offices will be closed on December 24 and 25, 2020.

With the news of the province-wide lockdown, if you’re feeling anxious, worried or depressed, or need someone to talk to, remember you can call or text us at 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or chat with us online at cope.yssn.ca. #CallTalkConnect #mentalhealthsupport

Did you know? About 1.6 million persons with disabilities will start receiving the one-time payment of up to $600 as of October 30, 2020. This will help with e...xtra expenses incurred during COVID-19. Learn more, visit : https://bit.ly/3kLAAoa Image description : Graphic displaying accessible symbols and the following text: "One-time payment to persons with disabilities, starting on October 30, 2020"

Looking for #resources or #supports? Take a look at all of the events we have coming up in the new year here: https://bit.ly/3raEsTa

To register please visit: https://conta.cc/37rsdKn Questions about this event can be sent to: Katherine Pickard [email protected] Martha Beach [email protected] ... Amber Armstrong [email protected] See more

Free Financial Empowerment Program for Women Starting Online November 5th Afternoons (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) till December 5th. http://www.wcyr.ca/ge/group-progra...ms/financial-empowerment/ From creating a household budget, saving for a child’s education, buying a car, choosing a mortgage to evaluate life insurance or a retirement fund, or managing your debt, people have to learn about personal finance in order to be successful overseers of their incomes and assets and to reach their life goals. #financialfreedom #financialliteracy #covid19support #HelpKeepHerSafe #yorkregion

Planning Together: Sharing Housing Visions to Inspire a New Reality January 20th, 2021 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Simcoe Families, join a virtual discussion on today’s housing reality and how you can plan for housing. This session is designed for adults with developmental disabilities and their families.... Here is what you will learn: - How to start - Open your mind to possibilities - Unlock your housing vision - Set goals using planning tools - Hear inspiring stories - Negotiate resources to support the implementation of your plan - Gain confidence to plan your housing vision For more information and to register please contact: Heather Grasman at [email protected] Space is limited!

Caregivers - Share your stories of hope Do you provide support to someone experiencing mental health symptoms or struggling with addiction? If so we want to hear your story.... York Support Services Network is currently developing a Caregiver Portal, where caregivers can access support for themselves to assist them along their caregiving journey. We are looking for stories of hope to provide inspiration and to serve as a reminder to other caregivers that they are not alone. Stories can be submitted in writing or by video. Anonymous stories will gladly be accepted. Stories will continually be accepted. To submit your story: Call or email Kristin Lane at 289-338-2835 or [email protected]

November 9 @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm REGISTER TODAY!

Making great progress in mental health! The Ontario Government is investing over $47 million to provide supportive housing for individuals with severe mental health and addictions challenges who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Read the full press release here:... https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-expands-funding-for-suppo See more

CLASS weekly program calendar, families please feel free to join us. #class

We received a generous donation for the Crisis Bed Program from St. Paul’s Anglican in Newmarket! The wonderful Colleen Keats delivered bags of pajamas , toiletries and cookies!! Thank you for your continued support St. Paul’s!!

There is still time to register for tomorrow's webinar, presented in partnership with The Ontario Caregiver Organization Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3fBvY1S

Join Extend-A-Family (Kingston) on December 16th for a virtual holiday celebration! 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/2Iwo3qA

Free webinar tomorrow on how to build a home staff team. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/33SvX53

#COVID19 has been hard on everyone and has affected all of us in different ways. #DYK Ontario 211 can refer you to Distress Centres, crisis services, support groups & other mental health programs in your community? Call 2-1-1 to learn more. #HelpStartsHere www.211ontario.ca

More than 1.6 million Canadians started receiving the one-time payment to persons with disabilities. You may receive your payment later if: You applied for t...he DTC, but are still waiting for confirmation about eligibility Your application is pending and decision has yet to be made on eligibility for CPPD, QPPD or a VAC disability support You didn’t have accurate direct deposit information or a mailing address on file Your DTC, CPPD, QPPD, or VAC file require further review to validate eligibility Learn more: https://bit.ly/2TJ0oFz Image description : Graphic displaying accessible symbols and the following text: "One-time payment for persons with disabilities What you need to know"

The Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a free live webinar on the benefits and credits available for persons with disabilities. December 9th at 2:00 p.m. Click here to register:... https://live.webcastcanada.ca/.../1460c75a-cf12-4233-9e96... See more

December 22 @ 4:00pm - 5:00pm REGISTER TODAY!

Join us next week for a free webinar offered in partnership with The Ontario Caregiver Organization Self-Care for Caregivers of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Learn first-hand tips from caregivers on how to sustain self-care tips by reducing stress, improving one’s well-being and by focusing on finding the joy in the holiday season!... Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020 Time: 12:00 PM 1:00 PM Location: Zoom (link to be provided during registration) Cost: Free Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3fBvY1S

#Caregivers join us today for a free webinar presented in partnership with The Ontario Caregiver Organization! Learn first-hand tips on how to sustain self-care by reducing stress, improving one's well-being and by focusing on finding the joy in the holiday season. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3laKQ8D

Autism affects the whole family. Learn about what you can do to help your children build skills and relationships within the family. Click here to register: https://conta.cc/3fYlDxu

Ontario Providing Additional Financial Support for Young Learners Starting today families can apply for the funding online to help offset additional learning costs, whether their children attend school in person, online or a mix of both. Funds can assist with additional education expenses during COVID-19, such as workbooks, school supplies, technology and developmental resources. The funding also assists with additional childcare costs, whether the child is in child care or at home.

Join us next week for a free webinar offered in partnership with The Ontario Caregiver Organization. Self-Care for Caregivers of Children with Developmental Disabilities. Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.... Cindy D. Hartman and Sherry Summers, Family Peer Mentors at YSSN, will provide first-hand tips on how to sustain self-care by reducing stress, improving one's well-being and by focusing on finding the joy in the holiday season. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3laKQ8D

The Ontario government is launching a new, easy to use, online application and streamlined process to apply for social assistance, providing critical financial supports to those affected by COVID-19.

Coming up next week! Caregivers, register to learn about respite and how it can help you over the long term: https://conta.cc/3leOChb

Mark your calendars. On December 3, celebrate the contributions persons with disabilities continue to make in our communities and workplaces. Image description : December calendar with the date Thursday, December 3rd circled. Text reads International Day of Persons with Disabilities.