As the number of Canadians living with a disability grows, it is more important than ever to ensure every person – disabled or not – has fair and equal access to services.
This is why WoodGreen is placing increased emphasis on inclusivity and breaking down barriers to access across the organisation.
One in four Canadians has some form of disability, whether it be physical, mental, visible or not. That’s 8 million people nationwide.
In Ontario, living with a disability makes you statistically more likely to live in poverty and be precariously housed than the general population.
To mark Disability Pride Month in Ontario (only the second since its proclamation last year) we’re highlighting some of the programs offered through WoodGreen’s Disability Services.
▶️See our disability services for clients in Toronto
We are also looking at the ways we’re helping to build a Toronto where everyone can thrive. WoodGreen serves an incredibly diverse community; we design our programs and facilities to reflect that.
Empowering clients
With more than 16 programs and services, Disability Services staff at WoodGreen work to not only advocate for and empower clients with disabilities, but also to support caregivers.
For adults with developmental disabilities, WoodGreen’s Adult Protection Service Worker Program (APSW)e and Supported Independent Living Program (SIL) help build important life skills, such as problem-solving, budgeting and social skills.
Supporting parents and caregivers
Caring for someone with a disability can be mentally and physically exhausting. WoodGreen understands that. It’s why we’ve developed unique programs like the Parent Outreach Program where experienced parents guide others raising children with developmental disabilities, as well as peer support groups for those parents.
As Canada’s population ages alongside a housing crisis and a taxed health care system, more seniors with disabilities are staying in their homes, but need caregiver support. Few in their lives are prepared for the challenges of the role. That’s why WoodGreen created the Caregiver Support and Wellness Program, to ease the weight of the responsibility facing caregivers.
Building with disability in mind
The rate of disability in adults over 65 climbs well above the national average, with more than 40 per cent of all seniors having some form of disability.
One very concrete example of that approach is in the planning and construction of 540 Cedarvale, a 59-unit building for seniors experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. WoodGreen built one quarter of the units at Cedarvale specifically to accommodate vulnerable older adults with mobility issues.
They are designed to be accessible to powered wheelchairs, scooters or walkers, with wider doorways, clearances and lowered countertops to create a barrier-free home. The three-storey building has an elevator as well as accessible and gender-neutral washrooms in the main floor, in addition to those in each of the self-contained units.
Seeing the truth of hidden disabilities
Within the increase in Canadians with disabilities, 60 per cent of youth who have a disability say theirs is mental-health related. WoodGreen offers free walk-in counselling for all ages, with no OHIP or appointment required.
The Work Initiative Network (WIN) program tackles the unique challenges posed by mental-health disabilities in the workplace.
▶️SUCCESS STORY!
WoodGreen’s mental health employment program a ‘WIN’ for all
Breaking down barriers to employment
Employment rates among working age Canadians average 80 per cent. That number plummets to 59 per cent for adults with disabilities. We help clients with disabilities secure long-term employment and meaningful careers. WoodGreen’s Employment Accessibility Services (EAS) for People with a Disability is a free service offering one-on-one support.
WoodGreen also offers several skills-based apprenticeship and training programs.
▶️Check out our employment training programs.
Accessibility in the virtual world
WoodGreen recently committed to making its website available to all, regardless of ability. With the click of a small icon, users can customize this site for their specific needs. Try it now with the little stick figure on the bottom right of this page.
New accessibility capabilities:
- Visual enhancement options for clients with Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, or Glaucoma
- Functionality for those using screen reading software (including images)
- Seizure Safe Profile option
- Cognitive Disability Profile for readers with Autism, Dyslexia or those recovering from stroke
- ADHD Friendly Profile for fewer distractions
- 30 additional features to personalise one's experience, including text size, font, contrast and more!
Putting inclusivity at the heart of decision-making
WoodGreen has publicly committed that clients with disabilities have equal access to services in ways which allow them to maintain their independence and dignity. WoodGreen vows to meet – or exceed – the regulations set out in the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
WoodGreen’s Multi-year Accessibility Plan includes mandatory training for all staff, volunteers and students.
“The training is making a difference,” says Alex Goth, Manager, Strategic Planning & Operations who found the sessions extremely valuable.
“It provided a judgement-free space to better understand how we can practice anti-ableism, how ableism shows up in our day-to-day lives, and how we can include accessibility in our equity work.”
▶️See our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Are you also committed to ensuring Toronto is a city where all can thrive? We welcome volunteers of all abilities who want to help us reach that goal.
