Helpful Resources
Below you'll find links to lots of useful products, services and information for people with various disabilities. This list covers only a small cross section of all the available resources out there, but you just might find something here that works for you. New links are added frequently, so keep checking back. All the links here open in a new window, so you won't lose your place. Click on one of the topics below to jump directly to the section you're interested in.
Accessibility
Active Living
Adaptive Clothing
Daily Living Aids
Disease Info
Diversity & Accessibility Consulting
General Outreach Services
Home Modification
Life/Business Coaching
Magazines & Other Publications
Mobility
Novelties
Software
Walk-In Bathtubs
Tactile Vision Inc. - Tactile Vision is a company that produces high-resolution tactile graphics efficiently and quickly, all at a reasonable cost. Their mission is to provide tactile graphical information to people who are blind or low-vision or who have other special needs, allowing them the same access to information as sighted people. They aim to deliver materials to students at the same time as their peers, to supply employees with materials leading to more equitable opportunities at work, and to provide means for more active participation in the community and greater enjoyment of everyday activities. Tactile Vision's staff are friendly and will work with clients to make sure the tactile representations meet the needs of the people using them.
Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD) - The ALACD helps people with disabilities who want to get active. It provides nationally coordinated leadership, support, encouragement, promotion and information that facilitates healthy, active living opportunities for Canadians with disabilities, across all settings and environments. This is an alliance of individuals, agencies and national associations and it has over 500,000 contacts.
Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre - BBNC is a Scarborough recreation center that offers a variety of rec programs for people with disabilities or illnesses. They offer adapted programming as well as integrated programming, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Epiphany Design - Epiphany has beautiful clothing designs for wheelchair and scooter users. Each piece has unique and thoughtful touches that are extremely helpful for mobility-impaired people and their caregivers. The designer is, himself, quadriplegic. With such great clothing pieces as Back-Zip Jackets, High-Collared Shawls, Capes and many varieties of Ponchos, Epiphany Design is truly freedom through innovation.
Kutaways - Kutaways make great coats designed for adults and kids who use wheelchairs. Warmth and accessibility combined!
Silvert's Adaptive Clothing - Silvert's has a large collection of beautiful, quality clothing for seniors and other people with disabilities. Their soft open-back dresses, hospital gowns and incontinence wear slip on easily, and caregivers love the dignity they provide. Save time and money with stylish clothes for everyday needs.
Creative Opportunities And Reality Expressions (COARE) - COARE are people with disabilities working for people with disabilities to enhance their lives on a daily basis. COARE knows what people with disabilities need to pursue life because they live it every day. In business for the disabled community and the community at large for eight years, COARE wants to help make your life easier.
Home Therapeutics - Home Therapeutics is the developer of Sonic Relief, a portable pain-relieving system that uses ultrasound waves to help treat various conditions. Sonic Relief eases pain caused by arthritis, fibro myalgia, sports injuries, back pain, tension headaches and more. It's so small you can take it anywhere!
Tetra Society of North America - Tetra is an organization dedicated to creating assistive devices for people with disabilities, thus increasing independence and integration within their communities. Tetra recognizes that people are not handicapped by their disabilities but by obstacles or barriers in their living environment. That's why skilled volunteer engineers, design technicians and health professionals work one-to-one with the client to make assistive aids or modifications to her/his environment, so greater independence can be achieved.
www.ALSindependence.com - ALS Independence is a website that has great information and articles for people living with ALS and their caregivers.
ALS Society of Canada - The ALS Society of Canada is committed to supporting research towards a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), as well as building awareness of ALS and its impact on people with the disease. The ALS Society is also committed to supporting provincial ALS societies in their provision of quality care for people living with ALS.
MS Living - MS Living.org is a website for people with MS by people with MS. You'll find discussions and great info here!
Parkinson Society Canada - This is a charitable nonprofit organization who's chief goal is finding a cause and cure for Parkinson's disease. The website contains information and news for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers.
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario - SB&H is committed to making a posative difference in the lives of people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. On its website you'll find useful information on spina bifida and hydracephalus, as well as services and programs. SB&H can also give you information on other related conditions, such as Arnold Chiari Malformation.
The Arthritis Society - The Arthritis Society is full of useful resources and information about arthritis.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - The MS Society is an organization dedicated to finding a cure for MS as well as enhancing quality of life for people with MS. The website contains a wealth of information about Multiple Sclerosis, support, services, fundraising, and more.
diversityworX - With a variety of skills and expertise diversityworX aims to transform organizations, corporations, governments, systems and communities toward profitable inclusivity. They provide a wide range of professional, client-centred consulting services to promote diversity in the workplace and the community. DiversityworX brings together a team experienced in organizational/community development, disability-related accessibility, cultural sensativity, faith accommodation, human resources/staff development, conflict resolution, project evaluation and-awareness raising activities.
EMPOWWORD Inc. - EMPOWWORD Inc. is a company knowledgeable about many aspects of accessibility, especially staff learning. The company also engages in mediation as well as other "people-focused" skill building such as anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion. Sandi Bell, the lead consultant of EMPOWWORD, is a woman with a disability who combines her lived experience with her many years of expertise to provide superior training opportunities and mediation in a broad range of conflicts. EMPOWWORD's website offers great information on disability issues, and a wealth of useful resource links.
Ethno-Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario (ERDCO) - ERDCO is a cross-disability and cross-culture provincial organization addressing the issues of ethno-racial people with disabilities. ERDCO is dedicated to promoting awareness of culture and disability, through the principals of anti-racism, anti-oppression, universal access and equity. ERDCO is committed to building inclusive communities that respect, reflect and respond to human diversity, ensuring holistic access for everyone by providing strong leadership, structuring communication and securing sustainable resources.
Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario - CPA Ontario offers you a world of resources including various services, peer support, news and events. You'll also find a wealth of information dealing with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities to help you make informed decisions. CPA Ontario's aim is to help people achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation.
Canadian Paraplegic Association - National - The national CPA assists persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self reliance and full community participation. To this end CPA believes that accessible housing, employment, disability supports, public transportation, universal design and income support are vital for full community participation. Check out their website's information and resources.
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) - CILT is a client-controlled, community-based resource organization helping people with disabilities to learn Independent Living skills and integrate into the community. Their aim is to develop and implement dignified social services that empower clients rather than create dependencies. CILT encourages people with disabilities to take control of their own lives by exercising their right to examine options, make choices, take risks and even make mistakes. CILT is unique in that a majority of Board and staff positions must be held by people with disabilities, ensuring that the service is directed and controlled by the client.
Ontario March of Dimes - The goal of Ontario March of Dimes is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities through a wide range of programs and services across the province.
HomeSafety for 65Plus - HS65P provides free information on how qualified low-income seniors in the Greater Toronto Area can access financial assistance for home safety and structural modifications. Seniors get a one-on-one consultation to assess their needs and then apply for funding.
ReliAble Independent Living Services - creates barrier-free living for your home or workplace. The ReliAble team is dedicated to providing the most innovative accessibility solutions available for independent living. Their accessible designs transform any room into a comfortable, barrier-free environment. ReliAble's products and installations are customized to meet individual needs, by combining the style and décor you want with the most practical and safe 'Universal Design' options available. ReliAble's passion for improving quality of life is what drives their aim to help people stay in the home they love and keep families together by bringing barrier-free living into the comfort of your home.
SeniorSafe Consultants - SeniorSafe is dedicated to helping seniors stay in the comfort of their own home, by installing accessible, user-friendly features like better lighting, lowered shelves, and safety features that prevent accidents. SeniorSafe's services are free to eligible seniors. From the start of your home renovation project to the finish, they liaise with government grant officials, trade staff, occupational therapists and social workers. Your concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner from the initial assessment to completion, to ensure a smooth transition at every step.
Changing Paces - Disability Awareness & Maximum Life/Business Coach, Trish Robichaud, takes her clients from a state of overwhelm to a comfortably paced lifestyle. She offers the opportunity to transform your life focus from illness and adversity to passion, potential and life and/or business success. Coaching provides the support to stretch outside your comfort zone, to achieve what you never thought possible - all while honouring and accommodating a chronic illness or disability! E-mail Trish@ChangingPaces.com today to arrange a no-obligation complimentary sample coaching session and discover for yourself the power that lies within you!
www.Abilities.ca - This site is produced by the Canadian Abilities Foundation and it's full of great resources for people with disabilities. You'll find articles, community info, links to helpful resources, a forum and much more! And you won't want to miss subscribing to the EnableLinker, a free monthly e-newsletter that gives you updates on disability news and events.
Abilities Magazine - Abilities is published quarterly and is Canada's foremost cross-disability lifestyle magazine. It's widely read by people with disabilities, their friends, families and professionals. Abilities is available in print, CD (text only) and low-vision PDF formats. You can access previous issues in the archives at www.abilities.ca/abilities/archive.html?showabilities=1.
Access Guide Canada - Your link to accessible places across Canada. This directory has been put together by the Canadian Abilities Foundation with the help of the disability community at large. People are encouraged to add their favorite accessible places, so other people with disabilities will know about them. Access Guide Canada is constantly growing and updated to keep resources as accurate as possible.
www.AudacityMagazine.com - Audacity Magazine is the Disabled Magazine for the Able Mind! This website is a great lifestyle magazine where people with physical disabilities have freedom to express their views about anything that connects to their lives. Nathasha Alvarez, Audacity's founder, editor and publisher, also has a great blog at http://www.audaciouslady.com. Check it out!
Total Access Magazine - It's fun and useful to get information off the web but ... the national Canadian Paraplegic Association has a great "paper" resource for you: Total Access Magazine. The CPA has worked hard to create this readable and attractive information source for people with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities. Subscribe today so you can find it in your mailbox each season!
- Within Canada the rate is $19.99 + GST for 1 year, or $34.99 + GST for 2 years. The rate outside Canada is $25.00 per year
- To subscribe, simply call the CPA at 613-723-1033 or send an e-mail along with your request to: info@canparaplegic.org.
The Mobility Resource - Find great products and info about wheelchair accessible vans and other vehicle adaptations, mobility lifts and other daily living resources for people with disabilities.
www.TheWheelchairSite.com - The Wheelchair Site is a great place for consumers to get information about wheelchairs, scooters and accessories. You'll find tips on choosing the right mobility device, as well as information about wheelchair vans and lifts. You can read some great articles too!
The Gimp Store - This is a great web store that sells signage with an attitude! Their quotes are full of disability humor to tell it like it is. You can get The Gimp Store's designs on iron-on transfers, vinyl stickers, magnets, apparel, mugs, housewares, wheelchair accessories and great gift ideas.
WordQ.com - WordQ and its companion software SpeakQ are designed by Quillsoft in collaboration with Bloorview Kids' Rehab to make writing documents easier for people with disabilities. WordQ is an easy-to-use word-prediction software that helps people with learning disabilities or physical disabilities to write with ease and confidence. SpeakQ is a voice recognition software that's also easy to use and makes writing easier for people with various disabilities. Both are easy to train and customize. Download your free 30-day trial today.
Aquassure Bath Products Inc. - Bathing just got a whole lot easier! Aquassure's accessible bathtubs are designed to increase independence for seniors and people with disabilities.
Safety Bath Inc. - This company is dedicated to providing accessible, user-friendly bathtubs for people with various needs, and prides itself on friendly, helpful customer service. With Safety Bath's innovative walk/step-in bathtubs you're sure to have a safe and enjoyable bath! |
