Individuals who possess the requisite skills to become gainfully employed are supported and instructed in what it takes to secure, maintain and to keep a job.  Many employable people take for granted what having a job means.  The opportunity to develop skills that enhance self-esteem, to develop peer relationships and to have money to spend all come with increased responsibility.  Because many of our clientele have had few to no such opportunities we take nothing for granted.  Our staffs are trained in the art of job coaching.  We cannot impress upon our staff enough the effectiveness of role modelling proper work ethic and work behaviour.  This formula has been very successful for us and we have helped 25% of our clients gain competitive (minimum wage or higher) employment.

 Supported employment is designed for people who wish to work either full or part-time in paid employment assisted by a support worker.  Employment Preparation is designed to get people ready to enter the job market.  These supports may include assistance with career choice exploration, resume writing, interviewing skills, time management and arranging a work experience or volunteer placement.

Community Access Supports:                                          

Unfortunately, many of our clients are profoundly impacted by their disability.  In many cases the challenges and barriers are insurmountable and competitive employment is simply not possible.  In cases such as these, different; but, nevertheless equally meaningful goals are determined.  The opportunity to participate in work settings for less than minimum wage, valued volunteer or access to leisure and recreational activities become the primary goal.  Just like employment these opportunities contribute substantially to one’s overall quality of life.  Our support programs reflect the individual goals that have been carefully and thoughtfully planned by the individual and his/her family and support team.  The variety of settings and activities are as diverse as the individuals whom choose to participate in these programs.

Supported Independent Living:                                         

The purpose of Outreach is to empower individuals to be competent and knowledgeable in order to live as independently as possible. Individual needs and desires determine the type and amount of support given. Support is provided together with the opportunity to learn through life experience.
Outreach strives to provide quality service in which individuals are included in all decision making and problem solving processes in order to meet the demands of daily living in the community.

Some examples of support include:

• Advocacy 

• Menu planning and grocery shopping 

• Budgeting 

• Transportation when needed 

• Access to community supports such as, food bank, counseling services, etc. 

• Emotional support, crisis management and mediation in times of need 

• Support at doctor's or other appointments 

• Government contacts such as submitting pay stubs to AISH, income tax 

• Access to education needs such as Literacy for Life, GED 

• We assist with parenting skills and facilitate communications between agencies involved

Support Homes:                                                                  

Another customary rite of passage that persons with disabilities have often had to forgo is right to live on their own.  In many cases, independent living presents far too many safety and logistical barriers.  In these cases, arrangements can be secured whereby an individual can become a part of another living situation.  Options such as locating another family or securing a supported roommate are just two examples.  We have experienced very good success with both of these models.  While this is far removed from total independent living it facilitates an individual’s maturation and development outside of the family home.  Our experience has been that care providers are quite successful at assisting persons with disabilities to adapt to and acquire new routines that did not formerly occur in the family setting.  These models of residential support also increase the comfort level that parents often have concerning the long-term sustainability of their children after they are no longer able to provide for their children themselves.

Live-In Supports:                                                                 

Another option for individuals and families is for several clients who wish to live together to be supported by a paid staff member who lives with them in their home or apartment.  This model works well in those situations where two or more clients have an expressed desire to live together.  Each of these situations will vary according to the functioning levels of the individuals who are clustered together.  Support staff will be hired according to the combined levels of need.  The people living in the home share expenses.

Respite Supports:                                                               

For persons with disabilities whom are residing with family full-time, relief is still available.  Supporting an individual with a developmental disability can be a very taxing responsibility and oftentimes parents, who are the primary care providers, require some much needed relief.  Respite supports enable both the dependent adult and the parents to have some quality time away from one another.  These supports are offered either in the family home or at another residence outside of the family home.  There are several arrangements families may use on a regular or an occasional basis:

·        Overnight Respite - either in or out of home, for single nights or more extended periods.

·        Hourly Respite - either in or out of home.

Please note that PDD cannot pay relatives for this service.

Specialized Behavioural Supports:                                  

These supports are available for clients who need short term counselling or are in need of crisis intervention services.  These supports are as varied as the individuals requesting them and, in fact, are individually tailored to the presenting conditions and circumstances.  These supports are intended to be time limited corrective measures until the individual can get back on track.