What is the largest minority in the world? The answer might surprise you. Having a disability puts you in the world's largest minority group. Currently around 10 per cent of the world's population, or roughly 650 million people, live with a disability, and that number will increase as the population ages.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is held each year on Dec. 3 to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. The global observance has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992. Its aim is to:
IDPD will be celebrated in 2020 throughout the week of November 30 to December 4 with a focus on new ways to improve the lives of people living with a disability. The theme for this year’s IDPD is "Building Back Better: toward a disability – inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
Events are held around the world to mark IDPD. Communities are encouraged to organize meeting, talks, discussions, forums, performance and campaigns relating to disability in their local areas.
This year, the BAAC is presenting a “Virtual Resource Fair”, a curated list of resources, programs and services that are specific to people with living with disabilities in Burlington.
The Resource Fair lists a variety of topics including housing, employment, transportation, legal services, recreation programs and much more.
A listing of local (Burlington/Halton) organizations supporting people with disabilities. Developed by the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Agencies and Organizations |
CNIB Foundation, West Region
Community Living Burlington
Easter Seals Ontario, Halton Region District
March of Dimes Canada, Burlington/North Halton Branch
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Aids to Daily Living |
Mobility Aids and Clothing for People with Disabilities in Halton
Tetra Society of North America (Halton Chapter)
Tetra Society of North America – netClé Project
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Dog Guide Programs |
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
National Service Dogs
Canadian Associations of Guide and Assistant Dog Schools
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Employment Supports |
Disability Employment Program Resources: Autism Life Path, Autism Job Club
Discover Ability Network
Goodwill Career Centre ODSP
The Job Centre
Ontario Disability Support Program, Burlington Office
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Grocery Delivery / Meal Delivery |
Canadian Red Cross, Burlington Branch Meals on wheels continues to operate
Good Neighbour Project Delivery service for grocery, essential supplies and medications for the elderly, persons with disabilities, self isolation or quarantine, single parent and Healthcare workers
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Housing and Housing Supports |
Able Living Services (Thrive Group) Supportive Housing (Palmer House)
Capability Support Services Capability Support Services Inc. (Capability) is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to provide attendant services to seniors and individuals with a physical disability in Supportive Housing, Assisted Living and AttendantOutreach services.
Developmental Services Ontario Central West - Region of Halton Office Point of access for Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funded adult developmental services and supports.
Habitat for Humanity, Handyman Program Habitat Handyman is an affordable home-repair and maintenance service for families across the Halton and Peel Regions to help those who are in need, to maintain and remain within adequate, appropriate and affordable housing.
Halton Cheshire Homes Housing Information for Older Adults Halton Region Social and Community Services, Children Services, Services include infant and child development services, inclusion services, and family and community behavioural services.
Independent Living Halton: Attendant Outreach services
Supportive Living Provides housing for individuals who need support with maintaining permanent housing. Mental health services
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Legal/Advocacy |
ARCH Disability Law Centre Community legal clinic specializing in disability rights.
Disability Justice Network of Ontario The Disability Justice Network of Ontario (DJNO) aims to build a just and accessible Ontario, wherein people with disabilities:
Human Rights Legal Support Centre How to guides on preparing and filing a human rights application, preparing for mediation, preparing for a hearing and your rights to accommodation |
Medical/Dental Services |
Mississauga Halton Central Intake Service Diabetes center in Oakville, Ontario
Diabetes Education Centre Central intake service takes inquiries from residents living in Burlington, Milton, George Town, Oakville and surrounding areas Dental Care & Free, Low Cost, Emergency & Special Needs Dental Services Overview of how to find a dentist, hygienist or emergency dental service, free and reduced-cost dental care, and directs to other dental-related listings in this directory Wellness House Wellness House is an outpatient health care facility operated by Joseph Brant Hospital offering a number of programs and services on a referral basis. |
Social Programs/Day Programs/Activities |
BONDS Autism Centre BONDS Centre offers focused ABA programming, social groups geared to a variety of ages and abilities and camps offered year-round including winter camp, march break camp and summer camp options with a variety of activities.
Camelot Centre Camelot Centre is a creative day program for adults with developmental disabilities in Burlington, ON.
Chatting to Wellness Youth Companionship to Seniors
City of Burlington Programming Activities and Resources Activities to do online and in the Burlington community during quarantine and social distancing. Community Abilities Program Day program for adults with disabilities that enhance individual abilities through life skills such as meal planning and preparation, community excursions, pet therapy, horticulture, bowling, swimming, yoga, music therapy and more
Community Living Burlington,
Halton Social Capital Committee The HSCC believes that individuals with developmental disabilities should experience an equal sense of belonging everywhere they go. Members advocate and educate to create an inclusive community Learning Disabilities Association of Halton/Hamilton Support resources & services
Links2Care Friendly Visiting Have adapted to phone assurance programs for older adults and people with disabilities. |
Sports & Leisure |
City of Burlington: Skate Ability, Sticks and Pucks with Sledge, Swim Ability, Social and Swim +19 Burlington Public Library Seven accessible locations
CELA Center for Equitable Library Access The Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA, is an accessible library service, providing books and other materials to Canadians with print disabilities
Dolphin Easy Reader An iOs and Android app designed for readers with dyslexia, low vision and blindness so the accessibility is built in and it's unrestricted. Browse your favourite accessible book and newspaper libraries Disability related sports organizations:
Special Olympics Ontario, Burlington Community Challenger Baseball: Contact Kelly Scott Track 3 Adaptive Alpine Sports Ontario Track 3 Ski Association is a volunteer-based charity enabling kids and youth with disabilities to discover their confidence, develop their talents and achieve their physical potential through the freedom of snow sports. Glen Eden and other locations in Ontario. Challenge Golf GTA Participants in Challenge Golf are those local community members who have suffered a stroke or other physically injury and have varied and particular needs that we must address. No previous golf experience or any fee is required. Tourism Burlington: Travel Tips- Visitors with Disabilities Information on accessible tourism in Burlington: transportation, accommodation, sights and activities |
Transportation |
Burlington Transit, Specialized Transit Handi-Van, a door-to-door service offered by Burlington Transit to people with disabilities Canadian Red Cross, Burlington Branch Transportation service, Monday-Friday for medical, dental and specialist appointments only
Full Service Gas Stations in Burlington Service Ontario, Accessible Parking Permit |
We want to grow our list!
If you are aware of other local resources that could be added please contact accessibleburlington@burlington.ca. Thank you.