Supports and Services
The Hawkins Institute offers a service that helps people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and more able autism acquire vocational skills and find meaningful work. See their web site: http://www.hawkinsinstitute.com/
Treetop is a non-profit organization providing employment programs for youth and adults with learning disabilities in the GTA. They help individuals attain employment goals and provide fee-for-service servies to employers conerning accommodation, adaptive technology, and so on. See their web site: http://www.aldercentre.ca/
JVS is "a broad-based community organization whose name is synonymous with helping people of diverse backgrounds to meet their educational and employment goals." They offer a Path2Work program for adults with development disabilities that involves workshops, community involvement, and then placement with paid employment. The program is offered at Al Green Resource Centre (2700 Dufferin Street). Phone: 416-782-3976 ext. 202 Fax: 416-782-7440 See their website: www.jvstoronto.org
EntryPoint is a community partnership with JobStart, St. Stephen's Community House and Youth Employment Services. It offers supports for individuals with disabilities seeking employment. Call 416-253-2720, email info@entrypointtoronto.ca or visit www.entrypointtoronto.ca.
The Job Opportunity Information Network for Persons with Disabilities (JOIN©), is a network of 50 community agencies funded by ODSP Employment Supports in Toronto and Central East Region. JOIN assists persons living with disabilities to find and maintain employment, and assists employers to recruit qualified candidates to meet their hiring needs. See their website: http://www.joininfo.ca
Opportunities
Some organizations, particularly larger ones, may have formal programs to seek out and welcome workers who may have been traditionally disadvantaged, such as people with a disability. One such employer is CIBC, which has a Diversity Outreach & Intake Program that offers training for specific bank jobs to people with disabilities. The coordinator of the program can be reached at miguel.aguayo@cibc.com.