FAQs

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• Where do I find financial & income supports for persons with a physical disability?

  
  ODSP – Barrie Ontario Disability Support Program
  Ministry of Community and Social Services
  34 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON L4N 6T4
  Tel: (705) 737-1311
  Toll Free: 1-800-461-7551
  TDD/TTY: (705) 737-9601
  www.cfcs.gov.on.ca

  
  CPP Disability
  Human Resources Development Canada - ONTARIO (Scarborough)
  P.O. Box 5100, Postal Station "D", Scarborough ON M1R 5C8
  Toll-free 1-800-277-9914 (TTD/TTY) 1-800-255-4786
  www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/redirect_hr.html

  
  Veterans Affairs Canada – Disability Pensions
  E-mail: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
  Toll Free: 1-866-522-2122 (English) 1-866-522-2022 (French)
  www.vac-acc.gc.ca

  
  Barrie Ontario Works
  www.county.simcoe.on.ca/health-and-social-services/ontario-works/about-ontario-works-financial-assistance/
  
  Links to Ontario Works offices in Simcoe County
  www.county.simcoe.on.ca/health-and-social-services/ontario-works/about-us/

  
  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – Ontario
  Toll-free: 1-800-704-6488
  Email: rrap_ontario@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
  www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/

  
  Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP-Disabilities) - The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities.
  
  Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) — Secondary/Garden Suite - The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Secondary/Garden suite is to assist in the creation of affordable housing for low-income seniors and adults with a disability by providing financial assistance to convert/develop existing residential properties that can reasonably accommodate a secondary self-contained unit.

  
  Canada Revenue Agency
  “Disability Advisory Committee”
  www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/segments/disabilities/menu-e.html

• Where can I get income tax preparation support?

  
  Canada Revenue Agency
  “Community Volunteer Income Tax Program”
  If you need help to complete your personal income tax and benefit return, if your income is low, and if your tax situation is simple, volunteers are specially trained to help. For more information about this FREE program, call 1-800-959-8281.
  www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/volunteer/menu-e.html

• Medical Supplies And/Or Prescription Drugs, Etc. What supplies are covered? What are the eligibility criteria?

  Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care – Ontario Drug Benefit Trillium Drug Program
  Trillium application kits are available at your local pharmacy, or by calling 1-800-575-5386. The application form and application guide are also available online.
  www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/drugs/trillium.html

  
  If recipient of: ODSP – Barrie Ontario Disability Support Program
  Ministry of Community and Social Services
  34 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON L4N 6T4
  www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/social/programs/odsp.htm

  
  Ontario Works Program
  Ministry of Community and Social Services
  Barrie Office - 136 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON
  Tel: (705) 722-3132
  www.county.simcoe.on.ca/health-and-social-services/ontario-works/about-ontario-works-financial-assistance/other-benefits/
  

• Is there any assistance for education or training?

  Employment & Educational Programs For Persons With Disabilities. E.G. Assessments, Retraining, Employment & Educational Supports

  
  HRSDC - Human Resources and Social Development Canada
  (Formerly Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Social Development Canada)
  Barrie Office: (705) 728-2468
  www.hrsdc.gc.ca

  
  ODSP - Barrie Ontario Disability Support Program - ODSP Employment Supports
  Ministry of Community and Social Services
  34 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON L4N 6T4
  Tel: (705) 737-1311
  Toll Free: 1-800-461-7551 TDD/TTY: (705) 737-9601
  www.cfcs.gov.on.ca

  
  Ontario Works Program
  Ministry of Community and Social Services
  Barrie Office - 136 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON
  Tel: (705) 722-3132
  www.county.simcoe.on.ca/health-and-social-services/ontario-works/about-ontario-works-employment-assistance/

  
  Career Connection
  Tel: (705) 722-JOBS (5627)
  thecareerconnection.ca/index.php

  
  Careers for Inclusion
  Tel: (705) 721-9614

  
  Northern Lights Vocational Services
  Tel: 1-800-361-4642
  www.nlvs.ca

  
  Breaking Down Barriers
  Work Links Employment Program
  Tel: (705) 445-1543
  www.breakingdownbarriers.org

  
  JOBS etc.
  www.jobsetc.ca

  
  Georgian College - Centre for Access and Disability Services
  www.georgianc.on.ca/c4a/

• What Is The Difference Between; Supportive Housing/Subsidized Housing/& Subsidized Accessible Housing?

  Supportive Housing –Long term care supportive housing provides personal support services and essential homemaking in permanent, preferably not-for-profit, community residential settings, for frail and/or cognitively impaired elderly persons, people with physical disabilities or acquired brain injuries and those living with HIV/AIDS, when their service requirements justify the need for the availability of 24-hour, on-site assistance.

  
  Subsidized Housing – rent geared to income.

  
  Subsidized Accessible Housing – rent geared to income with modified/accessible units.

• Who do I contact for information on Supportive Housing Programs?

  ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:

  
  Community Care Access Centre – Simcoe County
  Barrie and Area: (705) 721-7444
  www.ccacsc.on.ca

  
  The Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled (S.C.A.P.D.)
  Tel: (705) 737-3263, Contact: Intake Department
  Email: intake@scapd.on.ca
  www.scapd.on.ca

  
  Helping Hands
  Email: hh@orillia.org
  www.helpinghandsorillia.org

  
  Orillia Supportive Housing Office (located in the Fellowship Towers Apartments)
  Tel: (705) 325-4703

  
  Coldwater Supportive Housing Office (located in The Coldwater Seniors Building)
  Tel: (705) 686-7102

   

  ELDERLY/SENIORS:

  
  Community Care Access Centre – Simcoe County
  Barrie and Area: (705) 721-7444
  www.ccacsc.on.ca

  
  Helping Hands
  Email: hh@orillia.org
  www.helpinghandsorillia.org

  
  Orillia Supportive Housing Office (located in the Fellowship Towers Apartments)
  Tel: (705) 325-4703

  
  Coldwater Supportive Housing Office (located in The Coldwater Seniors Building)
  Tel: (705) 686-7102

  
  IOOF Seniors Homes Inc. – Housing Accommodations
  20 Brooks Street, Barrie, Ontario L4N 7X2
  Phone: (705) 728-2389 Ext. 324
  www.ioof.com

  
  Simcoe Village
  Beeton, Ontario
  Tel: (905) 729-2267
  www.county.simcoe.on.ca
  

   

  ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURIES:

  
  Community Care Access Centre – Simcoe County
  Barrie and Area: (705) 721-7444
  www.ccacsc.on.ca

  
  Ontario March of Dimes Outreach Attendant Services - Region of York - Central Region
  13311 Yonge St., Ste. 202, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3L6
  Tel: (905) 773-7758 Toll Free: 1-800-263-3463
  Email: homecare@dimes.on.ca
  www.marchofdimes.ca/dimes/people_with_disabilities_caregivers/programs_and_services/attendant_care/attendant_services.htm

  
  Brain Injury Services Ontario Offices
  Tel: (705) 734-2178
  Email: scbia@csolve.net
  www.obia.on.ca/community_association.html

  
  Simcoe Community Services - formerly known as The Barrie & District Association for People with Special Needs (BDAPSN)
  Tel: (705) 726-9082
  Email: inquiries@simcoecommunityservices.ca
  www.simcoecommunityservices.ca/

  
  IOOF Seniors Homes Inc. – Housing Accommodations
  20 Brooks Street, Barrie, Ontario L4N 7X2
  Phone: (705) 728-2389 Ext. 324
  www.ioof.com

  
  Canadian Mental Health Association - Barrie-Simcoe Branch
  Email: info@cmhasim.on.ca
  www.cmhasim.on.ca
  Tel: (705) 726-5033
  

   

  LIVING WITH HIV:

  
  Community Care Access Centre – Simcoe County
  Barrie and Area: (705) 721-7444
  www.ccacsc.on.ca

  
  AIDS Committee of Simcoe County
  Tel: (705) 722-6778
  Email: acscexecutivedirector@rogers.com
  www.acsc.ca/

  
  Ontario AIDS Network
  Tel: 1-800-839-0369
  Email: info@ontarioaidsnetwork.on.ca
  www.ontarioaidsnetwork.on.ca/
  

  
  

• Who do I contact for information to find Supportive Housing?

  The County of Simcoe Social Housing Division
  136 Bayfield St., 4th Floor, Barrie, ON L4M 3B1
  Tel: (705) 725-7215
  www.county.simcoe.on.ca
  (Applications can be downloaded; includes a list of Housing Providers and Housing Providers with modified units)

  
  TAccess to Housing - Simcoe County's Housing Resource Centre
  www.accesstohousing.com

• Where can I find accessible transportation?

  Simcoe County Accessible Transportation
  (For Cost Information, please contact individual providers for details)

  
  
  Community Connection - 211 Simcoe County
  Admin: (705) 444-0040
  Email: info@communityconnection.net
  www.communityconnection.net

  
  City of Barrie - City Bus Service & Barrie Accessible Community Transportation Service (BACTS)
  Barrie City Buses (85% of conventional City Buses are wheelchair accessible)
  Tel: (705) 739-4209
  BACTS: (705) 737-2304 (you must apply & register for this service)
  www.city.barrie.on.ca/Content.cfm?C=591&SC=1&SCM=0&MI=452&L1M=4

  
  BARRIE TAXI
  Have accessible vans; Fare based on distance.
  Tel: (705) 721-7777
  www.barrietaxi.com/newpages/taxiservices.htm

  
  Community Health Services

  CANADIAN RED CROSS
  (includes wheelchair accessible van service in Simcoe County)
  Tel: (705) 721-3313 or 1-800-387-2251
  www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=004589&tid=073

  
  ORILLIA:
  OWLS - Orillia Wheelchair Limousine Service
  Reservations: (705) 326-0411
  www.city.orillia.on.ca/

  
  MIDLAND:
  Community Link North Simcoe
  (rides only within town boundaries)
  Service operated by Community Link North Simcoe in conjunction with The Town of Midland Transit System
  Tel: (705) 526-4321
  Email: transportation@communitylink.ca
  www.communitylink.ca

   

  
  Other Area Transport Services

  
  Physically Handicapped Independent Advancement Community Services
  Toronto, ON
  Tel: (416) 663-5544
  www.phiacs.com
  Operate to York, Peel, and Toronto region. Assist the disabled by transporting them anywhere in Southern Ontario. Wheelchair can be provided in conjunction with the service.

  
  GO Transit – Door to Door Accessible Transit
  www.gotransit.com/public/gettogo/doortodoor.htm

  
  Greyhound (PMCL)
  Tel: 1-800-661-8747
  Offer service several times daily leaving Greyhound office on 610 Bay (Bay/Church) in Toronto; picking up passengers at Yorkdale GO station and back to Topping at Barrie Bus Terminal. Many of their buses are fully wheelchair accessible but they suggest you call 72 hrs ahead of the date of travel, that way they will ensure an accessible bus is on the route on your travel days.
  www.greyhound.ca/en/travel_information/special_needs.shtml

  
  Northland Travel
  Tel: 1-800-461-8558
  Offer accessible transport as well - and as above they want notice to ensure they have an accessible bus on the route on the day of travel - 48 hrs, they said. They follow the same routing as Greyhound - leaving Bay/Church location to Yorkdale go station and then Barrie Bus Station. With a disability identification document, a companion/attendant can travel for free along with the person with disability.
  http://63.69.187.48/about/mid_provisions.html

• How Do I Obtain An ACCESSIBLE Parking Permit?

  Drop by any MTO Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Office. Visit the MTO website for all details including an application form -
  www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/app.htm

  
  Or request an application by mail:
      Ministry of Transportation
      Licensing Administration Office
      2680 Keele Street, Building A,
      Downsview, ON M3M 3E6

• Are there Legal Services available for persons with disabilities?

  Community Legal Clinic (Simcoe, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes)
  Call for information, Legal Advice or an appointment.
  71 Colborne St., E., P.O. Box 275, Orillia, ON L3V 6J6
  Tel: (705) 326-6444 Toll Free: 1-800-461-8953
  Fax: 705.326.9757
  Email: info@communitylegalclinic.ca
  www.communitylegalclinic.ca

  
  Arch Disability Law Centre
  www.archdisabilitylaw.ca

• Who offers Assistive Device Programs? Who is Eligible? What types of Assistive Devices are available?

  Assistive Devices For The Disabled And The Elderly Are Products That Can Help You Live An Easier, Safer, And A More Independent Life

  Ministry of Health & Long Term Care
  1-800-268-6021 (Ontario only)
  www.health.gov.on.ca/

  
  Ontario March of Dimes
  1-866-765-7237
  Email: adp@dimes.on.ca
  www.marchofdimes.ca/dimes/people_with_disabilities_caregivers/programs_and_services/mobility_aids/assistive_devices.htm

  
  Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
  Email: adfp@ofcp.on.ca
  www.ofcp.on.ca
  
  
  Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (The) – Simcoe County Chapter
  Tel: (705) 733-0488
  Email: scmsc@bellnet.ca
  www.mssociety.ca/chapters/simcoe

  
  

• What services are available for children with physical disabilities and for what age group?

  
  Services are available to kids/teens from birth to age 19
  Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York Administration Offices
  39 Fraser Court, Barrie, Ontario L4N 5J5
  Tel: (705) 719-4795 or 1-877-719-4795
  Email: info@ctn-simcoeyork.ca
  www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca

• Are there homemaking services available if you Do NOT require personal care?

  Canadian Red Cross
  Ontario Zone – Regions within Ontario
  5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON L5R 3E9
  Tel: (905) 890-1000
  http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=004589&tid=073
  

  Attendant Care Service Providers

  
  The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)
  205 Richmond St., W., Ste. 605, Toronto, ON M5V 1V3
  Tel: (416) 599-2458 Ext. 34

  
  The Greenbook
  (a directory of Attendant Services in Ontario) is available FREE on-line through CILT’s : www.cilt.ca

  
  Ontario March of Dimes
  Toll Free: 1-866-765-7237
  www.marchofdimes.ca/dimes/people_with_disabilities_caregivers/programs_and_services/

  Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled – S.C.A.P.D.
  www.scapd.on.ca

  
  

• How long do I have to wait for S.C.A.P.D. attendant care services once I have applied?

  Once your eligibility has been determined and an assessment has been conducted your application will be placed on a waiting list. The length of time depends on availability of hours. Once hours do become available all applicants are prioritized based on several factors.
  

• Other Accessible Resources - Access to Entertainment Partners

  Access Guide Canada
  Website: www.abilities.ca/agc

  
  Access Guide Simcoe County
  Website: www.scapd.on.ca Accessibility

  
  How do I obtain an Access 2 Entertainment TM Card?

  
  Easter Seals Canada
  Famous Players and Cineplex Galaxy LP, Canada’s largest movie exhibitors, in conjunction with a group of nine national disability organizations have developed a program that will provide free or discounted admission (up to a maximum of $3.00) to the support person accompanying a person with a disability to member movie theatres across Canada.
  
  Application for the Access 2 Entertainment Card must be verified by a Registered Health Care Professional as defined in the application form. To download an Access 2 Entertainment Application Form please visit www.access2.ca
  Mail in a request, persons applying for the card can write and request the application form by mail at:
  
  Access 2 Entertainment
  c/o Easter Seals Canada
  90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 208, Toronto, ON M4P 2Y3
  http://www.easterseals.ca/

  
  Food Recalls And Allergy Alerts

  
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency Website
  Website: www.inspection.gc.ca

  
  Donating To A Canadian Registered Charity

  
  Find a list of Canadian Charities and choose a charity to donate to?

  
  Canada Revenue Agency
  Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/menu-e.html