Kerry’s Place Autism Services - Toronto
 
Regional Director:  Robert Ock
12A – 219 Dufferin Street

Toronto, ON  M6K 3J1

Phone:  416-537-2000

Fax:  416-537-7715

Community Supports at Kerry’s Place Autism Services (KPAS) offers a number of community services to individuals with all levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families/ support circles.  These free or fee-for-service programs are provided through adult social groups, social skills groups for youth, a weekend day respite program for adults, and through collaborative community efforts. 

There are opportunities for people with and without ASD to be trained as volunteers in our community programs; through this recruitment, volunteers can become mentors to individuals with ASD.

KPAS, along with other community agencies, contributes to the planning and coordination of processes within the framework of the Toronto Developmental Services System. 

The Toronto Region is regularly invited to display information at disability celebrations, info fairs, and inclusion awareness events.  This gives us an opportunity to support and network with other developmental service agencies in the province and city, while promoting Kerry’s Place Autism Services as well.

Residential and Crisis Supports
With its inception in 1985, Kerry's Place Toronto was the first KPAS residential program to be situated in a large urban centre. A number of individuals and their families have been supported by KPAS Toronto in the following areas:

• Accommodation and residential crisis supports which includes: consultation, family home meetings, seeking out APSW supports and transition planning.  KPAS is a member in the Griffin Community Support Network, which provides crisis and transitional assistance to individuals, age 16 years and older, with a developmental delay or dual diagnosis (developmental disability and mental health needs).

• Employment/vocational and educational supports facilitate access to employment for individuals supported by our residential and community services.

• Social support encourages skill development and connections to others within local communities.

• Person-centred planning.

• Respite planning is made possible through our membership with respiteservices.com, which assists KPAS in providing respite services and supports.  KPAS provides information on upcoming events as well as information on the variety of respite services available to families in the Toronto Region.

Toronto Region Community Programs

Family Resource Days

Family Resource Days, offered on the last Thursday of each month, provides the opportunity for individuals, family/ support circle members and professionals to meet with an autism consultant, attend occasional workshops, and use the materials in our resource centre.

During the Family Resource Day, the autism consultant meets with the individual and family to help them identify, develop, implement and evaluate effective program strategies to deal with a specific situation or to teach a new skill. Through this process, the consultant assists the family in acquiring specialized knowledge and skills to supplement the knowledge they already possess regarding their child with ASD.  The autism consultants will also help families keep connected to the community processes, letting them know what is new at Kerry's Place Autism Services as well as in the community where they live.

Resource Centre
The Resource Centre is committed to providing resources to individuals with ASD, family and other support members, professionals, support staff, and any interested persons.  Appointments can be made to visit the resource centre by calling the Centre at 416-534-1644.

The Resource Centre/library lends materials such as books, journals, newsletters and videotapes/ DVDs on a wide range of topics including:

·         Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder

·         Asperger’s Syndrome

·         Education

·         Long-term planning

·         Communication Strategies

·         Social Skills Strategies

·         Recreation and Leisure

·         Anti-abuse strategies

·         Sexuality

·         Other related topics

In addition, we have:

·         Internet Access for researching information relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder

·         Access to Picture Communication symbol computer program

·         Space for individuals and families to meet formally and informally (please call ahead or book an appointment)

Weekend Day Respite Program (18+ years)
Kerry’s Place Autism Services Toronto is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services to provide a break to families or caregivers, who are supporting an adult at home with a diagnosis of ASD and high support needs. Those who attend will have the opportunity to join in social, recreational, and life skills activities in the local community. The program runs three weekends out of every month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost per family per weekend day is $15.00.        

Weekend Day Respite Flyer

Partners in Autism Program (Griffin Centre)

In partnership with the Griffin Centre’s Community Support Network, KPAS Toronto offers a consultation program for families and caregivers of youth (12-18 years of age) with ASD. Our KPAS autism consultant and Griffin Centre social worker offer families consultation and behavioural supports on a time-limited basis (3-6 months).  For youth with a diagnosis of ASD ages 12-18, please call Farida at the Griffin Centre intake at 416-222-1153, ext. 188.

Social Skills Groups (12-18 years)

Facilitated by autism consultants and expert volunteers, this group meets on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.  The group’s focus is on skill-building, social interaction, fostering friendships, improving communication, and having fun!

Social Group (18+ years) 

This group for adults with ASD meets at the Resource Centre once a month, on the second-last Thursday of each month.  The focus is on social, recreational and leisure activities.  Snacks, beverages, arts and games are order of the day!

Swim Club  
This program is associated with the Ontario Special Olympics and is open to 10 individuals of any age and/or ability with ASD. Starting in September, swim meets are on Wednesday evenings and the program runs from September to June at the Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre, located at 150 Kilgour Road (previously the Rumsey site). Volunteers are needed and welcomed! 

Music Group  

This group meets every Wednesday at the Resource Centre from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  It is open to people with ASD of all ages.

Contact information:

The Resource Centre is located in the Coach House behind 376 Rusholme Road, Toronto, ON, M6H 2Z5.

Currently, the Resource Centre does not operate as a Drop-In centre. 

ÿ       To book a Family Resource Day, come to our workshops, or learn how you can become involved with Community programs at Kerry's Place Autism Services in Toronto, please contact Jason or Beverli at 416-537-2000.

ÿ       To visit our library or use the computer for ASD-related purposes, please call 416-534-1644. 

ÿ       To inquire about the Swimming and Cooking Clubs, please call Kelly West at 416-537-2000, ext. 229.

What’s New in 2008?

Open House – September 25, 2008

Everyone is welcome at the Coach House for the Resource Centre’s Open House on Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 5 to 9 p.m.  Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.  Learn about our fall and other upcoming programs through Kerry’s Place Community Supports in the Toronto Region!  Meet some of our KPAS members!  Meet our autism consultants!  Check out our new resources and new, existing and expanded programs!

Community Groups

To respond to our growing numbers, the Social Skills group for youth ages 12-18 will now meet twice a week, on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at the Resource Centre.  We are also happy to announce that the Adult Social group, initiated as a pilot project in June 2008, is now permanent.  Please see above for a description and how to become involved in KPAS Toronto’s Community groups!

Workshops

Starting October 30, 2008, we will be holding themed workshops related to ASD.  Facilitated by a professional in the community as well as an autism consultant from Kerry’s Place, themes will range from autism support, to behavioural strategies, to mental health, to financial planning, and a wide range of topics.

Survey

Take part in our Community Supports Survey, download the form and and let us know what you really think and what you really want from our services!  click here

Toronto Region Residential Program

Residential Supports  
Kerry's Place Toronto was the first KPAS residential program to be situated in a large urban centre. It began in 1985 with two residential settings and has since expanded to multiple sites with varying levels of support. Most of our homes are clustered in North York and Scarborough with a few settings in West Toronto and the downtown core.  Presently, our services are primarily available to adults, and many of these individuals who receive residential support have a dual diagnosis. Each residential setting is individually designed to meet the needs of the individuals who reside there.  In eight of the homes, staff members provide twenty-four hour support, including life skills training in the home.  

Support Independent Living Program

 Kerry’s Place Toronto supports individuals who live in semi-independent settings in which staffing hours vary from one hour per week to eight hours per day.  

Leisure/Recreational Activities  
Evenings and weekends at Kerry's Place Autism Services in the Toronto Region focus on developing leisure skills, following personal pursuits, enjoying family time, taking courses, making friends and having fun for individuals we support through our residential services. For those individuals living on their own or with their families, KPAS assists in connecting them with social, recreational and leisure activities within their local communities.

Department of Psychological and Family Support Services
The Department of Psychological and Family Support Services is a resource to staff and to individuals we currently support through our residential services.  The psychological support needs of individuals in our service may include strength-based assessments, treatment and intervention (e.g. family counseling, behaviour analysis and cognitive-behavioral recommendations).

Residential Respite Program
Kerry’s Place Autism Services Toronto Region is partially funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services to provide a longer break to families or caregivers who are supporting an adult or child at home who has ASD and high support needs. Day, overnight, weekend, and week-long respite services are available in a residential location in the west end of Toronto.  Respite alternatives (i.e. individualized flexible plans) can be developed in exceptional circumstances.