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

Toronto, ON  M6K 3J1

Phone:  416-537-2000

Fax 1:  416-537-7115

Fax 2: 416-537-7784

Family Resource Days

KPAS consultants provide support and consultation to individuals with ASD and their families. This service may take the form of family resource days, workshops, and providing various resources. Family resource days are offered the last Thursday of every month, appointments can be made to visit resource centre to lend and use various materials, such as books, Board Maker software etc. 

Resource Center
The Center is committed to providing resources for parents, professionals, support staff, and those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Our library lends various materials such as, books, journals, newsletters, service information and videotapes that cover a wide range of topics; some of which include, Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Education, Long-term Planning, Communication Strategies, Social Skill Strategies, Behavior Strategies, Recreation and Leisure, and other related topics.

Other Resource Center Services also offers internet access for researching information related to ASD, access to Picture Communication through Symbol computer software, space for individuals and families to meet formally and informally, and workshops/training opportunities e.g. Certificate Training Programs, Groups (sibling groups, social skill groups, play groups)

Community Outreach  
Kerry’s Place Autism Services Toronto is presently not funded to provide community outreach support.  However, the centre has been able to offer a number of community supports to individuals with all levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families through fee-for-service options and through collaborative efforts.  For instance, KPAS, along with other community agencies, contributes to the planning and coordination of processes within the framework of the Toronto Developmental Services System.

In partnership with the Griffin Community Support network KPAS offers a consultation program for families and caregivers of youth with ASD ages 14-18years. Our KPAS Autism consultant and Griffin Centre social worker work together to offer families consultation and behavioural supports on a time limited basis.  For youth with a diagnosis of ASD ages 14-18yrs,  call the Griffin Centre intake, 416-222-1153.

Individual and Crisis Supports
A number of individuals and their families have been supported by KPAS Toronto in the following areas:

• Accommodations 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 centered planning.

• Respite planning is made possible through our membership with respiteservices.com who assist 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

Department of Psychological and Family Support Services
The Dept. of Psychological and Family Support Services is a resource to staff and to the individuals we currently support through both our residential and community outreach services (the latter through user-fees).  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).

Leisure/Recreational Activities  
Evenings and weekends at Kerry's Place Autism Services, Toronto Region, focus on developing leisure skills, following personal pursuits, 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

Residential Supports  
Kerry's Place Toronto was the first Kerry’s Place program to be situated in a large urban center. 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 Etobicoke 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.  

Other individuals participate in independent living programs in which staffing hours vary from one hour per week to eight hours per day.  

 Toronto Region Community Programs

Residential Respite Program
Kerry’s Place Autism Services Toronto 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.

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

 Weekend Day Respite Program
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, who has a diagnosis of ASD and, who has high support needs. Those who attend will have the opportunity to join in social, recreational, and life skill activities in the local community. The program runs every other weekend from 10am to 4 p.m. Cost per family per Saturday is $15.00  

Weekend Day Respite Flyer