Resources

 Inclusive Teaching and Learning Resources

This collection of resources includes guides and toolkits to assist with using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Each of the following three sections includes numerous helpful resources:

·       Getting Started: Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning

·       Practical Supports and Strategies to Promote Accessibility and UDL in Teaching and Learning

·       Practical Supports and Strategies to Promote Digital Accessibility and UDL in Teaching and Learning

 The Canadian Race Relations Foundation: Educational Materials

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation provides support and training to end racial discrimination in Canada. Their resources can be found in the following three sections:

·       Anti-Racism Toolkits

·       Guidebooks, Publications, and Videos

·       Training and Workshops

 ADaPT for Black Youth

The Advanced Digital and Professional Training (ADaPT) program is for Black youth aged 15-29 across Ontario. The course is offered online, and participants complete 40 hours of training over 8 weeks. Afterwards, participants commit to 160 hours in a paid placement with an employer, although this may not be guaranteed. Employers who hire ADaPT participants can access up to $7,000 in subsidies. Program training includes:

·       Foundational skills

·       Digital skills

·       Professional skills

·       Wraparound supports

 Task-based Activities (ONLC)

The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition (ONLC) has created task-based activities to assist Indigenous program participants in achieving their learning goals. Literacy professionals developed these competencies that meet the requirements of the OALCF and are based on the teachings of the medicine wheel. Like LBS programs, they are organized into the following goal paths:

·       Apprenticeship

·       Employment

·       Independence

·       Post-secondary

·       Secondary school credit

 Interviewing Tips for Applicants on the Autism Spectrum

This article aims to support job applicants on the autism spectrum in showcasing their strengths and abilities effectively. It also provides guidance for employers on how to implement accommodations during the job interview process to ensure that candidates can present themselves and their skills in a supportive space. The article focuses on the following topics:

·       Interviewing

·       Disclosure

·       Accommodation

·       Knowledge

·       Preparation

·       Restraint

·       Confidence

In addition, the entire JAN website contains a wealth of information about job accommodations and issues related to disabilities.

 AIDE Canada Library

AIDE Canada Library lends books throughout Canada by mail for free. They have over 4000 items available which include books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Books are shipped in reusable packages that include prepaid return labels so that they can be returned using Canada Post mailboxes. Audiobooks and eBooks can be borrowed through the Libby app. Resources can be explored by:

·       Needs: education, employment, mental health, and housing

·       Journey Stages: transition to adulthood, adulthood, and seniors

·       Audience: parents, practitioners, and service providers

 Hunger Report 2023: Why Ontarians Can't Get Ahead

Food bank usage in Ontario has been on the rise for the past seven years, driven by factors such as cuts to social programs, an increase in precarious employment, and inadequate investment in affordable housing. Between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, over 800,000 individuals accessed food banks in Ontario, which represents an increase of nearly 40 percent over the previous year. This is the largest single-year growth ever recorded by Ontario’s food bank network, with two in five visitors being first-time users. This research report outlines recommendations and provides statistics about food bank use in Ontario alongside many other useful resources available on the Feed Ontario website.

 Fork in the Road

This is a simulation of spending a month in someone else’s shoes to understand what it is like to manage expenses and experience poverty and hunger in Ontario. The profiles used are based on the most common demographics of people who need food banks.

 COSTI Immigrant Services

COSTI Immigrant Services has been providing settlement, employment, educational, and social services to communities since 1952. They have 18 offices in the Region of Peel, York Region, and Toronto, and offer service in over 60 languages. This is a link to a list of COSTI’s primary programs and service areas which include:

·       Employment

·       Family and mental health

·       Housing

·       Language training

·       Refugee services

·       Skills training

·       Women’s services

 Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP)

Women with low incomes may be eligible for training in pre-employment, pre-apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship through the Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP) to increase their financial stability. This training is designed to provide low-income women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a job, pursue an apprenticeship, or start a small business. This resource lists the organizations that offer access to WESP, and the training is provided in four streams:

·       skilled trades

·       entrepreneurship for self-employment

·       information technology

·       general employment training