We provide a personalized resource report to help you and your loved ones navigate the arduous system of supporting an individual with special needs
OUR STORY
As a parent of a now 24 year-old neurodiverse /special needs/exceptional son, we can tell you whole-heartedly that it has been (and continues to be) challenging finding resources and programs to support KM. From a very young age, we as parents often sense that something is just not sitting right – whether it is speech, sensory issues, fine or gross motor skills or something else – and then where do we turn? First off, we likely start with a paediatrician whom will often brush it off “He will catch up” ,”He is a boy, they develop slowly“ “The school will test him” etc.
If I had gone with my gut instinct, we would have received numerous years of speech therapy versus one session due to 1.5 year waitlist many, many years ago. Of course, we can now turn to the internet (not so in 1998!) but that can be very overwhelming and a vortex of confusion.
I have started this consulting business with the hopes of helping other families navigate an arduous system of finding resources for funding, programs, sports, school support and more.

ABOUT ME
My name is Michelle Oliveira. I am devoted mum of a 24 -year-old neurodiverse son, KM, and gifted daughter, EM; experienced marketer, community leader and happily married wife to Kirk (30 years!).
I have always been told that I am a ‘connector’ – forever striving to help people meet people who can help them.
I am thrilled that this new business of mine gives me the chance to connect frustrated families with helpful people, services and organizations which only warms my heart.
“ Being a parent is hard. Being a parent to a child with extra needs is extra hard.”
CONSULTING PROCESS
Step 1: A Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information form is completed
Step 2: The client is sent a short questionnaire to gather background on the situation and to identify key needs
Step 3: A phone consult is conducted to discuss and elaborate on concerns and any further needs
Step 4: A written report is provided which includes key personalized resources for your child or adult addressing their individual needs. Examples include potential funding sources, social skills concerns, education barriers, vocational needs as well as how to access the Disability Tax Credit (you can claim up to 10 years back), RDSPs (what you need to qualify), sports, activities, buddy groups and more
Step 5: Final phone call is conducted to review and discuss the report and next steps
NOTE: This package is $1000 + HST with further consulting billed at $100 per hour
RESOURCES
All Ages Unless Specified
FUNDING
- Disability Tax Credit
- Ontario Disability Support Program: Employment Supports service providers
- The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) is intended for Ontario residents who have high prescription drug costs in relation to their net household income
LEGAL
LIFE/SOCIAL SKILLS
- Child Development Institute (CDI) | Mental Health for 0-18 | Family Support
- Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
- Best Buddies Program: Creates friendships and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Holland Bloorview SibKits Booklets for kids who have siblings with acquired brain injuries (ABI), disabilities, medical complexities or diagnoses
MEDICATION COVERAGE
RESPITE SERVICES
RESOURCE PORTALS
- From Thorncliffe Park Resource Network
- ConnectAbility: lifelong learning and support for people who have an intellectual disability, their families and support networks
- LUMENUS – Accessible and integrated mental health, developmental and community services for all ages and families in Toronto
- CCS offers newcomer families a customized and wrap-around settlement and integration program to families with young children and families of children with special needs (under 18)
- Other government resources
- p4p: Planning Network: Empowering people with disabilities and their families with FREE resources to create meaningful lives and secure futures, firmly rooted in community.
- Woodgreen Support Services
SIBLING SUPPORT
- Family Support Groups (siblings of individuals 18+), dads, parents/guardians)
- Siblings Canada: Providing knowledge, learning and resources for sibling caregivers
SPORTS
- Canadian National Special Hockey
- Special Olympics Canada: Enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport
- Special Hockey International
- Toronto Accessible Sports Council (connecting the Toronto disabled community with organizations and programs that deliver adapted sports and recreation)
- Variety Village programming empowers children with disabilities to be seen, participate, and feel included with sports, fitness, activities, summer camps, skills training, and coaching for competitive and Paralympic athletes.
TRANSPORTATION
Elementary
Ontario government funding 0-17 years (Special Services at Home)
Income based support for children with severe disabilities (ACDS)
RESPITE CARE: Out-of-home Respite & Enhance Respire Funding
META: Community and Support Programs for inclusive engaged and enriched lives (13+)
Adventure Place Child and Family Centre
SNAP Program (6-11 yrs): Stop Now And Plan (Emotional Regulation)
Integra: Support for ages 8-18 with LDs complicated by mental health
FREE 1:1 Math Tutoring through Television Ontario (TVO) Gr. 6-11
Secondary
Ontario government funding 0-17 years (Special Services at Home)
Income based support for children with severe disabilities
Integra: Support for ages 8-18 with LDs complicated by mental health
Holland Bloorview Youth Employment Programs
META: Community and Support Programs for inclusive engaged and enriched lives
FREE 1:1 Math Tutoring through Television Ontario (TVO) Gr. 6-11
18 years +
DANI: Community and Support Programs
Developmental Services Ontario Application Process
Finding Employment & Training Services in Ontario
META: Community and Support Programs for inclusive engaged and enriched lives
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Ontario Disability Support Program: Employment Supports service providers
Passport Program Funding for Community Programs
Rogers Internet Reduced Pricing
Telus Tech for Good and Internet for Good programs reduced internet pricing
Happy Clients 🙂


