Experiencing the real-life effects of being impacted by a disability can leave someone feeling helpless, isolated, and limited. No one with a disability should feel this way, and although there might be different approaches to everyday tasks, there is help for you.

Especially for those whose disability is a newer reality, the Share Lawyers team wants to let you know there are many different resources, communities, and services which can provide you with the support and management you need to lead a full life!

Getting Around

If your disability prevents you from moving through the world the way you would have before, such as walking, cycling, or driving a car, there are a few solutions to ensure you still can get where you need to go, whether it’s getting to a doctor’s appointment, going to physiotherapy, visiting family or friends, grocery shopping, or even going to catch a movie!

WheelTrans Toronto

As part of the TTC this transport service provides a 24/7 accessible, barrier free service for those with accessibility needs. You can book occasional, recurring, or same day service through the WheelTrans website, where you can specify the time you need to be picked up (they ask you choose thirty minutes before your doctor’s appointment for example), if you need to travel with a companion, pet, baggage, or service animal.

WheelTrans can also connect you with the major transit lines around the city, provide assistive devices, and drivers will escort you to from the vehicle to the nearest accessible entrance.

Please note WheelTrans do not enter private or residential driveways for safety reasons, have designated pick up/drop off areas at major destinations like shopping malls and grocery stores, and is only available within the city of Toronto.

Similar services are available in Ontario are (LINK TO ONTARIO SENIOR SERVICES CALENDAR PROJECT) Windsor (Handi-Transit), Sarnia (Care-A-Van), Hamilton (Accessible Transit Services), Mississauga (TransHelp), Scarborough (TransCare Community Support Services), and Ottawa (Para Transpo).

Services in Alberta include (LINK TO ALBERTA SENIOR SERVICES CALENDAR PROJECT) Lethbridge (Access-A-Ride), Medicine Hat (Medicine Hat Special Transit), Brooks (Bus Buddy Program and HandiBus ), Calgary (Access Calgary), St. Paul (Action Bus), Bonnyville (Bonnyville Handi-Bus), Cold Lake (Handibus), Whitecourt (Dial-A-Bus Transportation Program), Slave Lake (The Shuttle Bus), Grande Prairie (Disabled Transportation Society), and Fort McMurray (Specialized Transportation (The Bus).

To find more information to see if there is a similar service in your community, contact your provinces’ ministry of transportation.

Rideshare Programs

Ride share programs like DART, Carpool, and UberPool, are all rideshare programs providing you with affordable and convenient shared rides to get you to the destinations you need. Some services in communities are specifically aimed at seniors and people with disabilities, making frequent stops at healthcare facilities, community centres, and places of worship. Check either via the web or by calling 2-1-1 to see what services are near you.

Getting Support To Your Home

Sometimes getting out to get the services and help you need is not a possibility, depending on your disability.

Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels is a service dedicated to offering healthy, tasty meals to a variety of folks including: seniors, people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairment, people suffering from illnesses or recovering from surgery, and those who might require special dietary planning and assistance.

Some meals are delivered hot and ready to eat, while others are frozen to be enjoyed at your leisure. Call 2-1-1 to find your local Meals On Wheels Service or search online for a service near you.

Finding A Community

Local Community Centres

It’s important to remember there is a community out there for you when you are dealing with a disability and through a plethora of local programs that may be available in your community you can access: activities and group, swimming pools and low impact exercise programs, community engagement initiatives, and more. To find a local community centre near you call 2-1-1 or check the your local regional website.

Online Support Groups

With the ever growing connectivity of the web, there are a whole range of disability specific support groups available through the virtual world. There are a whole range of disabilities with chat groups and online forums these kids of connections often give a sense of support, alleviate stress, and provide you with more information.

No matter where you are, when it comes to getting around, getting services to your home, and connecting to a community, for people with disabilities there are resources out there for you.

To find out more about disability supports throughout Canada, visit the Council of Canadians With Disabilities to see the latest news and supports for those in Canada living with a disability including information on access and inclusion, technology, and social policy.

Has your long-term disability claim been denied? Contact Share Lawyers and put our experience to work for you. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.

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