ADVOCACY, NAVIGATION & LEGAL SUPPORT

A consumer-led group pushing for stronger accessibility laws and standards across Ontario. https://aodaalliance.org/ X (formerly Twitter)+9AODA Alliance+9AODA Alliance+9

Grassroots advocacy group fighting for access, equity, and disability supports—especially focused on making public services fair and responsive. https://odcoalition.com/ DANEO+3@ODCoalition+3@ODCoalition+3

A national disability rights organization with a strong Ontario presence championing inclusion and justice for all. Website: http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/

A fiercely inclusive grassroots collective shining a light on the fact that 1 in 4 working-age Canadians with disabilities live in poverty. Important work, urgent mission. https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/

Dedicated to rights advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Eastern Ontario. https://daneo-raipheo.ca/ Ontario NDP+9ARCH Disability Law Centre+9djno.ca+9cilt.ca+6AODA Alliance+6djno.ca+6DANEO

Services and advocacy for people with sight loss. cnib.ca

Provides legal support and advocacy services - when you need a legal backstop, this is a go-to. REACH Canada merged into ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities, and the legal referral program moved there. https://www.able2.org/programs/reach-legal-services/

Works on policy and advocacy around income supports like ODSP to help protect and expand your financial safety nets. https://incomesecurity.org/

Your legal foundation for disability rights in Ontario. Understanding it sets the stage for standing up for fairness. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h19

Offers legal services and advocacy across Ontario to protect, promote, and advance disability rights. https://www.archdisabilitylaw.ca/ @ODCoalitionARCH Disability Law Centre

Ottawa-based law firm specializing in disability rights, Henson Trusts, ODSP, and estate planning. They also run helpful online webinars. https://kpopelaw.com

National initiative (with Ontario agencies) that provides one-on-one guidance to adults with disabilities on accessing financial supports such as the Disability Tax Credit and Canada Disability Benefit. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/social-development-partnerships/disabilities/organizations-benefits.html

A grassroots coalition of families and individuals advocating for disability rights and improved supports in Ontario. Recently active at Queen’s Park calling for policy change. www.odcoalition.com Note: “Our Collective Voice” and the ODC share a website, but represent different aspects of the movement - one grassroots and family-driven, the other a formal advocacy coalition.

An organization focused on advancing human rights through community education and advocacy for persons with disabilities. https://cwdo.ca/

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The flagship national organization dedicated to advancing the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities (and their families). Think advocacy, policy influence, public awareness campaigns, and resources to help share a more inclusive Canada. www.inclusioncanada.ca

Navigating the justice system can be overwhelming for anyone. For a person with a developmental disability, understanding legal language, court procedures and what is expected of them can make an already stressful situation even more difficult.Ontario has specialized justice supports for people with developmental disabilities and complex needs who become involved with the justice system - whether as an accused person, victim or witness.Support can include helping an individual understand the court process and legal information, preparing them for what to expect, identifying appropriate accommodations and connecting them with clinical and community resources. Depending on the person's circumstances and eligibility, more individualized supports and programming may also be available.The Justice App - A Resource Families Can AccessOne resource worth knowing about is the Justice App.The Justice App is a free resource that can be accessed without first receiving approval from Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). It was developed to help make Ontario's justice system easier to understand and navigate.The App provides information for people who:may be at risk of becoming involved with the justice system;have been arrested or are currently involved with the courts;are victims or witnesses of crime; orare supporting someone navigating the justice system.It includes information about the justice process, terminology, courthouses and other helpful resources. The Justice App can be accessed online and is also available for Apple and Android devices.What About Individual Justice Support?It is important to distinguish between the Justice App and receiving individualized services through the broader Justice Program.While the Justice App is publicly available, individualized justice navigation, clinical programming and other specialized supports may require a referral and have specific eligibility requirements. For developmental services, families can contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) to ask about available justice supports and the appropriate referral process.If you or someone you support becomes involved with police or the court system or becomes a victim or witness of a crime, knowing these resources exist can make an intimidating situation a little easier to navigate.Where to StartJustice App:https://justiceapp.community-networks.ca/Community Networks of Specialized Care:https://www.community-networks.ca/Developmental Services Ontario:https://www.dsontario.ca/This information is provided for general awareness and is not legal advice. Services, eligibility requirements and referral processes can change. Families should confirm current information directly with the appropriate service provider.