LIFE program
The transition to adulthood can be a complex and challenging time for young adults. This is a time of change and important decisions for young people, as they move towards greater independence. Having a disability can present greater barriers to independence for youth living with disabilities when compared to their peers – often making the transition even more challenging.
Registration
Registration is not available at this time.
Our LIFE program offers support to young adults living with disabilities by providing them with an opportunity to learn the necessary skills for independent living. We offer an inclusive environment in every session.
Participant
goals may include:
- Improving mobility and the ability to manage their own health
- Moving out of the family home
- Enhancing employment or volunteer potential
- Making new friends
- Learning how to take transit
- Improving financial literacy
To register, each applicant must:
- Have a disability
- Be between the ages of 15 to 30
- Have a desire to increase independence
- Be able to attend to his or her own care needs or have a support person present for in-person outings
- Be able to attend and participate in group programming for one to two hours virtually, and up to five hours in person
To find out more
email
communityprograms@marchofdimes.ca
Registration
Registration is not available at this time.
The LIFE program is currently available across two areas in Canada: Toronto and Mississauga. To register for these programs you must be a resident in Toronto or Peel Region.
The program is offered four times a year as a combination of in-person and virtual programming. Eligible young adults can enroll in any LIFE offering and may choose to re-enroll for up to four offerings within a two-year time frame.
To learn more about LIFE in either region, please click the one closest to you:
The LIFE program also includes:
Social & Recreational Outings
The program provides opportunities for practical application of learned skills in real ‘life’ situations through social and recreational outings that take participants into the community. These outings involve various activities including bowling, visiting parks, hiking, watching a movie, having lunch , participating in organized sports, shopping, banking, and more. During these outings, participants get to apply what they have learned in life skill workshops such as relationship-building, money management, safety in the community stress management and coping strategies.
Transit Training
To decrease reliance on heavily stressed door-to-door accessible transit services, participants receive private and semi-private lessons with program instructors to learn how to plan and use accessible routes. These lessons are supplemented with virtual workshops, and available with certain session offerings.
The LIFE Program is sponsored in part by: