The effects of brain injury can be life-long. People with ABI may need assistance at home or supportive housing. They may need help returning to work or school. Or they may benefit from peer support or recreational programs.
Community-based Organizations and Programs
The community-based organizations and programs listed below, provide services to individuals with an ABI living in the Greater Toronto Area. To find organizations and services outside of Toronto and the GTA, please connect with the ABI Navigator in your area.
Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS)
Community Head Injury Resource Services is a multi-service agency that provides a broad range of supports to individuals with ABI. Services include: residential programs; supported independent living; adult day programs; and community programs.
Donate to Help Train a Brain – CHIRS is now accepting mobile device donations on behalf of clients who suffer from memory impairment caused by a head injury. They are looking for new or used iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android or Blackberry touch screen devices. Memory impairment is one of the most common concerns following a head injury of any severity. The use of a touch screen mobile device as an external memory aid can significantly help minimize the devastating effects that memory impairment can have on an individual’s everyday life. To donate a device or for more information, please e-mail cTech@chirs.com or call 416-240-8000.
Cota
Cota offers a wide range of services to adults living with serious mental illness, geriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses. Our services include case management, supportive housing, short-term residential beds, day programs, court and justice related services, an assertive community treatment team (ACT), and services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital – Online Resource Centre
The Holland Bloorview Online Family Resource Centre provides information and support to parents of children with disabilities. The online resource includes: parent and professional advice; community resources; Holland Bloorview programs; and family stories.
March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada provides rehabilitation, attendant care, peer support groups and supportive housing programs to adults and children living with the effects of a brain injury. Services are offered across in the home, community, school, hospital and/or workplace.
Peel Halton Dufferin Acquired Brain Injury Services
Peel Halton Dufferin Acquired Brain Injury Services provides case management, clinical services, day programs, and residential and supported-living programs to people living with ABI.
PACE Independent Living
PACE Independent Living Possibilities Projects (Edwards Manor and The Learning Network) provide assisted living services and adult day services for individuals living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.
Support Groups
Specialized Therapy and Support Groups
West Park Healthcare Centre Adult Day Program
The West Park Healthcare Centre Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Adult Day Program offers recreational activities, social support, skills training and case management. Support is also provided to caregivers, including education on managing ongoing behaviours and a respite bed for overnight client stays.
York-Simcoe Brain Injury Services
The York-Simcoe Brain Injury Services is a partnership between Mackenzie Health and the March of Dimes and provides a variety of services to individuals living in York Region and Simcoe County. Services include: case coordination, functional assessments, individualized rehab plans and community support to assist with community reintegration. To make a referral, please call 905-773-3038 x 6200.
York Region Adult Day Services for People with Acquired Brain Injuries
This program provides a supportive environment to assist individuals in achieving and maintaining a maximum level of functioning. Services available to individuals living in York region include social and recreation activities with caregiver relief. The program is offered by Mackenzie Health, Behaviour Management Services through the York-Simcoe Brain Injury Services.
Brain Injury Associations
Brain Injury Associations also provide a variety of community-based services to support individuals with ABI and their families:
Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST)
The Brain Injury Society of Toronto supports ABI survivors and their family members. BIST provides a peer mentoring program and educational and social opportunities for individuals with ABI and their families.
Brain Injury Association of Durham Region
The Brain Injury Association of Durham Region provides a variety of supports for individuals with ABI in the Durham region. Services include: support groups; community support coordination/outreach; social/recreational activities; a resource library; injury prevention programs; advocacy; and a day Service/drop In.
Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA)
The Ontario Brain Injury Association enhances the lives of Ontarians living with ABI through information and resources on acquired brain injury; a 1-800 toll free helpline; personal advocacy and support; and training and education for families and professionals
Brain Injury Canada
Brain Injury Canada is a national organization committed to advocacy, awareness, and education on behalf of the Canadian brain injury community, their families, and caregivers.
Brain Injury Association of Peel Halton (BIAPH)
The Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton provides information to survivors and their families, promotes the prevention of brain injury and improves the quality of care, education and research. The Yuri Mutiger Memorial Fund provides respite care relief to family and friends providing ongoing care for individuals with brain injury.
Brain Injury Association of York Region (BIAYR)
The Brain Injury Association of York Region was founded in 1991 by a small group of ABI survivors and caregivers. The association works to raise awareness of brain injury and provides support and social groups to caregivers and survivors.
Looking for a brain injury association in your area?
The Ontario Brain Injury Association provides a detailed listing here.