To our valued CILT community:
We hope that this notice finds you feeling safe, connected to community and in a good state of readiness to navigate the ongoing COVIC-19 pandemic.
While our governments and health authorities urge everyone in our society to self-isolate and practice social distancing, we realize that for many people with disabilities who already face access barriers, connecting to the community and resources they seek may now be even more compromised.
In line with CILT’s mandate to promote independent living for people with disabilities, we believe it is critical that people with disabilities enjoy equitable choice in accessing resources accessible to their needs during this pandemic.
To this end, we compiled the list of resources below that includes contacts and links for a range of resources. It includes government and health information on COVID-19, and relevant community services, including crisis, seniors and peer support help lines. We will regularly update this list to help ensure it is current and relevant.
For more information about CILT and Direct Funding activities during the pandemic to support consumers, please see our CILT COVID 19 Updates.
Health Phone Lines and Websites
Ministry of Health Covid-19 updates
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Telehealth Ontario:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-medical-advice-telehealth-ontario
If you are having symptoms call Telehealth Ontario and speak with a registered nurse who will guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person. They will help you find your closest assessment centre.
Telephone: 1-866-797-0000
TTY: 1-866-797-0007
CWDO’s COVID-19 – Information for People with Disabilities on the Corona-19 virus
Accessing Critical Care Factsheet:
ARCH Disability Law:
Advocacy Toolkit: Advocating for your Support Person, Attendant or Communication Assitant to be with you in Hospital during the Covid-19 Pandemic
https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/resource/advocacy
Covid-19 Self-Assessment Tool:
www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment
Toronto Public Health Covid-19 updates
https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/
Toronto Public Health Hotline
Telephone: 416-338-7600
TTY:416-392-0658
Email: PublicHealth@toronto.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Employment Insurance:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Canadians quarantined can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. If you are eligible, visit the EI sickness benefits page to apply.
Service Canada is ready to support Canadians affected by COVID-19 and placed in quarantine.
Telephone:1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
Teletypewriter (TTY):1-800-529-3742
Non-Crisis Phone, Text and Online Peer Support:
CILT recognizes the impact this pandemic may be having on people’s emotional well-being. CILT’s Peer Support coordinator will be responding to calls and emails while staff are working remotely. If you find you need support outside of CILT or you feel as though you are in crisis please contact any of the phone lines, text or online support listed below as appropriate.
Warm Line
Website: http://www.warmline.ca/
Call:416-960-9276 (WARM)
Text:647-557-5882
Hours:Every night 8pm-12am (EST)
Who is it for: Warm Line is a confidential & anonymous service for adults (18+).
The Warm Line is not a crisis line.
Toronto Seniors Helpline
Website: https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/toronto-seniors-helpline
Call: (416) 217-2077 (long distance: 1-877-621-2077)
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Who is it for: This program provides on-call crisis intervention and outreach services for adults (65+) with dementia, addictions or mental illness who need temporary, short-term support.
7 Cups of Tea – online peer and professional support
Website: https://www.7cups.com/
Hours: 24/7
Who is it for: Everyone. Be heard by volunteer listeners and chat with others who understand in support chat rooms.
The Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Service for York Region, South Simcoe and North York (Central LHIN)
Call: 1-888-777-0979
Hours: 24/7
Who is it for: Central LHIN members
Youthline
Website: https://www.youthline.ca/
Call: 1-800-268-9688
647-694-4275
Hours: Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM
Who is it for: LGBT Youth Line is a Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit* youth-led organization that affirms and supports the experiences of youth (29 and under) across Ontario.
Trans Life Line
Website: translifeline.org
Call: 1-877-330-6366
Hours: 7am-1am PST / 9am-3am CST / 10am-4am EST. Volunteers may be available during off hours.
Who is it for: Trans people
Kids Help Phone
Website: kidshelpphone.ca
Call: 1-800-668-6868
text: Text the word CONNECT to 686868
Hours: 24/7
Who is it for: People under 20 years
