When planning to blog about available resources, the title “through the looking glass” would not escape my head; I knew it was the title of an iconic book, but what did it really mean?  So I looked it up, and the first definition to pop up on Google states “Through the looking glass is a metaphorical expression. It means: on the strange side, in the twilight zone, in a strange parallel world.”

Now, I have to tell you, when I hear parents talk about trying to get all the information, they voice being confused, angry, and frustrated. They feel like they are missing some vital link that can make sense of what Passport funding is, what services are available, what to consider if hiring a PSW for a family member… and to me it feels like they are trying to see through this fabled mirror into a strange parallel world; no wonder they are exhausted!

I believe we… staff, managers, facilitators, etc…try our best to help share what we know, but let’s face it, there’s a lot and some days I am boggled by it all. So in an effort to help, this blog will share online resources, where, with a hot cup of coffee, a person can sit and explore paths of information that (hopefully) will provide some clarity.

First up, ConncectABILITY.ca

Created out of Community Living Toronto, this site provides a wealth of information. It breaks its menu into 4 categories: Kids, Youth, Adults, and Seniors, and each has a sub menu for Topics, Articles, and News. What I really like is that they are mobile friendly! You can register and log in to receive emails and to be able to participate in discussion groups. They cover the Greater Toronto Area, but have information from the Waterloo Region and Grey Bruce areas too. This I believe is a living site, and by that I mean it continues to grow…the more involved, the more who share, the bigger it can be.

I put it through its paces, looked up info on funding, and came across a webinar on ODSP and knowing your rights, explored some facts sheets on what different disabilities were, checked out where anyone can create a visual support page for someone (pic stories), printed off a tip sheet on what can/cannot be covered by Passports, saw that there was a recent film fest called ReelAbilities I wish had a ticket to, and read up on what the housing task force is doing…all in plain language …meaning I didn’t have to go ask Google what it meant J

I recommend this site, and hope it can provide a clearer image through the looking glass than you feel you may be getting now!

Future website explorations to come…and please, if you have found one that is helpful I would luv to hear about it!

Tami Schaafsma~