Community Living South Muskoka

Community Living South Muskoka (CLSM) has been serving families in South Muskoka since it was formed in 1960.  The agency’s mission is:

Community Living South Muskoka provides lifetime support to all those impacted by a developmental disability, utilizing skilled staff and effective partnerships involving the individual, the family and the community with the result that the individual is accepted as a valued community member.

They meet that mission through the following programs:

Special Needs Resourcing

Resource Teachers support the integration of children with exceptionalities or at risk in licensed childcare programs within South Muskoka.

They are a liaison between the families, licensed childcare programs, schools, community supports as well as clinical services such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and community supports.

To be eligible, children must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 2 – 6
• Attending or willing to attend licensed childcare in the services areas of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Port Carling, West Muskoka
• Written documentation of a delay in one or more areas of development (cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, physical, speech/language or environmental)

In addition to assisting and supporting the transition of children from Early learning Centers to Kindergarten, Resource Teachers can:

• Assist families in accessing required services such as OKP for clinical services, Family Connexions, Children’s Mental Health, HANDS and medical professionals
• Assist families with financial supports available to parents and children in the areas of Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, Special Services at Home, Assistive Devices Program, Respite Services etc.
• Act as a consultant and partner with community professionals involved
• Provide families with general information, tools and supports with specific areas of concern
• Facilitate Community Outreach

Referrals are made from Licensed Childcare Educators, Health, Community Partner agencies and Self-Referrals.

CLSM Referral Form Electronic 2019

Family Support Program

Family Support Workers assist families with children and youth who have developmental delays/disability with the co-ordination and accessing of supportive resources.

To be eligible, children/youth must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 6 – 21 (if still in school) living in the areas of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Port Carling, Bala, Mactier, Port Severn and Honey Harbour
• Written documentation of a delay in at least two areas of development (cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, physical, speech/language or environmental)

Family Support Workers are very knowledgeable with knowing and accessing services for children and youth.  They have developed excellent relationships with community partners.   In their roles as Case Managers, Family  Support Workers can:

• Identify and access appropriate resources for children, youth and families such as behavioural services, mental health, autism, clinical or Developmental Services Ontario
• Provide school advocacy with transitions such as transitioning from home to school, high school to adulthood.
• Support families with communicating areas of concern with the service team and helping navigate the IPRC, IEP, ITP process.
• Implement Financial co-ordination such as Children’s Respite, Special Services at Home, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, Ontario Autism program, Ontario Disability Support Program

Referrals are made from Resource Teacher Programs, Education, Health, Community Partner agencies and Self-Referrals.

CLSM Referral Form Electronic 2019

Children/Youth Respite

Respite Coordinators assist families with children who have a developmental disability, autism and/or complex medical needs with respite coordination.

To be eligible, children/youth must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 2 – 18 and living in the areas of South Muskoka, Port Carling and West Muskoka
• Written documentation of a developmental disability, autism or complex medical needs

Respite Care is a family support service that provides temporary relief from the physical and emotional demands involved in caring for a family member who has a disability.

• Respite creates greater opportunities for all family members to live actively and participate in community activities and allows parents/guardians time for themselves.
• Respite is flexible and parent driven.
• The Respite Coordinator provides assistance to the primary caregiver by recruiting and screening reliable respite providers.
• Assists families with a respite plan involving not only respite providers but planning and coordinating community-based programs.
• Respite Coordinators communicate regularly with families regarding their respite allotment and remaining funds.
• Respite Coordinators process respite invoices for reimbursement to the primary caregiver.

Common referrals are made from Resource Teachers, Family Support Workers, Educators, Community Partner agencies and Self-Referrals.

CLSM Referral Form Electronic 2019