The Coalition for Persons with Disabilities is a community based partnership of persons with disabilities, groups, agencies, employers, educators, labour, government representatives and others interested in working collaboratively to effect positive changes for persons with disabilities.

The Coalition has been in operation since 1985. It was established in order to avoid duplication of services and to foster cooperation, trust and collaboration to meet the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. This partnership has allowed members to ensure that needs of individuals with disabilities are recognized.

The Coalition is a non-profit organization that advocates in the areas of accessibility, transportation, health, social and recreation, housing, employment, education and training.
Projects of the coalition are funded, in whole or in part by the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario.
Today, the Coalition continues this vision for independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities through a number of community-based programs and services in the regions of Peel, Halton and Dufferin.

Employment Programs

Employment Access is an employment service dedicated to providing job counselling and job development to persons with disabilities. Over the past decade, the Coalition assisted more than 4500 people obtain competitive employment in today's labour market, aided in minimizing employment barriers and facilitated access to government funding. Offices are located in Mississauga and Brampton. Mirror services are offered for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

Sign of the Times is the first Practice Firm in North America dedicated to assisting persons with disabilities. It is a virtual company that provides real-life employment experience to unemployed, yet qualified individuals who are looking to enter or re-enter the job market. It is part of a worldwide network of over 5500 Practice Firms.

Developed a Work Readiness Skills program designed to develop employability skills that accommodate individualized learning styles and disability-related needs. The website offers online learning modules and an interactive community map that pinpoints locations offering employment supports and public access to computers for job searching.

Community Programs

Connections Resource Fair is an annual exhibit held in partnership with Erinoak Children's Treatment Centre that brings together over 500 exhibitors who provide products and services to persons with disabilities.

The Abilities & Awareness Workshops is an informative and experiential learning opportunity about persons with disabilities. The three hour workshop will prepare your organization to recognize and be more comfortable with disability related issues.

Customer Service Workshops helps organizations understand the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act and provides the customer service training required under the Act. Participants learn about interacting with people with various types of disabilities. Instruction on assistive devices, service animals and support persons as well as how to assist individuals having difficulty accessing your organization’s services.

Is your facility accessible? The Coalition can help you identify barriers by conducting an accessibility audit of your facility.