Building Skills, Creating Opportunity
Supporting Your Community and Employment Goals
Our Community & Employment Options Program (CEOP) is designed for autistic adults aged 18 and above who want to become more involved in their community, explore employment and volunteering opportunities, and develop vocational and independent living skills.
Through a combination of individualized support, group programming, and community-based experiences, our experienced facilitators help participants identify their strengths and interests, set meaningful goals, and build the skills and confidence to pursue them.
Whether you are interested in employment, volunteering, building social connections, becoming more involved in your community, or developing greater independence, our dedicated team is here to support you.
Program at a Glance:
- 1:1 and group-based support
- Weekly and monthly sessions
- In-centre and community-based programming
- Enrollment through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
Program Benefits:
- Individualized Support and Goal-Setting: Work one-on-one with a Community & Employment Options Facilitator to explore your strengths, interests, support needs, and goals.
- Vocational Exploration and Skill-Building: Develop employment-related skills while exploring career, employment, and volunteer opportunities that align with your interests.
- Increased Community Involvement: Build confidence participating in community activities while developing meaningful routines, connections, and greater independence.
- Social and Independent Living Skills: Strengthen social, communication, and everyday living skills through practical experiences and group opportunities.
How the Program Works:
The program begins with a 6–12-week individual consultation phase. During this time, you will meet one-on-one with a Community & Employment Options Facilitator to:
- Explore your strengths, interests, and support needs
- Complete applicable assessments and discovery activities
- Identify meaningful vocational and community goals
- Develop a personalized action plan
Following the consultation phase, you can access a variety of opportunities based on your individual goals, including:
- Skill-building workshops
- Social and networking events
- Community-based experiences
- Group programming opportunities
- Vocational exploration activities
This is Right For You if You:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Live in Toronto within an M postal code
- Have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Have functional communication skills
- Are motivated to participate in small-group and community settings with limited support
- Can navigate the community safely and independently or have transportation arrangements in place
- Have goals related to employment, volunteering, community participation, or skill development
Program Details:
The Community & Employment Options Program is available for up to one year, based on your individual goals and progress. The program begins with individualized consultation and continues with access to group and community-based programming.
Programming is offered both in-centre and in the community. The program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and is available at no cost to participants.
Interested in Joining?
Enrollment in the Community & Employment Options Program is available through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Community Participation Supports.
Following a DSO referral, you will complete an intake assessment with the Geneva Centre for Autism to confirm program eligibility and suitability.
To inquire about the Community & Employment Options Program, please contact our program coordinator at adultservices@autism.net.