Applewood Centre for Adult Learning supports adults aged 21 and older with a wide range of developmental disabilities. There is no maximum age limit.

Additionally, Applewood welcomes adults who have recently graduated from high school, and also offers transition opportunities for students approaching graduation. Eligible students may be able to attend during March Break and during the summer before their final year of high school. Please contact the office for more information.

Because Applewood operates through group-based programming, every application is reviewed individually to determine whether the participant’s needs can be safely and meaningfully supported.

Applewood may be a good fit for someone who:

• Is 21 years of age or older

• Has a developmental disability

• Can participate safely within group settings

• Can transition between rooms, activities, and routines with available staff support

• Does not require continuous one-to-one supervision

• Does not elope or wander from supervised areas

• Does not display aggression that places other participants or staff at risk

• Can safely participate without mechanical lifts or physical transfers

• Can attend on consistent, prearranged days each week

• Has a guardian or emergency contact who can respond promptly when needed

Applewood welcomes non-speaking participants. Participants may bring and use their own AAC devices. Staff also create visual schedules for those who may benefit from them, and basic visual supports are incorporated into daily routines.

Applewood offers ASL programming, and staff have familiarity with basic American Sign Language. Basic signs may be used to support communication and participation.

Applewood does not routinely provide dedicated one-to-one support.

Applewood operates using a team-based model, with staffing generally ranging from 1 staff member to 3 participants or 1 staff member to 7 participants, depending on the group and the activity.

*Please note that staff are never alone with a group, making staffing ratios 2 staff members to 6 participants, or 2 staff members to 14 participants.

Applewood currently has a waiting list for applicants who use wheelchairs. Prospective applicants should contact the office to discuss current accessibility capacity and placement availability.

*Applewood currently has limited capacity to accept additional participants requiring regular personal care.

Limited personal-care support may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Staff may assist with:

• Washroom supervision

• Wiping support

• Feeding

• Brief or clothing changes

• Menstrual care

*Two staff are present when providing washroom support.

Families must provide:

• At least a week’s worth of personal care items at all times: briefs, pull-ups, etc. (if required)

• Extra clothing, which can remain in the participant’s locker at Applewood

• Any participant-specific personal-care items

Applewood provides gloves and wipes.

Applewood requires the disclosure of health needs, should they affect the participant while in program. Guardians will be prompted to provide any allergies, health needs, or epilepsy/seizure requirements during the application process. Applewood requires a completed medical form upon enrollment.

Applewood may administer medication when required documentation and instructions have been completed.

Families must provide current seizure information, emergency instructions, and any required medication documentation.

Applewood staff cannot administer insulin injections. Any diabetes-related support needs should be discussed during the application process.

*Applewood staff are trained in administering EpiPens and Seizure First Aid.

Trials take place after a completed Student Application package has been reviewed with the Applewood team. The team alongside the parent/guardian will select an appropriate date for the trial. Please note, drop ins are not welcome.

Trials take place as a half-day, free of charge participation in the program.

Trials are recommended to ensure that the participant is a good fit for Applewood, and that Applewood is a good fit for the participant.

Trials may vary from 1 to 3 visits, based on support requirements and adaptation to the program.

The guardian is not required to remain on-site during the trial, but are asked to remain close by to the Centre.

Personal support workers are not recommended to join the participant alongside their trial, but may be discussed as an option during the application process.

Applewood has two set times for lunch. Depending on the participant’s group and needs, lunch is either from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm or from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. There is no dedicated snack time.

Participants must bring food prepared in a form they can safely consume. Any food that needs to be chopped, cut, or puréed must arrive already prepared.

On special occasions, Applewood will provide snacks. Please notify the office of any dietary restrictions.

*Applewood is not a nut-free environment.

*There is no microwave for student use. Please pack warm foods in a thermos if needed. Staff support for opening packages and Tupperware is available.

Families/guardians are responsible for arranging transportation. Many families use TransHelp, while others may opt for a parent/guardian drop-off/pick-up.

Applewood is not affiliated with TransHelp, or responsible for booking rides or communicating when service is unavailable. All transportation is under the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

TransHelp website: https://peelregion.ca/transhelp

TransHelp Phone: 905-791-1015

Once registered with TransHelp, Applewood will require the participant’s Client Number as well as their pick-up/drop-off times. If a participant is regularly arriving early or being picked up late, the Executive Director will suggest changing the pick-up/drop-off windows.

Yes. Applewood staff receive CPI training in crisis prevention and safe responses.

Applewood’s goal is to prevent escalation through structure, communication, redirection, supportive routines, and early intervention.

Applewood cannot accommodate aggression that poses a risk to the safety or well-being of other participants, staff, or property.

Applicants with a history of aggression must be discussed openly during the application process. The frequency, severity, triggers, and current level of risk will be considered when determining whether Applewood can safely provide support.

Self-Injurious Behaviour

Mild or occasional self-injurious behaviour may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applewood will consider:

• The type and severity of the behaviour

• How often it occurs

• The risk of injury

• Whether it affects other participants

• The amount of supervision or intervention required

• Whether it can be safely supported within the group environment

Applewood cannot accommodate participants who elope, leave supervised areas, or wander in a way that creates a safety risk.

The building we are located in, the St. Kateri Learning Centre, has many doors and exits, which makes consistent one-to-one supervision difficult within our available staffing model and group environment.