Life Skills Program for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities
A day program built around what matters most, real skills. real confidence, and real independence, built to prepare them for world ahead.
AGES SERVED
18+
SCHEDULE
up to 5 Days Week
LOCATION
Life Skills, Independence, Work & Volunteer Experience
FOCUS
SOUTH ETOBICOKE (3737 Lake Shore Blvd W)
From Practice to Real Work
We're proud to partner with a local neurodiverse bakery on a standing weekly order. Members who are ready take it from start to finish, baking the cookies on schedule, packaging them with care, and delivering them to the client each week. It's not a lesson. It's a real job, with real deadlines and a real customer counting on them.
At MindShift, real paid work is a genuine goal, but never a given. Every member grows at their own pace. We practise the skills, build the readiness, and when a member is truly ready, we help find them real work and support them every step of the way. For some, that's paid employment. For others, it's meaningful volunteering and growing independence. Every path is a success.
Three Tiers of Support at The MindShift Academy
For members who need dedicated one-on-one support throughout the day
Tier One
Tier Two
For members with more independence who thrive in a small group
For members who are largely independent and follow verbal directions, with reminders, prompting, and hands-on experience to keep growing.
Tier Three
One Program. Everyday Independence
Life Skills for Independence (LSI) is The MindShift Academy's core day program for neurodivergent young adults aged 18–38 with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, developmental abilities or learning differences. It's built around one idea: independence isn't one skill, it's dozens of small ones, learned over time, in real settings, with people who believe in you.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Our members move through a rotating curriculum covering areas such as communication, cooking and nutrition, navigating the city, money management, creative arts, the outdoors, employment skills, and health; all within a consistent weekly structure that builds routine and confidence.
WHO CAN JOIN
Ages 18 - 38
Young adults with intellectual or developmental disability
Goal of increasing independence
Able to participate in community settings with the appropriate level of support.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Practical life skills across focus areas
Stronger communication and self-advocacy
Consistent personal growth
Personal independence
PROGRAM DETAILS
Days Per Week: Up to 5 days Week
Group Size: Up to 15 participants
Member support ratio: 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1
Program Hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm (Office: 9:00am - 4:00pm)
Transportation: Wheel Trans, TransHelp (tracked by the MindShift Academy staff).
What Our Members Learn
CURRICULUM
Life & Executive Functioning Skills
Members develop routines, use visual schedules, improve time management, and take on personal responsibility to increase independence.
Cooking & Nutrition Skills
Members learn to prepare meals safely using visual recipes, shop for groceries, compare prices, and understand payment methods. Programs include inclusive cooking practices for dietary restrictions and group meal routines.
Communication & Social Skills
Through guided conversations, role-playing, and social exercises, members develop personal boundaries, peer relationships, and teamwork.
Community integration & Transit Training
Weekly TTC outings and trips to libraries, parks, and community spaces help members build confidence navigating public spaces safely.
Creative Expression & Recreation
Our programs include art, music, dance, drama, storytelling, fitness, and seasonal celebrations. Members explore personal interests, build confidence, and participate in community activities.
Household & Daily Living Skills
Members practice essential tasks such as dishwashing, laundry, meal prep, organizing living spaces, gardening, and caring for pets. These activities teach responsibility, organization, and self-sufficiency.
Personal Appearance & Dressing Skills
Members gain confidence by selecting appropriate clothing for work, social outings, and community events, while practicing hygiene, grooming, and self-expression.
Emotional & Wellness Regulation
Daily check-ins, sensory strategies, structured reflection, and staff support help members manage emotions, develop coping skills, and increase self-awareness.
Community & Vocational Experience
Members explore volunteer and employment opportunities through local partnerships. They gain skills in time management, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and professional responsibility while contributing to the community.
Community Outings (Optional, extra fee)
Bi-weekly trips include bowling, movies, museums, ceramics, dining out, and other recreational experiences to promote independence, social connection, and fun.
A Week in the Life of a Member
At The MindShift Academy, we strive to provide our members with the best experience. Here's a glimpse of what a typical week looks like at The MindSHift Academy.
WHAT'S IN OUR PROGRAM
Funding and HST
The MindShift Academy is a fee-for-service program, fully approved for Passport funding. Families can put their Passport funding directly towards the cost of our program, and because every member's funding is different, we're always happy to walk with you through how yours can be applied. And since the CRA recognizes the education value of what we do, our program is HST-exempt, no tax added on top.
"We don't measure success by how much support someone needs. At The MindShift Academy, we measure it by the progress they make, the confidence they gain, and the independence they achieve, at their own pace."
Maria Iarossi & Oana Curelaru
The MindShift Academy Co-founders
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Program Gallery
A glimpse into the everyday life in the Life Skills Program - learning, laughing, and growing together.
Ready To Take the First Step?
1
Fill the form
Fill the enrolment form or give us a call; whichever feels easier.
2
Tour the Centre
Come meet the team, see the space, ask every question you have.
3
Schedule a trial visit
We'll have everything ready. You just need to show up.
The MindShift Academy
A day program in South Etobicoke helping young adults with disabilities build confidence, independence, and real-world skills to thrive.
© 2025. All rights reserved.
(416) 562 5442
3737 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON.
info@themindshiftacademy.ca