Active Lives is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive community for children, youth, and adults with neurological disorders, all while celebrating neurodiversity. We offer a wide range of programs designed to empower individuals of all abilities to reach their potential and have purpose in their lives.

Residential Respite Program

Everyone needs a break and that’s why Active Lives Canada offers a Respite program. Our home welcomes young kids to adults with neurological disorders.  Knowing their loved ones are in capable hands, families can take a break to address their own needs.

Our respite program is a vital service designed to offer families facing challenging circumstances a safe and supportive environment for their family members. It provides short-term relief for individuals with special needs, ranging from a few days to several months.  This allows families a well-deserved break, peace of mind and both families and participants benefit from time away. 

The respite house is in Orangeville and is located in a beautiful century home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Along with homey and welcoming surroundings, our respite house is accessible and is fully automated with smart technology throughout the house to ensure the safety of your family member(s).  Here, your participant will be provided with an individualized care plan, safety, professional care and a sense of community.

Day Program

The Day Program provides a haven for personal growth and development for individuals of all ages. We empower participants with opportunities to work on a wide variety of skills that enable them to develop more independence and to reach their full potential.  Skill sets involve, but are not limited to, areas such as:

Culinary Arts

• Learning cooking and nutrition skills to promote independence.

Life Skills

• Developing essential daily life skills for self-sufficiency.

Computer Skills

• Enhancing digital literacy and computer skills for personal and professional use.

Social Skills

• Building and refining interpersonal communication and social interaction skills.

Job Skills

• Offering job coaching and vocational training to prepare for the workforce.

Leisure Skills

• Exploring leisure activities and hobbies for personal enjoyment and relaxation.

THEATRICAL PUPPETRY ARTS PROGRAM

The Theatrical Puppetry Arts Program at Active Lives Canada engages our participants in the multi faceted art of puppetry.  Through various acting workshops and exercises each participant develops their characters into a live puppet production that goes on to tour to local elementary schools,  libraries and culminates at a community theatre.  Creating a puppet production encourages participants to explore skills and go beyond their comfort zones.  The process is fun and empowering for the Active Lives Participants and the impact it can have on audiences is astonishing.  When audience members experience the unexpected  humour, courage and spectacle of our Theatrical Puppetry Arts Program it changes perspectives and opens hearts.

Recreation (Summer Camp) Program

Our unique Summer Camps are designed for children and adults with neurodiversity. Each day of camp begins on our school bus.  The campers are then taken on a journey from one engaging activity to another with Dufferin County and surrounding areas.  As the campers take advantage of summer pastimes, they are integrated into and participate with their community while enjoying activities such as swimming, hiking, tourist attractions and recreational activities. These experiences create lasting memories and foster a profound sense of belonging.

In summary, Active Lives Canada is committed to the principles of inclusion, diversity, and safety. We celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of neurodiverse individuals.  Diverse programs for all ages are offered that ensure a supportive and inclusive environment that also contributes to building a sense of community, empowerment, and inclusion.

We rely on the support of donors, volunteers, and supporters who share our mission of empowering lives. Active Lives is not just an organization; it's a vibrant and caring community that nurtures potential and offers support where it's needed most.