TOOL 4: TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES

Section 7 contained a timeline chart listing the activities that were specific
to parents. This chart provides a more comprehensive listing of activities
for both parents and children.

Age 0-2

• Encourage language and communication. Assist your child in
  learning some means of communication – the more vocabulary
  that is understood and expressed the better.
• Obtain a birth certificate and/or proof of citizenship.
• Begin financial planning. Set aside money to assist your child
  when he or she makes the transition to adult living.
• Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the Universal Child
  Care Benefit.
• Apply for other federal benefits for children with disabilities, as
  appropriate based on eligibility requirements.
• Start a file for records. Start keeping track of records related to
  your child and add to the file as they progress through the various
  stages of their lives – things like medical records, assessments,
  report cards, community certificates, records of completion, etc.
  

Age 3-6

• Involve your child in social activities. Enroll them in preschool,
  religious education, co-operative play groups, and/or day care so
  that the child gets experience socializing with others – those with
  and without disabilities.
• Have your child participate in leisure activities so they can begin
  to understand their likes and dislikes.
• Invite families with children your child’s age to your home to play.
• Teach your child everyday skills like brushing their teeth.
• Teach your child about their disability. Teach them self care skills
  related to their special needs.
• Make sure your child has an effective communication system
  (words, pictures, gestures or sign language).
• Give your child household chores that match their abilities.
• Begin giving your child choices so they can learn to make decisions.
• Teach your child the consequences of their behaviours and their
  choices.
• Seek inclusion. Consider very carefully what type of schooling your
  child will receive. Make sure that he or she is included as much as
  possible in the typical school program. Regular kindergarten in
  your neighborhood school should be the first option to explore.
• Talk with parents of children with and without disabilities. Begin
  developing a network of friends and supports early.
• Apply for Special Services at Home through the Ministry of
  Community and Social Services.

Age 7-11

• Assign your child regular chores as part of the family’s activities.
• Provide them with an allowance.
• Allow your child to choose how to spend some or all of their
  allowance.
• Let your child make mistakes.
• Teach your child to speak up for themselves.
• Involve your child in neighborhood and community activities,
  such as scouts, swimming lessons, story hour at the library etc.
• Wherever possible, allow them to participate without you.
• Encourage hobbies based on your child’s interests and strengths.
• Teach your child life skills, such as money management, shopping
  skills. Make your child responsible for good grooming and allow
  them to choose which clothes to wear. Teach your child to make
  simple meals.
• Allow your child to complete homework assignments as independently
  as possible. Let them tell you when they need your assistance.
• Explore communication systems that support language and literacy
• Teach your child their personal information such as address, phone
  number, etc.
• Introduce your child to the public transit system.
• Begin sex education. As your child grows and matures, help him
  or her to understand human reproduction and sexual development
  as a normal part of growing up.
• Begin asking your child what they want to be when they grow up.
• Develop a vision for your child for life after high school.
• Help your child talk directly with doctors and other service providers.
• Network with others who have recently experienced transition
  planning.
  

Age 12-16

• Have your child advocate for themselves.
• Encourage your child to join teams and clubs at school.
• Have your child continue their involvement in activities outside of
  school as well.
• Encourage your child to hang out with friends.
• As appropriate, encourage gradual moves toward greater personal
  independence and self-care.
• Discuss sexuality with your teen.
• Allow your child to help in the preparation and cooking of meals.
• Open a bank account for your child, if you haven’t already done so.
• Encourage your child to get to places in the community on his/her
  own by using the public transit system, walking, making arrangements
  with friends.
• Include your child in meetings about their education through the
  IEP process and transition planning.
• Continue to talk about career interests that are consistent with
  your child’s interests and strengths.
• Consider carefully your child’s options for high school education.
  Encourage community based job training and life skills if these are
  appropriate activities for your child. Involve your child in all
  decision-making.
• Take a look at the Ontario Skills Passport website for helpful
  information on developing employment skills at:
  http://skills.edu.gov.on.ca/OSPWeb/jsp/en/login.jsp
• Have your child do volunteer or paid work in the home, neighborhood
  or community. Assist your child in developing good work habits.
• Look into the Assistive Devices Program for support with
  communication technology
  

Age 17-21

• By age 17, obtain a diagnosis of disability in preparing for the
  Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) application. Your
  child’s pediatrician can be helpful.
• Encourage your child to find a job in the community or to pursue
  post-secondary education or training.
• Have your child become a mentor for younger children just entering
  high school.
• Find out about community programs for adults that match your
  child’s leisure or athletic interests.
• Apply for the Passport Initiative
• Support your child in establishing an appropriate living
  arrangement such as attendant services and supported
  living options.
• Have your child prepare meals for the family.
  Encourage your child to practice budgeting and
  banking skills.
• Contact the Office for Students with Disabilities on
  campus of a college or university your child is interested
  in pursuing.
• Contact Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for
  Income Support before age 18.
• Contact ODSP Employment Supports for help with job
  search and training.
• Contact your local service agency for resources and
  training opportunities.
• Take on the role of coach on the sidelines and let your
  child become the decision maker.

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