Support for People with Disabilities During COVID-19

The Autism Society, Newfoundland Labrador (ASNL) is a provincial charitable organization dedicated to promoting the development of individual, lifelong, and community-based supports and services for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families, and caregivers.

Inclusion Canada NL (formerly known as the Canadian Association for Community Living) is a national federation of 13 Provincial/Territorial associations and over 300 local associations. ICNL works in collaboration and shared leadership with our provincial-territorial associations and with other national partners and disability organizations to advance shared agendas for inclusion.

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit charitable organization committed to the prevention of hearing loss and the provision of programs and services, based on awareness, accessibility and advocacy services that promote a better quality of life for hard of hearing and late deafened people of all ages and their families in Newfoundland and Labrador.

CNIB delivers innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Their work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. 

The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – Newfoundland and Labrador is a charitable, non-for-profit organization established in 1983 by persons with disabilities who believed that a provincial organization is necessary to advance inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Please note that the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL has not been active on their website or social networks since October 2020.

Easter Seals seeks to maximize the abilities and enhance the lives of children and youth with physical disabilities through recreational, social and other therapeutic programs, direct assistance, education and advocacy.

All in-person programs and services will be suspended until further notice. This includes all in-person Career and Educational Programs and Services, as well as recreation, music, and art programs.

Empower, the Disability Resource Centre, is a consumer-controlled organization committed to providing supports, resources, and opportunities for empowerment, which enable persons with disabilities to make informed choices about their lives.

Due to COVID-19, the Empower facilities are closed until further notice. Please follow their website or Facebook account; they hold weekly Facebook Live chats to support you.

Epilepsy NL shares information, and educate the public on the subject of epilepsy; and to adopt any measures necessary to improve the health, strength, and well being of those with epilepsy, wherever possible, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Effective immediately, their store “Previously Loved Clothes and Things” and the main Epilepsy NL office will be closed until further notice. You can still reach them via email and via social media channels.

Diabetes Canada leads the fight against diabetes by helping those affected by diabetes to live healthy lives, preventing the onset, and consequences of diabetes; and, to work towards discovering a cure.

No public access to office. The national office provides COVID-19 information as it pertains to people with Diabetes. Reach out to the NL chapter via e-mail.

Are you seeking protection or want to report abuse/neglect in Newfoundland? Contact the NL Adult Protection Line and maintain confidentiality. The situation will be reviewed by a social worker and, if appropriate, a plan will be put in place to protect the adult.

If you think somebody is being abused or neglected, it is your legal obligation to report it. Failure to do so is an offence and can lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or one year imprisonment. If you suspect somebody is being abused or neglected, call toll-free 1-855-376-4957 or contact your local police.

The Newfoundland & Labrador Association for Community Living (NLACL) is committed to a future of inclusive communities where: Every person with a disability is considered as a member of a family.

• All people learn together in regular classrooms and neighbourhood schools
• Every person is supported to live in his or her own home
• All people have the opportunity for meaningful employment
• Individuals are empowered and supported in decision-making that affects them
• Every person has opportunities to form lasting and meaningful relationships

During COVID-19, NLACL offices are closed until further notice. Their team is working remotely to continue supporting you. Their Facebook page has a variety of helpful information.

The NL Association of the Deaf protects and promotes the rights, needs and concerns of people who are Deaf or who communicate in American Sign Language within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

All NLAD staff are working remotely. The NLAD office will remain closed for the next couple weeks and another update will be provided at that time. If you require assistance and are unsure who to contact, please send them an email.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association (NLSA) provides support, friendship, and information to the stuttering community, instilling a sense of self-worth, which is often missing in the lives of people who stutter.

In-person events are postponed until further notice, but you can still contact them through their website and Facebook Page.

Spinal Cord Injury NL assists persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self- reliance and full community participation. Formerly the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Newfoundland.

During COVID-19, Spinal Cord Injury NL most postpone ongoing campaigns and contests until further notice. Their office is closed to the public, but they have provided specific guidance on their website, during this time.

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Newfoundland and Labrador provides training to people who are blind or partially sighted. They aim to enable individuals to develop or restore key daily living skills, help enhance their independence, safety, mobility and emotional well-being. Certified specialists work closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists and other health care professionals, providing essential care on a referral basis in homes and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.