A Voice... and a Choice

What is InfoAbility?

InfoAbility provides free, confidential, one-stop information and referral to vulnerable adults, their caregivers, family, friends and community professionals across Ontario. Information is provided in English and French.

Other services include a website at www.infoability.org, which houses a provincial clearinghouse of information and training materials, and regular training sessions for others who provide information and referral to seniors and people with disabilities.

What does "vulnerable adult" mean?

The word "vulnerable" is used to refer to adults who may rely on others -- family, friends and caregivers -- to speak for them, and to act on their behalf. They may rely on others because their disability, illness or communication barrier makes it difficult for them to speak for themselves, or to act on their choices.

Vulnerable adults are most often seniors and/or people with one or more disabilities. Many live in institutions where care is provided -- for example, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals or residential care facilities. Others live on their own, or with relatives.

Adults who find themselves in these circumstances depend on the goodwill and integrity of those around them. Many have supportive and caring families. Others may become isolated, suffer from neglect and, in the worst cases, be exploited or abused.

What kinds of information and resources can you find out about from InfoAbility?

- Eligibility for public and private income programs

- The rights of vulnerable adults under the Mental Health Act, the Health Care Consent Act and the Substitute Decisions Act

- Funding programs which may cover the cost of medications or assistive devices

- Avenues of appeal when benefits have been denied to a vulnerable adult

- Circumstances which may require legal advice, and where and how to get it

- Competency assessment, guardianship, powers of attorney and related issues

- A range of community services for vulnerable adults and their caregivers

- Developments in long-term care, mental health, disability-related and abuse-related services in Ontario

How do you reach an Information Officer at InfoAbility?

INFOABILITY

P.O. BOX 1232

POSTAL STATION K

2384 YONGE STREET

TORONTO, ON M4P 3E4

TEL: (416) 482-4359

TOLL-FREE: (800) 665-9092

TTY: (416) 482-1254

FAX: (416) 482-2981

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: http://www.infoability.org

Hours of operation:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.