Join us in our mission to help persons with disabilities become champions of their growth story
ABOUT US
Connect4Life is a not-for-profit organization that offers programs and resources that set up individuals facing disabilities for success. The organization conducts frequent programs and training that address key challenges and engage people with the right tools and support.
Creating a system of support that breaks down barriers
Access to Funding
What is exciting about Connect 4 Life is that with a little help, we can make a huge impact. Connect 4 Life can help ensure that every individual with a disability has access to effective programming that will offer them the opportunity to empower themselves and lead fulfilling lives.
We are confident that with the support of caring and informed donors, we can be enablers of change.
Access to Education
Every person’s story, situation and disability is unique. Connect 4 Life offers a variety of programs that provide practical training as well as those that combine imagination, creative thinking and the technical know-how required to build a successful path ahead.
Together we provide a consistent and strong system of support across Ontario for persons with disabilities.
Melanie Taddeo – Founder
There are over 6.2 million people in Canada living with disabilities, accounting for roughly 22% of the population. Of the 22% of Canadians aged 15 and older living with at least one disability, many are unemployed and live below the poverty line. Approximately 2.6 million of these individuals reside in Ontario, and although most of them are more than capable, statistics show that the majority of individuals with disabilities remain unemployed.
Add to that the stagnating rates of ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), we see an urgent and ongoing need to accommodate this sector of the population by providing the proper access to education and training.
Therefore, these capable individuals can begin to lead more fulfilling lives and become contributing members of society. Unfortunately, the needs of individuals with disabilities are not being adequately serviced within Ontario. A lack of funding is the primary cause for this inadequacy.
We find the programs that are available are often expensive and already have extensive waiting lists. These barriers have made it difficult to reach the growing number of individuals living with disability to provide beneficial, and sometimes necessary, programs and services.
Connect 4 Life’s Mission
To enhance the potential of individuals with disabilities by strengthening their independence and contributions to society; and to promote positive social change by transforming public perception.
Connect 4 Life’s Vision
Eliminating barriers for people with disabilities in our community.
The Current Barriers
⦁ Access to education and training.
⦁ The majority of individuals with disabilities remain unemployed, underpaid and under-educated.
⦁ Approximately 2 out of 4 million people in Canada living with disabilities reside in Ontario, and most of them are more than capable.
Funding and Affordability
⦁ There is a stagnating rate of ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program).
⦁ The needs of individuals with disabilities are not being adequately serviced within Ontario due to a lack of funding.
⦁ Programs that are available are often expensive and already have extensive waiting lists.
