For more than 50 years, PHM has been a trusted resource for adults living with disabilities and their families. Our commitment to care, respect, dignity, and community sets us apart as one of Canada's top organizations in this field.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Participation House Markham offers a home to more than 100 adults with disabilities in York Region. We have three group homes and four assisted living locations in Markham, Ontario.

Group Home Living:
Our group homes offer a caring environment with 24-hour support from our skilled nursing staff and Personal Support Workers (PSWs). For more information on our programs and services, please contact kim.peak@participationhouse.net. For information on our nursing services, please contact nelya.kotlyarova@participationhouse.net.

Assisted Living:
We support independent living with assistance in four rental buildings. Our PSWs assist with daily care and our Life Skills Coordinator helps with budgeting, meal planning, and accessing community resources, along with transportation to local services. For more information, or to apply, please visit https://cilt.ca/programs-and-services/asac/asac-application-and-guide.

For information about assisted, independent and shared, living units and vacancies in Markham, Ontario, contact amanda.hammond@participationhouse.net.

ADULT DAY SERVICES

Our Adult Day Services provide engaging activities for residents of our group and assisted living homes, as well as community members where space allows. The program focuses on enhancing quality of life through diverse experiences, including:

• Arts and Crafts
• Pool Therapy
• Recreational and Sensory Activities
• Gym Programs
• Games (Board Games, Card Games, Bingo, etc.)
• Live Entertainment
• Small Group Discussions
• Music and Themed Activities
• Movie Days
• Community Outings

ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Our Adult Literacy Program helps students and clients enhance their educational and everyday skills. This program supports graduates from high school in building skills for community contribution. Topics covered include:

• Numeracy and Literacy
• Communication
• Computer Skills (Email, Web Searches)
• Job Skills (Resume Building, Interviewing)
• Independent Living (Banking, Nutrition, Transportation)
• World Knowledge (Cultures, History, Geography)
• Socialization Skills

Since 2020, we have offered virtual learning to continue skill-building when in-person attendance isn't possible. Virtual sessions mirror in-person content and provide flexibility for students.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICE - NEW

Participation House Markham (PHM) has launched a transportation service open to any individual with a disability or mobility challenge in York Region who requires accessible transportation. Please see below for more information, including how to book your ride today!

Service Details:

  • Transportation is open to individuals of any age/ability.

  • This service provides transportation only. Minors, individuals who require care during transport, and individuals who may exhibit disruptive behaviours during transport must be accompanied by a caregiver. There will be no extra charge for a caregiver.

  • We cannot transport individuals who demonstrate aggressive behaviours.

  • Transportation shall be provided in an accessible vehicle.

  • PHM will provide a driver who is a certified Personal Support Worker (PSW) and who has been trained in safely securing and transporting individuals with disabilities.

  • PHM maintains appropriate commercial general liability and vehicle insurance policies and ensures that all drivers have valid Ontario driver's licenses.

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9 am to 4 pm

Cost: $30/trip (one-way; destination must be within a 30-minute drive of the pick-up location)

Area Served: York Region (and any address located within 10 km of York Region)

To Book an Appointment:

For questions, please contact us at transportation@participationhouse.net.

PASSPORT PROGRAM

Participation House Markham ensures access to the Ontario Passport Program for all residents. This program supports adults 18 and older with developmental disabilities to engage in their communities and build skills to live independently. It also offers respite for caregivers.

The Passport Program provides funding for:

• Community Classes and Recreational Programs
• Developing Work, Volunteer, and Daily Life Skills
• Hiring Support Workers
• Person-Directed Planning to Achieve Personal Goals
• Temporary Respite for Caregivers

This program is funded by the Ontario Government. For more information, visit Ontario Passport Program, Passport Funding, and Passport Program Guidelines.

At Participation House Markham, we are proud to present our Strategic Plan, a forward-thinking framework designed to enhance our commitment to empowering adults with physical and developmental disabilities. People are at the heart of everything we do and this plan takes our community forward with respect, dignity, compassion, inclusion, and individualized care. 

Our focus is on delivering personalized, client-centered services, fostering workplace excellence, and embracing organizational innovation to ensure sustainable growth.

Through new partnerships and technology integration, we aim to elevate the quality of care, strengthen community bonds, and expand our service offerings, including enhanced respite and palliative care. While we innovate and grow, our dedication to providing a warm, supportive, and respectful home for our residents remains steadfast. Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future for the communities we serve.

Download the Strategic Plan