Next Step to Active Living

Next Step to Active Living (NSTAL) is an adult day program for persons with an acquired physical disability. NSTAL provides people with the skills, abilities, and confidence to independently participate in community recreation activities.

This therapeutic recreation program is structured to provide support, guidance, and assistance with various recreation activities with the goal of transitioning individuals to independent community participation.

Independent participation is developed through self-identified goals, functional assessments, regular check-ins, and consultations.

The program is operated by a supportive team of dedicated professionals with specialized training and experience to meet the needs of participants.

Participants have the opportunity to engage in a variety of physical, social, and cognitive activities including:

  • Chair Exercise
  • Cardio and Weight Training
  • Aquatic Exercise
  • Balance Training
  • Dance style classes
  • Fine Motor Skill development
  • Cognitive activities & games
  • Educational presentations
  • Active Games
  • Visual Arts
  • Horticultural activities

 

Participant requirements

  • Age 21 or older with a primary diagnosis of an acquired physical disability including but not limited to Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and stroke.
  • A resident of Mississauga or Halton region
  • Completion of the NSTAL Referral Form which requires a physician’s consent for participation
  • Ability to participate independently
  • Ability to make independent decisions and manage personal care

This program is not suitable for individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.

Program structure

Introduction to community recreation participation:

  • Required to attend the program two days per week, minimum of 2 activities per day
  • Functional assessment to determine physical strength and mobility
  • Customized program and goals
  • Both individual and group activities

Program duration

  • The program runs year-round organized into four annual sessions: winter, spring, summer, and fall
  • Sessions vary in length from 8 to 12 weeks
  • Admission to the program can occur at any time throughout a session with fees prorated based on the number of days remaining in the session

Program fees

Participants pay per session. A minimum of 2 activities per day is required. The length of the session varies. Scheduled payments are available. No drop-in is available.

 

NSTAL takes place at two locations in Mississauga:

South Common Community Centre
  • Tuesday and Thursday
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Huron Park Recreation Centre
  • Wednesday and Friday
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

There are three steps in applying to the NSTAL Program:

  1. Complete the NSTAL Program referral for participation and consent which includes your physician’s consent
  2. Attend a program tour at your location of interest.
  3. To book a program tour, please contact Dawn Pech, Program Coordinator, at dawn.pech@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-4770 ext. 2294.
  4. Complete the Adult Day Program Application by a Care Coordinator at the Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) – Home and Community Care – 905-855-9090

Contact us

If you have any questions about NSTAL, contact Dawn Pech at dawn.pech@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-4770 ext. 2294, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.