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Next Step to Active Living

Next Step to Active Living (NSTAL) is an Adult Day Program for individuals with an acquired physical disability. NSTAL provides individuals 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
  • Drumming classes
  • Fine Motor Skill development
  • Cognitive games
  • Educational presentations
  • Active Games
  • Visual Arts
  • Horticultural activities

COVID 19 Program Modifications

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 progression

Our program supports effectively fits into a four-phased recovery approach from an acquired injury:

Phase 1 Healthcare system Initial diagnosis with an acute illness
Phase 2 Healthcare system Formal rehabilitation as an inpatient or outpatient
Phase 3 NSTAL Introduction to community recreation participation:

  • Attend programs two days per week
  • Functional assessment to determine physical strength and mobility
  • Customized program and goals
  • Individual and group NSTAL program activities
Phase 4 NSTAL Continuation program:

  • Participate in any NSTAL program of your choice
  • Participate in additional therapeutic programs with a Wellness Membership (at an additional cost)

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. The length of the session varies. Scheduled payments are available. No drop-in is available.

  • Phase 3 – Participants are required to participate two days per week at a cost of $15.71 per day to support and realize the objectives and benefits of the program
  • Phase 4 – Participants choose the number of activities to attend at a cost of $4.59 per activity to maintain and optimize results

NSTAL takes place at two locations in Mississauga:

South Common Community Centre
  • Phase 3: Monday and Wednesday
  • Phase 4: Tuesday and Thursday
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Huron Park Recreation Centre
  • Phase 3 and 4 combined: Tuesday 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 which includes your physician’s consent
  2. Attend a program tour at your location of interest. For our monthly tour dates or to book a program tour, please contact Dawn Pech, Program Coordinator, at dawn.pech@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-4770 ext. 2294.
  3. 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.

Next Step to Active Living (NSTAL) is funded by Ontario Health Central and participant fees. The views expressed on the website are the views of the NSTAL and do not necessarily reflect those of Ontario Health Central or the Government of Ontario. Our program structure is outlined in the Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement.