Adult Day & Life Skills Program for Young Adults
Helping young adults 18+ build with developmental and intellectual disabilities build independence, confidence, and real-world skills. Based in Etobicoke, serving families across the GTA
The MindShift Academy is an adult day and life skills program in South Etobicoke for young adults 18+ with developmental and intellectual disabilities and neurodiverse needs.
Our members build practical skills for adulthood through hands-on, real-world experiences, including cooking, grocery shopping, household responsibilities, communication, friendships, community participation, and workplace readiness.
Our goal is simple: help each member build greater independence, confidence, purpose, and a stronger sense of belonging. We don't just fill a day. We build futures.
The world is our classroom.
What happens after 21?
Learn. Practice. Work. Earn. Belong.
The MindShift Academy creates new possibilities after high school for young adults with autism, Down syndrome, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and other support needs. We celebrate each person’s unique abilities, interests, and goals while supporting meaningful participation at home, at work, and out in the world
More than a program, we are a community.
A Day at The MindShift Academy
The MindShift Academy welcomes young adults 18+ with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, learning differences, and other neurodiverse identities. We provide a welcoming environment where each member's strengths, interests, and abilities are valued.
We take time to understand each member's goals and preferred ways of participating, creating meaningful opportunities to make choices, try new things, and take an active role in their own lives.
Families are invited to book a private tour, meet our team, and discover how The MindShift Academy can support their young adult's next steps with confidence, connection, and hope.
ARRIVE & PLAN
check-in, agenda, weather, half-hour scheduling
LEARN BY DOING
grocery shopping, cooking, visual recipes, kitchen responsibilities
MOVE & PREPARE
morning movement, chores, planning
EAT & RESET
lunch, cleanup, dishes, household responsibilities
EXPLORE TH COMMUNITY
volunteering, library, public transit, Meals on Wheels, outings
CREATE & CONNECT
music, arts and crafts, dance, social activities
REFLECT
review the day, accomplishments and next steps
Program & Services
Our Life Skills Program is at the heart of everything we do, and a few things we offer are open to the whole community too.
Life Skills for Independence Program
SCHEDULE
The MindShift Academy's flagship day program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members build real-world independence across cooking, employment, creative arts, and community life; five days a week, year-round.
5 Days / Week
AGES
ENROLMENT
18+
Open
100% Passport funding approved. No HST charged on our program. Call us at 416-562-5442 to talk through costs and funding options.
Culinary Program
Interactive Kitchen & Event Space
Book The MindShift Academy kitchen for your private event. Birthdays, team events, celebrations. Your rental directly supports and employs our academy members!
Private bookings
By appointment • 14+ guests
Hands-on cooking classes open to everyone. Runs on weekends, with select evenings. Curriculum shifts with the seasons, from summer preserving to Christmas baking.
Weekends & select evenings
Life Skill members welcome (independent)
Other Programs
Testimonials
"The MindShift Academy has transformed my life, helping me gain confidence and independence. Their support for neurodiverse individuals is truly empowering and life-changing."
Rehan Z
The MindShift Academy Member
OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS & HEROES
Home Depot
The Mancini Team
Brigholme Interiors Group
Come visit us in South Etobicoke
we'd love to show you around
ADDRESS
3737 Lake Shore Blvd W,
Etobicoke, M8W 1P9
HOURS
Monday - Friday
9am - 4pm
PHONE
416 562 5442
Looking for an Adult Day Program In Etobicoke? Come See The MindShift Academy in action.
The MindShift Academy
A day program in South Etobicoke, serving families across the GTA, helping young adults with disabilities build confidence, independence, and real-world skills.
© 2026. All rights reserved.
(416) 562 5442
3737 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON.
info@themindshiftacademy.ca