FAQs

What is an acquired brain injury?
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is damage to the brain that occurs after birth. Brain injuries that are present at birth or that are caused by a genetic condition are not considered an acquired brain injury. Examples of acquired brain injures include injuries caused by cardiac arrest or stroke, traumatic injuries (e.g. fall or car accident), tumors, and other medical complications.

Did You Know?

CHIRS services are limited to people living with the effects of moderate to severe acquired brain injury. Check The CENTRAL LINK ABI Resource Library for possible resources. 

CHIRS serves people with co-occurring moderate to severe brain injury and mental health and/or addictions. Please see our Programs and Services for our Substance Use and Brain Injury and Neurobehavioural Intervention programs. For people who do not meet our eligibility criteria, mental health and addictions services can be identified at CONNEXOntario. 

Generally, when asking this question, people are looking for individual therapy services such as speech and language and physiotherapy. We do not offer these services on an individual basis. As a community support service, CHIRS programs and services are designed to help people to meet their own personal goals through meaningful engagement. Please see Programs and Services to see what we offer in a group format. Visit The Toronto ABI Network for resources. 

Generally, when people ask this question, they are looking for attendant or homemaking services. CHIRS does not provide these services. Please contact Ontario Health atHome for resources. 

Yes, students are encouraged to enquire through their academic institutions. 

Do you offer emergency housing/shelters?

CHIRS does not offer emergency housing or shelters. 

We offer supportive housing for adults with acquired brain injuries. Housing is available only to individuals who require ongoing support for their care needs, rather than for those seeking housing based solely on income. We maintain a waitlist for eligible individuals. Please keep in mind that the wait for housing may exceed several years.
CHIRS drop-in programs as well as registered programs are available for eligible clients once they have completed the intake process.

Individuals interested in our services can apply through The Toronto ABI Network. Prospective clients must complete an intake meeting to determine eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact us at (416) 240-8000 and ask to speak with Intake. 

If you need help completing the Toronto ABI Network referral, please call The Toronto ABI Network or CHIRS at (416) 240-8000 for assistance.
Please check our careers page for our available positions. Submit a completed job application form to galynb@chirs.com.