Confidentiality
ASAAP recognizes that South Asian families & communities are often very close-knit and that the issue of HIV/AIDS is still highly stigmatized in our families & communities. At ASAAP, we take our clients’ right to privacy very seriously. For the safety of our clients, all staff and volunteers are trained on the importance of confidentiality and are required to sign an oath of confidentiality prior to working with clients. Furthermore, all of our new clients are also required to sign an oath of confidentiality prior to accessing services at ASAAP. |
Voices of South Asians Living with HIV/AIDS
"It was not easy for me to accept being HIV+. My initial reaction was a mixture of fear, confusion, anger, hopelessness, and feelings of isolation...I postponed telling my family...eventually I went to an AIDS agency with my mother, they contacted ASAAP and someone from ASAAP came over and explained the illness to my mother in our language... I discovered there were places like ASAAP where there was help, support and guidance. I find many people - family, friends, the folks at ASAAP - are very supportive. If I did not have this support, I could not carry on. |
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New Client Intake
We will meet with you to discuss your concerns and needs. We can meet at the ASAAP office, at your home or at any other location. |
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Benefits & Assistance
ASAAP provides clients with information about and practical assistance with accessing: |
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- Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program
- Canada Pension Plan
- Employment Insurance
- Trillium Drug Plan
- Returning to Work
- Legal Services
- Referrals for Income Tax Assistance
- Affordable Housing
- Food Banks
- Advocacy/Intervention
- Outside Referrals
- Treatment Counseling
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Financial Assistance Fund
ASAAP provides limited financial grants to our clients (subject to availability of funds). |
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Educational Workshops/Support Group
We organize monthly Health Management educational workshops on a variety of holistic health issues, from chiropractics to grief & loss. Many of our clients also join this group to meet other South Asians who are also living with HIV/AIDS, to discuss issues of common concern, to share their experiences and to make friends. |
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HIV/AIDS Library
ASAAP’s Resource Centre holds a vast collection of information on HIV/AIDS and related issues, especially resources specific to South Asian communities. We hold many resources on Eastern health & wellness systems including Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicine. We also have computer & internet facilities for clients to use. |
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Referrals
We provide clients with referrals to a range of services in the community from counsellors to doctors that specialize in HIV/AIDS care and treatment, as well as Eastern health practitioners. We also keep you updated on what’s happening in the HIV/AIDS community through a monthly mail out. |
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Resource Development
We develop and distribute educational materials in South Asian languages on various HIV/AIDS related topics including complementary therapies and HIV/AIDS treatment. We also support clients with limited English language skills by explaining complex HIV/AIDS treatment options in South Asian languages |
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| Creating Healthy Supportive Environments |
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Media Awareness
In order to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in our communities, ASAAP works to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS as it affects South Asians. As such, we work with our clients to write and publish anonymous articles in various South Asian language newspapers and magazines. Some of our clients have also volunteered to make appearances on South Asian television and radio. |
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Community Education & Advocacy
Living with HIV/AIDS doesn’t exclude any of us from having to deal with everyday racism and other forms of discrimination in Canadian society. As such, ASAAP works to eliminate barriers for South Asians living with HIV/AIDS who access services from mainstream agencies. We do this by training staff at mainstream agencies on how to work with people of diverse cultural backgrounds. We also advocate for the needs of South Asians living with HIV/AIDS by sitting on various community advisory panels at local hospitals, community health centres and regional HIV/AIDS networks in Ontario. Lastly, our clients and staff participate in various community based research projects around HIV/AIDS and accessibility issues. |
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For more information, please contact us |
