Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Marg Spoelstra, CEO of Autism Ontario. In this episode, Marg shares the growing need for services as autism diagnoses increase, and how community partnerships can expand access and awareness. They also chat about the impact of public narratives around “cures” and why language matters, and what’s next for Autism Ontario and their advocacy efforts.

Follow the link to learn more about Autism Ontario: https://www.autismontario.com/

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Sherron Grant, parent, advocate and co-founder of Sawubona. In this episode,  Sherron shares how her family navigated their son’s autism diagnosis and found strength in the community. Brad and Sherron also talk about common issues seen by families in racialized communities – and the importance of connection in the caregiving journey as well as how belonging and shared experiences are at the heart of everything Sawubona does and its vision.

Learn more about Sawubona here: https://www.loominternational.org/sawubona/

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Brendon Pooran, Founder of PooranLaw. In this Episode, Brendon shares a breakdown of what Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is and the origin behind its introduction. They also chat about how MAID is approached and accepted in countries around the world, concerns within the disability community about MAID, and much more!

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Helen Ries, co-funder of Siblings Canada. In this episode, Helen shares her journey as a caregiver for her brother, Paul, and the joys and challenges of stepping into a caregiving role for a loved one. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental well-being while supporting a loved one, and the inspiration behind Siblings Canada

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Melissa Wilson, parent and supporter of Community Living Toronto. In this episode, Melissa shares her son, Michael’s early years, the programs and supports that shaped his life and the importance of community support. They also discuss the challenges they encountered during transition years, their experiences and advocacy efforts to ensure Michael had the best opportunities to reach his full potential, and much more.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From Developmental Services champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

This week, we are pleased to share a special Inclusive Education Month episode. Tune into episode 5 of season 2 of the Community Chats podcast, featuring David Lepofsky, Disability Right Advocate and our Patron’s Council member, Tracey O’Regan, Program Manager - Early Childhood Services at Community Living Toronto, and Stephen MacDonald, Upper Elementary Lead at Taddle Creek Montessori, in conversation with Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From Developmental Services champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mike Tasevski, parent and member of LIGHTS Board of Directors. In this episode, Mike shares his journey and career path that led him to the Developmental Services sector. They also discuss the importance of future planning, key challenges and turning points in planning support for people with intellectual disabilities, and how connection and belonging help build an inclusive community.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Dr. Vikram Dua, psychiatrist and supporter of Community Living Toronto. In this episode, Dr. Vikram shares his journey into the field of developmental psychiatry and the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist along with their roles in developmental care. They also discuss key issues around overprescription of medications and what can be done to improve outcomes and provide insights into the impact of the Developmental Psychiatry Resource (DPR).

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mary O'Hearn, a member of CLTO Influencers. In this episode, Mary shares the life-changing accident that reshaped her entire world and challenges of being a caregiver to her kids and husband while navigating daily routines in a wheelchair. She also opens up about experience living in a long-term care home while waiting for a place she can call her own.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mark Ayles, supporter of Community Living Toronto and one of our 75th Anniversary Storytellers. In this episode, Mark shares The inspiring life and journey of his brother Paul and their family's connection to Community Living Toronto and how their neighbourhood became a mini community for Paul in supporting and caring for him. They also discuss the impact of respite programs for parents and caregivers, providing essential support and relief, and significance of including people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Chris Beesley, a parent and CEO of Community Living Ontario. In this episode, Chris shares how the search for a good life for their son Mitchell introduced him to the Community Living movement, leading to his leadership role at Community Living Ontario. We also cover some of the biggest challenges the DS sector is facing today, the impact behind the #5ToSurvive campaign, the power of collective action in advocating for change and much more!

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Michael Braithwaite. In this episode, Michael talks about his personal journey and experience in the housing sector, the current state of homelessness in Ontario and across Canada, the importance of taking bold risks to tackle housing challenges, the intersection of housing issues and the impact of addictions, and the idea of building inclusive communities where people can truly thrive.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Nick Hadjiyianni, program manager of employment supports. In this insightful episode, Nick talks about his childhood and motivation to work in the Developmental Services sector, the evolution of employment and disability inclusion at workplace. Nick also shares common misconceptions about hiring and fostering workplaces that reflect our communities, as well as tips for young adults, job seekers, parents, and employers.
 

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie talks about her association with the Community Living movement and Developmental Services sector, career in government relations and engagement within the current political landscape, the power of unity and idea behind campaigns like #5ToSurvive, and the importance of inclusion and the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this heartfelt episode, Kelly shares her childhood experiences and growing up in different homes, how supports from Community Living Toronto changed her life, her experience as a person with a disability within the 2SLGBTQQAI+ community, her love for “Doctor Who” series, and the power of positive thinking, hope, and determination.

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this heartfelt episode, Agnes shares her longstanding connection with CLTO through career and volunteer work, advocacy efforts and impact on Ontario’s support for children, the importance of a person-centered approach in organizations, the strength in unity and the value of mutual learning, memories of her husband, Sam, and the heartwarming story behind the Sam Samler Award, and much more! 

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this episode, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Juanita Forde, Lead Steward of CUPE 2191. In this heartfelt episode, they dive into Juanita’s connection and journey with CLTO as a long-time employee, recognition for developmental support professionals and the DS sector, the importance of representing diverse experiences, the status of caregiving in the country and its challenges, and much more!

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this episode, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and David Lepofsky, lawyer, Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee at Toronto District School Board, and member of Community Living Toronto's Patron's Council. Join us as we dive into David's advocacy efforts for including disability in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the challenges of navigating the school system, the critical role of individual education plans, and much more!

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this episode, we have a chat with Lorraine Bradley and Joshua Splude, members of CLTO Influencers. Lorraine and Josh have a long-standing connection with Community Living Toronto. The work that they do not only brings them happiness and fulfills their lives, but also allows them to bring change to this world by advocating for the causes personal to them and making sure everyone belongs. As Lorraine said during the podcast, “Belonging is when everyone feels accepted and everybody is like family at Community Living.”

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this episode we have a chat with Jan Stewart, a highly regarded mental health and neurodiversity advocate, author and the recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award for her brutally honest memoir titled Hold on Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness. Jan’s memoir describes her emotional story parenting two children with multiple mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this episode we have a chat with Nadia Elkharadly, a long-time CLTO supporter, one of our 75th Anniversary Storytellers, and an advocate for her brother, Amir. 

Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.

In this episode, we have a chat with Laura Parsonson, a proud parent, teacher, advocate, and member of Community Living Toronto’s Board of Directors, whose goal is to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a chance to live, learn, work, and have fun in their local communities.