Community Chats

Disclaimer:  At Community Living Toronto, we recognize the importance of approaching conversations about Indigenous peoples and communities with care, respect, and understanding. This episode touches on sensitive topics, including the Sixties Scoop and experiences on reserves, which may bring up difficult emotions for some listeners. We encourage you to listen in whatever way feels right for you, take breaks as needed, and prioritize your well-being.

In this episode of Community Chats, Stephanie Anderson, Executive Lead at Community Living Six Nations, joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about Indigenous history, truth and reconciliation, and the importance of culturally safe and respectful support.

Drawing on her experience and work in her own community, Stephanie shares perspectives on the lasting impacts of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, the importance of rebuilding trust, and why reconciliation must be an ongoing commitment grounded in learning, reflection and meaningful action.

The conversation also highlights the work of Community Living Six Nations to create opportunities for cultural connection, including language learning and culturally grounded programming, and the importance of building relationships with First Nations communities to better support people and families.

In this episode of Community Chats, Karen Bell, Executive Director, Microboards Ontario joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about Microboards, supported decision-making, and creating more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to live the lives they choose.
 
Together, they explore how Microboards are emerging as another way for people with intellectual disabilities and their families to shape the supports they need, with a focus on relationships, choice and inclusion. Karen shares how the organization has been piloting a program to help families build these networks, from supporting a person to make decisions about their own life to planning for the future and organizing the supports they need. They also discuss how Microboards are developing in Ontario and the potential to expand these support options.
 
The conversation also turns to the hopes and concerns families carry as they think about the future. Karen reflects on how a group of trusted people can help someone pursue new opportunities while giving families greater confidence. At its heart, the conversation is about keeping the person at the centre of their own life with the relationships and support to help make their choices possible.

In this episode of Community Chats, Don Logie, Community Living Toronto’s Board Chair, joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about leadership, inclusive housing, and the future of community living.
 
Together, they explore Don’s decades of experience in real estate development and affordable housing, and how that experience connects to his work with Community Living Toronto. They also talk about how not-for-profit organizations can create more affordable and inclusive housing communities, the importance of having the right expertise and partnerships, and the potential of projects like Lawson Redevelopment to create more opportunities for people to live, belong, thrive and be part of their communities.
 
Don also reflects on his journey as a parent to his son, Tom, and what that experience has taught him about communication and the importance of the right supports. As he begins his term as Board Chair, he shares what he hopes to see for Community Living Toronto, including more opportunities for community participation and continued progress in creating housing and supports that meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

In this episode of Community Chats, Shawn Ratnasingam, Manager, Product Management at Community Living Toronto joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, to talk about the digital tools and technology helping improve access to information and services for people with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers.
 
Together, they explore the evolution of digital platforms like MyDirectPlan, which helps people and families manage Passport and Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding, and MyCommunityHub, an online marketplace that makes it easier to discover and register for programs and services across their communities. They discuss how bringing information and services into simpler, more accessible digital experiences can make it easier for people to understand their options, make informed choices and focus more of their time on what matters to them.
 
Shawn also talks about the recent updates to MyDirectPlan, how feedback from users helps shape the development of these platforms, the importance of keeping digital tools simple, accessible and focused on what people need and how AI may shape the future of digital supports.

In this episode of Community Chats, Sam Forbes and Sam McKhail, CLTO Influencers, join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about advocacy, community and what belonging means to them.

From programs that helped Sam Forbes build confidence and social skills, to Sam McKhail finding a sense of connection through his cultural heritage and community, they share some of the experiences that have shaped their lives. They also talk about their work as CLTO Influencers, the importance of having opportunities to share lived experiences, and how simple acts of kindness can help create spaces where people feel respected, supported, and comfortable being themselves.
 
The conversation reminds us that belonging can start with something as simple as a smile, being seen and knowing that your experiences matter.

In the last episode of our six-part Belonging series, Brendon Pooran, lawyer and founder of Pooran Law, joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about choice, independence, and the everyday experiences of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

From recent developments around Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to changes to the Disability Tax Credit and Canada Disability Benefit, Brendon shares insights into changes in disability law and what they mean in practice. The conversation also explores supported decision-making, including what it means and how it can help give people greater choice and control in their own lives.

At its heart, this is a conversation about the support and opportunities people need to live the lives they choose, with practical insights to help people and families better understand these changes.

In this episode of Community Chats, Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario, joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto for a conversation about leadership, belonging, and the future of community living. 

Together, they explore how the sector has grown over the past decade, the importance of advocating for stronger systems that help people live the lives they choose, and what it truly means to build communities where people don’t just receive support - they belong. From creating more inclusive systems to leading with possibility, Chris shares what continues to inspire and drive the work of Community Living Ontario.

The conversation also turns personal as Chris reflects on his family's journey with his son, Mitchell. Through stories of employment, community connections, and creating a life built around Mitchell's interests and strengths, his story is a reminder that belonging starts with seeing the person first.

In this episode of Community Chats, Linda and Ken join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about their family's journey with their son, Ian.

From Ian's early years to moving into supported independent living more than 25 years ago, Linda and Ken share the moments that shaped his path to independence. They talk about preparing for life's next steps, learning to let go as parents, and how trusted relationships have helped Ian and his roommate, Philip, build a life filled with confidence, connection, and belonging. They reflect on overcoming fears, embracing new opportunities, and the lasting impact of having the right supports through every stage of the journey.

Their story is a reminder that independence doesn't happen all at once. It grows through encouragement, confidence, community, and believing in what people can achieve.

In this episode of Community Chats, David Renfrew, Senior Director of Real Estate and Project Management, and Jonathan Bradshaw, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnership at Community Living Toronto join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation on housing and the future of inclusive communities.
 
Together, they explore Community Living Toronto’s evolving approach to housing through inclusive vertical communities, and how partnerships with developers and the government are helping create more flexible, accessible, and person-centred living options across the city. They also discuss the realities of Ontario’s housing pressures, what it takes to build inclusive neighbourhoods at scale, and how policy innovation like the Power of Place green paper is shaping the next chapter of advocacy.
 
David and Jonathan also highlight both the complexity and the opportunity in rethinking how people with intellectual disabilities live, belong, and thrive in urban communities.

In this episode of Community Chats, Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, is joined by Sherri Kroll, Executive Director, Middlesex Community Living, for a conversation about creating inclusive communities where belonging is not just an idea, but something visible in everyday life.

Sherri talks about her journey and how both her professional and personal experiences have shaped her understanding of inclusion. The conversation explores how communities can move beyond good intentions to real, practical inclusion, and how belonging is built through everyday actions, relationships, and shared responsibility. 

As we conclude Community Living Month this May, Sherri also reflects on their Welcoming Community initiative, which encourages local businesses and organizations to create spaces that foster accessibility, inclusion, and belonging for all.