Community Chats

In this episode of Community Chats, David Lepofsky, Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Alliance, joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for the first conversation in our new Belonging series. This six-episode series is part of our #WeAllBelong campaign celebrations for Community Living Month.

David shares his reflections on what belonging means through lived experience, advocacy, and decades of work advancing disability rights in Canada. He talks about the importance of inclusion in schools, the evolution of disability rights under the Charter, and why real progress depends not only on legislation, but on action and accountability in everyday systems. From personal stories to landmark advocacy moments, David explores how belonging is built intentionally, and not by chance.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about belonging, advocacy, and what it takes to build communities where everyone is seen, valued, and able to fully participate.

In our last episode of Community Chats Season 3, Deanna Strazzella, Senior Director, Specialized Services and Mita Hans, Support Worker, join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a special conversation on leadership, authenticity, and the impact of women in the developmental services sector.
 
Deanna and Mita reflect on their journeys and the early experiences that have shaped how they show up as colleagues and leaders, and what it means to work in this sector. Their conversation explores creating space for people to be themselves at work, the changing nature of caregiving, and the importance of inclusive environments in strengthening the support we provide to people and families.
 
They also share personal insights for young women and remind us that leadership is not defined by titles, but by actions, empathy, and the willingness to lift others along the way.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on belonging, changing roles and the everyday leadership we celebrate this International Women’s Day.

In this episode of Community Chats, Lee Smith, Senior Manager, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Britney Bryan, Fundraising Coordinator, Community Giving, Events, and Stewardship, join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for an honest conversation about leadership, identity, and belonging in the workplace.

Lee and Britney reflect on their work at Community Living Toronto and share what itis like being Black women navigating professional spaces. As we mark Black History Month, they speak about responsibility, visibility, barriers that can exist within workplace environments as well as the importance of creating space for authentic participation.

The conversation also explores the value of Employee Resource Groups in fostering connection and strengthening community across the organization. From listening with intention to taking personal responsibility for continuous learning, they reflect on how Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts shape day-to-day experiences and influence the quality of supports and services we provide.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on growth, learning, and creating a culture where people can show up as their true selves at work and beyond.

In this episode of Community Chats, Alexandra Shannan, Housing Navigator, Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) and Julie Sommerfreund, Principal, Innovation, SHS Inc., join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a forward-looking conversation on housing and innovative approaches emerging to help address one of the sector’s most urgent challenges.
 
Alexandra and Julie share more about Solutions Lab, a collaborative initiative under the National Housing Strategy and discuss how partnerships with families and caregivers, community land trusts, and sector leaders are helping test new models for supportive housing. From creating practical tools to setting realistic expectations, the conversation highlights the importance of transparency, shared responsibility, and thinking beyond traditional pathways.
 
Tune in for an insightful conversation about collaboration, progress and building communities where people can live with dignity, stability, and a true sense of belonging.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Arissa and Sarosh, Early Childhood Consultants from Community Living Toronto, share insights from their work supporting children, families, and childcare teams to create inclusive learning environments.

They talk about why early, responsive support matters, particularly for children who may benefit from extra support - often before a formal diagnosis. The conversation explores the impact of early intervention, working closely with families and community partners and what belonging looks like when it is done well in child care settings. 

Tune into the episode as Arissa and Sarosh join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, to discuss the role we all play in helping children and families feel a sense of belonging.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Heather McDonald, President and CEO, United Way Greater Toronto, reflects on her journey from nearly two decades at LOFT Community Services to leading one of Canada’s largest charities.
 
Heather shares how her background in person-centered care and social work informs her leadership today, and why she embraced the challenge of stepping into United Way’s top role. She discusses the importance of ambitious civic goals, United Way’s impact in addressing pressing social issues from mental health and homelessness to job readiness and food security and the generosity that drives support for charities and nonprofits across the province.
 
Tune into the conversation as Heather McDonald and Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, talk about the impact of United Way’s network, the meaning of belonging, and how building community lies at the heart of both fundraising and inclusion.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, John Tory, Chair of Community Living Toronto's Patron's Council, joins us to reflect on his journey of leadership, service, and connection to the developmental services sector. 
 
He shares the personal influences that shaped his decades-long commitment to public service, the importance of volunteering, and the role of organizations like Community Living Toronto in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Together, we look back on caregiving during Covid, celebrate the progress made, and explore his vision for an inclusive Ontario.
 
Tune into this conversation with John Tory and Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto as they talk about lessons learned from leadership and the lasting impact of community service.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Frances Moore and Glen Snyder from Community Living Toronto explore homelessness as one of the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities. They share their experiences supporting people through transition services and adult protective services, highlight the risks of homelessness, the Bridges to Housing project, and the realities for those who have waited decades for the supports they need.
 
They also reflect on the importance of building trust, the positive impact of their work, success stories that bring hope, and the vision for a future where sustainable housing and inclusive supports are within reach.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Aida Abd El Nor, Director, High Care Association, Egypt and Alexandria Self Advocacy Group shares her journey of advocating for people with intellectual disabilities and building inclusive support networks locally and beyond.
 
She reflects on the self-advocacy movement in Egypt, the challenges and opportunities in the community, and the vital need for resources. Aida also highlights how local leadership and collaboration are driving change, the importance of self advocacy groups in creating spaces where people feel seen and heard, and the partnership with Community Living Toronto and our CLTO Influencers.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Domenic Gentilini, parent, advocate, and founder, Down Syndrome Foundation offers an honest and hopeful perspective on building a brighter future for people with developmental disabilities.
 
From the early days of his son’s diagnosis to creating a foundation that fills critical gaps for families, Domenic’s journey is one of determination, love, and impact. He talks about the importance of early supports, their newly launched Skilled Trades Training Program, and helpful resources available to families navigating similar journeys. Through his lens as both a parent and changemaker, Domenic reflects on belonging and what it truly means to create opportunities where everyone can thrive.