Community Chats

In this episode of Community Chats, Brendon Pooran, lawyer and founder, Pooran Law returns to share his insights on some of the pressing issues and legal developments in the developmental services sector. From the latest on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation to the Canada Disability Benefit, he speaks candidly about what’s working, what’s falling short and offers practical tips for people with disabilities and their families to navigate barriers and access benefits. The conversation also explores supported decision-making, progress made internationally, and where Canada currently stands in advancing legal capacity and decision-making rights.

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Valerie Boyle, parent and actor, opens up about her son Richie’s journey and how their family found support through Community Living. She shares her experience as Richie’s biggest advocate, her worries as an aging caregiver, and the future she hopes for herself and other parents in similar situations. Alongside her personal story, Valerie talks about her life in the arts, the importance of community, and her recent audition on Canada’s Got Talent which captured hearts across the country. 
                                                                 
Tune into this heartfelt conversation with Valerie and Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto as they explore resilience, advocacy, and the hope every family holds for a world where everyone belongs.

“Belonging is a necessity of a good life. The responsibility doesn’t just lie on the person who hopes to belong, it lies on all of us to create a society in which people feel that belonging”

In this episode of Community Chats podcast, Vassy Kapelos, political journalist and Community Living Toronto’s Patron’s Council member, reflects on her early years and her dream of building a career in political journalism. She shares insights on the importance of accountability in governance, the quiet responsibility on those who can question power, her long standing connection with Community Living Toronto and much more.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mary Pat Armstrong, parent, founder of LIGHTS, and long-time supporter of Community Living Toronto. In this episode, they discuss Mary Pat's journey as a mother, mentor, and advocate and the lessons she learned along the way. They also share key insights from decades of building and supporting nonprofit and community organizations as well as how empowering people with intellectual disabilities to live more independently transformed her daughter Jenny’s confidence and community life.

Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Erica and Sam, members of CLTO Influencers. In this episode, Sam and Erica share their experiences growing up and importance of advocacy in their lives. They also discuss how they navigate the complexities of maintaining an active social media presence  and how they are contributing the cause that are close to their hearts. 

Check out the video by CLTO Influencers on Community Living Month: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yk8QYPfhd8

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.