Community Chats

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.