Who We Are
Community Living Ontario (CLO) is a family-based provincial association assisting people who have an intellectual disability and their families to lead the way in advancing inclusion in their own lives and in their communities. Founded in 1953, our work is rooted in a strong network of individuals, families, friends, member organizations and community partners.
Together, we envision a society where people who have an intellectual disability belong, have equal rights, respect and acceptance, a sense of self-worth and opportunities for growth. We believe that the gifts, uniqueness and innate value of each person should be celebrated, supported and acknowledged as essential to the completeness of the whole community.
Community Living Ontario
1 Valleybrook Drive, Suite 201, Toronto, ON M3B 2S7
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For all media inquiries, please contact:
Lisa Tabachnick | Director of Marketing, Communication and Development
416-447-4348 ext. 229 lisa@communitylivingontario.ca
Our Work at a Glance
We’ve provided commentary and created resources for a diverse array of issues related to the developmental services sector, disability rights, and everything else affecting Ontarians who have an intellectual disability. Our recent efforts have included campaigning against medical assistance in dying, fighting for long-term care reform, and making disability supports a federal election issue. As provincial leaders in our sector, we believe that Community Living Ontario’s voice is important to include in these conversations.
For a more in-depth look at some of our past work, as well as current projects and future plans, we invite you to take a look at these resources:
- 2024-2025 Annual Report
- Building a Full Life + a Home of One’s Own in the Community
- Council Advocacy Priorities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Community Living Ontario is also an active member of Inclusion Canada, and regularly communicates with equivalent provincial and territorial associations. We also have an influence at the global level thanks to our affiliation with Inclusion International.
Meet our Leaders
Board President—Kiera Lum:
As a healthcare business professional, Keira is focused on improving operations and quality initiatives within the healthcare industry. Her experience working at large and small healthcare centers across Toronto, as well as a private out-of-hospital practice has allowed her to foster skills in governance, human resources, accounting, marketing and project management while serving the needs of patients and patient safety.
Keira has over 10 years’ experience working with and supporting mentally and physically disabled individuals in her community, beginning with support programming for her mentally and physically disabled neighbour. This experience has shaped her perspective on advocating and supporting others while grounding her values in empathy, compassion, understanding and inclusion. As such she is driven to make a difference for those who are less fortunate, advocating for inclusivity, dignity and respect regardless of ability, ethnicity or race. She is a team player who enjoys collaborating with a diverse group of individuals to support positive and inclusive change in communities and organizations.
Chief Executive Officer—Chris Beesley:
Chris Beesley began his role as Chief Executive Officer and Board Secretary of Community Living Ontario in June of 2013. His commitment to the Community Living movement began in 1994 with the birth of his son, Mitchell, who was born with an intellectual disability.
Chris served on various committees with Community Living Toronto, his local association, and served on their Board for nine years. Before coming to Community Living Ontario, he was the Executive Director of an adult literacy network organization serving Toronto and York Regions, and he is currently on the board of Community Literacy of Ontario.
He lives in Toronto with his wife, Lori, his son, Mitchell, and daughter, Erin.
Council President—Niko Pupella:
Niko Pupella is from Uxbridge, Ontario. He is a member of the Community Living Durham North self-advocate group, The A-Team as the current President. He is part of the Rights Review Board Committee at CLDN as he feels strongly about fighting for the rights of people who have a disability.
Niko is also a member of the CLO Board Development Committee. Niko is a huge animal lover (especially horses, dogs & cats) and is very savvy with computers and technology and enjoys learning as it continuously evolves. He hopes to continue working with the Council to ensure the voices of people who have a disability are heard regarding issues with ODSP, fair rent, work wages, and the many issues related to poverty.
