Introducing the 2025–2026 Council Members

We are pleased to announce the Council members for the 2025–2026 term! This year, we had 16 candidates competing for six open positions. The election took place during the CLO Conference on September 18, with participants joining both online and in person. The results were announced the same day at the closing ceremony. In addition, the Council President and Vice President elections were held on October 14. Join us in congratulating the 2025–2026 Council: 

• Niko Pupella (President) 
• Judy Noonan (Vice President) 
• Amber Taylor 
• Farrah Sattaur 
• Dzidra Halar 
• Jem Moeller 
• Brianne Taggart 
• Keith Metcalf 
• Brandon Bain 
• Stella Curtis 
• Melissa Belviso 
• Crystal Silverthorne 

Council Highlights: CLO Conference  

The Council of Community Living Ontario (CLO) had a busy and impactful three days at the recent CLO Conference in London, Ontario, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and leadership. 

At the Annual General Meeting on September 16, Council President Amber Taylor delivered a speech celebrating the Council’s achievements over the past year. She recognized both new and returning members and highlighted key accomplishments, including presentations at conferences, meetings with Members of Parliament, media engagement, and leadership training programs. Amber thanked allies and supporters for their partnership and encouraged everyone to continue ensuring all voices are heard, leading with empathy, courage, and purpose toward a more inclusive future. 

During the gala awards ceremony, Council member Stella Curtis reflected on the Council’s advocacy work over the past year, focusing on pressing issues such as poverty, housing, and employment for people with intellectual disabilities. She described the Council’s engagement with government, schools, and conferences, its Inclusive Meetings workshops, and the training of self-advocates to participate in decision-making. Stella emphasized the Council’s ongoing mission: to ensure everyone is respected, included, and supported to live full lives. 

Throughout the conference, other Council members were actively involved, taking on roles such as introducing speakers and presenting awards, underscoring the Council’s visible presence and leadership in the community. The Council also held its monthly meeting on September 15, bringing members together to discuss ongoing agenda items and plan upcoming initiatives. 

These three days showcased the Council’s energy, expertise, and dedication, reinforcing their role as strong advocates for other self-advocates across Ontario. 

Council Presentation at the PEDG Meeting  

On September 16, Council members Amber Taylor, Niko Pupella, Judy Noonan, and Farrah Sattaur presented at the Provincial Executive Directors’ Group (PEDG) Annual General Meeting. 

Council members shared highlights from the Council’s work and experiences over the 2024–2025 year. They spoke about the Council’s main advocacy priorities—housing, employment, poverty reduction, and social justice—and discussed some of the challenges faced in these areas. 

The Council also talked about how they have been raising awareness and advocating for these issues through meetings with government, media outreach, and collaboration with self-advocates. 

In addition, members shared that the Council took part in the Train the Trainer program and are now leading sessions on inclusive meetings, based on the Listen Include Respect principles. 

Council and CLTO Joint Presentation – September 18 

On September 18, the Council of Community Living Ontario (CLO) partnered with Influencers of Community Living Toronto (CLTO) for a joint presentation. The session highlighted insights from the Train the Trainer program completed by self-advocates earlier this year and introduced the principles of inclusive meetings. 

During the presentation, speakers introduced the “Listen, Include, Respect” guidelines, which help foster inclusion in meetings and other settings. They also shared practical tips for applying inclusive practices in meetings, drawing on examples, personal reflections, and lived experiences to make the concepts relatable and engaging. The session created space for meaningful dialogue and shared learning, emphasizing accessibility and inclusion for all participants. 

The presentation featured CLO Council members Judy Noonan and Dzidra Halar alongside CLTO influencers Erica Machtinger and Lorraine Bradley, demonstrating a strong collaboration between the two organizations in promoting inclusive practices. 

Council Presentation: What Belonging Really Means – September 18 

On September 18, the Council delivered a presentation titled “What Belonging Really Means.” The session focused on three key themes: listening to our voices, ensuring that individuals are heard in decisions about their homes, services, and policies; understanding our needs, providing support in ways that work for each person; and respecting our rights, including the right to live in the community, access safe and inclusive education, and participate in employment opportunities. 

Council members Niko Pupella, Farrah Sattaur, Brianne Taggart, and Keith Metcalf shared personal stories and lived experiences to illustrate the difference between being heard and being ignored. The session included interactive activities, such as the “Belonging or Not Belonging Wall”, to engage participants and encourage reflection. 

The purpose of the presentation was to raise awareness, empower self-advocates and families, and promote inclusion. The session was well attended and concluded with a lively Q&A, giving participants the chance to ask questions and share their own experiences. 

Council President’s Presentation at ED/CEO HR Forum 

On October 29, Council President Niko delivered a presentation at the HR Forum, where he was invited to speak about the Council and its upcoming initiatives. His insights and overview of planned activities were very well received by attendees, highlighting the Council’s ongoing commitment to engagement and leadership in the HR community. 

What’s Next for the Council 

Looking ahead, there are several exciting events on the horizon for Council members. In November, we’ll be hosting a Team Building Workshop, designed to strengthen collaboration and foster new ideas among members. 

In addition, a series of meetings with government representatives and ongoing advocacy initiatives are underway, ensuring the Council continues to drive impact and engagement. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we share details about these upcoming activities!