Updates from March
Council Members Share Training on Inclusive Meetings
On March 26, 2025, Council members Judy Noonan, Dzidra Halar, and Brianne Taggart led an online training session for the CLO Council based on what they learned from the “Listen Include Respect Train-the-Trainer” program they attended earlier this year.
Their presentation focused on how to make meetings more inclusive for people who have intellectual disabilities. They shared an overview of what they learned during the training, explained what an inclusive meeting looks like, and highlighted the key elements that help make meetings welcoming and accessible to everyone.
As part of the session, Council members also led a group activity to help everyone practice using inclusive meeting strategies. It was a great opportunity for members to learn together and reflect on how to make spaces more inclusive.
This training is just the beginning. Judy, Dzidra, and Brianne plan to continue sharing what they’ve learned with other self-advocates and organizations throughout the year, helping to spread inclusive practices across the province.
Updates from April
Council Members Present on Aging in Place at Fanshawe College
On April 2, 2025, Council member Judy Noonan and Council’s representative to the CLO Board, James Taylor delivered a presentation on “Aging in Place” to a group of 40 students at Fanshawe College. They shared their personal experiences and insights on how people who live with intellectual disabilities can be supported to age in their own communities—with the right resources, services, and support systems.
This was the Council’s third presentation at Fanshawe, and it continues to be a valuable opportunity to connect with future professionals and raise awareness about inclusive aging.
The session was well received by students and faculty, and the college has already expressed interest in future collaborations.
These presentations are an important part of the Council’s work in building understanding and promoting inclusion in communities across Ontario.
Updates from May
Council Members Advocate for Change at Day at the Legislature
On May 27th, nine members of the Council of Community Living Ontario took a leading role in the annual Community Living Day at the Legislature at Queen’s Park in Toronto. This event offered a valuable opportunity for self-advocates to connect directly with elected officials, share their lived experiences, and speak up about the issues that matter most to them.
The day began with Council members attending Question Period in the Ontario Legislature, followed by meetings with their local MPPs. In the afternoon, they led a discussion with Minister of MCCSS, Michael Parsa, where they engaged in meaningful dialogue about the realities and challenges they face.
Council members spoke openly about their experiences with support workers, the difficulty of finding and keeping reliable workers, and the financial challenges of living on limited income from ODSP and Passport funding. They also highlighted ongoing positive and negative experiences with ODSP caseworkers. The Minister expressed appreciation for their openness and committed to follow up on the concerns raised, especially regarding caseworker support.
Later in the afternoon, Council members connected with other self-advocates from across Ontario. They shared their advocacy work, exchanged experiences, and built solidarity around common goals for greater inclusion and equity.
The day concluded with an evening reception, where Council members had the chance to speak with other self-advocates, Community Living members, Ministers, and MPPs.
Council President Amber Taylor delivered a speech highlighting the Council’s 2025 advocacy priorities. She acknowledged recent progress, including inflationary increases in ODSP and the Minister’s recent promise to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit from ODSP clawbacks. She also called for continued action:
“We are pleased to see the recent increase in ODSP, and we recognize the positive impact this has on many lives. At the same time, we know there is still much work ahead to address the challenges people who live with intellectual disability face every day.”
The Council’s presence and active engagement at Queen’s Park is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocate leadership in shaping a more inclusive Ontario.
Looking Ahead
Council Election – Call for Nominations Now Open
The Call for Nominations for the 2025–2026 Council term is now open. There are six open positions available, and the nomination process is now underway.
If you are interested in being part of the Council, you can find more details HERE.
Council’s Upcoming Engagements and Advocacy
The Council is getting ready for a number of exciting presentations and learning opportunities over the coming months. Council members are preparing to share their voices and experiences at conferences like the Community Living Ontario’s Inspiring Possibilities Conference and the Speaking Out Conference.
Alongside these events, the Council continues its strong advocacy efforts – raising awareness, sharing lived experiences, and promoting inclusion across the province. Stay tuned as Council members lead conversations, connect with communities, and continue working for positive change.
