Celebrating Robert and Kristen’s New Chapter
This summer was a special time for Robert, one of our former Council members. On July 11, he married his long-time partner, Kristen, after eight years together. They celebrated their special day with family and friends and included a meaningful sand ceremony.
Robert and Kristen are both connected to the Community Living movement and enjoy attending Community Living Ontario’s annual Inspiring Possibilities AGM & Conference together.
Congratulations to the married couple on this new chapter, and thank you, Robert, for being a part of the Council’s journey!
Council’s Upcoming Workshops – Fall 2026
As we look ahead to fall 2026, Council members are getting ready for an exciting season of conferences, workshops, and opportunities to share their voices.
This fall, Council will be participating in two important conferences: the CLO Conference, September 15–17, and the Speaking Out Conference, October 16–18. These events will give Council members opportunities to share their experiences, raise awareness, and talk about issues that matter to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Over the summer, Council members have been busy preparing for these events. They have been sharing ideas, working together, and practising their presentations.
Council members use their lived experiences to educate others, challenge assumptions, and promote greater inclusion and understanding. They will bring their own experiences and perspectives to these conversations and highlight the importance of listening to and including people with intellectual disabilities in decisions that affect their lives.
We are proud of the work Council members have put into preparing for these events and look forward to seeing their voices and leadership in action this fall.
Council Election 2026–2027
The Council Election 2026–2027 is coming up! The election will take place on the last day of the CLO Conference on Thursday, September 17, at 10:15 a.m.
Self-advocates who have registered as voters will have the opportunity to join us and vote for the next Council members.
This year, there are six open positions on Council.
Council Shares Their Voices in Health Research: Connecting with CAMH
Council members met with representatives from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) during their August meeting to learn about CHIPP-DD (Co-production for Health Inclusive Research Practice and Policy for People with Developmental Disabilities) and explore opportunities to get involved.
CHIPP-DD aims to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and family caregivers have a meaningful voice in health research and decisions that affect their lives. CAMH is looking for adults with IDD and family caregivers from across Ontario to take part in training, regional teams, and workshops. These activities will help develop a more inclusive approach to health research, practice, and policy.
The presentation provided Council members an opportunity to learn more about the project and consider how their voices and lived experiences could directly contribute to improving the way people with lived experience are included in health research and decision-making across Ontario.
Inviting Authentic Voices from Across Ontario to Celebrate 30 Years of Advocacy
The Council of Community Living Ontario is celebrating 30 years of self-advocacy, leadership, and impact. To mark this important milestone, we want to celebrate the voices and stories of self-advocates from across Ontario. You do not need to be a Council member to participate.
Tell us your story: How did you find your voice as a self-advocate? How have you used your voice to make a difference in your life, your community, or beyond? We want to hear from YOU! Share your story in the format that works best for you- writing, video, song, poetry, artwork, photography, or any other creative way that expresses your journey.
Please send your submission to communications@communitylivingontario.ca between now and December 1, 2026.
***By submitting your story or creative work, you consent to Community Living Ontario sharing it in the Update Friday newsletter, on social media, and in other marketing and communications materials in the future.
