Council Team Building – Second Session (November 20–21, 2025)
In November 2025, six Council members came together for the second Council Team Building session. The workshop took place at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North and was co-facilitated by Jennie Chanda and Payal Khazanchi. The session provided Council members with a valuable opportunity to connect, reflect, and strengthen how they work together as a team.
Throughout the workshop, Council members explored important topics that support effective teamwork. Discussions focused on the 4 Cs of Team Identity and the 4 Elements of a Working Team. These sessions encouraged participants to think about what makes a strong, collaborative, and supportive Council.
The workshop also included interactive group activities designed to build communication and problem-solving skills. During the “Desert Island” activity, participants worked together to make decisions and prioritize needs in a creative scenario. In the “Case Study / Advocacy Scenario,” participants applied their advocacy skills to a realistic situation, sharing ideas and strategies while learning from one another’s perspectives.
Council members shared very positive feedback about their experience. Many highlighted how much they enjoyed the small-group activities, noting that these exercises helped them build stronger connections and better understand each other’s working styles.
This workshop builds on the first Council Team Building session hosted by CLO in November of 2024.
Council of CLO Meets with MCCSS Minister Michael Parsa
On December 16, 2025, the Council met virtually with Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, to share lived experiences related to employment supports, job training, ODSP, Passport funding, and access to mental health services.
Council members highlighted challenges with ODSP benefit levels, the responsiveness of ODSP caseworkers, loss of Passport respite funding, and barriers to mental health care. The discussion also addressed workforce issues, the Canada Disability Benefit, and a recommendation that all eligible people should be able access their full Passport allocation.
Council Prepares for Upcoming Election (2026-2027)
On February 3rd, 2026, two Council members, Niko and Dzidra visited the CLO office to take an important step in preparing for the upcoming Council elections. During the visit, they worked together with CLO staff to record a video designed to support and inform the community about the election process.
The video will provide clear information and easy-to-follow instructions about the Council elections. It aims to help people understand how the elections work, and how people can get involved.
Council members are helping ensure that the process is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Council Members Provide Training on Inclusive Meetings
On March 17th, 2026, three Council members, Niko, Dzidra and Brianne delivered an engaging online training workshop for Extraordinaires, a group of self-advocates from Norfolk County, focused on creating inclusive meetings. The session provided practical tips and strategies to help ensure meetings are accessible, welcoming, and supportive of meaningful participation.
Council members shared their experiences and expertise, highlighting the importance of inclusion in every aspect of meeting planning and facilitation. Participants were able to ask questions and discuss real-life scenarios, making the session interactive and informative.
This training reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful engagement across all groups and organizations.
Council 2025: A Year in Review
In 2025, Council members continued to show strong leadership, collaboration, and commitment to advocacy. Throughout the year, members shared their lived experiences, contributed to important discussions, and supported initiatives focused on accessibility, affordability, and mental well-being.
Council members also demonstrated leadership by providing training to five different groups, including self-advocates, board members, staff, and conference participants. These sessions focused on creating more inclusive and accessible meetings.
Council members delivered impactful presentations at several conferences, including the CLO 2025 Conference, helping to amplify the Council’s voice and promote inclusive practices. Additional highlights included meeting with Minister Parsa and leading Community Living day and the visit to the Queens Park Day at the Legislature.
As we look ahead, Council remains dedicated to building on this momentum and continuing to break barriers together.
Council Speaks Out on Crisis in Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
On March 4th, 2026, three Council members, Niko, Amber, and Dzidra, joined Community Living Ontario (CLO) at a news conference at CLO’s office in Toronto to highlight the growing crisis for people with developmental disabilities. The Council members shared their experiences and stressed the urgent need for safe housing, essential supports, and opportunities for full community participation.
CLO and the Council are working with the provincial government on long-term solutions but emphasized that immediate action is needed to ensure people with developmental disabilities can live safely and with dignity.
Read CTV’s coverage HERE.
A Busy and Exciting Season Ahead
Council is always active, but things are getting even busier as we head into spring. This time of the year brings new opportunities, and Council members are already hard at work preparing for several exciting training sessions and presentations.
In the coming months, members will be contributing to conferences and events where they will share their knowledge, experiences, and advocacy messages. These presentations continue to highlight the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful participation.
Council members are also taking on leadership roles beyond regular meetings. Niko Pupella, Council President is currently serving on the Grassroots Committee, while Brianne Taggart has joined the CLO Conference 2026 Planning Committee.
Stay connected and keep an eye out for more exciting updates and achievements in the months ahead.
