Nicole’s Story – I Make My OWN Choices

Happy Holidays! This has been another year of growth and new challenges for all of us, but also a year where many of us were able to get together again in-person after months of uncertainty. Meeting people in-person is one of Nicole Flynn’s favourite things to do, and even more necessary and enjoyable in her new role as Community Living … Read More

Key Changes Announced in the 2022 Ontario Fall Economic Update

On November 14th, the Ford government announced several changes that will affect people who have an intellectual disability in Ontario:  Changes to how work income is treated by ODSP  People on ODSP will be able to keep up to $1000 in employment earnings every month without having their ODSP amount reduced. Above $1000, they will keep twenty-five cents of every … Read More

Op-ed: When Is a 5% Increase not a 5% Increase?

On September 1st, the Ford Government increased Ontario Disability Support Program rates by 5%. This means that the basic monthly benefit for a single person on ODSP went from $1,169 to $1,228, an increase of about $58 per month.   Even with this small increase, ODSP recipients will still have incomes far below the poverty line. And with the exploding … Read More

Get to Know: Cameron

Cameron O’Connor grew up in a home where music is a second language. His mom, Allison, runs Dreams Come True Music Studio, and Cameron has been an active participant in their musical performances and concerts. Cameron also has an interest in DJing. He loves to listen to modern music and dreams of being able to mix tracks like the masters.  … Read More

Duncan’s Story: From Listener to Leader

“I’m a dietary aid. I’ve got benefits and a pension — these are things that I wouldn’t think 10 years ago that, as a person with an intellectual disability, I was even able to get close to.” Today, Duncan Phelps enjoys his job in food safety and serving the people where he works full-time. It’s been a great place to use his … Read More

Student Links: Getting to Know Nicole Flynn

Besides spotlighting students who meet mentors through Student Links, People You Should Know features people in the community who have interesting stories to share. In this edition we will be getting to know polymath Nicole Flynn. A polymath is someone who is knowledgeable about a number of subjects. Tell us about yourself. I am a photographer, conservationist, writer, business owner, … Read More

Student Links: Young Artist Blossoms into Confident Quilter

Shania Brown is an artist based out of Kingston, Ontario, whose passion for art shines through in all her unique creations. Looking to expand her artistic skills, Shania spoke to Student Links about finding a mentor who might teach her more about textiles. Shania was introduced to Annette Willis, a local quilter and the owner of chasing lightning bugs studio … Read More

Student Links: Aspiring Woodworker Polishes His Skills

Simon Lafleur is an explorer at heart. From collecting rocks, enjoying a variety of music, and DJing, to modelling and taking part in sports, he is always open to new experiences. It’s this curiosity that led him to pursue a Student Links mentorship with Bill Wright, a woodworker from Nepean, Ontario. Woodworking has been one of Bill’s passions for over … Read More

PRESS RELEASE: COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH SHINES A LIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TORONTO, ON, April 28, 2022 — This May, Ontarians might start noticing a lot more blue and green popping up in their communities — and not just from fresh spring flowers. Blue and green are the traditional colours of Community Living Month, a province-wide annual awareness campaign that takes place each May to promote authentic inclusion for … Read More