by Gord Kyle It was a warm evening as Wesley Stitt made his way along Carleton Street in Toronto. The rain the day before had passed and the temperature had risen to almost 18 degrees centigrade — a November 4th temperature that had only ever been surpassed one time before, forty-five years earlier. Wesley was not alone; others were making … Read More
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
Letter to the Editor: A Response to Recent Update Friday Story on Melly’s Market + Café
Note: We received the following letter in response to a story that was shared in the August 19, 2022 edition of Update Friday. The story highlights a new cafe in Whitby that purports to offer employment training for people who have an intellectual disability. However, there is more to the story than meets the eye, and this letter expands upon … 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
