What happened in September?
YAC Members Take the Stage at the Inspiring Possibilities Conference
On September 18th, four of CLO’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members – Arshiaa Bhayana, Nathan T., Megan den Dekker, and Moira Robertson – presented ‘Truths of Institutionalization: Sincerely, Youth Trying to Stop History from Repeating Itself’ at the annual Community Living Ontario (CLO) Inspiring Possibilities Conference. They discussed the history of institutions in Canada, how institutional mindsets persist today, and how youth can lead the way towards a more inclusive future. We are so proud of our Youth Advisors for their hard work and powerful presentation!
Kicking off the Community Action Projects
On September 10th and 12th, our Youth Coordinator, Leshona Lennard, led two dynamic orientation sessions for Community Action Project groups in St. Catharines and Windsor. These passionate teams are already brainstorming big ideas—like hosting a school-wide event to spark conversations about inclusion and creating an accessible space where everyone feels welcome. Stay tuned… amazing things are coming!
Learning the Truths Together!
September was all about deep conversations on important topics. Re:Action4Inclusion hosted three Truths of Institutionalization workshops for post-secondary students across Ontario. Moira Robertson (YAC member) kicked things off on September 12th with 35 DSW students at Centennial College, followed by Leshona Lennard (CLO’s Youth Coordinator) presenting to 55 Recreation Therapy students at Niagara College on September 23rd. That same day, Nicole Canzoneri (CLO Board member) wrapped it up with 30 students at the University of Windsor—sparking powerful discussions about inclusion and history in the developmental services sector!
Want to dive deeper? CLO offers these workshops for youth (15+) and adult allies. Check out our website to learn more or book your own session here!
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
On Wednesday, September 24th and Thursday, Oct 2nd, CLO’s Youth Coordinator provided workshop on how to be good leaders to 61 high school students from Drewry Secondary School (North York, ON) and St. Catharines Collegiate (St. Catharines, ON). The students were introduced to the 4 categories of leadership strengths and engaged in several group activities to identify their own leadership skills. Both teachers were so grateful for the interactive and engaging sessions that taught their students about the importance of collaboration in leadership.
This workshop is part of Re:Action4Inclusion ‘Youth Leadership Series’ where we teach youth about the importance of accessibility, how to identify barriers to inclusion in everyday spaces, and how to lead change in their schools. To view our workshop descriptions or to book a workshop, please visit our website under “Youth Leadership Workshops”.
What happened in October?
Brampton Central Resource Fair Recap
On October 8th, CLO’s Youth Coordinator collaborated with the Student Links Peel Coordinator to promote Re:Action4Inclusion and the Student Links Mentorship Program at the Brampton Central Resource Fair at St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School. They connected with several parents and students who were eager to learn about both initiatives.
Launch of the ‘Real Talk’ Podcast
On October 24th, Re:Action4Inclusion launched the ‘Real Talk Podcast’, created by the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). This podcast is a platform for the YAC members to discuss relevant topics such as youth employment, anti-bullying, and inclusive education. New episodes will be released on the last Friday of each month. Check out the first episode about anti-bullying, hosted by YAC members, Vignesh Athavan and Arshiaa Bhayana.
What happened in November?
Exploring the Truths of Institutionalization
On November 3rd and 6th, Nicole Canzoneri (CLO Board member) led two powerful Truths of Institutionalization workshops for 109 staff from Kerry’s Place Autism Services. She walked them through the 6 Truths modules and shared real photos and videos showing what life was like for people with disabilities in institutions. One participant said Nicole’s passion and personal stories made the topic feel real and relevant to everyday life.
Growing As Leaders Together
On November 5th, 13 developmental service worker (DSW) students at Centennial College explored what makes a great leader through our ‘How to Be a Good Leader’ workshop (part of our Youth Leadership Workshop Series). Through interactive activities and group challenges, they discovered their strengths and even tackled a real-world community scenario using teamwork. The professor loved how it connected to their course and gave students a fresh perspective on leadership in the developmental services sector.
Fostering Accessible Communities and Workplaces
On November 5th, we engaged 6 youth from the March of Dimes Mississauga employment program in our ‘Accessibility in the Community’ workshop (part of our Youth Leadership Workshop Series). They explored visible and invisible barriers to inclusion, learned how to ask for accommodations, and gained practical tips for self-advocacy in the workplace. Through interactive activities, they discovered five strategies to create spaces that are truly inclusive and accessible for everyone. The workshop was highly engaging, and these youth left ready to advocate for themselves and their peers.
