Recognizing the essential role families played in sparking the Community Living movement, Community Living Ontario continues to create opportunities for them to connect. Family Engagement offers a variety of ways regionally and provincially to empower families to build a better future for their loved ones.
If you are looking to learn more about Community Living Ontario's Family Engagement work, reach out directly to Payal Khazanchi, Director of Inclusion Initiatives below.
CONTACT PAYAL
CLO's Family Conference
Applications are now open for CLO’s first-ever Family Conference, happening Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1, 2025!
With simultaneous in-person gatherings and virtual connections across six locations in Ontario, this is a one-of-a-kind event you and your family members won't want to miss.
Who can apply? Families in Ontario with children who have disabilities.
Application deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 5 PM EDT
Notification: Successful applicants will be informed by mid-April.
For more information and application form, click HERE.
Family Leadership Series & Family Engagement Grant - Testimonials from Families Across Ontario
"Thank you, Community Living Ontario, for your support of Care Connect. It is a platform for families of people with special needs, allowing families like mine the opportunity to meet, share information, exchange experiences and challenges, and support one another.
A sustainable program requires community backing, and I hope Care Connect continues to receive ongoing support and funding from both the community and government."
Edward Chow
"The Family Engagement Fund has significantly benefited our Cheer Connection group. Thanks to this grant, we can hire facilitators who guide our families through the complex maze of government-funded programs. Often, accessing these services is so complicated and confusing that parents don't know where to turn or even how to begin.
For my family, having experienced and knowledgeable support provides hope that we can set our son up for a successful future. The positive impact of this guidance cannot be overstated—it's given my family a sense of optimism and confidence in navigating the system for the first time in a long while. Thank you, Community Living Ontario!”
Lisa & Chris Finch
"The Family Leadership Series has benefited our family in numerous ways. John wants a life deeply connected to his family, and since other approaches haven't worked out, this is the path we’re choosing—one that requires innovation and creativity.
Gathering all the necessary information can feel overwhelming, so it's essential to have friends and families who truly understand our feelings and have experienced similar challenges. Sharing resources, support, and encouragement with others empowers both our family and John’s future planning."
Julie VanDerKant
