Recognizing the essential role families have played in the Community Living movement, Community Living Ontario (CLO) places families at the heart of its work. Guided by our strategic priority of Connecting and Empowering Families and Those with Lived Experience, we create opportunities for families to connect, share experiences, build leadership and shape a more inclusive future for their loved ones in Ontario.
We empower families and strengthen grassroots connections to advance inclusion and belonging for people who have an intellectual disability. Through the Family Leadership Series, Family Engagement Grants initiative and the Family Conference - we create opportunities for families to connect, learn and foster meaningful connections. Online initiatives, including our book club and private Facebook group, further support ongoing family engagement to share experiences and strengthen communities.
To learn more about CLO’s Family Engagement work, please contact Payal Khazanchi, Director of Inclusion Initiatives.
CONTACT PAYAL
Family Engagement Impact Over the Years
60
FAMILY LEADERSHIP COHORTS HELD TO DATE
57
FAMILY NETWORKS RECEIVED GRANTS
117
ATTENDEES AT THE INAUGURAL FAMILY CONFERENCE
Family Leadership Series
For nearly two decades, CLO’s Family Leadership Series has brought together families of people with intellectual disabilities to strengthen their leadership, advocacy skills, and connections with one another.
Through interactive retreats, shared learning, and meaningful conversations, families explore their loved ones’ strengths, interests, and aspirations while building a vision for inclusive and fulfilling lives. The series empowers families to challenge barriers, advocate for positive change, and build lasting support networks.
By fostering family leadership and collective action, these Family Leadership Series continue to support families in creating more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong.
Family Engagement Grants
Since 2023, CLO’s Family Engagement Grants have provided funding of up to $10,000 annually to each grant recipient to support family-led groups and networks across Ontario. These grants help family networks develop grassroots initiatives and connect families within their regions.
Through locally organized initiatives, workshops, and gatherings, families build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, strengthen peer support, and work together to advocate for inclusion and belonging in their communities. The grants encourage lasting family networks that extend beyond formal services and empower families to shape better futures for their loved ones with intellectual disabilities.
To date, 57 family networks have received funding, helping to strengthen family leadership, empower communities, and build connections across Ontario.
Applications for the Family Engagement Grants open in May. To learn more, view the previous call for applications by clicking the button below.
Call For Applications (2026-2027)
Family Engagement Grant Recipients Across Ontario
The maps below show where each of the previous Family Engagement Grant recipients are located across the province. For more information about local family networks or groups, please contact us at inclusion@communitylivingontario.ca.
Family Conference
In 2025, CLO hosted its inaugural Family Conference, bringing together families from across Ontario. The conference expanded opportunities for family engagement through four regional hubs in Brantford, Durham, Kingston and Windsor. With 117 family members representing 70 families in attendance, the conference combined local, in-person gatherings with virtual participation to strengthen connections and foster engagement at both regional and provincial levels.
Through family-led presentations, engaging panel discussions and shared experiences, participants explored key topics such as inclusive education, employment, housing and meaningful community connections.
Families had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share perspectives and explore their hopes for a future where their loved ones with intellectual disabilities are included, empowered and have a true sense of belonging.
Testimonials from Families Across Ontario
"Thank you CLO 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."
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.”
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."
Julie VanDerKant
