Community Living Toronto

Community Living Toronto is pleased to welcome five new patrons to its Patron’s Council: Todd Smith, Jim Ritchie, Heather Watt, Andrew Saunders, and Arron Barberian.

As new Patrons, they join a distinguished group of community leaders committed to influencing public policy, raising awareness, and helping remove barriers facing people who have an intellectual disability and their families.

“Community Living Toronto has a long history of standing up for the rights and choices of people who have an intellectual disability,” said John Tory, Chair of Community Living Toronto’s Patron’s Council. “We’re proud to welcome these new patrons and grateful for the perspectives, networks and influence they bring. Together, we will help build a future where people with an intellectual disability are fully included in every part of community life.”

🔗 Follow the link to access the full version of the news release: https://cltoronto.ca/for-immediate-release-new-leaders-join-community-living-torontos-patrons-council-to-advance-inclusion-across-the-gta/

Looking for support navigating federal benefits and programs? Join Indigenous Disability Canada and Inclusion Canada for a free webinar and learn about resources that may be available to you.

👉 Register here: https://www.inclusioncanada.ca/page/accessing-disability-benefits-together

There's still time left to register for our upcoming webinar this week! 👇

Do you have a disability? Do you need help applying for federal benefits and programs?

Join Indigenous Disability Canada and Inclusion Canada for a free National Accessibility Week webinar.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026
6:00pm-7:30pm Eastern
Zoom webinar

More information and registration here: https://www.inclusioncanada.ca/page/accessing-disability-benefits-together

The webinar will be in English. French interpretation, ASL, LSQ, and English and French captioning will be provided.

🏕️ Looking for a memorable way to spend your Saturday? Join us for Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville 2026 at Shadow Lake Centre! With arts and crafts, guided tours, games, activities, and refreshments, it’s the perfect day to explore, connect, and have fun.

A strong community is one where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong.

During National Accessibility Week, we celebrate the leadership, contributions, and lived experiences of people with disabilities, while recognizing the collective effort it takes to remove barriers and create a more inclusive world. Together, we're building stronger communities and a stronger Canada, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

🌈 is here! 🌈

This June, we celebrate the diversity, strength, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We also recognize that when people are free to be themselves, our communities become stronger, more vibrant, and more welcoming for everyone.

At Community Living Toronto, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they belong. So this June, let's celebrate authenticity, embrace inclusion, and add a little extra colour to our world! 💙💚

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

This month, we encourage everyone to explore Indigenous stories, perspectives, and experiences through books, films, events, and conversations, because strong communities are built through understanding, respect, and connection.

👉 Visit the Government of Canada website to access more learning resources: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512

Wrapping up the campaign at The Mix is becoming one of those traditions we look forward to every year. 💙💚

It was incredible to see so many familiar faces come together today to celebrate inclusion through music, dance, singing, and connection. The energy in the room was a beautiful reminder of what happens when everyone is welcomed, valued, and given the chance to shine. ✨

A special highlight of the night was the performance by Band of Hearts from our Fairfax Community Participation Supports location, who performed their original song dedicated to . 🎤 Their talent and passion perfectly captured the spirit of this campaign. 🙌

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration so meaningful!

Today, Community Living Toronto was honoured to welcome The Hon. Wayne Long, Secretary of State responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, and MP Danielle Martin, for an important announcement focused on improving access to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Beginning with the 2026 tax year, the federal government will implement changes that will help streamline the application process by reducing administrative requirements for people with certain permanent medical conditions. The changes will also allow more healthcare professionals to certify eligibility and recognize public guardians and trustees as qualified to certify applications for adults in their care.

These changes represent a meaningful step toward making government programs more accessible and reducing burdens on people with disabilities, families, and healthcare professionals.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation about accessibility, inclusion, and removing barriers so that more people can access the supports they need.

Follow the link to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/05/secretary-of-state-long-highlights-actions-to-make-it-easier-to-access-the-disability-tax-credit.html?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news

What does belonging look like? It looks like a room full of people coming together to celebrate inclusion, community, and the power of making a difference. 💙💚

On May 20, Community Living Toronto hosted Celebrating Difference Makers, an event to recognize the individuals and organizations whose generosity, advocacy, and dedication continue to strengthen our community. With more than 100 guests in attendance, the evening was filled with meaningful conversations, connection, and celebration.

🏆 Congratulations to all the award recipients whose contributions continue to create lasting impact and help build a more inclusive community where .

A special thank you to Valerie Boyle for sharing her story and inspiring everyone in the room with a beautiful musical performance. ✨

Sometimes, the most powerful thing is simply knowing you’re not alone 💙💚

On May 1–3, 2026, Community Living Toronto hosted its annual Moms Retreat, bringing together 30 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities for a weekend filled with connection, laughter, reflection, and well-deserved self-care. Throughout the weekend, moms shared stories, supported one another, and built meaningful connections with people who understand their experiences. ✨

One of the weekend’s highlights was the Awaken Your Flame workshop, which helped participants reconnect with themselves through movement, reflection, and wellness practices. Moms also enjoyed activities like massages, crafts, trivia, karaoke, and more.

💬 “Hearing and talking to other mothers made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my struggles and thoughts. I left the retreat feeling like a different person,” said one of the participants.