Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.
New Episodes will be available on 15th and 30th of each month on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Audible, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
Host: Community Living Toronto - Instagram (@cltoronto), Facebook (@CLToronto), Twitter (@CLToronto), LinkedIn (@CLToronto)
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In this episode of Community Chats, Lee Smith, Senior Manager, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Britney Bryan, Fundraising Coordinator, Community Giving, Events, and Stewardship, join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for an honest conversation about leadership, identity, and belonging in the workplace. Lee and Britney reflect on their work at Community Living Toronto and share what itis like being Black women navigating professional spaces. As we mark Black History M...
Community Chats delves into a forward-looking conversation about innovative housing solutions, specifically the Solutions Lab project under the National Housing Strategy. Guests Alexandra Shannan and Julie Sommerfreund discuss how partnerships with families and community land trusts are testing new models for supportive housing. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency, shared responsibility, and moving beyond traditional pathways to create dignified and stable living arrangements for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Arissa and Sarosh, Early Childhood Consultants from Community Living Toronto, share insights from their work supporting children, families, and childcare teams to create inclusive learning environments. They talk about why early, responsive support matters, particularly for children who may benefit from extra support - often before a formal diagnosis. The conversation explores the impact of early intervention, working closely with families and comm...
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Heather McDonald, President and CEO, United Way Greater Toronto, reflects on her journey from nearly two decades at LOFT Community Services to leading one of Canada’s largest charities. Heather shares how her background in person-centered care and social work informs her leadership today, and why she embraced the challenge of stepping into United Way’s top role. She discusses the importance of ambitious civic goals, United Way’s impact in addressin...
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, John Tory, Chair of Community Living Toronto's Patron's Council, joins us to reflect on his journey of leadership, service, and connection to the developmental services sector. He shares the personal influences that shaped his decades-long commitment to public service, the importance of volunteering, and the role of organizations like Community Living Toronto in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Together, we look back on caregiving ...
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Frances Moore and Glen Snyder from Community Living Toronto explore homelessness as one of the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities. They share their experiences supporting people through transition services and adult protective services, highlight the risks of homelessness, the Bridges to Housing project, and the realities for those who have waited decades for the supports they need. They also reflect on the importance of buil...
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Aida Abd El Nor, Director, High Care Association, Egypt and Alexandria Self Advocacy Group shares her journey of advocating for people with intellectual disabilities and building inclusive support networks locally and beyond. She reflects on the self-advocacy movement in Egypt, the challenges and opportunities in the community, and the vital need for resources. Aida also highlights how local leadership and collaboration are driving change, the impo...
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Domenic Gentilini, parent, advocate, and founder, Down Syndrome Foundation offers an honest and hopeful perspective on building a brighter future for people with developmental disabilities. From the early days of his son’s diagnosis to creating a foundation that fills critical gaps for families, Domenic’s journey is one of determination, love, and impact. He talks about the importance of early supports, their newly launched Skilled Trades Training ...
In this episode of Community Chats, Brendon Pooran, lawyer and founder, Pooran Law returns to share his insights on some of the pressing issues and legal developments in the developmental services sector. From the latest on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation to the Canada Disability Benefit, he speaks candidly about what’s working, what’s falling short and offers practical tips for people with disabilities and their families to navigate barriers and access benefits. The conversation ...
In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Valerie Boyle, parent and actor, opens up about her son Richie’s journey and how their family found support through Community Living. She shares her experience as Richie’s biggest advocate, her worries as an aging caregiver, and the future she hopes for herself and other parents in similar situations. Alongside her personal story, Valerie talks about her life in the arts, the importance of community, and her recent audition on Canada’s Got Talent w...
“Belonging is a necessity of a good life. The responsibility doesn’t just lie on the person who hopes to belong, it lies on all of us to create a society in which people feel that belonging” In this episode of Community Chats podcast, Vassy Kapelos, political journalist and Community Living Toronto’s Patron’s Council member, reflects on her early years and her dream of building a career in political journalism. She shares insights on the importance of accountability in governance, the quiet resp...
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mary Pat Armstrong, parent, founder of LIGHTS, and long-time supporter of Community Living Toronto. In this episode, they discuss Mary Pat's journey as a mother, mentor, and advocate and the lessons she learned along the way. They also share key insights from decades of building and supporting nonprofit and community organizations as well as how empowering people with intellectual disabilities to live more independ...
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Erica and Sam, members of CLTO Influencers. In this episode, Sam and Erica share their experiences growing up and importance of advocacy in their lives. They also discuss how they navigate the complexities of maintaining an active social media presence and how they are contributing the cause that are close to their hearts. Check out the video by CLTO Influencers on Community Living Month: https://www.youtube.com/wa...
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Marg Spoelstra, CEO of Autism Ontario. In this episode, Marg shares the growing need for services as autism diagnoses increase, and how community partnerships can expand access and awareness. They also chat about the impact of public narratives around “ cures ” and why language matters, and what’s next for Autism Ontario and their advocacy efforts. Follow the link to learn more about Autism Ontario: https://www.aut...
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Sherron Grant, parent, advocate and co-founder of Sawubona. In this episode, Sherron shares how her family navigated their son’s autism diagnosis and found strength in the community. Brad and Sherron also talk about common issues seen by families in racialized communities – and the importance of connection in the caregiving journey as well as how belonging and shared experiences are at the heart of everything Sawub...
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Brendon Pooran, Founder of PooranLaw. In this Episode, Brendon shares a breakdown of what Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is and the origin behind its introduction. They also chat about how MAID is approached and accepted in countries around the world, concerns within the disability community about MAID, and much more!
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Helen Ries, co-funder of Siblings Canada. In this episode, Helen shares her journey as a caregiver for her brother, Paul, and the joys and challenges of stepping into a caregiving role for a loved one. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental well-being while supporting a loved one, and the inspiration behind Siblings Canada
Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Melissa Wilson, parent and supporter of Community Living Toronto. In this episode, Melissa shares her son, Michael’s early years, the programs and supports that shaped his life and the importance of community support. They also discuss the challenges they encountered during transition years, their experiences and advocacy efforts to ensure Michael had the best opportunities to reach his full potential, and much mor...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From Developmental Services champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. This week, we are pleased to share a special Inclusive Education Month episode. Tune into episode 5 of sea...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From Developmental Services champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mike Tasevski, parent an...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Dr. Vikram Dua, psychiatrist and supp...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mary O'Hearn, a member of CLTO Influe...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Mark Ayles, supporter of Community Li...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Chris Beesley, a parent and CEO of Co...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Michael Braithwaite. In this episode,...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. Today, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Nick Hadjiyianni, program manager of ...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie talks about her association with the Community Living movement and Developmental S...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. In this heartfelt episode, Kelly shares her childhood experiences and growing up in different homes, how supports from ...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, and discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. In this heartfelt episode, Agnes shares her longstanding connection with CLTO through career and volunteer work, advoca...
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector. In this episode, we have a chat between Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Juanita Forde, Lead Steward of ...
