Sonshine Families has made updates to their respite space, in order to ensure the space is safe for individuals using wheelchairs, and to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Improvements include:
For additional information about the Sonshine Families respite program, please contact Margo Babe (margobabe@sonshinefamilies.ca)
Each year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) reminds us of the importance of promoting the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It’s a time to reflect on how we can continue to remove barriers, both seen and unseen, that limit accessibility and inclusion in our communities.
By working together to create spaces where everyone can participate fully, we open our doors to a more creative, diverse, and welcoming society, where every person’s voice, talent, and perspective is heard.
Service Coordination Support (SCS) marked an incredible milestone in 2025 — 30 years of empowering families, supporting clients, and strengthening our community.
This milestone belongs to every client, family, and staff member who has been a part of our journey, and we have been very grateful to have been a part of yours.
Recently, we asked SCS staff what brings them joy in their job:
“What brings me joy [working at SCS] is being able to help families and clients find the information they need to make informed decisions, to help bring them clarity, and sometimes redefine success,” says Andrea Stadhard, Case Manager – Adult Services.
“Being able to come into a home-away-from-home where everybody that I meet, whether it be clients or colleagues, are welcoming, and it makes me feel confident, and joyful, to work at SCS,” says Renée-Claude Levert, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist.
“Working at SCS provides me with opportunities to learn and grow every day, while contributing to meaningful work within our community,” says Mackenzie Braithwaite, Communications Officer.
Looking forward to the next 30 years, our commitment remains the same: to support people with developmental disabilities, and children with autism, in finding available resources and planning for the future of their choice.
Thank you for being a part of our SCS community.
Teens and parents are invited to attend CHEO’s two-part Transition to Adulthood webinar series, to assist in the planning and preparation required to make for a successful transition for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
February 13, 2026 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Part 1
February 20, 2026 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Part 2
To learn more, and to register for the session, visit: Foundational Family Services – CHEO
Attend Autism Ontario’s FREE Journey to Adulthood Webinar (Dec. 10)
Caregivers of people transitioning to adulthood can attend Autism Ontario’s FREE Journey to Adulthood Webinar, on Wednesday, December 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to learn more about adult services, funding, supports, and key dates for applying for adult services.
Learn about:
To learn more, and to register for the session, visit: Journey to Adulthood Overview | Autism Ontario
CBC has launched Disability Life, a dedicated hub showcasing their coverage of news, sports, culture, content, and perspectives for and about Canadians with disabilities.
Visit CBC News | Disability & Accessibility for more!
St. Pius X C. H. S. is celebrating over 50 years of bringing individuals with special needs and students together!
Join the fun at the FREE St. Pius X C.H.S. Christmas ATC Dance on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1481 Fisher Ave.
Snacks and drinks will be provided, and holiday themed outfits are encouraged.
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Floor hockey
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Dance
For any questions, please contact Brad Boucher at brad.boucher@ocsb.ca
Registration is now open for the summer 2026 season at Belwood Lodge and Camp for children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities.
Campers can enjoy music, dance, swimming, adaptive sports, nature, campfires, group games, and more!
Offering both overnight and day camp programming in July and August, Belwood Lodge and Camp is Passport funding friendly.
To learn more, and register, visit Belwood Lodge and Camp or contact office@belwoodlodgeandcamp.com
Partners for Planning (P4P) invites you to join their FREE online webcast, Money Talks, on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 7 p.m. (EST).
This session will highlight financial resources, tax credits, funding you can access from the provincial and federal governments, and how to navigate the financial sector to help make smart financial decisions for the future.
To learn more and register, visit Partners for Planning – Money Talks – December 1
