Category Archives: Advocacy

June is National Indigenous History Month: a time to reflect, learn, and act

Advocacy, Events, Resources

It’s a chance to deepen our understanding of Indigenous Peoples by learning about their histories, ways of life and the lived realities that continue to shape this land. It also means acknowledging the legacy of residential schools, the violence of colonial systems and the lasting grief carried through generations, while honouring a strength and resilience that continues to endure.

Visit CMHA Ottawa website for ideas on how to get involved in National Indigenous History Month. Whether you’re just starting your learning journey or deepening your understanding…

Click on this link:
https://ottawa.cmha.ca/nihm-nipd-2025/

Community Living Ontario is calling all changemakers (ages 14-29) in Ontario! 💥

Advocacy, Grant

Got a bold idea to make your school or community more inclusive for youth with intellectual disabilities? This is your chance to turn your passion into action — and receive up to $2,500 to bring your idea to life!
💡Team up with 5+ peers (including 2 youth with intellectual disabilities)
🤝 Partner with an adult ally
🌎 Join a province-wide movement for inclusion!
📅 Apply by Friday, June 13th, 2025 at 11:59 PM
💻 Learn more & apply: bit.ly/R4I-Community-Action-Projects

May 5 to 11 is Mental Health Week!

Advocacy, Events, Mental Health

This year’s theme, chosen by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), is “Unmasking Mental Health.”

This week, we think about the challenges faced by people living with mental health issues. Many deal with stigma, unfair treatment, and feeling left out. Some people also have a developmental disability along with a mental health condition — this is called a dual diagnosis. These challenges can make it harder to get help, find a job, or ask for support. As a result, some people feel like they have to hide their true selves behind a mask.

We want to change that. Let’s look past the struggles and see the person. Everyone deserves the chance to live a full, happy life with the right support to help them reach their goals.

To learn more about Mental Health Week and to find help in your area, visit the CMHA website. https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/

“If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” — Dr. Stephen Shore

Advocacy

Autism affects how a person communicates and processes information. It’s a type of neurodiversity, with varying needs and experiences across cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Support can range from occasional help to full-time care, and sensory processing differences are common.
Awareness is key to supporting autistic individuals and inclusivity. Learn more by checking out Autism Ontario’s About Autism infographic!

“𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 ‘𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠’ 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚.” – 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬.

Advocacy

The Holy Father was a longtime supporter of our movement, hosting Special Olympics athletes at the Vatican and advocating the power of sports in uniting people, such as at our recent Winter World Games in Turin, Italy.

Moreover, he was a vocal champion of inclusion, especially for society’s most vulnerable and marginalized. We vow to continue the fight for his vision of a more caring and accepting world.

Read more about his impact on Special Olympics here: https://brnw.ch/21wS7uS