Category Archives: Ontario

2025 Ontario Election Candidates Debate on Disability Issues

Advocacy, Ontario, Services and Programs

On February 19, 2025, a consortium of 11 major disability organizations including the AODA Alliance held an All Candidates Debate on disability issues in the 2025 Ontario election, moderated by Global News reporter Isaac Callan, held at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre. This is the video from that event. All four major Ontario parties were invited to sent a representative. The Ontario Green Party, Liberal Party and New Democratic Party each sent a representative to speak for their party. The Ontario Conservative Party did not send a representative.

🏠November 22 is National Housing Day

Advocacy, Housing, Ontario

In recognition of National Housing Day on November 22, the DSO Housing Navigators are excited to share a special video created in collaboration with self-advocates, their support teams and the DSO Communications team.

This video highlights the critical importance of inclusive housing policies for everyone in Canada, especially for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It underscores the need for accessible and inclusive housing solutions that foster equity, dignity, and independence for all.

To complement the video, you will find here a resource with practical tips on how you can advocate for inclusive and accessible housing policies in your community. Whether you’re engaging with policymakers, raising awareness, or supporting local initiatives, every effort helps to move us closer to a Canada where everyone has a place to call home.

The DSO Housing Navigators hope this initiative inspires ongoing support and action—not just on National Housing Day, but every day—to create communities where everyone has a place to call home.

They invite you to watch the video and share it widely to help raise awareness and support for this vital cause.

📢It’s Canadian Down Syndrome Week!

Advocacy, Ontario, Social

This year for Canadian Down Syndrome Week, join the Down Syndrome Association of Ontario to explore the importance of social connections to our health and happiness and how societal barriers contribute to social isolation in the Down syndrome community. Feeling ignored or misunderstood by society is a reality many youth and adults with Down syndrome face, especially once school is over and routines change. The amount of time spent sitting rises, time outside the home decreases, and new relationships are harder to establish.

Learn more:
https://cdss.ca/canadian-down-syndrome-week/

💻Webcast on September 17 at 7pm – An Introduction to Parent and Caregiver Advocacy in Ontario’s Schools.

Advocacy, Ontario, Presentations / Workshops, School, Virtual

Navigating the education system, when your child has diverse learning needs, can often feel frustrating and overwhelming. Having a good understanding of the system and knowing what resources are available can equip families with the tools they need to advocate for their child’s education. In this webcast, panelists will offer insights on how to advocate for your child’s education and explore important educational legislation and resources.

Join P4P Planing Network for a webcast on September 17 at 7pm – An Introduction to Parent and Caregiver Advocacy in Ontario’s Schools.

Link here to register. https://bit.ly/4g3xadb