Community Living Ontario

09/03/2026

Farrah's Story – 30 Stories for 30 Years of Council

My name is Farrah and I have been part of Community Living Toronto since fall 2022. I have been involved with Community Living Ontario Council for quite some time.

To belong means to be a part of a community and being included in all aspects of the community, be it being a part of accessibility discussions, or being invited to contribute to meetings or events or even participate in surveys in your local community.

I didn’t have any friends, so my local Community Living agency sent out a flyer about a university Best Buddies chapter. I took up that opportunity and since joining Best Buddies in the fall of 2021, I have made many friends and have had a lot of great opportunities as well.

When I started school at age six, I was privileged to have the opportunity to attend my home school, both elementary and high school. My family included me in advocacy when I was young. They used to make decisions in a way I would understand and let me share my input in a way I could best communicate.

Because my family advocated for me and included me at such a young age, and in all aspects of my life, which in my case, included education and health care. Today in 2026 I am involved in many advocacy groups in my community.

My takeaway message for you all is to believe in the people you are supporting.

09/02/2026

Summer 2026 Council Newsletter is here! ☀️

Catch up on what Council members have been working on, upcoming events and elections, connections with CAMH, and how we’re celebrating 30 years of self-advocacy and leadership across Ontario.

Read the latest Council Newsletter: bit.ly/council-newsletter-summer-2026

09/01/2026

Community Living Ontario is pleased to continue the Family Engagement Grant Initiative for a fourth year. The initiative provides seed funding to family networks across Ontario to bring families together, share information and experiences, and create opportunities for families to support one another and build good lives for their loved ones with intellectual disabilities. Learn more: https://zurl.co/h4DoN

08/31/2026

Jem Moeller's Story – 30 Stories for 30 Years of Council

Finding My Voice and Helping Others Find Theirs

My name is Jem Moeller, and I am a member of Community Living Ontario’s Council.

For me, self-advocacy means having the confidence to share what is in my heart. It also means helping other people feel comfortable sharing their stories and speaking about what matters to them.

I found my voice as an advocate by helping people tell their stories. Some people may feel shy or afraid to speak, and I want them to know that their experiences and ideas matter.

Finding my voice has also made a difference in my own life. I used to be much shyer, but I am now more comfortable speaking with others and sharing my thoughts. I am still learning new things about advocacy and how I can use my voice to help people.

I use my voice to support people with intellectual disabilities and Indigenous people. I want people to be able to make choices about their own lives and not be afraid to speak up when they need help.

I have listened to people in my community and helped bring their concerns to community and government representatives. Some people may not yet know how to speak up for themselves, so I try to help explain the issues they are experiencing.

Since becoming part of Council, I am most proud of helping other people become their own self-advocates. I want people to know that they can use their own voices, make their own choices and speak about what is important to them.

I am also proud to bring my Indigenous experiences to self-advocacy. I am proud of being Indigenous, proud of my culture and proud of how much I have grown over the years.

My advocacy is not only for me. I also want to support other Indigenous people and people with intellectual disabilities who may have similar experiences.

As Community Living Ontario’s Council celebrates its 30th anniversary, I am proud to be part of its story. I look forward to continuing to support people, share my experiences and help others find the confidence to use their voices.

08/28/2026

We too are grateful to have Shawn Pegg working with us at Community Living Ontario. ☺️

Inclusion Canada was represented by Shawn Pegg at a pre-budget consultation in Toronto on Disability in the Community ahead of the Government of Canada's Budget 2026.

Shawn is director of social policy and strategic initiatives with Community Living Ontario He shared with the group the successes of the Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) inclusive employment program. Supported by the Government of Canada, RWA has resulted in over 6,300 meaningful jobs for persons with intellectual disabilities and autism. Inclusive employers and job seekers alike want this important program supported in the upcoming federal budget.

Thank you Shawn!

Parliamentarians participation were: Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State, Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families and Danielle Martin, MD, Member of Parliament for University–Rosedale.

08/28/2026

In this week's edition of Update Friday: Family Engagement Grant Initiative, Farrah's advocacy journey, and more!

Read the full edition: https://bit.ly/UF-Aug28

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-To-UF

08/24/2026

James Taylor's Story – 30 Stories for 30 Years of Council

Hi, my name is James Taylor. I was part of the Council of Community Living Ontario for about four years. What I enjoyed most about being on the Council was having a voice for other self-advocates and the opportunity to serve as the president of the Council of Community Living Ontario during that time. I continued my work on the Council because I truly care about advocating for self-advocates. I really enjoy being part of the community and making a difference through the Council.

Check out James' remarks during the 2017 Day at the Legislature: https://youtu.be/L-SzcNeLyNc?si=JLW7rUnHm8_wp27o

08/21/2026

In this week's edition of Update Friday: Much is at stake for students with disabilities, Jem's advocacy journey, and more! Read the full edition: https://bit.ly/UF-Aug-20-2026

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-To-UF

08/19/2026

Robert’s Story – 30 Stories for 30 Years of Council

As Community Living Ontario celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Council of self-advocates, former Council member Robert Smith is reflecting on the people and experiences that made his time with the group so meaningful.

Robert joined the Council in 2021 and says being part of the team was a highlight.

"It was a joy being involved with Community Living Ontario," he said. "The feeling I have with Council is that it's a great group of people to be a part of and work with. The team of CLO staff and Council is just a great group of people."

He especially enjoyed working together to share ideas and create change.

"A lot gets done when we brainstorm ideas," Robert said. "In my time as a Council member, it was a real joy to be a part of it."

Although his term has ended, Robert looks forward to continuing his connection with Community Living Ontario and the advocacy work ahead.

"I'm happy that the Council is celebrating 30 years," he said. "Here's to another 30-plus years."

This summer has also been a special one for Robert personally. On July 11, he married his long-time partner, Kristen, after eight years together. The couple, who are both involved with Community Living Northumberland, celebrated their wedding with family and friends and included a meaningful sand ceremony.

"Being able to spend it with friends and family was really good," Robert said.

Robert introduced Kristen to the Community Living movement after they met online, and today they both enjoy staying connected with the community, especially by attending the annual CLO Inspiring Possibilities Conference together.

08/18/2026

Through Student Links, Cambridge high school student Tessa recently visited the Waterloo Regional Police Service Canine Unit to explore her interest in dogs and learn more about policing.

Tessa met members of the Canine Unit, learned about the training and teamwork behind police service dogs, and watched two dogs demonstrate their skills.

Thank you to Waterloo Regional Police Service and everyone who helped make this hands-on learning experience possible!

Learn more about Student Links: https://communitylivingontario.ca/what-we-do/student-links/