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Invitation to the DIScover Conference

The Disability Collective is hosting our first ever conference! The DIScover Conference is a two-day leadership event bringing together arts professionals, accessibility advocates, and community members to advance accessibility and disability inclusion in the arts.

DIScover will feature a dynamic lineup of panels and workshops, including topics such as Partnering with Deaf-Led Theatre Companies, Casting Disabled Artists, Accessible Marketing Practices, An Introduction to Disability Justice, Funding Accessibility, and more. Through practical sessions and engaging discussions, DIScover will equip arts organizations with tools to foster inclusivity and elevate disability representation, setting a new benchmark for accessibility practices.

The DIScover Conference will take place on October 9th and 10th at Native Earth’s Aki Studio in Toronto. You can learn more about the conference HERE and check out the full agenda HERE.

This invite is coming to you super late as we were resistant to ask fellow disability-led organizations to spend money to attend, BUT, we received some additional funding and are now able to offer heavily discounted and complimentary passes to those who may need. I’d love to have you and any members of your team there, and would be super grateful if you could share this opportunity with anyone in your network or any of the community members that you serve that you think may be interested. Complimentary passes can be booked by emailing me here at ali@thedisabilitycollective.com. Let me know if I can forward any media or additional language to support the share. 

Respecting Rights Virtual Coffee and Advocacy Self-Advocates Meeting

Respecting Rights and ARCH Disability Law Centre is hosting our monthly Coffee and Advocacy meeting on Friday, October 17th at 2:00 PM held virtually on Zoom. This meeting is for adults who identify with having an intellectual or developmental disability and live in Toronto. Learn about your rights to make your own decisions in areas of your life such as your healthcare, finances and in relationships!

Support persons are welcome to join if supporting someone to attend. 

To register, email Jessica at Jessica.field@arch.clcj.ca

Special Olympics North York Bolts Basketball Program – Begins Oct 16!

Special Olympics North York Bolts is offering a mixed gender basketball program in North York for individuals with an intellectual disabilities ages 18 years and older, beginning Thursday, October 10, 2025 from 7:00pm-8:30pm at Churchill Public School in North York. No basketball experience is required. The volunteer coaches will help evaluate the athletes based on ability levels. Please see flyer for details.

When: Every Thursday beginning October 16, 2025
Location: Churchill Public School Gym – 188 Churchill Avenue, North York, M2N 1Z5
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Ages 18+
Registration Fee: $50

Registration Link for new athletes: https://portal.specialolympics.ca/ontario/athlete-registration

  • We will be implementing assessments for ALL athletes to determine skill levels
  • We have a strict code of conduct to ensure a safe and fun experience for all athletes and coaches
  • We have an attendance policy so we can provide team play so the coaches can plan appropriately
  • Please note – we cannot provide 1:1 support (see attached)
  • We have limited spots open due to coach to athlete ratio
  • More details will follow the athlete registration and assessment on October 16th

This is a new revised website for Toronto Special Olympics and has all other SO Toronto programs listed: https://toronto.specialolympicsontario.ca/

If interested in registering or wish to help volunteer, please contact Michael Chung – michaelc@specialolympicsontario.com

Learning Circle: Parenting a Child with Extra Support Needs – monthly program

Monthly gathering designed to provide a supportive, safe, and welcoming space for parents or caregivers raising children with extra support needs. Meetings will include open discussions as well as guest speakers, including professionals and advocates, to provide valuable insights on relevant topics. Whether you’re seeking support, advice, or simply a space to share, we welcome you to join us. Together we can navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of parenting a child with a disability.

See flyer for more details

Woman on the Move Expo 2025

Nellie’s Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive programs and services to all women and children who have experienced violence and/or are leaving violent situations. We offer a wide range of services which includes housing, employment, food insecurity, support groups, workshops, etc. addressing safety and prevention of violence.

Women on the Move (WOTM) is a program supporting women with disabilities who are at higher risk of trauma since 2023 within a group setting. Through education, groups, and resources, WOTM offers safe opportunities for women to receive services within a supportive independent living environment. Prevention is a key aspect of our program as we work with clients and the broader community to address the issue of trauma and violence for women with disabilities.

We are excited to have our second annual WOTM Art Expo Breaking Through Barriers! It will be on October 16, at Metro Hall 55 John St. in the Rotunda from 11:30am-4:30pm. There will be both individual and collective art and writing from women who are in the group.

See flyer for more information

Tips for RDSP Plan Holders [webcast]

WHEN: October 6th at 7pm

Opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a critical start but there’s still much more to consider to ensure that you are optimizing your plan. Join us on Monday October 6th at 7pm EDT to learn more about how Plan Holders can manage an RDSP effectively and maximize its value over time.

What’s in it for you:

  • Insights on how you can receive the maximum amount of government contributions including retroactive grants and bonds
  • Important information about the withdrawal process
  • Tips and guidance on how an RDSP can integrate with other disability benefits and a longer-term financial plan
  • Overview of ongoing Plan Holder responsibilities

Panelists:

Christine Albert

Christine Albert is a Certified Financial Planner® at Assante Wealth Management. She has been with Assante Wealth Management for 16 years, and in an advisor role for the last 10 years. Her practice focuses mainly on financial planning for people and families.

Ron Malis

Ron Malis is the founder of Reegan Financial, a Toronto-based firm focused on financial advice and estate planning services for people with disabilities and their families. For more than a decade, Mr. Malis has been helping clients understand relevant aspects of ODSP and the RDSP as they consider financial and estate planning options.

A live Q&A will follow this presentation. Register using the link below – we look forward to having you there!

Register now

Introduction to the RDSP [webcast]

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Intro to the RDSP webcasts!

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a made-in-Canada, long-term savings plan designed specifically for people with disabilities. Whether you recently opened an RDSP or are thinking of starting one, P4P’s Introduction to the RDSP webcast is a great place to learn more. Join us for one of our fall sessions below to gain valuable insights and guidance.

What’s in it for you:

  • An understanding of how you could receive up to $90,000 from the federal government in bonds and grants
  • Insights on opening an RDSP, withdrawals and taxation
  • Knowledge of the latest updates and changes to the RDSP
  • Tips & advice on free resources to consult for additional information

Upcoming Webcast Dates:

For more information about the RDSP, be sure to check out the RDSP Resources on the Planning Network.

Dads Supporting Dads October 2025

Are you a father to a child on the autism spectrum or a developmental/intellectual disability of any age? Are you interested in meeting other fathers? If so, Community Living Toronto has a dads support group just for you!

Register today

tom.gaspar@cltoronto.ca | 437-688-1139

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