ConnectABILITY Homepage

New Safe and Secure website is now live!

The wait is finally over — the BRAND NEW Safe and Secure Website is now live! 

After the successful release of the Ontario edition of Safe and Secure back in November, and the momentum that’s grown through conversations, launch events, and upcoming book clubs, we’re thrilled to share the next part of the journey. The brand new, much anticipated website is now available and brings everything together in one place.

You can now:

  • Read the fully accessible online version of the book
  • Explore and download each chapter digitally
  • Download all of the accompanying worksheets
  • Read testimonials and reviews

If you’re new to Safe & Secure, it’s a seven-step guidebook created by families, for families—filled with practical planning steps, real stories and worksheets to help families plan for a good life and secure future for their family member with a disability. Families across Canada have trusted it for years, and it’s just as relevant and inspiring today. This new edition has been updated with an Ontario focus and the most current information available.

We’re so pleased to see the many communities across Ontario gathering to explore the book together, through local launch events, group discussions, and shared reflection. We hope this new website will become another helpful resource, serving as a place to continue learning and support families as they engage with the book together.

Visit the website today and explore Safe & Secure online! https://www.safeandsecurebook.ca/

Monday Movie Matinee

The Thursday Murder Club  

Rated PG 13

For People with or without Disabilities over 18 yrs.

When: Monday February 9, 2026
Time: 3:00-5:30 P.M.
Where: Vibrant Community Health – 2398 Yonge St (Yonge and Eglinton)

Hosted by: Mentors of Vibrant Emerging Strong(MoVES)

Peer Support group/events operate under the Independent Living Environment and is committed to providing safe, inclusive spaces.

Films may contain controversial themes, content, and language.    

Limited Space 

To register, contact Lucy: 416-486-8666 ext.226 or lucyn@vibrantch.ca  

Casting Call for Love on the Spectum

There is a casting call for “Love on the Spectrum” for individuals in Canada, see flyer attached.

We are reminding people that they are looking across Canada so if you audition, it doesn’t mean you will be selected. 

If you are selected they will fly up to Toronto a few times throughout the year to shoot you.

Access Travel Club Invitation – Toronto Raptors

WHEN: February 5 at 7pm
LOCATION: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St. Toronto
Member Price: $125
Non-Member Price: $150

Registration Deadline: February 2, 2026

ATC invites you to join them to see our hometown Toronto Raptors take on the Chicago Bulls. Includes a ticket in the accessible seating area.

We look forward to seeing you! Space is limited, so register early. Wheelchair and Companion seating available on request.

Free Community event: Oughtism seminar

We’re passing along an invitation to Oughtism, a three‑day multimodal seminar taking place next week. The organizers have asked us to share this with communities who may be interested in disability arts, neurodiversity, and inclusive creative practice.

The event begins on Thursday, February 5, with a screening of The Stimming Pool  at the CAMH Auditorium in Toronto. 

Programming continues on Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus with talks, workshops, and exhibition tours.

The seminar features:

  • Presentations from disability and neurodivergent scholars
  • creative-writing, stimprovisation, and co-creation workshops
  • Sessions led by members of the Neurocultures Collective (creators of STIM CINEMA) and other autistic and neurodivergent artists and writers

The full schedule is available on the Oughtism website

All events are free and open to the public, with registration on Eventbrite.

A shuttle bus from Toronto to Mississauga will be available on Friday and Saturday to support access.

Corbrook Respite Programs

March Break Camp

March 16 – 20 2026 | 9am – 3pm
Ages 14 to 18 – FREE
Ages 19 & up: $600 for the week
1:1 Support available for an extra fee
See flyer for more details

Summer Camp

July 6-10 | July 13 – 17 | July 20 – 24 | August 10 – 14 | August 17 – 21 | August 24 – 28
Ages 14 – 18: Free
Ages 19 & up: $600/week
1:1 Support available for an extra fee
See flyer for more details

Understanding the Disability Tax Credit

Applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is an essential first step in financial planning for people with disabilities. This credit not only reduces the tax burden for the individual or their caregiver, but also opens the door to other valuable credits and programs, including the Canada Disability Benefit.

Join us on February 11th, 2026 at 7pm EST as our guest panelists provide critical information to help you better understand the DTC and how you can maximize your benefits. 

What’s in it for you:

  • Overview of the benefits of the DTC 
  • Guidance on how to apply for the DTC
  • Review of the DTC and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
  • Review of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
  • Overview of Service Navigation across Canada. 
  • Insights on the impact of a disability vs. diagnosis in eligibility for the DTC
  • Tips for completing the T2201 form

Panelists:

Cynthia Minh

Cynthia works as Director of Tax AID and Access RDSP programs at Disability Alliance BC. She holds an MA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia with special interest in Asian Diasporic Literature and intergenerational trauma.

Dr.Wayne MacLeod

Wayne is a family physician with an interest in helping Canadians with disabilities apply for the Disability Tax Credit. He started offering this service because so many Canadians are without a family doctor, and has since learned that people applying for this important credit face a number of barriers while trying to access it.

Register now

Paving the Path to Work (In‑Person & Virtual) 

Beginning the journey to the world of work and volunteerism 

Join us for a FREE, interactive and educational 6 -week program that covers relevant and current topics needed to consider before looking for work. 

Program Highlights:

  • Group and individual activities focused on:
    • Personal Management
    • Communication
    • Teamwork & Collaboration
    • Problem Solving
    • Success on the Job
  • Tech4Good Presentation (Week 3): Online safety, social media, and accessibility in technology.
  • Virtual workplace tours and the possibility of an in-person site visit.
  • Hybrid delivery: Attend in-person (North York office) or virtually — both formats run concurrently.
  • Class size: up to 15 participants in person to ensure personalized support.

Program Schedule:

  • Start Date: February 3, 2026
  • Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Breaks: 10-minute break every hour 🧃
  • Location: March of Dimes Canada – Toronto Office
    99 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, ON M3B 1Z2

Here is the current intake form at: https://tinyurl.com/3ns84bxn 

Important Notes:

Participants currently working with another Employment Ontario service provider are welcome. There is no conflict, and March of Dimes Canada will not register them as clients.

Certification is awarded based on active attendance and participation. This is a valuable opportunity for your clients to strengthen their soft skills, earn a credential, and continue their employment journey with your support.

Please find the program flyer attached. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share it with your clients.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out:
437-836-4891 | adearinglahn@marchofdimes.ca

  1. Home