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BAMD 2025 SPRING SHOWCASE

ARE YOU READY TO BUST A MOVE AT

TORONTO’S SPRING MID YEAR SHOWCASE!

The ultimate feel good dance show.

DATE/TIME: Sunday June 22nd 2025-  Doors open at 5:00pm / Show starts at 5:30pm

LOCATION: The Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard Street East Toronto)

THE THEME: “Covers & Remixes”

Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion [webcast]

WHEN: June 24, 2025 at 7pm

An information session for individuals, families and caregivers

Please join us for a simultaneous French/English presentation about Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, the government of Ontario’s plan to reform developmental services. The plan is centred on a vision where people with developmental disabilities are supported by their communities, support networks and government to belong and live inclusive lives, where they are empowered to make choices and live as independently as possible. 

We are pleased to share a reminder of the principles of Journey to Belonging, along with updates on the progress and work we are doing on important commitments, like the development of a new needs-based funding approach and other service improvements. 

As with past webcasts about J2B, we expect to receive many questions. To address as many as possible, a live segment will follow the webcast. Christine Kuepfer and Amy Olmstead, Directors at the Community Services Division of MCCSS, will answer questions sent in advance.

Please use this form to submit your questions before June 19th at 11:59 pm EST. If you cannot access the form, you can submit your questions to admin@p4p.ca. There will be no opportunity to ask questions during the webcast.

Presentation by:

Amy Olmstead, Director, Community and Developmental Service Policy Branch, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Please contact Jana Bogatin at jana.bogatin@ontario.ca for any inquiries.

Applications for the Canada Disability Benefit will open on June 20, 2025.

As of June 20, 2025, individuals will be able to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit online, by phone, or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 64 can apply for the benefit if they have qualified for the disability tax credit and meet the benefit’s other eligibility requirements.

Individuals who are potentially eligible for the benefit (those who qualify for the disability tax credit and meet most of the eligibility criteria) will receive a letter in the mail in June. This will include a unique application code to access a streamlined online application or streamlined phone application through an automated Interactive Voice Response.

Those who don’t receive a letter and think they may be eligible can apply for the benefit through the standard online application or a paper application available in a printable form (for submission via mail or at a Service Canada Centre).

In addition, clients will have the ability to receive program and application support with an officer across all Service Canada channels (phone, online and in-person).

The first month of eligibility for the benefit is June 2025. First payments will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. The newly launched benefit estimator tool can be used to find out how much an individual may receive each month.

If an individual qualifies for payments, payments will start the month after their application is received and approved. If the application is approved in July 2025 or later and an applicant was eligible for payments in earlier months, they will get back payments. There will be no payments for months before June 2025.

The Canada Disability Benefit program is administered by Service Canada. To find out more on how to apply, contact details and other information related to the benefit, visit the  Canada Disability Benefit website.

Thank you, 

Office for Disability Issues

Employment and Social Development Canada

TTC Travel Training Program and Wheel-Trans Information Session

Join us for TTC Travel Training and Wheel-Trans Information Session – a valuable opportunity for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and service providers to learn more about the wide range of supports, accessibility features, and assistance available when navigating Toronto’s public transit system.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 24 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
WHERE: In-person at 202-128A Sterling Road, Toronto

REGISTRATION: Attend as a drop-in. No registration needed.

See flyer for more details

You’re Invited! Respecting Rights Quarterly Meeting

Join us for our next quarterly meeting on Friday, June 27 at 2:00 PM.

This time, we are talking about Accessible Transportation – how people with disabilities get around and what needs to change to make transportation more accessible.

Respecting Rights and ARCH Disability Law Centre will share updates on what we’ve been working on. A lawyer will also tell a real-life story about air travel and accessibility.

We want to hear from you! Come share your own experiences with getting around and tell us what you think could be better.

Everyone who identifies as having an intellectual or developmental disability is welcome!

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

Camp your way this summer at Shadow Lake! 

Enjoy our flexible options for campers attending with their own support staff:

🚌 Day Camp | $125/day
🌙 Overnight Camp | $2,250/week
⏰ Short Stay | $375/day

(Includes meals, activities and accommodations for camper & staff)

Register or learn more by contacting us directly: shadowlake.office@cltoronto.ca | 905-640-6432

DramaWay’s 2025 Summer Arts Programs

We are so excited to announce that DramaWay’s 2025 Summer Arts Programs are open for registration! With both In-Person and Online options, there’s something for everyone!

Visit our Summer Programs page directly at www.dramaway.com/summer-arts to explore what’s available.

🌟 Spots are limited, so register early to secure your place!


EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
Register by June 18th to receive a discounted rate. It will automatically be applied to all registrations.

MULTIPLE PROGRAM DISCOUNT:
Use one of the following codes at checkout:

· DOUBLESUMMER for 2 programs

· TRIPLESUMMER for 3 or more programs

Please note: Only one discount code can be used per registration. If you register before June 18th and apply the appropriate code, the Early Bird discount will also be included. Be sure to enter the code at checkout to receive your full discount.

See flyer for more information

Respite Summer Camp 2025 – Bryan’s Place

Respite Summer Camp
📅 July & August
🕘 Monday to Friday | 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Bryan’s Place

This camp offers a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for children and adults with complex needs to learn, grow, and have fun throughout the summer.

GCA Connects (16+) Session Topic: Travel and Exploration [online]

GCA Connects (16+) Session Topic: Travel and Exploration 

Travel means something different to everyone. Whether you’ve been to new places, want to go someday, or just like learning about the world, this session is a chance to share, connect, and get inspired. Join us as we explore the fascinating corners of the globe that inspire and excite you.  Participants are invited to send a photo of their favorite travel destination to the facilitators. During the session, the group will guess where the photo was taken and learn two unique facts about the location. 

We’ll also share personal travel experiences, discuss what it means to be a tourist, and talk about any concerns or anxieties around traveling. This is a supportive space where members can exchange tips, insights, and encouragement—all guided by GCA Social Workers. 

Please note: This session will focus on the joys and curiosities of travel, including language, culture, and personal interests. We will not be discussing political situations or global unrest.  

 Topics discussed:  

  • Tips for exploring comfortably (in your own city or away), including accommodations 
  • A favourite destination you have been to or wish to visit either locally or abroad – share 2 fun facts 
  • What makes travel feel stressful or uncertain? 
  • Low-cost ways to explore new places or experiences 
  • Ideas for creating a travel or outing budget, big or small 
  • Fun ways to be a tourist in your own city or neighbourhood 

 The Benefits:   

  • Safe environment for discussion and resource sharing   
  • Supportive community  
  • Opportunity to share, grow and learn   
  • Focused on adults  

This is right for you if you’re:  

  • Are an adult with ASD (16+)  
  • Can attend virtually for 1 hour using Zoom for Healthcare  
  • Are comfortable participating in facilitated group discussions and sharing experiences   

Upcoming session:

Session for: Adults 16+ 
Date: Tuesday June 24th, 2025 
Time: 6pm to 7pm 
Location: On Zoom for Healthcare 
Cost: Free 

To Register Email: GCAConnects@autism.net and provide your full name, age, and the City you live in 

Caregiver Resource Group Recruitment – CAMH Adult Neurodevelopmental Services

We are currently recruiting for caregivers to join our upcoming virtual CAMH Caregiver Resource Group with Adult Neurodevelopmental Services. Our sessions occur on Wednesday afternoons (3:00 pm – 4:30 pm) from June 25, 2025 – July 23, 2025.

Caregiver Resource Group

This five-week virtual group offers caregivers the opportunity to learn more about disability resources and caregiver supports in the community. The Caregiver Resource Group hosts a wide variety of educational presentations by external guest speakers and by ANS clinicians (Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Behaviour Therapists). Caregivers will receive group consultative supports and guidance with resource navigation. This group provides caregivers with a safe and inclusive space to discuss topics such as burnout, self-care, and coping strategies.

Dates: Wednesday afternoons from June 25, 2025 – July 23, 2025
Location: Virtual WebEx meetings will be sent for each session once participants are registered

Schedule:

  • Week # 1 (Introductions): Addressing Caregiver Burnout & Stress with Self-Care (Wednesday, June 25 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
  • Week # 2: Internal CAMH Speaker: Behaviour Therapist (Wednesday, July 2 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
  • Week # 3: Internal CAMH Speaker: Occupational Therapist (Wednesday, July 9 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
  • Week # 4: Group Discussions and Guest Speaker: Passport Funding (Family Service Toronto)
  • (Wednesday, July 16 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
  • Week # 5 (Final Session): Resource Navigation and Coping Skills (Wednesday, July 23 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)

If caregivers would like to register for our next Caregiver Resource Group, feel free to contact Atif Khan at Atif.Khan@camh.ca