ConnectABILITY Homepage

Teens & Adults Inclusive Arts-Based Workshop

Specialized for individuals with disabilities and diverse neurological & physical abilities. 

CAMP CARROT

This summer, join us at camp carrot! A virtual summer arts adventure for creatives who love to dream, play, and perform! Set in nature, camp carrot blends drama, music, movement & storytelling into fun-filled days of theatre games, exploration, and big imagination. Each week sparks creativity through scene-making, improv, catchy camp cheers, and collaborative play.

Build confidence, make friends, and shine in your own unique way! Unleash creativity. Embrace Nature. Step into the spotlight.

WHEN: July 4 – August 22 | Fridays from 11:00am to 1:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
AGES: 16+

See flyer for more details

Corbrook Summer Camp

Get ready for lots of fun

  • Community Day Trip + TTC Training
  • Fun & Games in the Park/Beaches
  • Picnics / BBQ’s
  • Life Skills
  • Cooking & nutrition
  • sports & dance
  • mindfulness, yoga & meditation
  • arts & crafts/experiments
  • Self advocacy & activism

Dates

  • Week 1 – July 7 – 11
  • Week 2 – July 14 – 18
  • Week 3 – July 21 – 25
  • Week 4 – Aug. 11 – 15
  • Week 5 – Aug. 18 – 22
  • Week 6 – Aug. 25 – 29

Cost

Ages 14 – 18: FREE
Ages 19+: $600/wk

See flyer for more details

Register now! – 416-245-5565 | East Scarborough: Fatima.Rashidi@corbrook.com | North York: Sinead.Tawse-Smith@corbrook.com

Alternatives to Guardianship [webcast]

WHEN: June 3 | 7pm EST

In the last few years, there has been an increase in discussion around parents and caregivers seeking guardianship for their family member with a developmental disability. The Alternatives to Guardianship webcast helps families understand that guardianship can be unnecessary and limit the rights of a person with a disability. 

Join us on June 3, 2025 at 7pm EST for this important webcast as we discuss the implications of guardianship and explore decision making alternatives in Ontario.

What’s in it for you:

  • Understanding of where guardianship would be necessary and an overview of decision-making alternatives in Ontario
  • Insights into alternative ways of thinking about a person’s ability and right to make their own decisions
  • Overview of the drawbacks to guardianship
  • A live Q&A session to address your questions

DramaWay’s 2025 Annual Arts Showcase!

DramaWay Annual Performance Showcase 2025 Spotlights Over 110 Performers of ALL Abilities!

DramaWay’s annual celebration of the exceptional artistic achievements of Greater Toronto’s special needs community will take place on Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th, 2025, at the Papermill Theatre (67 Pottery Rd., Toronto).

Saturday, we feature 4 live stage productions from the DramaWay Theatre Program. This original theatrical piece,“Rhythms & Rebels”, takes inspiration from a greasy musical high school set in the 1950’s and mashes it together with a musical trilogy set in a high school in the 2000’s. Uniquely adapted to accommodate our exceptional performers of all abilities, it includes loads of dancing and singing featuring an incredible dance number finale! Put on your poodle skirts or basketball jerseys and join us for a nostalgic mashup!

Sunday, our West End Actors will perform, “Rhythms & Rebels”, then our Vocalists slay across time in “Sing The Hits Baby One More Time!” Finally, DramaWay’s Wednesday and Thursday Dancers will captivate you with their back-to-back performances in our Annual Dance Showcase, while taking you through dance styles across the world  and sharing our point of view through movement & dance

For schedule and tickets, please visit: www.dramaway.com/showcase.

See flyers for more details

DanceABLE 2025 – Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, at Cabana Pool Bar

In partnership with Substance Cares, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario is throwing its ninth annual free outdoor patio party called DanceAble. The event is an unparalleled night of entertainment to celebrate people of all abilities and will take place on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, at Cabana Pool Bar which is conveniently located at 11 Polson St. Toronto, ON, in the heart of Toronto’s wharf district from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

DanceAble is about bringing families, friends, businesses, and the greater local community together to create a world that is inclusive and accessible and where people with disabilities are recognized and appreciated.  

 At this year’s DanceAble, guests will experience an all-inclusive evening of music, dancing, and some special surprise guest DJs. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served as well as pizza from Pizza Nova. The evening is designed to provide people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend this event with a fun and exciting opportunity. 

Illuminating the event with the magic of the Seven Wonders with Lux Carnival bringing in more diversity, and recognition, and celebrating a wider community as guests become a part of the carnival celebration. Get ready for a fully immersive this year with our collaboration with LUX Carnival for the third year. 

We would like to extend a DanceAble invitation to your organizations for those who have physical and cognitive disabilities. This event is free of charge, all-inclusive, and alcohol-free. While we would generally like to extend the invitation to everyone, our priority, and goal is to create an open event to celebrate people with disabilities in our community.

To learn more about DanceAble and to register for this event, please visit Tickets DanceAble.

To learn more about other programming hosted by Variety Village please check out our events page https://varietyontario.ca/events/

Accessible Performances at the 2025 Luminato Festival

Red Like Fruit 

Audio Description: June 4, 8 PM 
ASL Interpretation: June 11, 8 PM

Michael Young Theatre 
Red Like Fruit by Hannah Moscovitch explores power, memory, and complicity in the post-#MeToo era. A journalist investigates a high-profile case of domestic violence, leading to an unsettling journey into her own past and the questions that arise when truth and trust collide. 

Nigamon/Tunai 

Audio Description: June 7, 2:30 PM 

Ada Slaight Hall 
Nigamon/Tunai brings together Émilie Monnet (Anishinaabe-French) and Waira Nina (Inga) in a profound performance that bridges Indigenous cultures from the North and South. Through song, movement, and rich soundscapes, this intimate experience explores resistance, solidarity, and the sacred connection between land and people. 

Immersed by Justin Gray

Pre-Show Audio Primer Available: June 7, 8 PM

TD Music Hall
A groundbreaking audio-visual experience from JUNO Award-winning bassist and producer Justin Gray. Created using Dolby Atmos immersive audio, this event places listeners in the center of a three-dimensional orchestra, where music isn’t just heard—it moves around you. 

Luminato at Harbourfront

Audio Described Tours: June 13, 6 PM; June 15, 10 AM

Harbourfront Centre
Luminato takes over Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre from June 4–22, with a weekend takeover from June 13–15. By day, explore Terceradix Luminarium, an immersive world of light running throughout the festival, and First Breath by Luke Jerram (June 4–8), a glowing tribute to new life. By night, experience South Asian rhythms from the Tawoos Initiative, Indigenous artists presented by Miigwech Collective, and Latin beats from Lula Music & Arts Centre.

Hamlet 

Captions: June 13, 7 PM; June 14, 7 PM; June 15, 2 PM
ASL Interpretation: June 14, 7 PM

Harbourfront Centre Theatre 
Peruvian director Chela De Ferrari reimagines Hamlet with eight incredible actors with Down syndrome, giving Shakespeare’s most famous work new relevance. Their fearless performances dive into existential questions, offering a joyful celebration of human dignity and individuality.

A Glimpse of Quincy

ASL Interpretation: June 13, 8 PM
Relaxed Environment: June 13, 8 PM

Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage
Celebrate the late great Quincy Jones with Grammy Award-winning artist Larnell Lewis. This tribute showcases iconic hits from The Dude, Back on the Block, and more. A vibrant celebration of Jones’ unparalleled influence on jazz, R&B, and beyond.

Rainbow Dreams 

Audio Described Tour: June 14, 10 AM – 11:30 AM 

Brookfield Place 
Amid the rush of the day, find a moment to pause, play, and reconnect. Three vibrant, site-specific environments—each infused with Hiromi Tango’s signature rainbow aesthetic—invite you to explore pathways toward well-being. These installations are designed to spark joy, movement, and reflection, reminding us that mental health is an active, creative practice. 

HANS: My Life in Fairytales 

Sensory Friendly: June 14, 3 PM; June 15, 11 AM
ASL Interpretation: June 15, 3 PM
Audio Description: June 15, 3 PM
Relaxed Performance: June 15, 3 PM

Young People’s Theatre 
As the world celebrates Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy 150 years after his passing, HANS: My Life in Fairy Tales brings his life and stories to vibrant life through puppetry, video, and clowning. With a mix of humor and heart, this world premiere brings Andersen’s beloved tales to a new generation, celebrating the timeless magic of storytelling and imagination. 

Last Words: Conversations in Cemeteries 

Audio Described Tour: June 18, 8 PM – 11 PM 

York Cemetery 
As night falls, step through the gates of one of Toronto’s historic cemeteries, drawn by the glow of soft, saturated light and distant music. Here, among centuries of stories etched in stone, an extraordinary evening unfolds. In this intimate gathering, historians bring the past into vivid focus, while contemporary voices share profound personal insights about mortality, meaning, and what it truly means to live. Together with fellow seekers, you’ll explore the conversations we rarely have—about death, grief, legacy, and the unknown.  

An Oak Tree 

ASL Interpretation: June 20, 7:30 PM
Relaxed Performance: June 21, 2 PM
Active Listeners: June 21, 2 PM
Audio Description: June 22, 2 PM 

Jane Mallett Theatre 
Tim Crouch’s hypnotic An Oak Tree offers a fresh theatrical experience where a father, mourning his daughter, meets the hypnotist responsible for her death. Each performance pairs Crouch with a different guest artist, who has never read the script before, making every show a uniquely rejuvenating experience. A mesmerizing exploration of loss, transformation, and the mind’s power. 

What the Day Owes to the Night 

Audio Description: June 21, 8 PM 

Bluma Appel Theatre 
In What the Day Owes to the Night, twelve men move from raw power to spiritual grace in a hypnotic blend of capoeira, martial arts, and street dance. Choreographed by Hervé Koubi, this stunning performance explores identity and connection through dynamic, athletic movement. 

To book tickets, reserve audio description devices, and/or request specific seating arrangements, email access@luminato.com. More information is available at luminatofestival.com/accesshub. 

Community Engagement Speaker Series – TVO – June 2025

Each month, Community Living Toronto’s Community Engagement Speaker Series highlights different topics of interest, providing education and information to individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and the community at large.

This month, we are pleased to announce an insightful session from TVO Media Education Group – Inspiring learning that changes lives and enriches communities. TVO is passionate about creating learning that empowers you to connect with others and shape your future.

This event will take place via Microsoft Teams meeting on Wednesday, June 11th 2025 from 5:30pm-6:30pm

The webcast will include a Live Q&A!

To register or for more information, please email: Tom.gaspar@cltoronto.ca

Access Fest

AccessNow and the City of Toronto launch AccessFest on May 31 in David Pecaut Square

Canada’s go-to resource for accessibility information is proud to announce the latest addition to Toronto’s summer festival lineup: AccessFest, a first-of-its-kind festival celebrating accessibility and inclusion. AccessFest marks the organization’s 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of advancing accessibility across the country.

Organized with support from the City of Toronto, AccessFest is free, open to all and built for everyone. Taking place on May 31 at David Pecaut Square in Toronto, the festival features barrier-free activities, live music, comedy and panel discussions. The day-long schedule of activities will be hosted by Spencer West – acclaimed motivational speaker, content creator and disability advocate. 

“AccessFest is a declaration that accessibility cannot be an afterthought – it’s a fundamental right,” said Maayan Ziv, Founder and CEO of AccessNow. “At a time when commitments to inclusion have been threatened, we’re creating a space where access is celebrated and non-negotiable.”

From ASL workshops to chair yoga and visits with therapy dogs, the fully accessible festival features an unfiltered, interactive and inclusive lineup of performances and conversations, led by top disabled Canadian musicians, comedians, creators and advocates. This includes:

  • Courtney Gilmour – JUNO nominated comedian and Canada’s Got Talent finalist. 
  • Martin Deschamps – acclaimed rock artist and advocate for disability rights. 
  • Mattmac – blind Oji-Cree rapper redefining the Canadian hip hop scene and winner of CBC Searchlight. 
  • Matt Maxey – ASL performer at Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show and founder ofDeafinitely Dope, offering ASL workshops focused on breaking barriers and connecting cultures through sign language and hip hop.
  • Stephanie Cadieux – Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer.
  • Taylor Lindsay-Noel – disability rights activist, entrepreneur and content creator. 

“At its core, AccessFest is a reflection of our community’s values,” said Pat Tobin, General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, City of Toronto. “We are proud to collaborate on an initiative that strengthens the incredible arts and culture scene of our city while reinforcing a simple truth: everyone belongs. This is a step toward a more accessible future for all.” Powered by a coalition of Government, Community Partners, and Sponsors – including The Daniels Corporation and Motion – the festival unites those committed to a barrier-free future.

“Our partners and sponsors aren’t just making this possible, they’re helping us flip the script on those dismantling progress,” said Ziv. “Together, we’re putting accessibility at the heart of our culture, communities and conversations.”

AccessFest is taking place on Saturday May 31, 2025, at David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto (215 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G2) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. The iconic CN Tower will be lit with blue lights in celebration of AccessFest.

Learn more at AccessFest.ca and be part of a festival that’s helping to build a more accessible future.

Strategies for Employment: Preparing, Finding and Retaining Work [webcast]

WHEN: May 29th at 7pm EST

Finding, keeping, and growing in a job or career can be an important part of our lives. It helps us build relationships and connections, gain self-confidence, and support financial security. In Ontario, the supports available to help people with disabilities find a job have changed, and job seekers and their families need to understand the new Employment Ontario program. 

Join us on May 29th at 7pm EST for an UPDATED Strategies for Employment webcast to learn about how to navigate the employment supports system in Ontario, and what steps job seekers can take to prepare for employment or expand their employment goals. 

What’s in it for you:

  • Strategies for navigating the new Employment Ontario program
  • Key considerations for setting goals and managing expectations
  • Tips on preparing for and navigating the job-seeking process
  • Understanding of the role of a job developer and employment agency
  • A live Q&A session to address your questions
Register now
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