Community Engagement
Parent Support
Parent share
Parent Share is a collaborative group of parents and staff offered in partnership by Community Living Toronto (CLTO) and WoodGreen, supporting families of people with intellectual disabilities. The group provides a safe, welcoming space for parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Alongside conversations about helpful topics such as programs and services, funding sources, and building healthy relationships, parents share the struggles, joys, and triumphs of raising children of all ages.
While guest presentations are offered occasionally, the group intentionally offers a space for connection and peer learning. Parents play an active role in deciding the topics that are explored, with support from group facilitators and staff. Over time, the group has benefited from shared planning guided by Person-Directed Planning principles, participated in interagency initiatives such as a Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) fair.
The connections formed during each session extend well beyond the walls of the community centre. A special bond develops when parents are able to speak openly with others who truly understand their experiences.
“The Parent Share group is a place where I can come and sing, dance, share, or just be quiet as my mood allows. It is a place where I know people truly understand.”
— Parent
Sibling Support
Sibshops
Sibshops provide opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with intellectual disabilities to obtain peer-to-peer support and education in an informal, fun setting. Workshops are geared to children ages 8 to 13, with mentoring opportunities for older siblings ages 14 to 16.
Theme-based workshops past themes include Pirates, Safari, Tropical Vacation, and Celebrity Day featuring scavenger hunts, team puzzle solving, role playing, crafts, and shared meals.
For more information about Sibshops, please contact Hannah Ertl:
Parent Support
Moms Supporting Moms
Moms Supporting Moms is a peer support group for mothers of children with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities of any age. The group meets both online and in person, offering flexible ways to connect with other mothers who understand the unique responsibilities many moms have.
This group provides a safe, non-judgmental space to share experiences, talk openly about challenges and successes, and build meaningful connections with others who truly get it. Whether you want to listen, share, or simply be present, you are welcome here.
For more information, please contact Hannah Ertl:
Parent Support
Dads Supporting Dads
Dads Supporting Dads is an in-person peer support group for fathers of children on the autism spectrum or with a developmental and/or intellectual disability of any age. The group meets at various locations across the city, offering fathers the opportunity to connect face-to-face, share experiences, and support one another in a welcoming and informal setting.
If you’re interested in meeting other dads who understand the journey, Community Living Toronto’s Dads Supporting Dads group is here for you.
For more information, please contact Tom Gaspar:
Social Connections
Friendly Connections
Friendly Connections is an interactive social service run by ConnectABILITY for individuals of all ages with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The program focuses on reducing isolation and enhancing well-being by creating opportunities for connection, socialization, and fun.
The group meets bi-weekly throughout the year on Microsoft Teams, offering a welcoming space to engage with others. Participants can also sign up for a monthly mailing that includes colouring pages and activity sheets, providing additional ways to stay connected and engaged.
For more information, please contact Amanda Wharton:
Game about Inclusion
Spinclusion
Spinclusion is a fun, interactive game that creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and youth of all abilities and cultures. Through play and conversation, it teaches that everyone is different and that people have a wide range of abilities. The activity promotes the idea of disability as one aspect of diversity and helps spark interest in inclusive programs and initiatives.
Spinclusion is designed for anyone who wants to create more inclusive spaces, including schools (Grades 2 through high school), teachers and school staff, after-school programs with mixed ages, camps, and youth or recreation clubs.
Participants learn to focus on people’s abilities, think positively about differences, and consider the feelings of others. By exploring inclusion in an engaging way, Spinclusion helps build empathy, respect, and understanding, while encouraging positive social interactions and a stronger sense of belonging in classrooms and community settings.*
Self Advocates
CLTO Influencers
We are a group of people who have a developmental disability and lots of abilities.
Together, we want to raise awareness and create positive change in our communities and beyond.
Nelson
Lorraine
Josh
Jenna
Sam
Farrah
Erica
Sandra
Mary
Felicia
Sam
Get in Touch
Community Engagement Coordinators
Central
Amanda Wharton
Community Engagement Coordinator | Membership and Volunteers
Etobicoke-York and North York
Tom Gaspar
Community Engagement Coordinator | Membership and Volunteers
Scarborough
Lecent Ewart-Lynch
Community Engagement Coordinator | Membership and Volunteers
Contact Us to Learn More
Information and Membership phone number: 647.426.3220