Disability Advocacy in Ontario | Community Living Toronto

Sector Advocacy and Updates

Community Living Toronto advocates alongside partners, sector organizations, and the people we support to advance the rights, housing, employment, and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities across Ontario.

Our Priorities

What We are Advocating For

Together with partners and sector organizations, CLTO continues to advocate for critical support to ensure people with intellectual disabilities have a home, a job, and a community they can belong to.

“Inclusion takes work. That’s why CLTO focuses so much on advocacy — ensuring the voices of people we support, and those waiting for support, are heard by our elected decision makers.”

— James Janeiro, Chair, CLTO Government Relations Committee

Housing

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Our sector is providing housing for 5% fewer people than in 2018, while the waitlist has grown by 55%. Many people with intellectual disabilities are experiencing homelessness, living in unstable housing, or living with aging caregivers who can no longer provide needed support.

Policy

Advancing Policy Change

Each year, approximately 3,000 more people apply for developmental services yet only one-third are approved. CLTO advocates for systemic policy changes that improve access to life skills support, community participation, and family respite.

Employment

Employment for All

Community Living Toronto helps people with intellectual disabilities find and keep meaningful work. Through Employment Services, including programs like MyJobMatch and Project SEARCH Toronto, CLTO offers job coaching and workshops, and works with employers to support inclusive hiring across Ontario.

Accessibility

Accessible Communication

“This was the most important day of my life!” says Sam Forbes, a member of CLTO Influencers, who was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly directly. Sam, and other Disability advocates from around the world had an opportunity to review and discuss the UN Resolution on Easy-to-Understand Communication. This resolution will encourage companies and organizations worldwide to use accessible language guidelines.

What We’ve Done

Recent Advocacy Activities

A record of CLTO’s recent advocacy events, coalition, and government engagement

May 6, 2026

Community Living Day at the Legislature

Community Living Toronto and Community Living Ontario co-hosted the annual Community Living Day at the Legislature event at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Each year, this event brings self-advocates, developmental service organizations, family members and other supporters together to promote awareness of our movement and connect with policymakers. Over 200 people and 40 agencies joined us on this day.

Mar 27, 2026

New Investment Strengthens Stability for Developmental Services Sector

The Government of Ontario tabled its 2026-2027 Budget, “A Plan to Protect Ontario”

Nov 12, 2025

Join the Fall 2025 #WaitingToBelong Advocacy Campaign

Community Living Ontario and OASIS launched the Fall #WaitingToBelong campaign – a united call for action, hope, and change!

Jul 1, 2025

Increase to ODSP Rates

As of July 1, 2025, the Provincial Government raised Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates by 2.8 per cent (%). This is the fourth rate increase since the government tied ODSP rates to inflation in September 2022. Since then, the rates have increased by a total of 20%.

Influencers

CLTO Influencers

CLTO Influencers are a group of people who have a developmental disability and lots of abilities. Together, they raise awareness and create positive change in our communities and beyond.

With over 15,000 social media followers, the Influencers are active on every platform and in every room, from local community events to the United Nations General Assembly. They challenge misconceptions, and empower other self-advocates and allies to join the movement for social justice and human rights.