Toronto, ON —December 1, 2023 — Community Living Toronto is thrilled to announce a special celebration that will honour International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) (IDPD). The event will take place at Community Living Toronto’s Etobicoke Community Office, on Saturday, December 2nd, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities”.

The highlight of the celebration will be the presence of Minister Kamal Khera. Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada.  Minister Khera will be delivering insightful remarks, participating in a cake-cutting ceremony, and leading a tour of the facilities. This event corresponds with our regular programing for the day, ensuring a lively atmosphere with many people on site. Attendees can expect a festive ambiance with fun food and engaging activities.

“We’re excited to have Minister Khera join us in celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Her presence underscores the importance of our ongoing commitment to creating a barrier-free society,” says Angela Bradley, Senior Director – Social Enterprise, Development & Philanthropy for Community Living Toronto.

Quote from Minister Kamal Khera. Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada:

“As we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us celebrate the accomplishments we have made in building a more accessible Canada, while also recommitting ourselves to building a barrier free Canada. Our government continues to build on milestones like the Accessible Canada Act and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including the Canada Disability Benefit, to enhance support for Canadians with disabilities. A sincere thank you to Community Living Toronto for 75 years of tireless dedication to championing disability rights and contributing to the development of more accessible and inclusive communities”

Quote from MP James Maloney – Etobicoke Lakeshore:

“As we celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons, I would like to congratulate Community Living Toronto on its 75th anniversary of providing hope and care in Etobicoke and across Toronto. The organization is a shining example of how people, families and a community can come together and make a difference. While improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities,  Community Living Toronto has also been changing the way society approaches the rights of the people with disabilities. Today, and every day, let’s celebrate the abilities and contributions of people with disabilities in our world, which is a better place because of them.”

The celebration will extend to social media, with Community Living Toronto actively sharing updates and highlights on Saturday and Sunday. Follow us on our social media platforms (@CLToronto) and join the conversation using #IDPD and #75YearsOfBelonging.

For media inquiries and additional information, please contact Angela Bradley at abradley@cltoronto.ca or 416-509-1596.

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About Community Living Toronto:

Celebrating 75 years of belonging, Community Living Toronto has long been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families. Community Living Toronto offers a wide range of services including respite, person-directed planning, employment supports, supported living, and community-based activities.

Community Living Toronto is proud to support over 4,000 individuals and their families in more than 80 locations across Toronto. The “community living movement” began with families who wanted their children to live in the community, rather than institutions. Today, Community Living Toronto continues to advocate for inclusive communities and support the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability.