This full-day symposium will provide an opportunity for honest and meaningful conversations that explore different perspectives and deepen our understanding of ableism, inclusion, and person-centred practice.
The event will bring together people with lived experience and self-advocates, families, caregivers, support professionals, leaders, community partners, service providers, and others in the developmental services sector. Together, we will explore how we can contribute to more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.
This session establishes a foundation for understanding ableism and the politics of disablement. Through a storytelling-driven approach that blends personal narrative, lived and learned experience, language, and visual media, this session equips professionals and community members with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build disability-affirming environments that support disabled people and anyone impacted by ableism.
In this workshop we will explore ways to incorporate Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) into everyday supports. You will leave with some tools and activities that can help everyone build on their existing naturel relationships and build new ones.
This session turns awareness into action. Building directly from the concepts, lived experiences, and critical reflections explored in Evelina’s earlier presentation, this interactive breakout session invites participants to practice what it means to actively disrupt ableism and embody disability pride in real time. Through guided activities, collaborative problem-solving, and scenario-based learning, participants move beyond theoretical understanding and begin developing the practical skills required to challenge ableist norms within their organizations, communities, and everyday interactions.
This workshop explores the grass roots of the Independent Living philosophy and how it translates into meaningful, person-centred support for persons with physical disabilities and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users.
What makes a good life? The answer is different for each of us. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how Personal Outcome Measures (POM) help us better understand what truly matters to a person and what a good life looks like from their perspective. Through discussion, real-life scenarios and activities, we’ll introduce the 3Es — Education, Exposure and Experience — and explore how they can open new possibilities, expand meaningful choice, and support people to achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
Come ready to share, reflect and discover how People, Perspectives and Possibilities can come together to support more person-centred lives.
What if one conversation could change the way you see disability? Join us for honest conversations that explore different perspectives and deepen our understanding of ableism, inclusion, and person-centred practice.
Evelina is a feminist sociologist specializing in disability pride and disability justice. Driven by a commitment to transformative social change, her work centers the voices, knowledge, and lived experiences of disabled people to illuminate—and dismantle—the barriers that shape everyday life. Evelina examines how social markers of difference such as race, class, gender, and disability intersect to produce distinct standpoints, revealing the complex ways oppression and privilege coalesce across identities.
Janette is a Service Manager with Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW) and a Certified Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) Trainer with the agency. She brings extensive leadership experience in developmental services, with a focus on strengthening service delivery and advancing person-centred practices. Janette is passionate about moving from traditional program-based approaches toward support that are increasingly person-directed.
Negar is a Communication Facilitator at North Yorkers for Disabled Persons, focusing on communication access for people who are non-speaking or who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Her work focuses on reducing communication barriers and creating environments where individuals have the time, tools, and support needed to express themselves and participate fully.
Phoebe is the Information, Resource & Referral Coordinator at North Yorkers for Disabled Persons, where her work focuses on systems navigation, advocacy, accessibility, and supporting meaningful participation for people with physical disabilities and complex communication needs. She assists individuals in navigating barriers, accessing appropriate supports, and remaining actively involved in decision making processes.
Tara is passionate about and has been working in Developmental Services for over 18 years. She has done frontline direct supports, been an employment specialist and now works as a Supervisor with Community Living Brant. She oversaw an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) project called Belonging Brant and has been lucky enough to learn and work with some of the leading voices in ABCD.
Tracy is an Outcome Support Supervisor with Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW), where she supports the implementation of Personal Outcome Measures and promotes person-centred practices across the organization. With 16 years of experience at CLGW, Tracy is passionate about supporting teams to create meaningful, person-driven outcomes for the people they support.
Vera is the Manager of Resident Services at North Yorkers for Disabled Persons, where she oversees the delivery of 24-hour attendant services within a supportive housing setting. Her work focuses on self-directed service delivery and supporting people with physical disabilities and complex support needs to exercise choice, dignity, and autonomy. Vera brings extensive experience in frontline service delivery and staff leadership.
Engaging presentation from the key note speaker
Conference booklet
Small, interactive workshops led by experienced professionals
Conference swag
Coffee, refreshments, and lunch
Honest and meaningful conversations that will challenge your perspectives
Network with developmental sector experts and professionals
Connection with community members
