Inclusion Symposium

Join us at the first annual Inclusion Symposium!

Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre

On Day 1The Learning Exchange, presented by From Presence to Citizenship and presented by CSBTThis event features nationally and internationally recognized speakers and thought-provoking interactive panel discussions that feature champions of transformation. This year’s sixth From Presence to Citizenship Learning Exchange, Citizenship Building, will carry on the theme of “people driving change” as we shift to focusing on the importance of community; building healthy communities and creating community connections and partnerships. Participants will explore ways to support a welcoming and inclusive society, learn how to bring powerful conversations into your community and shift your agency’s thinking about the nature of engagement.For more information please visit: <a href="https://frompresencetocitizenship.wordpress.com/" title="https://frompresencetocitizenship.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://frompresencetocitizenship.wordpress.com/</a>What's in your toolbox- wine, cheese and best practices: hosted by The Quality Disability Supports that Respect the Person working group. This working group is a subcommittee of the Inspired by Our Grassroots Steering Committee. Our aim is to influence organizations to prioritize quality supports from the service user’s perspective.Over the last three years, in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic many organizations have found that their supports shifted from quality focused to safety focused. Finding a way back to quality supports in a post pandemic world can be overwhelming. Coming together to talk about issues, share successes and strategies is a means of supporting all of us back to Quality Supports that Respect the Person.This event will be an opportunity to learn more about the best practices while networking, enjoying some fine wine and good cheese.On Day 2From Awareness 2 Action: An EDI RoadmapEmbark on a journey that transcends awareness and leads to tangible action. This event is a rallying point for changemakers committed to creating an inclusive and equitable future in the developmental services sector.Highlights for Day 2Bits and Bites – Early Thoughts from Provincial Network’s SPARC ProjectIn February, the Provincial Network’s OnTrac group launched Project SPARC (Sector Preparedness Assessment for Reform Capacity) to capture the current state and readiness of the Developmental Services Sector for MCCSS’ Journey to Belonging reform. Grab your coffee and muffin and join us for 30 minutes during breakfast time to learn about our progress, hear some initial and interesting results from the survey data, and learn how you can ensure your ideas and voice are part of crafting a plan to build capacity and capabilities in Ontario DS organizations.Insightful Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations with industry experts, sharing their experiences and insights on EDI in developmental services.Interactive Workshops: Dive deep into practical strategies and solutions during interactive workshops designed to empower you with actionable takeaways.Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and potential collaborators passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion.Room Booking Information:Special rates for March 18-20th 2024Hotel offering your special group rate:• Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel &amp; Conference Centre for $219 CAD per night. Click <a href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1704832511236&amp;key=GRP" title="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1704832511236&amp;key=GRP" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a> to book.For more information please contact:Jo-Anne Demick<a href="mailto:jdemick@communitylivingontario.ca" title="mailto:jdemick@communitylivingontario.ca" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">jdemick@communitylivingontario.ca</a>

Day 1 Agenda

Breakfast

Citizenship Building- Welcome, Introduction and Opening Remarks

Citizenship goes beyond passports and voting; it's an everyday commitment that demands focus, intention, and planning. In this session, we'll explore how inclusive communities value each individual equally, recognizing their unique gifts, skills, and interests. This belief springs from the idea that our communities thrive when every person can actively contribute, creating vibrant, secure, and enjoyable lives. Emphasizing that contribution equals citizenship, we understand that relationships are the foundation of safety and security, and we will discuss ways that personal support networks play a pivotal role in helping individuals build meaningful connections. Identifying opportunities to contribute and making a specific plan are essential steps. The workshop guides participants in celebrating their gifts, connecting with others who care about the same things, building relationships, practicing hospitality, and getting involved in the life of the community. 

Morning Keynote Address: Citizenship is an Action Word

AM Break

In 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services announced Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion "a long-term vision for developmental services where people with developmental disabilities fully belong in their communities and are supported to live the lives they choose." The language is positive and progressive for those who believe in full citizenship for people with intellectual disabilities, but what is meant by belonging, choice, and inclusion? Our morning panel will address topics that include; dignity of risk, support for living in a home of one’s own, shifting agency, staff, and sector roles: from custodial to person-directed, inclusion through the lens of citizenship, and the opportunity for gifts and contributions

Interactive Panel Discussion: Genuine Community-Based Outcomes

Lunch

In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will delve into the profound theme of community, emphasizing the significance of neighbourhood connections and the vital role they play in fostering care and support. The session is designed to address the effects of isolation, both on an individual and at a collective level, while offering insights into the transformative power of meaningful connections. Through discussions, storytelling, and collaborative activities, attendees will explore ways to contribute as active builders of a nurturing and compassionate community.
Key topics will include: the impact of isolation, the power of connections, the stories we tell and strategies to be a builder of a caring community. Join us for an inspiring and transformative exploration of the interconnected themes of Neighbourhood, Connections, and Care. Together, let's envision and build communities that thrive on compassion, contribution, and genuine connections.

Afternoon Keynote Address: Neighbourhoods, Connections, and Care

PM Break

As we continue to develop our understanding of the notion of “belonging” this panel will share insights on their current efforts and actions to support authentic citizenship. The objective is to foster supportive communities and ensure that everyone’s journey includes support for the full enjoyment of their inherent rights and responsibilities of full citizenship. The vision is for people to not merely exist in their communities but to flourish as contributing members: directing decisions within their own homes, and actively engaging as members of the community they call home. This panel will address topics that include: what does choice look like, person-directed choice in the context of agency services, stories: the individual’s experience of success, supporting welcoming communities and a look to the future.

Interactive Panel Discussion-Community Connections, Who’s in the Driver’s Seat

What's in your toolbox- wine, cheese and best practices

Day 2 Agenda

In February, the Provincial Network’s OnTrac group launched Project SPARC (Sector Preparedness Assessment for Reform Capacity) to capture the current state and readiness of the Developmental Services Sector for MCCSS’ Journey to Belonging reform. Grab your coffee and muffin and join us for 30 minutes to learn about our progress, hear some initial and interesting results from the survey data, and learn how you can ensure your ideas and voice are part of crafting a plan to build capacity and capabilities in Ontario DS organizations.

Breakfast & Bits and Bites – Early Thoughts from  SPARC Project

Land Acknowledgement, Welcome, Introductions and Opening Remarks

Addressing Current Service Gaps for Black African Caribbean Adults and Caregivers Living with Developmental Disabilities


Morning Keynote Speaker

Data Sub-committee presentation of DS sector EDI Survey Executive Report: presented by Allan Mills and Alison Mclean and a Real Exchange sub-committee’s presentation on EDI Resources repository in collaboration with Central Region’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (ARDEIC) and RealXchange. 


Presentations from EDI CoP Sub-Committees

The Necessary Shift: A Practical Guide for Professionals Seeking to Create a More Inclusive And Equitable Landscape.


Afternoon Keynote Speaker- Dr. Leo Edwards

Knowledge Exchange sub-committee presentation on SMARTER Goals

Tkaronto Métis Jiggers- Interactive workshop introducing Métis Music and Dance

Wrap up

Networking

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Inclusion Symposium

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