What's in it for you?
- Gain insights from diverse personal stories that reflect a range of values and interests, covering themes like education, creative expression, and employment.
- Discover how engaging in community-rooted social roles can create a deeper sense of belonging and practical steps you can take to start building a life within your community.
- Gain a parent's perspective on the support system and maintaining a strong belief in possibilities for your child from a young age.
- Explore how you can better equip yourself to support family members with disabilities as they explore their own interests and potential.
Brenda Agnew
Brenda is a dedicated family and parent partner in the disability research and advocacy communities, driven by her personal journey as the proud mother of two sons, Chase and Maclain. Her younger son, Maclain, is a former 29-week Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome survivor who lives with quadriplegic dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy and profound hearing loss due to Kernicterus. Since Maclain’s diagnosis, Brenda has been a tireless champion for systemic change, working to improve policies, programs, and supports for children with neurodiverse needs and their families. Her extensive contributions include serving with leading organizations such as CP-Net, CHILD-BRIGHT, and as a Director for Easter Seals Ontario, alongside her leadership as a school board trustee for the Halton Catholic District School Board, where she chairs key committees on special education, mental health, and human rights.
Brianne Taggart
Brianne is a self-advocate, public speaker, artist, bird photographer and dedicated committee member from Kingsville, Ontario. She is passionate about inclusion, leadership, and empowering others to embrace their abilities and use their voices. Through her advocacy work, public speaking, and participation on many committees, Brianne helps promote positive change and encourages others to reach their full potential. Her artwork and photography celebrate the beauty of nature and wildlife, with a special love for birds, especially owls. Brianne is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities and inspiring others to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Nawin Mutti
Nawin is a dedicated board member of the non-profit organization Extend-a-Family, an organization he has been a part of for most of his life. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion, committed to fostering better, more accessible communities for everyone. Since high school, he has done workshops and training on inclusion, and since 2015 he has shared his perspective through speeches on the strengths of differently-abled people. In addition to his advocacy, Nawin attended Humber College for two years, and has over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has served on the Extend-a-Family board since 2018.
Kira Orendorff
Kira is the Family Facilitator at Partners for Planning and Project Manager for Microboards Ontario. Her journey into independent facilitation began while supporting a family member with a developmental disability. Inspired by the positive impact of personalized support, she helps families build lives rooted in community, choice, and belonging. With a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and over 15 years of experience in relationship-building, strategic planning, and project management, Kira combines practical expertise with a strengths-based, heart-centred approach. She has a facilitation practice in Toronto, partnering with families to create clear, sustainable plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals.