Thriving in My Community Webcast
Tools and Resources
Thriving in My Community Webcast
Tools and Resources
Thank you for joining us for the Thriving in My Community Webcast. Below is a list of actionable tips, links and resources relevant to the topics discussed. We hope you find this information useful.
3 TIPS TO TAKE ACTION AFTER THE WEBCAST
- Spend time with your family member and list three things that interest them or that they are passionate about. Look at what lights them up, makes them smile, or anything that they show a strength in. For each interest of your family member, consider who else might share their interest? Where do other people who share this interest or passion gather? Where are the places your family member enjoys spending their time? Moving forward, is there anyone you’d like to include in a deeper relationship?
- Talk with your family member and their close connections about the roles they currently hold in their community. How do they see your family member currently making contributions? Identify any new roles they could take on in the future.
- If your family member is still in school, identify the key friends or connections they have now and consider how to maintain these relationships during transition periods. Start by creating a list of key friends, teachers, or mentors they connect with regularly.
LINKS & RESOURCES
This toolkit, created by P4P, can help you think about the transition to adulthood. It shows you how you can use your time, think critically, and make smart choices so you are more in control of what comes next. This period holds so many possibilities, and there are many opportunities to start building a good life beyond graduation.
Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)
ODEN is a province-wide organization that brings together businesses and Employment Service Providers to increase employment opportunities for job seekers who have a disability. Mentorability is a full or half-day mentorship experience for job seekers who have a disability.
Family Support Network for Employment (FSNE)
FSNE is a family-led coalition that seeks to engage people with an intellectual disability and their family members in supportive networks around employment, social infrastructure, and provide resources.
RWA is a national network of job developers and employment agencies that support job seekers with an intellectual disability or autism. Check out their list of employment agency partners to see if there is one in your community. Their website also has a page for job seekers that helps you connect to supports in communities across Canada.
Extend-A-Family connects people with disabilities and other members of the community to create a greater sense of belonging. At the heart of Extend-A-Family is the importance of relationships, and Extend-A-Family Coordinators introduce people based on their interests and shared goals. They emphasize that through relationships, people feel safe and get a greater sense of belonging.
The Speaking Out conference is hosted, planned, and presented by self-advocates. This year’s conference will be held from October 16-18, 2026.
Arts Society of Kingsville (ASK)
The Arts Society of Kingsville (ASK) is a local art centre that promotes the arts and artisan crafts made by local artists.
Safe and Secure: Seven Steps on the Path to a Good Life for People with a Disability
Al Etmanski's bestselling book for families is filled with ideas, family stories, and thought-provoking questions. It provides hands-on planning guidance and worksheets for families to map the future of their family member with a disability.
PLANNING NETWORK RESOURCES
The Planning Network offers stories and resources to support families and people with a disability. If you’re preparing for the transition to adulthood, visit P4P’s Beyond Graduation Toolkit, and check out the stories below.
Nawin Mutti: Building a Full Life One Step at a Time
Nawin Mutti is one of the featured guests in the Thriving in my Community Webcast, and his story is also available in a series of videos on the Planning Network. This featured story introduces Nawin, his experiences pursuing college and building a life centred on his employment journey.
Crafting a Good Life: Andrew Werner
Andrew Werener’s story highlights how his housing, interests, goals, and relationships all contribute to a good life in community.
Michael Jacques in His Own Words
Meet Michael, whose story of perseverance, positivity, and advocacy is touching lives and changing mindsets within his community.
Julian Escallon: Man of Many Passions
A remarkable man shares his worldview, accomplishments and many goals.
College Guy tells the story of Andrew, a student attending school at Lampton College.
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