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Voices, Connections, & Inspiration at Speaking Out 2026!

CLASS Self-Advocates joined others from across Ontario in Port Elgin for the 2026 Speaking Out Conference, a weekend filled with learning, friendship, inspiration and the power of self-advocacy!

A special highlight was seeing Avery take the stage to share her personal experiences advocating for herself and her service dog, Luma.

Take a look at some wonderful moments from the weekend and read more about this meaningful experience!

Inclusive Employment in Action: CLASS and KEGO Partnership

Through a partnership with KEGO, 21 people at CLASS are gaining valuable work experience, developing new skills and earning a paycheque. Discover how this partnership is creating meaningful employment opportunities and recognizing the abilities and contributions of people at CLASS.

Margaretta Park Opens

Kim’s hard work, advocacy and determination, alongside the efforts of many others, helped make Margaretta Park a reality. Seeing Innisfil’s new accessible playground officially open is a wonderful example of what can happen when people use their voices to help create a more inclusive community.

Congratulations, Kim, and everyone who helped make this happen!

Friendship

Friendship grows through connection, initiative, and spending time together. Bill’s story shows how a simple idea can bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful relationships to thrive.

photo of Andrew the magician wearing his top hat bow and suspenders

The Amazing Andrew

What a magical day at CLASS!

Amazing Andrew wowed the crowd with an incredible magic show.

Check out the full story and watch the video to see the magic in action!

#CLASSCommunity #MagicMoments #StPatricksDay #InclusionInAction

More than a meal – building skills and community

Behind every bowl of soup at CLASSic Lunchbox is an opportunity for growth. The program supports people receiving supports and services from CLASS by providing real, hands-on experiences that build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills — all while being part of a welcoming community.

Sweet Success!

CLASSy Canine Cookie Crew Crushed It!

From baking to bagging, selling to delivering — 23 people came together to make this cookie cycle a sweet success. Want to see who was involved and how this unique profit-sharing program makes an impact?

Read the full story here.

Self-Advocates Weekend

The Self Advocates leadership team from the Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS) travelled to Port Elgin, Ontario, to take part in the 2025 Speaking Out Conference — a province-wide event dedicated to promoting inclusion, leadership, and self-advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. This inspiring weekend of workshops, connection, and personal growth brought together advocates from across Ontario to share experiences, build confidence, and strengthen their voices as leaders in their communities.

CLASSic Lunchbox in Bradford

CLASSic Lunchbox is coming to Bradford!

We’re excited to share that CLASS will soon be operating an affordable soup program at the new Simcoe County affordable housing site on Simcoe Road in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

People are already learning safe kitchen skills and preparing for their future roles in this community-driven program.

Read more about the initiative and the new location above.

Margaretta Park Groundbreaking!

July 23 marked a truly special moment as we celebrated the official groundbreaking of Margaretta Park — Innisfil’s new fully inclusive park for people of all abilities.July 23 marked a truly special moment as we celebrated the official groundbreaking of Margaretta Park — Innisfil’s new fully inclusive park for people of all abilities.July 23 marked a truly special moment as we celebrated the official groundbreaking of Margaretta Park — Innisfil’s new fully inclusive park for people of all abilities.

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