LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝

Leading-edge charitable organization supporting inclusion, homes, jobs, friendships for people with intellectual disabilities; en français @VivreTravaillerJouer

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

On 2 June 2026, Jen Broad was invited to represent LiveWorkPlay in making a special National AccessAbility Week #NAAW2026 presentation to OCOBIA – Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas - representing 18 Business Improvement Areas across Ottawa through advocacy, collaboration, and shared resources (https://t.co/SWL3QElPtv).

The presentation focused on practical strategies to make hiring, onboarding, and training processes more inclusive and accessible. It was encouraging to learn that many organizations already had strong inclusive practices in place and were eager to explore additional ways to foster accessibility and inclusion in their workplaces.

A key takeaway from the session was that creating a more inclusive workplace does not require perfection. It is about small, intentional changes, that can have a meaningful impact and support progress over time.
Special thanks to Michelle Groulx for organizing the session!

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

On May 26th and May 28th, LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employment Specialist Joëlle Perrier-Olsen was a guest speaker at the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace, which serves the Federal Public Service, managed by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

She presented a 2-part virtual webinar in both official languages on Creating Inclusive Workplaces to highlight the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). #NAAW2026

Over 600 participants gained practical insight into why employment disparities persist, how intentional inclusion strategies rooted in neuroscience can improve individual and team performance, and what concrete steps public servants can take to foster meaningful inclusion. The sessions drew on LiveWorkPlay’s extensive experience and research-informed practices. It offered attendees shared language, practical tools, and proven strategies to support behaviour change, helping teams create environments where all employees - and especially those most often excluded - can thrive.

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

The Ottawa Hoarding Response Coalition (OHRC) is a collaborative community initiative formed under the leadership of Options Housing) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Ottawa.

https://t.co/BZhq7WckXJ

LiveWorkPlay has been contributing to the project since its inception, with Maggie Dimock and Grace Hudson representing the LiveWorkPlay team throughout 2025 and 2026.

The coalition focuses on addressing hoarding issues in Ottawa, particularly among tenants with low incomes. Our coalition unites community service providers, landlords, mental health professionals, and individuals with lived experience to develop and implement effective strategies for hoarding intervention and support.

The site features resources, events, guidance, and connections: "When people experiencing hoarding challenges get the support they need, it helps them stay in their housing and proactively prevent homelessness."

Congratulations to all concerned on this important initiative and the launch of the website!

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

For 31 years and counting, LiveWorkPlay has helped the community welcome and include people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons, and individuals with a dual diagnosis to live, work, and play as valued citizens.

Today, we are excited to announce one of the most important developments in LiveWorkPlay history, one that we believe will help strengthen our ability to deliver on that mission for decades to come.

Following more than a year of exploration, due diligence, consultation, and governance review, LiveWorkPlay has joined The BUSY Group, an international not-for-profit organization delivering employment, education, training, and community services across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

This partnership brings together two organizations that share a belief in inclusion, meaningful employment, strong communities, and the right of every person to live, work, and play as a valued citizen.

For LiveWorkPlay, joining The BUSY Group provides access to additional expertise, operational capacity, and long-term sustainability that will help strengthen our work into the future.

Get the full story from The LiveWorkPlay News at https://t.co/FuyTdDn0HD and from The BUSY Group at https://t.co/GqqZc0cioN

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

It's #NationalAccessAbilityWeek #NAAW2026 and we are kicking things off with this amazing new blog post from our partners United Way East Ontario sharing the story of Percy and his employment at DHL Express. DHL received the LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employer Award in 2025. They don't do it for the recognition, but DHL wants to make sure other employers see the benefits - and how easy it can be with the right employment supports partner!

https://t.co/7eEy8nz04x

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

It was another spectacular gathering for the Federal Employment Strategy Group quarterly meeting on May 27, 2026. You can view the agenda below. Special thanks to all our speakers.

This edition of the FESG was notable for shared values and inclusive employment principles that were featured consistently across all the presentations, even though none of the guests knew what other guests would be presenting. We are looking forward to National AccessAbility Week which starts on Sunday.
The next FESG is in September - get in touch with Anna Nelson to be added to the next round of invitations!

Ce fut un autre rassemblement spectaculaire pour la réunion trimestrielle du Groupe sur la stratégie d'emploi fédérale le 27 mai 2026. Vous pouvez consulter l'ordre du jour ci-dessous. Un grand merci à tous nos conférenciers. Cette édition du GSEF s'est distinguée par les valeurs partagées et les principes d'emploi inclusif qui ont été présentés de façon constante dans l'ensemble des exposés, même si aucun des invités ne savait ce que les autres allaient présenter.

Nous attendons avec impatience la Semaine nationale de l'accessibilité qui commence ce dimanche. La prochaine réunion du GSEF aura lieu en septembre — communiquez avec Anna Nelson pour être ajouté à la prochaine vague d'invitations !

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AGENDA Welcome: Mary Gusella Opening Remarks: Christopher T. Sutton, Accessibility Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) LiveWorkPlay Updates: Anna Nelson Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED): Representation Model: Laurie-Eve Bergeron Interchange Update: Vanessa Gaudreau & Joëlle Perrier-Olsen Privy Council Office (PCO): Tania Monette Project SEARCH Canada launches in Ottawa: Joshua Gray Jobseeker Profile Presentations: Robert Olsen and Joëlle Perrier-Olsen (LiveWorkPlay), Anirudh Rayas, WISE Employment Solutions Round Table

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

It was another spectacular gathering for the Federal Employment Strategy Group quarterly meeting on May 26, 2026. You can view the agenda below. Special thanks to all our speakers. This edition of the FESG was notable for shared values and inclusive employment principles that were featured consistently across all the presentations, even though none of the guests knew what other guests would be presenting. We are looking forward to National AccessAbility Week which starts on Sunday. The next FESG is in September - get in touch with Anna Nelson to be added to the next round of invitations!

Ce fut un autre rassemblement spectaculaire pour la réunion trimestrielle du Groupe sur la stratégie d'emploi fédérale le 26 mai 2026. Vous pouvez consulter l'ordre du jour ci-dessous. Un grand merci à tous nos conférenciers. Cette édition du GSEF s'est distinguée par les valeurs partagées et les principes d'emploi inclusif qui ont été présentés de façon constante dans l'ensemble des exposés, même si aucun des invités ne savait ce que les autres allaient présenter. Nous attendons avec impatience la Semaine nationale de l'accessibilité qui commence ce dimanche. La prochaine réunion du GSEF aura lieu en septembre — communiquez avec Anna Nelson pour être ajouté à la prochaine vague d'invitations !

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AGENDA

Welcome: Mary Gusella

Opening Remarks: Christopher T. Sutton, Accessibility Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)

LiveWorkPlay Updates: Anna Nelson

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED):
Representation Model: Laurie-Eve Bergeron
Interchange Update: Vanessa Gaudreau & Joëlle Perrier-Olsen

Privy Council Office (PCO): Tania Monette

Project SEARCH Canada launches in Ottawa: Joshua Gray

Jobseeker Profile Presentations: Robert Olsen and Joëlle Perrier-Olsen (LiveWorkPlay), Anirudh Rayas, WISE Employment Solutions

Round Table

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

The LiveWorkPlay staff team meets in person on a quarterly basis, with one-day gatherings that are usually a combination of learning and team-buidling. We had a jam-packed and well-received session today, with a morning of person-centred work focused on reviewing Team Purpose Statements for the Empoyment and Community teams, as well as sharing and updating person-centred profiles. Then we all tuned in to the live webinar about Journey to Belonging with Shawn Pegg from @ontario_living.

After lunch from our friends at Angry Dragonz, the afternoon was turned over to team-building with some artwork and even some time together in the sunshine of the @Bayview_Yards courtyard. This was the first staff retreat for Rachel Ready, Taylor Paxton, Ray Hincke, Grayson Woods, Jared Dykler, and Jess La Rue. It made for a great mix of contributions and perspectives, with a range of 1 month to 29 years on the job!

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

Charlotte Cowie has been employed at the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) team as an Administration Officer for almost five years. Recently, she has taken on new responsibilities in accounts payable, ensuring proper financial management and stewardship of funds in the public service, and it is clear that she is thriving in this role!

Last week, LiveWorkPlay Workplace Inclusion Specialist Jared Dykler had an opportunity to support Charlotte with some specialized training she was completing related to her new role. This includes data-entry functions within the SAP software system and the processing of departmental invoices in the Digital Services Branch.

Charlotte's supervisor Lillina Antonecchia and other colleagues speak to her enthusiasm and quick progress in taking on new tasks, as well as her reputation as a highly dependable and valued member of the ECCC team.

#DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveEmployment #WorkplaceInclusion #SupportedEmployment #PublicService #Accessibility

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

@B0mmer @CWHupdates We cannot get a hold of them in any way.

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

Back in 2017, Stephen Mullins had been about a year on the job at Canadian Wildlife Federation when @HIREforTALENT came to Ottawa and filmed a number of scenes featuring employers and employees connected by LiveWorkPlay. The videos have stood the test of time, and so has Stephen, who is celebrating a 10th work anniversary!

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

On May 16, 2026, Marie Stanfield celebrates her ninth year with the Canada Revenue Agency!

Marie started in 2017 as a part-time casual employee, which was increased to half-time, and then to a full-time contract. In 2021, she was made indeterminate (permanent) and is currently in the position of Appeals Clerk.

Marie has built many lasting professional relationships along the way. She is known for her diligence, professionalism, and positive working relationships with her colleagues. Congratulations, Marie, on your journey and this important milestone!

~ Photo provided by Robert Olsen, LiveWorkPlay, Workplace Inclusion Specialist

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

On May 11th, 2026, Daniel Pinsonneault celebrated an incredible 12 years of employment with Costco Wholesale! Daniel recently received a glowing performance appraisal from his managers, praising his ability to get the job done no how busy it gets (and it does get busy!). His dedication, positive attitude, and strong work ethic continue to make a lasting impact. Congratulations, Daniel, on this amazing milestone and well-deserved recognition.

Pictured top left (photo by Shayna Grey) Daniel celebrating his 12th! Top right, featured in a 2022 BBC video about public transit. Middle right, with Keenan Wellar, accepting the LiveWorkPlay Community Ambassador Award in 2023. Bottom left, with Anthony Taza, part of the team from Costco accepting the LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employer Award in 2024.

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

Yesterday, LiveWorkPlay joined with other @ontario_living member organizations, self-advocates, families, and supporters from across the province at Queen’s Park for Community Living Ontario’s “Day at the Legislature.”

The day focused on raising awareness about the barriers that people with intellectual disabilities continue to face in areas like housing, employment, inclusion, and support services — and the importance of continuing to build communities where everyone belongs.

LiveWorkPlay’s Rebecca Coxon had the opportunity to meet with Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney in her Queen’s Park office to discuss the importance of funding and supports that help people with intellectual disabilities live a full life in Ottawa. She also attended a ceremony with speakers that included Chris Beesley (CLO) and MCCSS Minister @MichaelParsa.

Agency leaders, community advocates, and elected representatives from multiple parties spoke about the importance of strengthening the developmental services sector and supporting people to live full lives of their choosing.

Thank you to Community Living Ontario for organizing this important day of advocacy, visibility, and connection.

#DayAtTheLeg26 #CLMonth2026 #WeAllBelong

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

We are excited to share this blog post from our friends at @MHIOttawa "For siblings Spencer and Shelby, living at The Haven has made it easier than ever to stay connected while still enjoying their own independence."

Spencer, Shelby, and their mom Sandra have been involved with LiveWorkPlay for almost 30 years! It is great to hear their story told from the MHI perspective, check out their blog at https://t.co/exF2T88FE6 for the full story!

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

The Auditor General of Canada's May 4, 2026 report on workplace accessibility in the federal public service highlights something many of us see every day: progress is real, but the experience is still inconsistent, and often too slow.

Across the public service, organizations are making gains in hiring and advancement for people with disabilities. But challenges remain in areas like accommodation processes, supervisor awareness, and meaningful engagement.

The report also points to ongoing gaps for people with disabilities that are not consistently recognized or well understood, including people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons, and best practices for supporting neurodiversity.

At LiveWorkPlay, we see how important it is to move beyond policy into practice. Timely supports, inclusive culture, and “nothing without us” truly shape outcomes. We’ve had the opportunity to work with more than 40 federal departments and agencies, and to recognize how leadership and collaboration can deliver amazing results. Here are three recent examples:

• Janelle Wright and the team at Finance Canada (2026 Inclusive Employment Champion): https://t.co/9YWiXC9xLM
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (2025 Public Sector Inclusive Employer Award): https://t.co/1LSeImuoeu
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2024 Public Sector Inclusive Employer Award): https://t.co/dW56zlzAHC

Access the complete auditor's report: https://t.co/DjMU4Wy0Om

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

Yesterday was the first day on the job for Simon Caisse, starting his 6 month contract as an Administrative Assistant with the Human Resources department at @tdplace_Levy.

He was received by his manager Shekinah Bravo for an office orientation that included meeting the rest of the team, before getting started at this own work station.

This is the fourth paid internship facilitated by LiveWorkPlay with Levy TD Place. The first three placements which such a success that it has not only been continued, but extended from 3-month to 6-month contracts!

Congratulations Simon!

Photo credit: Jen Broad, LiveWorkPlay, Employer Partnerships and Workplace Inclusion Specialist

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

Presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards

The Rob More Good Life Award – John Cholmondeley

Introduction of presenter Mike More by Keenan Wellar.
You have been a fabulous audience, so let’s really bring it home with our final and most celebrated award tradition:

The Rob More Good Life Award.

Please welcome to the stage a very special guest representing the More family: a big round of applause for Mike More.

I’m Rob’s dad, Mike More. The Rob More Good Life Award was established to celebrate the life of our son, LiveWorkPlay member Rob More, who died tragically along with five others in the September 18, 2013, Barrhaven bus/train crash.

We continue to celebrate Rob’s life, and we also hope to inspire others to pursue a Good Life of their own. Rob loved his home, his neighbourhood, volunteering at the Experimental Farm, and his work at IBM. Rob enjoyed LiveWorkPlay events, provided they were not on the same night as a playoff hockey game.

We know Rob is looking down this evening with a huge smile on his face, seeing the Rob More Good Life Award ceremonial cup being presented here at the Preston Event Centre.

The Rob More Good Life Award is given each year to an individual who has experienced significant life transitions in pursuit of their own goal and dreams. This is the 30th anniversary of LiveWorkPlay, so I would like to remind everyone of our previous recipients.

We started in 2014 with Phil Landreville, then Caroline Matte, Ashley Lavigne, Tim Siebrasse, Marie Stanfield, Gillian Gillespie, Frances Laube, Martin Couture, Paul Knoll, Matt Suttie, Fred Dixon, and Chris Jones. What a wonderful representation of the LiveWorkPlay community, and what a tribute to the memory of Rob.

This year’s recipient is yet another legendary figure of the LiveWorkPlay community. Let me tell you a bit about him.

This year’s honoree was first connected to LiveWorkPlay more than 25 years ago. He went on many LiveWorkPlay trips, from big North American cities to the Caribbean. He took part in the On Our Own Together housing projects, which helped him prepare to live in his own apartment, as he has been doing for many years now.

He was a part of the first ever LiveWorkPlay employment placement partnership and was ultimately hired to work at the TD Bank cafeteria. Most recently he completed a contract position working in furniture assembly. Since there are so many employers here in the room, please note that he is ready for his next career: just speak to the LiveWorkPlay employment team and they’ll set you up with an interview.

This year’s recipient likes video games, but he also likes working out at the gym, visiting with his mom here in town, and entertaining when his brother visits from Toronto.

I can tell you that there are not many people who could rival our son Rob for his love of sports, and certainly not for his vast knowledge of sports. This year’s recipient is one of those rare individuals who could keep up with Rob. He can go many levels deep, down into the minor leagues of hockey and many other sports, not just in Canada but around the world, and educate you about the relevant geography for each of the team locations.

Also, like Rob, he can start up amazing conversations with people he has just met and is legendary for coming up with interesting questions. He leaves people smiling, laughing, and wanting more.

I am sure I have given it away already with all of these clues, but please join me in welcoming John Cholmondeley to accept a plaque to take home with him and get a photo with the Rob More Memorial Cup.

John, come on up!

[LiveWorkPlay.ca 🐝 @LiveWorkPlay]

Presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards

The Terri Hill My Own Home Bursary awarded to Spencer Penny

Presented by Keenan Wellar, Co-Leader and Director of Communications at LiveWorkPlay

The My Own Home bursary started in 2007, following the On My Own Together projects at the Carleton University summer residences. In addition to providing financial assistance, this $200 bursary recognizes an important milestone for individuals who move to a home of their own in the community.

Over the past 19 years, $12,000 in bursaries have gone to 60 recipients. We’re excited to add to that total tonight!

With the agreement and support of the award sponsors, Barry and Marjorie Wellar, the bursary has been renamed in honour of Terri Hill, who left us last year after a long battle with cancer.

That means this year, for the first time, we will give out the bursary under the name “Terri Hill My Own Home Award.”

And also for the first time, I am pleased to announce that the bursary has been increased to $300!

We were so pleased when this year’s recipient was able to join so many other happy tenants in a Multifaith Housing Initiative building, our amazing nonprofit housing partners.

In a fascinating twist of fate, he ended up living one floor below his sibling, and in fact, directly underneath. They’ve always been very close, so being separated by an entire floor is a healthy distance, but also, close enough.

So, are there any big surprises since he moved out in January?

According to Aby Clarke and Chris Floyd from our Community Supports Team, not really – he’s been very chill about the entire experience.

But there is one little gem of interesting news.

Prior to moving out, cooking was not on his list of priorities.

But over the past three months, he’s turned into quite the chef, always wanting to try out new recipes.

Well, with this $300 bursary he can pick up some fancy spices and upgrade his frying pan, so please welcome to the stage, our Terri Hill My Own Home Award recipient, Spencer Penny!