Balance Support & Self Care Studios

10/23/2026

Balance SSCS welcomes Inclusion Action in Ontario’s recommendations for meaningful reform of Ontario’s education system

Stronger IEPs, better educator training, inclusive classroom design and greater accountability all matter. We also believe every disabled and neurodivergent student deserves meaningful access to education - not just a place in the classroom.

True inclusion means creating school environments where students can participate, learn and belong, while ensuring clear safeguards when access to education is restricted.

Links to IAO's 3-part series unpacking the Auditor General's Spec Ed audit are in the comments

https://inclusionactionontario.ca/iao-advocacy-and-the-auditor-generals-report-on-special-education/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVIlcxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVN2M0hsZVpYMHI3Z2JYOUtzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEepHGy6XCqRBy9mraJRc3q1KCkGX2qQKR8Ks3iI7Z2aYWs5gTuy4GVyv6hYVE_aem_nagpIzyC3L9RyTH05EA6Aw

We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and is looking forward to a fresh start with the upcoming school year.On the heels of the...

10/23/2026

10/23/2026

With Halloween approaching, now is the time to think about how you can help make trick-or-treating accessible to all young people in your community, including those with disabilities.

One way to do this is to take part in the Treat Accessibly movement. This initiative began when a family realized their home's stairs prevented a neighbour who used a wheelchair from participating in trick-or-treating. By moving their treat station to an accessible location, they sparked a movement that continues to make Halloween more inclusive. Let's keep that momentum going this season. Treat Accessibly offers free lawn signs to demonstrate participation, and additional tips: https://www.treataccessibly.com/treat-at-home/treating-tips

You can also take part in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which aims to raise awareness about food allergies by offering non-food treats for trick-or-treaters with allergies or other sensitivities. More information is available here: https://foodallergycanada.ca/the-teal-pumpkin-project-support-children-with-food-allergies-this-halloween/

Halloween is a time to get creative and use our imaginations – here's to making sure everyone is included in that!

Alt text: Purple webcard reading “Help make trick-or-treating accessible this season.” There are decorative orange pumpkin lanterns above the text. Below the text are graphics of orange pumpkin buckets with different treats inside, and teal pumpkins to represent the availability of non-food treats for those with allergies or sensitivities. Our office's applied signature and the Canada wordmark appear at the bottom.

10/23/2026

Wonderful meeting with Minister Michael Parsa👋

We had the opportunity to discuss the current landscape of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). It was a meaningful conversation centered on sharing both our lived experience and our community's concerns; as well as explore collaborative ways to enhance and improve support for autistic children and their families.

Thank you, Minister Parsa, for your time, your openness, and your continued dedication to hearing from community organizations on the ground.

We look forward to working together toward positive change

10/22/2026

"When Canada chooses not to comply with the law, First Nations children are left waiting for services, including mental health care, disability supports, and supports needed to attend school. No child should face preventable harm because a government chooses to evade its legal obligations."

Jordan taught this country a lesson that remains urgent: children come first. 🩵💛

Read the joint statement made by the National Children's Chiefs Commission (NCCC), the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) and the Caring Society, in honour of what would have been Jordan's 27th birthday, for Canada to fully implement Jordan's Principle: https://ow.ly/nvsm510073q

10/21/2026

This new Oakville café is helping youth with disabilities build real job skills.

Erin's Café opened on October 1 inside ErinoakKids, a treatment centre for children with physical and developmental disabilities at 2000 Glenorchy Rd. in Oakville. Three young people who used to get care there now work at the café, earning a paycheque making coffee, serving customers and running the till. The café gives them real work experience for their résumés, and it shows employers that youth with disabilities can do these jobs just as well as anyone else. The café serves ErinoakKids staff, families and visitors.

Jayden Robinson, a server at the Oakville café, has been coming to ErinoakKids since he was one year old, and he says he is learning a lot about coffee even though he doesn't drink it.

The café jobs last about a year, so each group can take their new skills to jobs in the community and make room for the next group. The Oakville café was made possible by $40,000 from the Rotary Club of Oakville and food donations from Longo's and Palma Pasta.

10/20/2026

Two days to go.

On Thursday, October 22, join Alex-Andrée Madore and Michèle Minor-Corriveau live for:
Unlocking Learning for All: Keys to Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities

This free LD@school webinar will explore practical, evidence-based ways to support student confidence, independence, reading, writing, and success.

Participants will leave with concrete strategies they can begin using right away, along with ideas for creating more inclusive learning environments where students can recognize their strengths and reach their potential.

October 22 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. ET
Free | Live online

Learn more and register:
https://www.ldatschool.ca/unlocking-learning-for-all/

Unique Minds. Remarkable Potential.™

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

🎤 Three kings, one stage, one unforgettable afternoon! 👑 Michael Jackson, James Brown and Elvis Presley, all in one electrifying tribute show. Pop, soul, and rock n’ roll, back to back. 🕺

📅 Monday, October 26
🕚 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
🚐 Departs from 191 York Blvd.
💲 $200 · Passport & SSAH eligible

Team MJ, Team James Brown or Team Elvis? Tell us in the comments! 👇

🔗 Save your spot: https://ow.ly/EzmT50ZWol7