What was the initiative?

This initiative aimed to create inclusive community environments where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) could meaningfully engage through skills-based workshops, volunteer placements, and mentorship. The project supported high school students with IDD in gaining confidence, fulfilling graduation requirements, and exploring interests for life beyond school. It also worked with community organizations to build their capacity for recruiting and supporting volunteers and employees with diverse abilities. By addressing systemic barriers to inclusion, the initiative sought to foster harmony and equitable opportunities for people with and without IDD.

What was the community connection?

Maggie was connected to the IDD community as both an ally and advocate, based in her relationships from previous involvement with L’Arche and Best Buddies programs. Acknowledging her position as someone without a disability, Maggie sought to amplify the voices of people with IDD while fostering trust and collaboration with a focus on minimizing power imbalances and creating participant-driven spaces.

How was it innovative?

This initiative took a holistic and participant-centered approach to fostering inclusion. It combined skills development, practical experiences, and systemic advocacy to address both immediate and structural challenges. Maggie’s integration of education and advocacy into all activities, coupled with her efforts to shift mindsets within community organizations, highlighted a proactive and sustainable model of inclusion. By leveraging Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles, the initiative emphasized participants’ strengths and laid the groundwork for lasting change.

What is Maggie doing now?

After three years with Universities Canada and promotion to Senior Government Relations Officer, Maggie has stated working as a Government Relations Lead for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.