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Power of Belonging Symposium

June 8, 2026

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Register

A Regional Symposium Hosted by the Simcoe County Developmental Services Partnership Table

On behalf of The Simcoe County Developmental Services Partnership Table, we are proud to present The Power of Belonging: Our Stories, Our Voice — a dynamic one-day regional symposium dedicated to elevating the voices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Simcoe County.

This impactful gathering celebrates the lived experiences, leadership, and advocacy of individuals supported, alongside the agencies, caregivers, professionals, self-advocates, and community partners who walk beside them every day.

About the Symposium

Under the theme Our Stories, Our Voice, this event is designed to foster connection, amplify lived experience, and strengthen inclusive communities.

Participants will:

  • Build meaningful peer networks

  • Share lived experiences and promising practices

  • Learn practical tools for self-advocacy

  • Hear from inspiring changemakers leading impact in their communities

  • Strengthen collective confidence to shape inclusive spaces across Simcoe County

The day will center belonging, empowerment, dignity, and action.

Who Should Attend

  • Individuals supported

  • Self-advocates

  • Family members and caregivers

  • Developmental service professionals

  • Community leaders and partners

  • Agencies and organizations committed to inclusion

If you believe in communities where every voice matters, this symposium is for you.

Agenda:

Time

Session

Description

9:30 AM

Welcome Remarks

 

10:00 AM

Keynote Presentation - Michael Jacque

Belonging in Action: From Awareness to Responsibility

11:15 AM

BREAK

 

11:30 AM

Stronger Together - From Ideas to Action

Yvonne Spicer & Theresa Somerton, Lifetime Abilities

12:30 PM

Lunch Break

 

2:00 PM

Stories of Resilence Workshop

Panel Discussion lead by Jamie Hall, Empower Simcoe

Speakers:
Liam Russell
Harold Dougal
Avery Nickerson

 

3:15 PM

BREAK

 

2:30 PM

Concurrent Sessions

How to Be a Good Roommate

Deborah Baptiste (Employment Coordinator, Karis Disability Services)
Sarah Thomas (Direct Support Professional, Karis Disability Services)

2:30 PM

Concurrent Sessions

Internet Safety

Karen Hirstwood

2:30 PM

Concurrent Sessions

 Employment Session

Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo &  Katherine Killam & Jamie Currie

4:30 PM

Break

 

5:00 PM

Voice for Impact Dinner & Award
Featuring Musician David Wyne

 

Subject to change. 


Register Today

Join us for a day of connection, learning, and collective impact.

Spaces are limited. Early registration is encouraged.

Details

Start: June 8, 2026
8:00 AM
End: June 8, 2026
9:00 PM

Casino Rama, Rama Road, Orillia, ON, Canada

Rama Road 5899
L3V 6H6 Orillia ON
Canada