In this episode, we're delving into the Galileo Adult Center's Social Integration Work Preparation Program, a beacon of hope for students! Join Nancy Leopardi, Ruby Ipekian, and Erica Farina, along with their teacher Luciana Franceschini, as they share their empowering journey.Discover how this program not only prepared them for their work stages, but also empowered them to thrive within it. From essential skills to workplace dynamics, their stories highlight the transformative impact of support, understanding, and opportunity.

This episode spotlights the inspiring art exhibition featured at the 3rd annual JDAIM vernissage, a collaborative effort between Ometz, L’Annexe, and the Cummings Centre. Host Mark Bergman leads an engaging conversation with two talented artists, Sarah Aspler and Benny Wark, exploring the profound ways in which art shapes their lives and serves as a vehicle for self-expression. Lanya McClintock, manager of L’Annexe, will join us to introduce our guests. We'll delve into the diverse stories and perspectives behind the artwork on display, celebrating the transformative power of creativity and fostering meaningful connections!Enjoy!

The I Can Dream Theatre is back!! Our guests share their experiences of not being together as a group for three long years and the joyous reunion that fueled the creation of this magnificent production.Listen in as Gabriel and Ainslie open up about the profound role that acting plays in their lives and how the stage becomes a canvas for self-expression. Director Ada Masciarelli, provides insights into the creative process and the collaborative spirit that defines I Can Dream Theatre.Join us for a conversation about the power of theatre, the camaraderie that fuels creativity, and the magic of expressing oneself through acting.

We'll talk about the Technology Recycling Social Participation Program at the Huntingdon Adult Education Centre. Students  are fixing up old laptops and tablets with issues like broken hardware or outdated software. They're either taking them apart or finding clever ways to make them work like new.Leading the charge are two awesome teachers, Kathleen Hacken and Michael Werenchuk. Michael, who teaches SIS, joins us on the podcast, along with two of his students, Stephanie Latreille and Jeremy Caron.

Discover the heartwarming vision behind Café Soleil, a coffee shop that's making a real difference in the community. Host Mark Bergman talks with with Maia Cooper, Executive Director of JEM Workshop, Sara Levy, Job Coach at JEM, and Elaine Katzefman, a Café Soleil team member. They discuss the importance of inclusivity, employment opportunities, and the impact this initiative has on the community. Join us for an inspiring conversation about Café Soleil's mission to brew inclusion, one cup at a time.

BullyingCanada is holding its first-ever Musicians Rock Against Bullying night on Thursday November 9 at 7 pm at Macallan’s Pub in Dorval. Five bands will each perform a personalized setlist of cover songs during the night. All revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships will go to BullyingCanada. A 50/50 draw and a silent auction will also be held at the event. Tickets are available for $50 at bullyingcanada.ca/rock. A tax receipt will be issued.

A new collaboration between the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and Special Olympics Quebec was established this year, led by the Centre of Excellence for the Physically, Intellectually and Multi-Challenged (CoE PIM), the EMSB’s department of Student Services and department of Educational Services. On this episode, Mark Bergman will chat with Sarah Lynch -  Special Education Consultant at the EMSB, John Caboto Academy student Christopher Reynel Mora who took part in the Olympiad day, teacher Alba Cano-Juarez and Madeleine Sinclair from Special Olympics Quebec.Enjoy!

On this episode we introduce you to Alink Foundation, a nonprofit community organization in Montreal, Quebec — a group of families and supporters joined by a common bond. Their mission is to:enhance the health and well-being of our adult childrenprovide them with opportunities to participate as valued members of society, develop in them a sense of belonging and help them live meaningful and dignified livesbuild with them an inclusive community—that is, one in which they live, work and socialize along with the rest of the community, not segregated from others.Mark Bergman chats with Alink's President and Chair - Harriet Sugar Miller, Program Manager Matthew Selvin , and Adam Kleen - a participant who is directly receiving services from the foundation.Enjoy!

"From Strength to Strength", the 2nd annual multigenerational art exhibition in honour of JDAIM, featured diverse artists from L'Annexe: the Ometz Centre for Young Adults, Ometz, the Cummings Centre, Alink, Moishe House Montreal, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, and more!On this episode we'll talk to two featured artists: Kessem Vaknin and Abram Friedland. As well as Lanya McClintock -  the Manager of L’Annexe.

From what started as a program to keep special needs adults busy during the pandemic, Power Buddies MTL has grown into an unstoppable group of superheroes.Power Buddies MTL offers group activities in person and on zoom giving everyone the opportunity to communicate, make new friends, and sharpen social skills. Through their interactive program, our activities improve the body, and mind.In this episode, Mark Bergman chats with founders Muhan Patel, Ghida Monla and Petros Lazanis. As well as Power Buddies members Dayna Wiseman & Ariel Mechaly

Hear Entendre Quebec have announced the much anticipated return of their fully accessible comedy show Access Comedy, taking place on September 25th over at the Paradox Theatre. During this podcast, host Mark Bergman will talk to Executive Director Heidy Wager and comedian Abby Stonehouse about the show, and what accessibility looks like in 2022.

Get behind the scenes insight of the Fun Fashion For All show, that took place at The Mackay Center on June 9th.Mark Bergman chats with Simon Chang, Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli, Christina Sollazzo, and student organizers Ella and Bella!Enjoy!

Following Federation CJA West Island's arm-chair interview with Jana Popliger, Maya Sinclair, and Rabbi Fishman, Mark Bergman sat down and chatted with both Maya & Jana. Learn more about her road to her Bat Mitzvah, and some of the hurdles they encountered.

Summit School Tech program has opened a café inside Maimonides Geriatric Centre. It's a fully functional cafe that serves two purposes: training students, as well as serving and interacting with the centre's residents. Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with Maimonides Development Officer, Lisa Kasner - Job Integration Specialist, Thomas Saviolidis - And Onder, who works at the café!Enjoy!

We're focusing on mental health on this edition of our podcast. The Glee Club at Vincent Massey Collegiate, better knows as the Clef Notes, performed at the Just For Kids Voices competition, which raised money for mental health awareness at the Montreal Children’s Hospital! Listen as Mark Bergman chats with teacher Alessandra Martoccia, Sec V student August Di Liello, and Sec IV student Charlotte Renaud.

Listen to how Anna Maria Civitella started an initiative of collecting toys with a range of different abilities, so that students at The Mackay Center and Phillip E Layton schools can use them. We'll also chat with grade 5 student Ella, who will share her thoughts on how these new toys relate to her and her friends.*Photo credit: CIUSSS West-Central Montreal.

In this episode, Mark Bergman chat with Kevin James Reason (Liam's father) & Christine Tellier about the foundation's mission and goals, and how you can support the foundation.

It's been another challenging year for us all, yet with every challenge they're faced the students at Galileo Adult Center & Mackay Center Philip E Layton always find the silver lining. There's ALWAYS something to be grateful for!

Looking for greeting cards this holiday season? Check our www.zachdesigns.ca The business is run by Zach Reisman, who is an illustrator and 3D artist. Zach, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, runs the business together with his mother Lorri Benedik, and they both joined Mark Bergman to share their story.

On this episode you'll learn about a support concept, for families with special needs, called Circles Of Support. Evelyn Lusthaus has a support circle for her daughter Hanna, who has Downs Syndrome. Mark chats with them both, as well as Hanna’s long time network facilitator, advocate for people with disabilities and their families, Nancy Rother.For more, please visit http://www.inspirationsnews.com/inspirations