On this episode, we’re exploring a game-changing initiative at St-Hubert restaurants that’s transforming the dining experience for the autism community. With the help of Giant Steps, St-Hubert is setting a new standard in the restaurant industry with sensory-friendly spaces, comprehensive staff training, and a commitment to inclusive hiring.

Joining host Mark Bergman to discuss this initiative are Josée Vaillancourt, Director of Communications for The St-Hubert Group and Director of the St-Hubert Foundation, Alex Duquette, a St-Hubert franchise owner (Des Laurentides) in Laval, and Alain Bessette, Inclusive Employment Initiatives Manager at Giant Steps.

How did this collaboration come to life? What does an inclusive dining experience look like? And how is St-Hubert ensuring accessibility in both its restaurants and workforce? We’ll dive into all of it in this insightful conversation about the future of inclusivity in the restaurant industry.

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time to celebrate the power of inclusion. This episode highlights the Shira Choir, a beloved Montreal choir that gives neurodivergent singers a space to shine.

Join us as we explore the choir’s impact, its growth, and the joy of music with:
🎵 Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo – Co-founder & Choir Director
🎵 Rebecca Bensimon – Choir Volunteer
🎵 Choir Participants – Yosef Robinson, Adena Schnarch & Robert Lemieux

Listen in for inspiring stories and find out how music creates a more inclusive world! 🎧

Meet Alessia Iglio, the inspiring force behind the DisTheDis movement. Diagnosed with dyspraxia and on the autism spectrum, she’s turned her personal challenges into a mission to redefine what it means to live with a disability. In this episode, Alessia and her dad Pietro share her journey of resilience and how she’s empowering others to see ability where others may see limits. Join us for a powerful conversation about overcoming adversity, changing perceptions, and embracing the power of ability.

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of the Imagine Festival, happening on August 4th at the Dunany Country Club. Presented by 4 Korners, this inclusive, free arts and family-fun festival celebrates autistic and neurodiverse creativity, showcasing artists of varying abilities while offering fun for the entire family.

In this episode, we talk to one of the featured artists, Zach Reisman from Zach Designs, along with his mom Lorri Benedik. Zach shares his journey into the world of art, his experiences at the festival, and the joy he finds in creating.

We'll also be chatting with Jaime Bisaillon, the Neurodiversity Program Manager at 4 Korners. Jaime provides insight into the mission of 4 Korners and the goals of the Imagine Festival, emphasizing the importance of celebrating and supporting neurodiverse talent.

Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind the festival, the amazing artists involved, and what you can expect when you attend this fantastic event. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming episode that highlights the beauty of neurodiverse creativity and community spirit.

What an incredible day at the grand opening of Pigeon dans le Parc in Hampstead Park! Listen, as Eve Rochman, Founding Director of Zera Café, Jonathan Dresner, owner of Pigeon Café, and Matthew Flanz, who works at Pigeon dans le Parc, chat with Mark Bergman about the café’s mission to blend great coffee with meaningful employment for neurodivergent adults.

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.