Community Living Ontario

Commencement is an event that takes place for high school students throughout Ontario. It is a time to reflect on individual and collective accomplishments and envision the future. Valedictorian speeches reflect on not only the importance of academic achievement – but of lasting friendships, supportive teachers, life-long memories and preparing for adulthood.
 
Young people graduate from high school and start their journey on one of many paths; heading off to college or university, launching their career, or travelling the world. It is a time of possibility, new beginnings and taking on valued social roles.
 
While arriving at these milestones is considered ordinary, supporting students with disabilities to achieve the same goals remains a challenge for policy makers, administrators, educators and community services. COMMENCE is a symposium for students and families, professionals, and anyone with an interest in “high school to adulthood” opportunities for youth.
 
COMMENCE 2011 KNOW YOURSELF – PROMOTE YOURSELF is 2 FULL days of inspiration, practical information, hands-on learning and personal growth.

• Spend a full day with Denise Bissonnette as she takes you well beyond the traditional – students, families, and those whose important work it is to create a more inclusive world – will benefit from what it means to “KNOW YOURSELF”.
• As an added bonus – both days feature a “LUNCH & LEARN” session with Joe Dale & Mark Wafer.  Over lunch, you will have the opportunity to hear of promising practices, myths, and facts in supported employment.
• “PROMOTE YOURSELF” is the focus of Day 2 and has been created to provide practical information and strategies that are important to youth today as they leave high school and take the next steps into their young adulthood.  
• You will have an opportunity to attend ALL sessions with topics on First Impressions, Social Media, and Job Searching with dynamic session leaders that bring focus and real tools to promote yourself!  As part of the session line-up, you will hear encouraging stories and ideas from the COMMENCE 2011 Youth Panel.
• Michelle Dagnino brings you our closing keynote presentation, "OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: SEIZING THE MOMENT", that will leave us inspired and ready for the future! 

If you have any questions or require more information, please contact Blair Groves at mentoring [at] communitylivingontario [dot] ca or 519-444-8201.
 
Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec:

Penny Lauzon 613-360-6009    Falon Desloges 705-262-0635

Click here for more information or to register.