FUTURES
12 weeks with people who get it.
FUTURES is a program for Disabled and neurodivergent young people in Canada, 18 to 30. Once a week, you meet with your cohort. You work through disability justice together. Fall 2026 cohorts start September 22.
What is FUTURES?
FUTURES is a 12-week program for Disabled and neurodivergent young people in Canada. Each week, you meet with your cohort for two and a half hours. With the same group every week, you work through workshops on: identity, community, action, and what you build next.
This is disability justice work. You leave with a community and language for it.
Your Future Starts Here:
Built for You
Virtual and in-person cohorts across Canada. ASL interpretation in every session. We address your access needs before you start.
Find your People
A cohort of Disabled and neurodivergent young people you will know by week 12. Not a networking event; a real community.
Our Philosophy
You already have the experience. You have been navigating systems that were not built for you. You have been explaining yourself, adapting, and advocating. Often alone.
FUTURES is where that experience gets structure and direction. You do not come here to learn that ableism exists. You come here to figure out what you want to do about it.
Choose your experience
FUTURES Book Club
A low-pressure, community-driven space to explore ideas, identity, and conversation.
FUTURES Arts
A free summer Arts program. Live theatre at the Fringe or Visual Art at Tangled. Led by disabled artists.
Social Media Internship
Take over @access.studio.official. Build your own 6-week campaign from scratch. Mentored by @LilGabiD and Maayan Ziv.
FUTURES Core
Once a week for 12 weeks. The same cohort every week. Identity, community, action, and what you build next. Virtual and in person. Fall 2026.
FUTURES Intensives
Twice a week for six weeks. Same program as Core, compressed. Late summer and autumn cohorts.
The FUTURES Flow
Register & Enroll
Tell us about yourself to register. You can share by video, audio, or written response.
The FUTURES Experience
Weekly sessions with your cohort. Discussions, creative workshops, and skill-building. Online or in person.
Beyond the Program
Stay connected with your cohort. Come back for monthly alumni events. Join the national community at AccessFest.
Regardless of which program you join, you can expect:
Creative Workshops
Hands-on sessions on disability justice, identity, and community. Every cohort covers the same ground.
Community
Your cohort meets once a week for 12 weeks. Together you will build a community.
Disability justice in practice
You explore your identity, name your experience, and figure out what you want to do. Then you do it.
Eligibility
FUTURES is open to youth who are:
- 18–30 years old
- Disabled, neurodivergent, or both
- Young people who are 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, or Indigenous are always welcome
- Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or people who hold Refugee status
- Ready to attend weekly sessions and do some work on your own between sessions. Able to commit to shared programming and independent work
Key Dates & Cohorts:
Fall 2026 · Virtual · Thursdays
Dates: September 22 to December 10, 2026
Details: Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:30 pm ET — Zoom · ASL included
Fall 2026 · In person · Wednesdays
Dates: September 22 to December 10, 2026
Details: Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:30 pm ET — Downtown Toronto, venue TBC · ASL included
Meet the Team
Dr. Jessica Watkin she/her
Lead facilitator and facilitator coach
Ratsamy Pathammavong she/her
Intake & Onboarding
Joey Florence he/him
FUTURES Alumni Program
Breanna Manley she/her
Program coordinator and facilitator
Luke Rashkovan he/him
Facilitation support and book club teaching assistant
Bethany Schaufler-Biback she/her
Facilitator
Eden Middleton they/them
Facilitator
Emily Akerman she/her
Visual arts facilitator
Libin Ahmed she/her
Facilitator
Molly Kumpf they/them
Facilitator
Sally Hakim she/her
Facilitator
Sydney Elaine Butler they/them
Facilitator
Tamar Bresge she/her
Arts facilitator
Robin Koczerginski he/him
Community Manager
Our commitment to you
ASL interpretation is included in every Core session. Tell us your access needs when you register. We will work with you before your first session.
Your Disability does not need to look a certain way. Invisible Disability, late diagnosis, undiagnosed — all of it is welcome here. You do not need to prove anything to be here.
FAQ
Who can register?
- 18 to 30 years old
- Disabled, neurodivergent, or both
- Young people who are 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, or Indigenous are also welcome
- Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or people who hold Refugee status
- Ready to attend weekly sessions and do some work on your own between sessions
Is there a cost?
Nope. FUTURES is fully funded thanks to Canada Service Corps—there’s no cost to participate.
What’s the time commitment?
FUTURES Core runs 12 weeks, once a week. Each session is two and a half hours. Between sessions, you will do some work on your own, about two hours per week.
What accessibility supports are provided?
Every session includes: agenda and materials sent in advance, closed captions, ASL interpretation, large print materials, screen reader-compatible documents, breaks during sessions, extended time, low-stimulation environment, and transcripts and recordings (virtual cohorts).
In-person sessions also include a scent-free environment and an access guide covering the venue, transit, accessible washrooms, and entry.
Available on request: CART captioning, audio description, and physical accessibility support.
Tell us what you need when you register. We will work with you before your first session.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to register?
No formal diagnosis is required. Self-identification is welcome.
Do I need to have it all figured out to register?
Not at all. FUTURES is for anyone who is still figuring out how they want to show up. You do not need a plan. Just a willingness to be in the room.
What if I’m not super outgoing or social?
That is completely fine. FUTURES is built for all kinds of people. There is space to connect in a way that feels right for you.
How does the in-person cohort work?
You meet with your cohort in person in downtown Toronto once a week on Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:30 pm ET. The location is accessible. Address confirmed before your first session.
How does the virtual cohort work?
You join your weekly session on Zoom. Your cohort is the same group every week for 12 weeks. The Thursday cohort runs 7:00 to 9:30 pm ET.
Need help?
Community
Contact
Futures is funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 12–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps
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