FUTURES
RADICAL. SOCIAL. IMPACT.
You already know ableism exists. This is where you decide what to do about it. FUTURES is a free 12-week program for Disabled and neurodivergent young people in Canada, 18 to 30. Once a week, with the same cohort. Virtual or in person. Sign-ups close the day before your cohort starts.
What is FUTURES?
FUTURES is a free 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.
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
My life’s search for belonging is over, because I’ve found family: FUTURES. It feels like home.
Andrew, Fall 2025 cohort
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. Fall 2026 cohorts, October to November.
FUTURES Book Club
A free, low-pressure space to explore ideas, identity, and conversation.
FUTURES Arts
A free virtual Arts program. Make original visual art with Disabled artists, Canada-wide.
Social Media Internship
Take over @access.studio.official. Build your own 6-week campaign from scratch. Mentored by @LilGabiD and Maayan Ziv.
The FUTURES Flow
Sign up
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.
Every program gives you:
Creative Workshops
Hands-on sessions on disability justice, identity, and skill building. Every cohort covers the same ground.
Community
Your cohort meets once a week for 12 weeks. Together you will build a community.
Social Impact
Explore how to make a difference on issues that matter to you. Name your experience, and figure out how to mobilize change.
Eligibility
Who FUTURES is for
- You are 18 to 30 and living in Canada.
- You are Disabled, neurodivergent, or both. You decide that, not us.
- You can join weekly sessions and do a little between them.
- 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Indigenous young people are always welcome here.
- Open to citizens, permanent residents, and people with refugee status.
Tell us what you need on the form. Nothing is too small, and nothing counts against you. You can also book an optional access needs chat before you sign up.
Key Dates & Cohorts:
Fall 2026 · In person
Dates: September 23 to December 9
Details: Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:30 pm ET — Downtown Toronto, venue TBC · ASL included · Free · Sign up by September 22
Fall 2026 · Virtual
Dates: September 24 to December 10
Details: Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:30 pm ET — Zoom · ASL included · Free · Sign up by September 23
Alumni Testimonials
Re-evaluate your disability identity, boost your confidence, and hone your leadership skills. A cathartic joyous experience.
Kelly, Fall 2025 cohort
I felt like I was finally able to be myself somewhere without being judged or held to some random standard. I’m grateful for all of you for making me feel like there’s somewhere in the world where I’m enough the way I am.
Audrey, Spring 2026 cohort
Making life better for the Disabled community has always been a passion of mine, but I’ve never really been around people who care about it in the same way I do. Now that I am, I feel more motivated to do the work.
Chase, Spring 2026 cohort
I would 10 out of 10 recommend this program to anybody looking to learn more about themselves, build their confidence, and solidify the Disabled aspect of their identity.
Theo, Fall 2025 cohort
Meet the Team
Dr. Jessica Watkin
she/them, Lead facilitator and facilitator coach
Ratsamy Pathammavong
she/her, Program Lead
Joey Florence
he/him, FUTURES Alumni Program
Abdul Samad Hameed
he/him, Program Coordinator
Bethany Schaufler-Biback
she/her, Facilitator
Breanna Manley
she/her, Program coordinator and facilitator
Brianna Timothy
she/her, Facilitator
Cat Lanzillotta
she/her, Discord Community Moderator
Eden Middleton
they/them, Facilitator
Emily Akerman
she/her, Facilitator
Jace Malz
he/him, Facilitator
Jacquelyn Passarelli
she/her, Program Coordinator
Libin Ahmed
she/her, Facilitator
Luke Rashkovan
he/him, Facilitation support and book club teaching assistant
Molly Kumpf
they/them, Facilitator
Nicole Holland
she/her, Facilitator
Sally Hakim
she/her, Facilitator
Sydney Elaine Butler
they/them, Facilitator
Tamar Bresge
she/her, Arts facilitator
Our commitment to you
ASL interpretation is included in every session. Tell us your access needs when you register. We will work with you before your first session. If you would rather talk it through, book an optional access needs chat.
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.
What is so special with the FUTURES program is it is a program run by neurodiverse, Disabled facilitators. We can all learn from each other.
Naomi Field, Winter 2026 cohort
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?
Reads
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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