
After over two decades, our Holiday Gala is still the most anticipated event of the year with hundreds of individuals coming together to share the spirit of the season. During this holiday season many ILNS consumers will enjoy our Holiday Gala and Dance surrounded by family, peers, and advocates. For full information, click here.
What a night! The Halloween Haunt & Dance 2025 took place on Friday, October 24th, at Bethany United Church, and was a fantastic evening filled with fun, costumes, and plenty of dancing.
Amazing Costumes: We saw so many creative outfits! Everyone really stepped up their game.
Photo Fun: The BoothAlmighty photo-booth was a huge hit! We hope everyone enjoys their memorable Polaroid snaps.
A big thank you to everyone who came out and made the night a memorable success! We loved seeing the community come together for this fun, inclusive event.
Independent Living Across Canada Day (ILACD)
On the first Monday in June, we celebrate Independent Living Across Canada Day (ILACD), through a variety of in person or virtual events. We come together to recognize the barriers that have been removed so persons with disabilities can live independently as well as the work that continues to be accomplished for Independent Living, accessibility and inclusion for all!
Whether it's in-person, through virtual Zoom sessions or special holiday edition recipes, we provide the know how and ingredients so you can learn to make affordable and healthy meals. Get involved with our monthly Community Cooking & Connections (CCC), by signing up for our mailing list below.
Since 2012, ILNS has hosted the Art of Disability Festival to showcase several talented artists with disabilities. The event highlights all aspects of the arts from fine art to performance art and everything in between. Over the years, the number of artists that participate in this festival has grown to include approximately 30 individuals. This event is a day of sharing, learning and celebrating the diverse talents in the community. View the 2026 event here.
Our Monthly Bulletin will keep you informed with everything going on within our organization. To view past bulletins, click here. To sign up for our email list, click here.
Community Connections
See below for current information we receive from our partners, other organizations, and government agencies:
Exclusion Tracker - Report School Exclusion
Has your child or youth with complex learning needs been denied equal opportunities at school? Share your experience through the National Exclusion Tracker at exclusiontracker.com.
ShareWell support groups
ShareWell is a free and private online space where people can talk with others going through similar struggles like anxiety, grief, stress, or burnout. You can join live video support groups any time of day, without wait-lists, insurance, or sharing your real name. To get started, create a free account with your email at sharewellnow.com, then browse and join the groups that feel right for you.
Drop In Club Inclusion 2025/2026
Drop In Club resumes at Club Halifax. Open six days a week, this drop-in program offers fun, member-led activities - no daily registration required.
Membership Options:
- Yearly: $750 (Sept–June, unlimited sessions, perks)
- Monthly: $100/month
- Pay as You Go: $15/session
Bursaries available to ensure accessibility.
Hours:
- Mondays: 3pm to 6pm
- Tuesdays: 3pm to 5pm
- Tuesdays: 7pm to 9pm
- Wednesdays: 3pm to 6pm
- Thursdays: 3pm to 6pm
- Fridays: 7pm 9pm
- Saturdays: 1 to 4pm
It’s member-led bring your ideas to help shape our monthly calendar. Access the November schedule here: prescottgroup.ca/our-calendars
Questions? Contact LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca
Learn More About the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy
Are you interested in understanding what the recent Human Rights Remedy means for you, your family, and your community?
Inclusion Nova Scotia is offering presentations to help you learn about the remedy, the changes it brings to the provincial disability support system, and how it might impact you and your loved ones.
If you’d like someone from Inclusion Nova Scotia to visit your community for a discussion, please reach out to family@inclusionns.ca schedule a session.
Family Networks
Inclusion NS is looking to connect families in every corner of Nova Scotia through regional Family Networks. Family Networks are made up of family members of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are passionate about:
- Connecting with other families
- Have a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities
- No Judgment
- Sharing knowledge and experiences
- Guidance and Support
- Build Community Together
Networks are open to all families (parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, chosen family) who have loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This initiative is just up and running. If you would like to see a Family Network in your community please reach out to Jana, Manager of Family Leadership at family@inclusionns.ca.
March of Dimes: Stroke Community Conversations
Join our in-person volunteer-led support group for stroke survivors and their families, providing encouragement and understanding for individuals affected by stroke of any age.
- Location: 237 Brownlow Avenue. Suite 160, Dartmouth
- When: Last Thursday of every month
- Time: 10:30 AM-11:30AM
A collection of media featuring ILNS and our consumers:
- August 10, 2024: 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival - Global News Halifax
- August 7, 2024: Upcoming Festival Aims to Break Barriers Between Art & Accessibility - CBC Radio
- August 19, 2023: Halifax festival gives artists living with disabilities a chance to shine - CBC News
- August 19, 2023: Art festival celebrates artists with disabilities - CTV News Atlantic
- August 18, 2023: Art of Disability Festival Returned for its 11th Year - Global Halifax Live Interview
- August 16, 2023: Everything you need to know about the 11th annual Art of Disability Festival - The Coast
- November 17, 2022: Thinking Out Loud with Sheldon MacLeod: Living independently with dignity
- November 14, 2022: N.S. disability advocate moves out of nursing home and into a condo
- August 12, 2022: Art of Disability Festival goes Sunday
- August 12, 2022: Everything you need to know about the 2022 Art of Disability Festival
- August 15, 2021: Art festival showcases talent, skill of Nova Scotians with disabilities
- June 3, 2021: Mainstreet Cape Breton with Wendy Bergfeldt - Independent Living Across Canada Day
- August 31, 2020: 'They've really struggled during this pandemic': Persons with disabilities in N.S. face food insecurity
- July 21, 2020: Segment on News 95.7 about our RISE Program (click on the 12:30 segment and fast forward to 2:05)
- August 12, 2019: Festival for artists with disabilities moves to historic, accessible location
- August 9, 2019: Global News interview about the 2019 Art of Disability Festival
- August 4, 2019: Inclusion takes centre stage at Art of Disability Festival next weekend
- August 13, 2018: 'Art and accessibility go hand in hand' at Halifax festival
- August 11, 2018: Art of Disability Festival goes Sunday
- August 10, 2018: Art of Disability Festival highlights what creative people can do - not what they can't
- September 13, 2017 - The Sheldon MacLeod Show features Grace McNee (play at the 10 minute mark)
- August 6, 2017 - Going it alone: Cyclist peddling across Canada
- August 4, 2017 - Halifax caregiver bikes across Canada to honour a friend
- June 29, 2017 - Labour of Love
