Celebrating 20 years of Community on Campus at UTM
The vibe at Deerfield Hall November 17 was one of warmth, pride and conviviality, and for good reason: Community on Campus celebrated 20 years of helping young adults with intellectual disabilities integrated into life at University of Toronto Mississauga.
This one-of-a-kind program in Canada enables UTM students to provide volunteer support to clients of Community Living Mississauga as they take part in different activities on campus. These activities may include auditing classes, developing computer skills, participating in fitness classes, joining student clubs or socializing with other clients and students. The partnerships are a win-win: program participants get to explore their strengths and interests in a welcoming environment, while UTM students make a positive difference in participants’ lives and build their leadership skills. What also often unfolds are lasting friendships that enrich the quality of life of both the program participants and the students.
“The power of friendship and belonging is strong, and that’s never more evident than here at Community on Campus. It truly is something special,” said program coordinator April Forbes.
The program began as an experiment in 1996 just as Canadian society was starting to recognize the importance of social inclusion of differently abled individuals. It began with eight participants and 10 UTM student volunteers, and today features 20 participants and 55 students. Over the last two decades, the program has helped thousands of people on campus to gain an appreciation for the importance of social integration of diverse individuals.
The conversation and laughter flowed as current and former participants and their families interacted with UTM students and program staff members. Live piano music performed by Juno award-winning blues and jazz artist Tyler Yarema filled the air as participants munched on spring rolls and sweet-and-sour meatballs and captured fun moments at the dress-up photo station. A slideshow reflected the many meaningful relationships that have emerged over the years through the program.
The event included a talk by Community Living Mississauga executive director Keith Tansley, who remarked on the program’s great capacity to promote “independence, interdependence and community engagement” for participants. UTM interim vice president and principal Ulrich Krull commented on how the program provides students with valuable learning about social interaction outside the classroom. Mark Overton, UTM’s dean of student affairs, said “this program fosters a lifelong sense of community involvement…it helps our students become advocates and organizers for more inclusive spaces.”
Among those celebrating last night was 23-year-old Mitch Lolli, who, over the last two years, has enjoyed playing card games, foosball and ping pong with UTM students on campus. Also in attendance was 54-year-old Robert Edmonds, who was able to express his love of music by volunteering at the campus radio station. Over the years, participants have also volunteered and, in some cases, worked at UTM’s Student Centre, Women’s Centre, Early Learning Centre, Book Store and Bikeshare service.
Program participant Carl, surrounded by two UTM students – and now friends – who have supported his volunteer endeavours, thanked Community on Campus for all the experiences he’s had and people he’s met on campus, saying “the best, greatest, wonderful friends are here for me, and deep inside my heart, I love them.”