FACEBOOK:
ADVOCACY & SUPPORT
Facebook can be a powerful space to connect, share experiences, and push for change. These groups and pages bring together people with lived experience, their families, and allies who want to build stronger communities and advocate for a more inclusive Ontario. I’ve organized them by the same categories as our main resource list, so you can find the right conversation and support network quickly.
Facebook groups focused on benefits navigation, funding updates, and financial advocacy.
ODSP OW CPP OSAP Support Group
A peer group offering information and support related to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and student financial aid (OSAP).
www.facebook.com/groups/1516074661810847/
Groups where members share housing tips, experiences, and policy updates.
Ontario Families of Group Home Residents
A support group for families of adults living in group homes across Ontario.
Angela Richard
Disability Advocate – Group Homes
https://win.newmode.net/djno/group-homes
Special Olympics Ontario
Community-driven wellness spaces, activity groups, and adaptive sports networks. Special Olympics Ontario (provincial page) — A great starting point for overall events, updates, and news across Ontario.
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Special Olympics Toronto
Special Olympics Greater Durham
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Special Olympics Kingston & District
facebook.com+15facebook.com+15m.facebook.com+15
Special Olympics Kitchener Waterloo
Facebook+15Facebook+15Facebook+15
Special Olympics Ottawa
ottawa.specialolympicsontario.ca
Special Olympics Hamilton
Special Olympics Halton Hills (Private Group)
facebook.com+4facebook.com+4haltonpolice.ca+4
Special Olympics Milton (Public Page)
Ontario Track3 Adaptive Sports Association
A Facebook group catering to Ontarians who want to connect around skiing, adaptive sports, and peer support in recreational contexts.
Wikipedia+9Facebook+9Facebook+9
Adaptive Sports Connections and Resources
Canada-wide group focused on inclusive fitness, accessible activities, and empowering young athletes with disabilities.
Adaptive Recreation Programs for All Abilities
A supportive, community-driven group offering adaptive recreation across multiple activities. Facebook+8Facebook+8Facebook+8
ParaSport Ontario
A public page advocating for adaptive sport and active living opportunities, aiming to ensure that “everyBODY” can participate.
Support and advocacy networks for responsive behaviours, crisis response, and related policy change.
Ontario Developmental Disability Advocacy and Support Network (ODDASN)
A grassroots platform advocating for adults with developmental disabilities. While broader in mission, it can be a launching pad for behaviour-related policy and crisis response conversations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/526422081073464/ Facebook
Hamilton‑Niagara Region Support Group (for Adults with Developmental Disabilities)
Regional group offering localized support info and networks. Behavioural support topics often come up in community-specific discussions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/234444943984554/Facebook+8Facebook+8Facebook+8
Groups for sharing information, navigating care systems, and advocating for better medical supports.
Family Alliance Ontario (FAO)
A province-wide platform backed by caregivers and professionals with decades under their belts. FAO often addresses high-complexity care, useful strategies, and systemic advocacy for medically complex adults.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FamilyAllianceOntario/
Developmental Services Ontario – DSO (Official Page)
While not a peer-to-peer group, this official service connects adults with developmental disabilities - including those with complex medical needs - to eligible supports and care programs across Ontario.
Active platforms for legislative change, disability rights, and large-scale mobilization.
Disability Without Poverty
A grassroots advocacy group raising awareness about poverty’s impact on disabled people, pushing for social justice and policy change in Canada.
www.facebook.com/disabilitywithoutpoverty
Angela Richard
Disability Advocate – Group Homes
https://win.newmode.net/djno/group-homes
Ontario Disability Coalition
Works on policy and advocacy across life stages, including a June 2025 policy brief titled“Urgent Solutions to Protect Ontario’s Adults and Seniors with Disabilities and their Caregivers in Group Homes.”
These online communities bring together adults with shared lived experiences - whether it’s a common diagnosis or a rare condition. They’re spaces for support, resources, and connection with people who truly understand.
Neurodivergent Adults
A community run by autistic and ADHD adults, building real-world connection and mutual understanding among neurodivergent peers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/599424792272220/
ADDitude – ADHD Support Group for Adults
Run by and for neurodivergent adults, offering camaraderie, coping tools, and shared insights about ADHD and related experiences. https://www.facebook.com/groups/additudemag/
Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
A national voice for all rare disease communities across Canada, with a strong advocacy focus. https://www.facebook.com/RareDisorders/
Rare Disease Foundation
A welcoming space for adults navigating rare diagnoses—ideal for sharing resources and finding community. https://www.facebook.com/RareDiseaseFoundation/
Young Adult Rare Representatives (YARRs)
A peer-led group of young adults from the rare disease community, amplifying voices through advocacy. https://everylifefoundation.org/young-adult-representatives/
Manitoba Rare Disease Community
A Canadian Facebook page connecting those with rare diagnoses, encouraging cross-provincial support. https://www.facebook.com/MBraredisease/
Rare Chromosome Disorders (e.g., Unique) The Unique Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group exists to help those with rare chromosomal and gene disorders and their families.
Wikipedia+4Facebook+4Facebook+4
Rare Disorders (CORD) The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders Facebook fan page represents a collective voice for the rare-disease community across Canada.
P.A.D.D. – Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Northern Ontario
Sometimes the most valuable insights come from people who share your lived experience. These Facebook communities bring together individuals, families, and allies around specific diagnoses - creating spaces for connection, learning, and advocacy.
Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS)
A national organization promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for people with Down syndrome and their families across Canada. https://www.facebook.com/CDSSociety
Support for Adults with Autism (Ontario-wide)
A welcoming group providing support, resources, and connection for autistic adults across Ontario. https://www.facebook.com/groups/245941210308822/
Adult Autism Support Center (AASC)
Peer-led and welcoming, offering support for autistic adults navigating independence, social life, and self-advocacy. https://www.facebook.com/groups/935865333212354/
Autistic Adults – Emotional Support
A friendly, judgment-free space for autistic adults to share, vent, and find help with anxiety, depression, and daily challenges. https://www.facebook.com/groups/autisticadultsemotionalsupport/
Wolf–Hirschhorn Syndrome Support Group
A global community for individuals, families, and caregivers touched by WHS to share experiences and resources. https://www.facebook.com/groups/15124152855/
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation (CdLS)
Provides information, resources, and community connection for individuals and families affected by CdLS, including an active Facebook presence for sharing experiences and support. https://www.facebook.com/CdLSFoundation/
Alpha-1 Support Group Canada
A Canadian peer support group for adults managing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, offering connection and shared insights. https://www.facebook.com/groups/alpha1supportgroupcanada/
Cerebral Palsy Canada Network
A hub for adults with cerebral palsy, caregivers, and professionals to share resources, experiences, and advocacy. https://www.facebook.com/CPCanadaNetwork/
People with Cerebral Palsy (18+)
A dedicated group for adults living with cerebral palsy to discuss challenges, seek advice, and build friendships. https://www.facebook.com/groups/815354541920073/
Adult Spina Bifida Support Group
Peer-driven support for adults with spina bifida, sharing health tips, strategies, and encouragement. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1098784948284500/
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada
Advocacy and support for adults living with these conditions, including news, resources, and events. https://www.facebook.com/p/Spina-Bifida-and-Hydrocephalus-Association-of-Canada-100064334153371/
Kleefstra Syndrome A Canadian group connects families, shares therapies, meetups, and local funding information.
The Guardian+2Facebook+2Facebook+2Facebook
Loeys–Dietz Syndrome There’s a private Facebook peer support group for families, offering a safe place for sharing and support
.Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Canada -+1Wikipedia+1
Usher Syndrome A Canada-focused group exists for individuals and families to connect and share resources across the country.
usher-syndrome.org+1Facebook+1
Ataxia A private Facebook group invites people with ataxia and their friends or family to join for mutual support.
WIRED+10National Ataxia Foundation+10Wikipedia+10
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I realize there are hundreds more diagnoses and communities out there, and some dual diagnoses as well.
NADD
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed: A dedicated Facebook page for professionals, caregivers, and family members supporting individuals with IDD and mental health needs. It’s a helpful place to learn, get resources, and connect with others.
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Support Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities or Dual Diagnosis
A smaller, local-style group where individuals or families seeking or providing one-on-one support for dual diagnoses come together. Facebook+1communitylivingnorthbay.org+1
This above list cannot possibly capture every diagnosis. If you don’t see your specific diagnosis here, I encourage you to search Facebook and other platforms - there’s a good chance a group exists where you can find people who understand your journey, share practical advice, and offer a sense of belonging.
Rare Connect
There is also a global platform (outside of Facebook) with moderated groups for over 180 rare diseases available in English and French. It is called RareConnect.