Chiefs of Ontario
Special Education Sharing Forum
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Save the Date
The Chiefs of Ontario’s Education Sector is hosting the 2025 Special Education Sharing Forum from November 26-27, 2025 in Toronto, ON. This year's theme is Empowering Futures: Holistic Approaches to First Nations Special Education in Ontario. This two-day forum brings together First Nation educators, administrators, community leaders, and service providers committed to advancing inclusive and culturally responsive special education for First Nations learners across Ontario.
*Please note: presentations in the main plenary will be livestreamed to the Chiefs of Ontario YouTube channel. Breakout sessions will be reserved for in-person only.
Date: November 26-27, 2025
Location: Courtyard Toronto Downtown, 475 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1X7
Agenda: Download the provisional agenda
(Last updated November 27, 2025)
Registration: Registration is now closed
Who should attend: First Nation Teachers, Administrators, Education Directors
Accommodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at a special group rate for attendees:
Courtyard Toronto Downtown
475 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4Y 1X7
Rate: $279.00 per night + applicable taxes
Booking Deadline: November 4, 2025
To book your accommodations, please call 1-800-847-5075 or 416-924-0611, and mention the Chiefs of Ontario Special Education Sharing Forum. You may also use the booking link: Book your group rate for Chiefs of Ontario Special Education Sharing Forum
Travel Reimbursement:
Two (2) attendees employed or designated by a First Nation or First Nation representative entity will be reimbursed for their travel, meals, and hotel accommodations for up to three (3) nights at the rate of $279.00 CAD plus applicable taxes to attend the event upon submission of a travel claim, following the event.
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@ChiefsOfOntario
Conference Resources
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Travel Claim Information Sheet
Click here to download the travel claim information sheet
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Travel Claim Template
Download the travel claim template here.
Deadline to submit is December 12
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Direct Deposit Form
Download the direct deposit form here
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Conference Booklet
Download and view the conference booklet here
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Forum Feedback Form
Click here to complete the conference feedback form.
Deadline to submit feedback is December 12
Special Education Sharing Forum Presentations
Day 1
Keynote: Honoring our Gifts: First Nation Disability Justice and Inclusive Design in Special Education – Download
Feature Presentation: Neurodivergence: What It Looks Like and How We Can Support - Download
Reimagining the Ontario IEP: A Collaborative Approach to Creating a Holistic, Strength-Based Framework – Download
Introduction to Autism Ontario Programs and Services – Download
Indigenizing the IEP – Coming Soon!
Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities & ADHD: Advocacy, Knowledge Mobilization, and Community Partnerships – Download
Building a Pedagogy of Peace: A Wholistic Educational Framework – Download
Empowering Self-Regulation: Exploring the Impact of iPad on Independent Learning and Behaviour Management – Coming Soon!
The Missing Link: How Empathy Can Unlock Success – Coming Soon!
Day 2
Trauma Informed Approaches - Download
The Miller Method Approach for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in JK-Gr. 8: Implementing Practical Strategies in the Classroom - Coming Soon!
Indigenous Perspectives on Neurodiversity, Development, and Learning - Coming Soon!
How do multiple ear infections in childhood, difficulty accessing curriculum due to a vision challenge, or a dual sensory loss put children’s academic success at risk? Join us to discover how we can partner with you to support your learners. - Download
Empowering First Nations Families in Special Education - Download
Support Contact Information
For inquiries and more information please contact Ashley Deacon at ashley.deacon@coo.org or Patricia Magiskan, at patricia.magiskan@coo.org