Keenan Wellar
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keenanwellar.bsky.social
Keenan Wellar
@keenanwellar.bsky.social
30 years of community inclusion via LiveWorkPlay.ca proud veteran of downtown Ottawa neighbourhoods (currently, Glebe), photographer, kayaker, major hometown sports fan, infamous as Ottawa RedBlacks Fan Above and the guy with the flags at Ottawa Charge!
Presenting the TCE LiveWorkPlay partnership at Community Living Ontario

I have been a part of presentation teams at the Community Living Ontario annual conference so many times, I honestly don't know what the count is! More than 10 presentations for sure. This includes representing LiveWorkPlay,…
Presenting the TCE LiveWorkPlay partnership at Community Living Ontario
I have been a part of presentation teams at the Community Living Ontario annual conference so many times, I honestly don't know what the count is! More than 10 presentations for sure. This includes representing LiveWorkPlay, but also several From Presence To Citizenship sessions, and now something new, co-presenting with a local partner organization, Total Communications Environment! I was pleased to be the warm-up act with the important content coming from Julie Kingstone, Grace Hudson, and Robin Myers.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
September 20, 2026 at 8:43 PM
What Does It Really Mean to Be Named One of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work?

So many people have reached out with kind words about LiveWorkPlay being recognized as the #2 Best Place to Work in Ottawa, and we really appreciate it. The initial announcement included limited information, with much more…
What Does It Really Mean to Be Named One of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work?
So many people have reached out with kind words about LiveWorkPlay being recognized as the #2 Best Place to Work in Ottawa, and we really appreciate it. The initial announcement included limited information, with much more to come in the September edition of OBJ magazine. In the meantime, several people have asked me what this recognition actually means and how the results were determined.
keenanwellar.wordpress.com
August 28, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Announcing “Joining The BUSY Group” on CTV

From the June 26, 2026 broadcast of CTV Your Morning Ottawa: those who have not yet heard the news about LiveWorkPlay joining The BUSY Group, a global nonprofit in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (and now Canada!) got the big reveal! Check out…
Announcing “Joining The BUSY Group” on CTV
From the June 26, 2026 broadcast of CTV Your Morning Ottawa: those who have not yet heard the news about LiveWorkPlay joining The BUSY Group, a global nonprofit in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (and now Canada!) got the big reveal! Check out my short interview and the fun images and videos that backed up the story. You can get all of the details of the coming together of these two great organizations…
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 29, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Inclusion Workshops with Accessibility Standards Canada

A very busy and productive Public Service Neurodiversity Week continued for the LiveWorkPlay team! For Wednesday and Thursday I was thrilled to be with the team at Accessibility Standards Canada providing a workshop on Creating Welcome…
Inclusion Workshops with Accessibility Standards Canada
A very busy and productive Public Service Neurodiversity Week continued for the LiveWorkPlay team! For Wednesday and Thursday I was thrilled to be with the team at Accessibility Standards Canada providing a workshop on Creating Welcome Workplaces, with a specific focus on people with intellectual disabilities. The Wednesday session was presented in English, and the French language session is on Thursday.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 4:07 AM
Panelist for CLO Webinar

I was pleased to join in this webinar "Integrated Employment Services in Ontario: Challenges and Opportunities for Job Seekers with Intellectual Disabilities" hosted by Community Living Ontario represented by Shawn Pegg (Director of Social Policy & Strategic Initiatives)…
Panelist for CLO Webinar
I was pleased to join in this webinar "Integrated Employment Services in Ontario: Challenges and Opportunities for Job Seekers with Intellectual Disabilities" hosted by Community Living Ontario represented by Shawn Pegg (Director of Social Policy & Strategic Initiatives) and Ines de Escallon from the Family Support Network for Employment. It was a solid hour with three different perspectives that are closely aligned in supporting positive employment outcomes for jobseekers with intellectual disabilities.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 4:04 AM
Panelist at the WE Inspire Conference

Another very busy week for the LiveWorkPlay team was capped off today with a presentation on Just Enough Support as part of the WE Inspire online conference. Over 100 students from 12 different Developmental Services Worker college programs were in attendance.…
Panelist at the WE Inspire Conference
Another very busy week for the LiveWorkPlay team was capped off today with a presentation on Just Enough Support as part of the WE Inspire online conference. Over 100 students from 12 different Developmental Services Worker college programs were in attendance. I featured brief case studies about indiviuals we support living their lives to the fullest, like Matt and Gillian!
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Panelist at Disability and Work in Canada 2025

This is always one of my favourite conferences. It's just packed full of "people who get it" who are trying hard to learn from each other to build inclusive communities. We had a great turnout for our session and most importantly, great questions and…
Panelist at Disability and Work in Canada 2025
This is always one of my favourite conferences. It's just packed full of "people who get it" who are trying hard to learn from each other to build inclusive communities. We had a great turnout for our session and most importantly, great questions and follow-up conversations.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 3:54 AM
Hosting The LiveWorkPlay News at the Festive Family Gathering

This tradition is not going anywhere! The ever-popular LiveWorkPlay news, delivered live in front of the best audience in town.
Hosting The LiveWorkPlay News at the Festive Family Gathering
This tradition is not going anywhere! The ever-popular LiveWorkPlay news, delivered live in front of the best audience in town.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 3:48 AM
Hosting Special Meeting of Members and Joining The BUSY Group

Put this on the short list of "I never saw that coming." After 31 years of dedicated service to the Ottawa community, we got noticed all the way from Australia, and we are now a part of one of the world's top nonprofit networks: The…
Hosting Special Meeting of Members and Joining The BUSY Group
Put this on the short list of "I never saw that coming." After 31 years of dedicated service to the Ottawa community, we got noticed all the way from Australia, and we are now a part of one of the world's top nonprofit networks: The BUSY Group! Click here for details.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 3:45 AM
Presenting at the CASE Conference 2026

The team from LiveWorkPlay was honoured to be the first group of presenters to take to the ballroom stage today at the Canadian Association for Supported Employment Conference 2026 "From Insight to Action: Driving Equity in Employment." Jen Broad, Anna…
Presenting at the CASE Conference 2026
The team from LiveWorkPlay was honoured to be the first group of presenters to take to the ballroom stage today at the Canadian Association for Supported Employment Conference 2026 "From Insight to Action: Driving Equity in Employment." Jen Broad, Anna Nelson, Julie Kingstone, and Keenan Wellar delivered an interactive session to an engaged and supportive audience: "Investing in Relationships and Getting Results: How to Build Long-Term Employment Results." …
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 3:39 AM
Strategies for Employment: Preparing, Finding, and Retaining Work

January 27th, 2026 at 7pm EST Presenters: Frank Fagan, Assistant National Director, RWA Keenan Wellar, Co-Leader and Director of Communications, LiveWorkPlay Finding, keeping, and growing in a job or career can be an important part…
Strategies for Employment: Preparing, Finding, and Retaining Work
January 27th, 2026 at 7pm EST Presenters: Frank Fagan, Assistant National Director, RWA Keenan Wellar, Co-Leader and Director of Communications, LiveWorkPlay Finding, keeping, and growing in a job or career can be an important part of our lives. It helps us build relationships and connections, gain self-confidence, and support financial security. In Ontario, the supports available to help people with disabilities find a job have changed, and job seekers and their families need to understand the new Employment Ontario program.
keenanspeaks.wordpress.com
June 25, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Reality check: what is the Canadian “Nonprofit Sector” anyway?

I was intrigued by the latest Imagine Canada national and provincial nonprofit sector update. Maybe that doesn't sound intriguing to you, but hear me out! When most people hear the words “charity” or “nonprofit,” they picture…
Reality check: what is the Canadian “Nonprofit Sector” anyway?
I was intrigued by the latest Imagine Canada national and provincial nonprofit sector update. Maybe that doesn't sound intriguing to you, but hear me out! When most people hear the words “charity” or “nonprofit,” they picture organizations like food banks, shelters, youth programs, disability supports, or community groups. I have worked in the sector for more than 30 years, and that is certainly my central frame of reference.
keenanwellar.wordpress.com
May 25, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Haha. I knew this had been on the jumbotron, only just found out it was in the closing broadcast credits 😃⚡❤️ @pwhlcharge.bsky.social
May 12, 2026 at 11:32 PM
Let's go CHARGE ⚡
May 8, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Yesterday, LiveWorkPlay joined with other
Community Living Ontario member organizations, self-advocates, families, and supporters from across the province at Queen’s Park for Community Living Ontario’s “Day at the Legislature.” #DayAtTheLeg26 #CLMonth2026 #WeAllBelong
May 7, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
"For siblings Spencer and Shelby, living at The Haven has made it easier than ever to stay connected while still enjoying their own independence."

Spencer, Shelby, and their mom Sandra have been involved with LiveWorkPlay for almost 30 years! Read: www.multifaithhousing.ca/blog/spencer...
May 7, 2026 at 3:15 AM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
The report points to ongoing gaps for people with disabilities that are not consistently recognized or well understood, including people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons, and best practices for supporting neurodiversity.

Access the auditor's report: www.canada.ca/en/auditor-g...
May 6, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Yesterday was the first day on the job for Simon Caisse, starting his 6 month contract as an Administrative Assistant with the Human Resources department at Levy TD Place.

Photo credit: Jen Broad, LiveWorkPlay, Employer Partnerships and Workplace Inclusion Specialist
May 6, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Cours Bayview Yards

The Rob More Good Life Award – John Cholmondeley

Introduction of presenter Mike More by Keenan Wellar.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nud2...
Rob More Good Life Award - John Cholmondeley - LiveWorkPlay Make A Buzz Ottawa - 17 April 2026
YouTube video by LiveWorkPlay
www.youtube.com
May 1, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17

Inclusive Employment Champion – Janelle Wright, and the team at Finance Canada

Presented by Mary Gusella, Volunteer Chair Federal Employment Strategy Group (FESG)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxc...
Inclusive Employment Champion - Janelle Wright - LiveWorkPlay Make A Buzz Ottawa - 17 April 2026
YouTube video by LiveWorkPlay
www.youtube.com
April 30, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards

Inclusive Employer Award – Kinaxis (Neil Butts) and CHEFS&STAFF4HIRE (Lauren Lochan)

Presented by Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tve1...
Inclusive Employer Award - Kinaxis & CHEFS&STAFF4HIRE - LiveWorkPlay Make A Buzz Ottawa - 17/04/2026
YouTube video by LiveWorkPlay
www.youtube.com
April 30, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards

Inclusive Employer Award – LCBO (Accepted by Adam Robinson)

Presented by Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua6h...
Inclusive Employer Award - LCBO - LiveWorkPlay Make A Buzz Ottawa - 17 April 2026
YouTube video by LiveWorkPlay
www.youtube.com
April 30, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards

Community Partner Award – Aisha Stambouli, Valor & Solutions

Presented by Julie Kingstone, Co-Leader and Director of Operations

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVC0...
Community Partner Award - Aisha Stambouli - LiveWorkPlay Make A Buzz Ottawa - 17 April 2026
YouTube video by LiveWorkPlay
www.youtube.com
April 30, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Steven let it be known to the LiveWorkPlay Community Supports Team that he wanted to start baking and cooking more. He had some ideas of his own but was also looking for suggestions. Last week it was a successful start with blueberry muffins, and today Steven took on a big challenge: pizza!
April 29, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Reposted by Keenan Wellar
Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026 31st LiveWorkPlay Anniversary, the 20th broadcast of The LiveWorkPlay News, Top 26 of 2025-2026, recorded live at Bayview Yards the broadcast was presented in three segments, this is the third and final, fom #10-#1.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_N8...
The LiveWorkPlay News - (Top 10) Top 26 of 2025-2026 - LiveWorkPlay Make A Buzz Ottawa - 17/04/2026
YouTube video by LiveWorkPlay
www.youtube.com
April 29, 2026 at 11:13 PM