“I may be a little bit different, but why not see the things that I can do well, instead of the things I can’t?”
Growing up, Ryan McTavish found that people would see his autism before seeing him as a person. He tried to find a place where he could belong, but it wasn’t easy. As a teenager, he found a mentor that saw him for who he was, and the value he had to give. Inspired by this friendship, Ryan knew things could and should be different for others with disabilities.
When he got older, Ryan wanted to do more. He wanted to be the change he wished to see in his community. Being aware of someone’s disability is not the same as accepting it. Ryan is the founder of the Start Living Acceptance movement. It’s simple, but powerful. Accepting someone how they are is more than making room for them. It is welcoming them as a meaningful part of the story.
Now, Ryan is a motivational speaker, sharing his story in classrooms, workshops and conferences. As a drummer, he also uses the power of music to share the message of acceptance. As a child, Ryan wished for a mentor. Someone like him that he could look up to in the community. With the Start Living Acceptance movement, Ryan has become that mentor for many young people in our region.
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate people like Ryan McTavish.
People who share how important it is to accept others. Who teach others to see all people for who they are, first and foremost, instead of their disability.
Available in cans and on draught as of Dec. 2, 2018.
All beer orders must be picked up at Descendant Beer & Beverage Co. Gift wrapping of six-packs will also be available with a donation to EAFWR on Dec. 2 at the brewery.
Ryan McTavish Lagered Ale, available on draught and in cans while supplies last.
GAMES & DROP-IN When: Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00pm Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central Library at 85 Queen St. N. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00pm Where: Cambridge Centre, Food Court, 355 Hespeler Rd. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Where: 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to be supported […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Conestoga Mall, Food Court at 550 King St. N Waterloo Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and […]
GAMES & DROP-IN When: Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00pm Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central Library at 85 Queen St. N. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00pm Where: Cambridge Centre, Food Court, 355 Hespeler Rd. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Where: 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to be supported […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Conestoga Mall, Food Court at 550 King St. N Waterloo Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and […]
Youth Hub with Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is for participants aged 12 to 17. Developed for teens with disabilities and open to all. Formerly the “Teen Hangout Group” at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Come by for a teen drop-in to play video games, board games and more! No registration required. When: Mondays, 6-8pm from September 14 - November 23, 2026 […]
GAMES & DROP-IN When: Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00pm Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central Library at 85 Queen St. N. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00pm Where: Cambridge Centre, Food Court, 355 Hespeler Rd. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Where: 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to be supported […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Conestoga Mall, Food Court at 550 King St. N Waterloo Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and […]
Youth Hub with Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is for participants aged 12 to 17. Developed for teens with disabilities and open to all. Formerly the “Teen Hangout Group” at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Come by for a teen drop-in to play video games, board games and more! No registration required. When: Mondays, 6-8pm from September 14 - November 23, 2026 […]
GAMES & DROP-IN When: Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00pm Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central Library at 85 Queen St. N. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00pm Where: Cambridge Centre, Food Court, 355 Hespeler Rd. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to […]
Understanding Conflict and Communication – Foundations & Clearing Conflict is a workshop for personal and professional development. In this workshop, you will become more aware of your preferred conflict style and identify situations where each conflict style can be used most effectively. You will also use your knowledge of conflict styles to practice communication that […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Where: 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to be supported […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Conestoga Mall, Food Court at 550 King St. N Waterloo Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and […]
Youth Hub with Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is for participants aged 12 to 17. Developed for teens with disabilities and open to all. Formerly the “Teen Hangout Group” at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Come by for a teen drop-in to play video games, board games and more! No registration required. When: Mondays, 6-8pm from September 14 - November 23, 2026 […]
GAMES & DROP-IN When: Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00pm Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central Library at 85 Queen St. N. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do […]
Inclusion doesn’t have to be a big production. A simple hello is a start. At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s interactive Inclusion Workshop, you will learn about community inclusion and how to be with each other in a way that includes everyone. We will explore 5 ingredients for quality support, hear stories from qualified facilitators who have […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00pm Where: Cambridge Centre, Food Court, 355 Hespeler Rd. Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Where: 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and you do not need to be supported […]
COFFEE & CHATS When: Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Conestoga Mall, Food Court at 550 King St. N Waterloo Open Space is a weekly gathering that promotes inclusion within the community by getting people together at a cafe for food, fun and conversation. All are encouraged and welcome regardless of ability, and […]