Inspirations News Podcast

Inspirations News Podcast

The Inspirations News Podcast is sponsored by Quebec’s only newspaper devoted exclusively towards the special needs community. Tune in regularly to hear uplifting success stories and gain timely advice in the area of special needs, featuring experts in various fields.

Episodes

April 3, 2025 17 mins

On this episode, we’re exploring a game-changing initiative at St-Hubert restaurants that’s transforming the dining experience for the autism community. With the help of Giant Steps, St-Hubert is setting a new standard in the restaurant industry with sensory-friendly spaces, comprehensive staff training, and a commitment to inclusive hiring.  

Joining host Mark Bergman to discuss this initiative are Josée Vaillancourt, Director of C...

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February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time to celebrate the power of inclusion. This episode highlights the Shira Choir, a beloved Montreal choir that gives neurodivergent singers a space to shine.

Join us as we explore the choir’s impact, its growth, and the joy of music with:
🎵 Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo – Co-founder & Choir Director
🎵 Rebecca Bensimon – Choir Volunte...

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Meet Alessia Iglio, the inspiring force behind the DisTheDis movement. Diagnosed with dyspraxia and on the autism spectrum, she’s turned her personal challenges into a mission to redefine what it means to live with a disability. In this episode, Alessia and her dad Pietro share her journey of resilience and how she’s empowering others to see ability where others may see limits. Join us for a powerful conversation about overcoming a...

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Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of the Imagine Festival, happening on August 4th at the Dunany Country Club. Presented by 4 Korners, this inclusive, free arts and family-fun festival celebrates autistic and neurodiverse creativity, showcasing artists of varying abilities while offering fun for the entire family.

In this episode, we talk to one of the featured artists, Zach Reisman from Zach Designs, along with his mom Lorr...

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What an incredible day at the grand opening of Pigeon dans le Parc in Hampstead Park! Listen, as Eve Rochman, Founding Director of Zera Café, Jonathan Dresner, owner of Pigeon Café, and Matthew Flanz, who works at Pigeon dans le Parc, chat with Mark Bergman about the café’s mission to blend great coffee with meaningful employment for neurodivergent adults. 

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In this episode, we're delving into the Galileo Adult Center's Social Integration Work Preparation Program, a beacon of hope for students! Join Nancy Leopardi, Ruby Ipekian, and Erica Farina, along with their teacher Luciana Franceschini, as they share their empowering journey.

Discover how this program not only prepared them for their work stages, but also empowered them to thrive within it. From essential skill...

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This episode spotlights the inspiring art exhibition featured at the 3rd annual JDAIM vernissage, a collaborative effort between Ometz, L’Annexe, and the Cummings Centre

Host Mark Bergman leads an engaging conversation with two talented artists, Sarah Aspler and Benny Wark, exploring the profound ways in which art shapes their lives and serves as a vehicle for self-expression. Lanya McClintock, manager of L’Annexe, will join us to...

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The I Can Dream Theatre is back!! Our guests share their experiences of not being together as a group for three long years and the joyous reunion that fueled the creation of this magnificent production.

Listen in as Gabriel and Ainslie open up about the profound role that acting plays in their lives and how the stage becomes a canvas for self-expression. Director Ada Masciarelli, provides insights into the creative process...

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We'll talk about the Technology Recycling Social Participation Program at the Huntingdon Adult Education Centre. Students  are fixing up old laptops and tablets with issues like broken hardware or outdated software. They're either taking them apart or finding clever ways to make them work like new.

Leading the charge are two awesome teachers, Kathleen Hacken and Michael Werenchuk. Michael, who teaches SIS, joins us on the ...

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October 31, 2023 19 mins

Discover the heartwarming vision behind Café Soleil, a coffee shop that's making a real difference in the community. Host Mark Bergman talks with with Maia Cooper, Executive Director of JEM Workshop, Sara Levy, Job Coach at JEM, and Elaine Katzefman, a Café Soleil team member. They discuss the importance of inclusivity, employment opportunities, and the impact this initiative has on the community. Join us for an inspiring conv...

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September 18, 2023 11 mins

BullyingCanada is holding its first-ever Musicians Rock Against Bullying night on Thursday November 9 at 7 pm at Macallan’s Pub in Dorval. Five bands will each perform a personalized setlist of cover songs during the night. All revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships will go to BullyingCanada. A 50/50 draw and a silent auction will also be held at the event. Tickets are available for $50 at bullyingcanada.ca/rock. A tax receipt ...

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A new collaboration between the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and Special Olympics Quebec was established this year, led by the Centre of Excellence for the Physically, Intellectually and Multi-Challenged (CoE PIM), the EMSB’s department of Student Services and department of Educational Services. On this episode, Mark Bergman will chat with Sarah Lynch -  Special Education Consultant at the EMSB, John Caboto Academy student ...

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On this episode we introduce you to Alink Foundation, a nonprofit community organization in Montreal, Quebec — a group of families and supporters joined by a common bond. Their mission is to:

  • enhance the health and well-being of our adult children
  • provide them with opportunities to participate as valued members of society, develop in them a sense of belonging and help them live meaningful and dignified lives
  • build with them an inc...
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February 20, 2023 20 mins

"From Strength to Strength", the 2nd annual multigenerational art exhibition in honour of JDAIM, featured diverse artists from L'Annexe: the Ometz Centre for Young Adults, Ometz, the Cummings Centre, Alink, Moishe House Montreal, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, and more!

On this episode we'll talk to two featured artists: Kessem Vaknin and Abram Friedland. As well as Lanya McClintock -  the Manager of L’Annex...

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January 31, 2023 20 mins

From what started as a program to keep special needs adults busy during the pandemic, Power Buddies MTL has grown into an unstoppable group of superheroes.

Power Buddies MTL offers group activities in person and on zoom giving everyone the opportunity to communicate, make new friends, and sharpen social skills. Through their interactive program, our activities improve the body, and mind.

In this episode, Mark Berg...

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September 14, 2022 19 mins

Hear Entendre Quebec have announced the much anticipated return of their fully accessible comedy show Access Comedy, taking place on September 25th over at the Paradox Theatre. During this podcast, host Mark Bergman will talk to Executive Director Heidy Wager and comedian Abby Stonehouse about the show, and what accessibility looks like in 2022.

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June 27, 2022 24 mins
Get behind the scenes insight of the Fun Fashion For All show, that took place at The Mackay Center on June 9th.Mark Bergman chats with Simon Chang, Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli, Christina Sollazzo, and student organizers Ella and Bella!Enjoy!
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Following Federation CJA West Island's arm-chair interview with Jana Popliger, Maya Sinclair, and Rabbi Fishman, Mark Bergman sat down and chatted with both Maya & Jana. Learn more about her road to her Bat Mitzvah, and some of the hurdles they encountered.
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May 16, 2022 14 mins
Summit School Tech program has opened a café inside Maimonides Geriatric Centre. It's a fully functional cafe that serves two purposes: training students, as well as serving and interacting with the centre's residents. Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with Maimonides Development Officer, Lisa Kasner - Job Integration Specialist, Thomas Saviolidis - And Onder, who works at the café!Enjoy!
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We're focusing on mental health on this edition of our podcast. The Glee Club at Vincent Massey Collegiate, better knows as the Clef Notes, performed at the Just For Kids Voices competition, which raised money for mental health awareness at the Montreal Children’s Hospital! Listen as Mark Bergman chats with teacher Alessandra Martoccia, Sec V student August Di Liello, and Sec IV student Charlotte Renaud.
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