Shows
Connect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: The Power of StorytellingSeason 3, Episode 20A Melanie Minute: The Power of StorytellingIn this Melanie Minute, your host Melanie Taddeo shares her story of telling a story. And she knows a thing or two about doing so: she’s the author of multiple non-fiction books and a renowned public speaker, so she can certainly attest to the fact that telling a story is central to making a connection with anyone.And speaking of stories and making connections, Melanie’s “easter egg” in this episode talks about her newest book, “Connecting Possibilities: The Story of Connect...
2026-02-0508 minConnect4Life: The PodcastConnected Conversations: January 2026 EditionSeason 3, Episode 19Connected Conversations – The CEO Newsletter - January 2026 EditionThis episode features the audio spoken word version of the January 2026 CEO newsletter, Connected Conversions, an exclusive feature of Connect4Life: The Podcast.In this issue:• Accessibility Lunch & Learn Series• Skills Development in South Africa• Connect4Life's Upcoming Programs • Connecting Possibilities: The Story of Connect4Life is published and available.For more information or to subscribe...
2026-01-2811 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Taking Care of Our CaregiversSeason 3, Episode 18A Melanie Minute: Taking Care of Our CaregiversThe realities of living with a disability and the importance of caregivers is the topic of this Melanie Minute. And more to point, Melanie highlights the needs of caregivers themselves.Whether paid personal support workers or unpaid family members and friends, caregiving entails so many facets of consideration, not to mention how caregiving can often take an enormous toil on the caregiver. And as host Melanie Taddeo points out in this candid Melanie Minute, without the appropriate recognition...
2026-01-2712 min
SickboyMy Sister Confessed Her Dark Secret to Me While I was in A Coma | Stroke at 21Imagine being 21 years old, trapped in a two-week coma, completely unable to move or speak, while your sister leans over your bed and confesses her deepest darkest secret to you, and you hear the whole thing.This week, we sit down with Melanie, who at 21 years old, went from a "parking lot" migraine on the 401 to a life-saving brain surgery that left her in a two-week coma . But Melanie wasn't just "asleep"—she describes a vivid, "locked-in" experience where she heard every secret her friends whispered and saw her aunt’s birthday wishes in brushstrokes of pink and...
2026-01-2157 minConnect4Life: The PodcastProfiles in Advocacy: Dan Walters Helps Make Change by Being the Changemaker HimselfSeason 3, Episode 17Profiles in Advocacy: Dan Walters Helps Make Change by Being the Changemaker HimselfThis episode of Profiles in Advocacy takes us to the post-secondary education sector in Ontario. Host Melanie Taddeo chats with Dan Walters, who is both a lecturer and the man who coordinates practica for students at Ontario Tech University in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. For Dan, this is more than a job of synching up a practical learning setting with the University’s requirements for a student to graduate; his fo...
2026-01-1941 minConnect4Life: The PodcastProfiles in Advocacy: Sean Pickard – Advocacy with a MicSeason 3, Episode 16Profiles in Advocacy: Sean Pickard – Advocacy with a MicThis episode of Profiles in Advocacy features host Melanie Taddeo and Sean Pickard. Sean is the Station Manager for V4A Studios in Canada. He also lives with a brain injury.Sean’s work in digital media helps give a voice to the issues and faces of disability. His work helps build community, broadens access to information, and serves as an instrument of representation – key features of what defines the practice of advocacy. As Sean points out in thi...
2026-01-1332 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA New Year's Melanie MinuteSeason 3, Episode 15A New Year’s Melanie MinuteWhat better way to start anything than with a fresh perspective? Every new year – indeed, every new cycle –- provides that opportunity for all of us to consider how to make the best of the moments ahead. Enjoy this Melanie Minute, an exclusive feature of Connect4Life: The Podcast – and Happy New Year.A Melanie Minute is an exclusive feature of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, which we produce regularly – or, pretty much whenever Connect 4 Life’s President & CEO, Melanie...
2026-01-0807 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Accessibility and Canada's Winter WeatherSeason 3, Episode 14A Melanie Minute: Accessibility and Canada’s Winter WeatherWelcome to winter. Or, more specifically, welcome to the joys and challenges of Canada’s winter weather.For someone with a disability, winter challenges can be eventful. These include heavy snowfall and ice, sub-zero temperatures and even the winter blahs – the seasonal dreariness that so many people experience at least once during the winter.But there are joys as well, and in Canada we know how to embrace and even celebrate our coldest season of year.This...
2026-01-0508 minConnect4Life: The PodcastConnected Conversations: December 2025 CEO Newsletter - Audio VersionSeason 3, Episode 13Connected Conversations – The CEO Newsletter - December 2025 EditionThis episode features the audio spoken word version of the December 2025 CEO newsletter, Connected Conversions.In this issue:• A seasonal update from the CEO, Melanie Taddeo• A view from the Board of Directors from Steven Christianson• Impact Spotlight – featuring contributions from Lilly Cereghini and Prateek Mohanty• Connect4Life’s Day of Advocacy at Queen’s Park in December 2025• An u...
2025-12-1521 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Making Your Holiday Season Merry, Inclusive and AccessibleSeason 3, Episode 12A Melanie Minute: Making Your Holiday Season Merry, Inclusive and AccessibleThe holiday season is upon is. And so are all the careful considerations of buying presents, hosting parties and reaching out to neighbours, families and friends.So what better way to help celebrate the season than with a Melanie Minute that provides you with a quick step-by-step planner on how to make the best of the season – by making it Merry, Inclusive and Accessible. In this Melanie Minute, Host Melanie Taddeo shares tips and easy-to-follow steps on how to...
2025-12-1110 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: The Value of GratitudeSeason 3, Episode 11A Melanie Minute: The Value of GratitudeGratitude has value in our lives, of course, and it is often a huge source of empowerment for those around us.Host Melanie Taddeo (President & CEO of Connect4Life), begins this Melanie Minute by reflecting on her gratitude for the programs we’ve built at Connect4Life, the students who successfully complete their courses, their communities who often provide that extra support, the charity as a whole – gratitude for the opportunity to help make an impact.Being thankful to thos...
2025-12-0510 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy: For Chris MacLeod, It's about Passion with Heart & Soul -- Despite the OddsSeason 3, Episode 10Advocacy: For Chris MacLeod, it’s about Passion with Heart & Soul – Despite the OddsThis episode of Profiles in Advocacy, our Season 3 focus of Connect4Life: The Podcast, features one of our more inspiring and thought-provoking conversations about getting issues on the radar and making a difference. Chris MacLeod is a corporate lawyer in Toronto, a seasoned practitioner of international government relations, bestselling author, and a passionate voice for those without a voice.As host Melanie Taddeo, President and CEO of Connect4Life learns, Chris was born...
2025-12-0444 min
Connect4Life: The PodcastSolutionFEST: A 2025 United Nations Special for December 3Season 3, Episode 9Connect4Life Hosts “SolutionFest”, a Dialogue on Inclusion for UN Day December 3, 2025Every December 3, the United Nations observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s UN theme is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress. As part of Connect4Life’s celebration and our contribution to the global dialogue around inclusion, we present this special episode – SolutionFest 2025: Making a World Inclusive of People with Disabilities.Melanie Taddeo, President and CEO of Connect4Life, hosted this online panel discussion, which was recorded on November 19, and features L...
2025-12-0245 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Obstacles, Then and NowSeason 3, Episode 8A Melanie Minute: Obstacles, Then and NowSaturday November 29, 2025Forty-four years ago, the first-of-its-kind report was released by the Government of Canada. That report was called Obstacles.The year 1981 was designated as an international year highlighting persons with disabilities. Canada’s national government took a bold step in advance of that UN year, and launched a nation-wide comprehensive review on inclusion, accessibility, the lives of Canadians with disabilities and the role of the Government of Canada. The committee that undertook that historic study travelled throughout Canada, li...
2025-11-2907 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Giving Tuesday - December 2Season 3, Episode 6A Melanie Minute: Giving Tuesday - December 2Did you know Giving Tuesday, on December 2nd, is an annual observance of charitable giving and meaning that provides an alternative to the hustle and bustle of having to buy presents for everyone?And for those of us who love buying gifts anyway, Giving Tuesday reminds us –right at the beginning of the month of holidays, no less – that the spirit of the season really does have a deeper value than what can be purchased in a store. This Mela...
2025-11-2805 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Gender-Based Violence - We Can All Do Something About ItSeason 3, Episode 5A Melanie MinuteGender-Based Violence – Sadly, It’s Closer Than You ThinkNot only is violence against women, girls and people with different gender identities a reality around the world, but incidents of such violence are even more marked when the victim has a disability.This Melanie Minute aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and offers a few practical ways to begin dealing with the problem.Although not the most uplifting topic for all you listening, the underlying positivity is found in the hope...
2025-11-2707 minConnect4Life: The PodcastThe CEO's Audio Newsletter: November 2025The CEO's Audio Newsletter: November 2025Connecting for You - Across the Toronto Region and Around the Globe.This episode features the audio version of the November 2025 edition of the monthly CEO Newsletter by Melanie Taddeo of Connect4Life.In this edition:an update on Season Three of Connect4Life: The PodcastConnect4Life's work in promoting inclusion and accessibility in the skilled tradesa shoutout to Sheridan College and Connect4Life's newest members of our Leadership Teamthe details of our Annual Holiday Fundraisera few thoughts about 2026For more information, or...
2025-11-2510 minConnect4Life: The PodcastWarren Rupnarain: The Man Who Puts Accessibility Into PracticeSeason 3, Episode 4Warren Rupnarain: The Man Who Puts Accessibility Into PracticeWarren Rupnarain is a senior official at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), one of North America's largest public transit agencies. Warren's job is to advise the agency on matters related to accessibility.As host and Connect4Life President & CEO, Melanie Taddeo learns in this episode, Warren's career has focused on advocating for, promoting, and advising on accessibility for people with disabilities. From a young age, Warren's focus has been on making our world accessible for everyone.No easy task...
2025-11-2420 min
Scarborough Centre - Working for YouMPP David Smith Getting It Done With Premier Ford - Audio Newsletter - November 15, 2025Episode 9MPP David Smith Getting It Done with Premier Ford: November 15, 2025Audio VersionThis episode features the spoken-word audio version of MPP's Smith's newsletter of November 15, 2025.In this episode:Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Scarborough Centre - Royal Canadian Legion Branch 617Aspire for Higher's Success Stories and Role Models at the Skilled Trades Event in the Scarborough Civic CentreVisiting the leaders at the IBEW and ILEO Pathway Training CentreConnect4Life on inclusive opportunities during Skilled Trades Week...
2025-11-1811 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvancing Dialogue and Building Community: A Conversation with Ben AkuokoEpisode 4Advancing Dialogue and Building Community: A Conversation with Ben AkuokoThis episode of Connect4Life: The Podcast features a conversation with change-maker, Ghanian-born Ben Akuoko, a social worker with low vision who champions the notion of diversity within disability. Disability, something often associated with the very notion of diversity itself, is a world requiring an even greater grasp and appreciation of its own diversity, Ben explains in this interview conducted by host Melanie Taddeo, also President and CEO of Connect4Life.And Ben’s preferred method of ge...
2025-11-1729 minScarborough Centre - Working for YouMember's Statement Retrospective: Jewel, Melania Smith & Connect4LifeEpisode 6Member’s Statement Retrospective: Jewel, Melania Smith & Connect4LifeThis retrospective episode of Member's Statements features MPP David Smith recognizing the work of three great community leaders: Jewel - a local manufacturer of EV battery chargers, Melania Smith - an award-winning entrepreneur whose efforts help support local food security, and Connect4Life - a disability charity that helps deliver community skills development.The Legislative Assembly of Ontario (informally known as Queen’s Park) is the provincial legislature where elected representatives, known as Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), debate and pass...
2025-11-1005 minConnect4Life: The PodcastLegal Advocacy Driven by the Personal Touch with David Lepofsky: Part 2Connect4Life: The PodcastSeason 3: Profiles in AdvocacyEpisode 2 - This is the Second Part of a 2-Part Conversation with David Lepofsky. Scroll back to check out Part 1.Legal Advocacy Driven by the Personal Touch with David Lepofsky: Part 2David Lepofsky is an author, university lecturer, retired lawyer, husband, father, and, to many across Canada, a champion of accessibility and inclusion.This two-part feature focuses on the life and career of a Canadian man dedicated to identifying, eliminating and preventing barriers to the...
2025-11-1023 minConnect4Life: The PodcastLegal Advocacy Driven by the Personal Touch with David Lepofsky: Part 1Connect4Life: The PodcastSeason 3: Profiles in AdvocacySeason 3, Episode 1: Part1Legal Advocacy Driven by the Personal Touch with David LepofskyDavid Lepofsky is an author, university lecturer, retired lawyer, husband, father, and, to many across Canada, a champion of accessibility and inclusion.This two-part feature focuses on the life and career of a Canadian man dedicated to identifying, eliminating and preventing barriers to the full participation of people with disabilities. Melanie Taddeo, President and CEO of Connect4Life, helps listeners...
2025-11-0426 minConnect4Life: The PodcastMelanie Taddeo Presents at Ontario's First Skilled Trades WeekSeason 3 – A Special Bonus EpisodeMelanie Taddeo Presents at Skilled Trades WeekNovember 3, 2025Before we officially get into Profiles in Advocacy, our focus in Season Three, we though we would share a special presentation delivered earlier today by Melanie Taddeo.So, this special bonus episode kicks off Season 3 by reminding everyone that accessibility and inclusion make all the difference in our communities – for employers, schools, training centres, you name.Earlier today, on November 3, 2025, Connect4Life President and CEO, Melanie Taddeo, delivered an address to the forum at S...
2025-11-0308 minConnect4Life: The PodcastSeason 3 TrailerSeason 3 of Connect4Life: The Podcast features Connect4Life President & CEO Melanie Taddeo speaking to a who's who of change-makers and leaders -- from business and law to government agencies and non-profits. Enjoy the conversations with the people who have helped make meaningful change in the lives of people with disabilities.We hope you enjoy, become inspired by, and learn from these Profiles in Advocacy.Episodes will begin dropping soon on your favourite podcast platforms.Visit www.connect4life.ca.
2025-10-2801 minConnect4Life: The PodcastSummer Series '25 - Part 4: Lifelong LearningThe Summer Series ‘25A Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries hosted by Melanie Taddeo1. Accessible Housing in Canada2. Disability Pride Month3. Grant Writing4. Lifelong LearningLearn more about what accessibility means in the context of Canada’s housing crisis. Discover the fact that there is a Disability Pride Month. Listen to some instructive lessons on writing and applying for grants for charities. And consider the benefits of lifelong learning. Each of these topics is the focus of Connect4Life’s Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries, which was produced during the summer...
2025-08-2107 minConnect4Life: The PodcastSummer Series '25 - Part 3: Grant Writing for CharitiesThe Summer Series ‘25A Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries hosted by Melanie Taddeo1. Accessible Housing in Canada2. Disability Pride Month3. Grant Writing4. Lifelong LearningLearn more about what accessibility means in the context of Canada’s housing crisis. Discover the fact that there is a Disability Pride Month. Listen to some instructive lessons on writing and applying for grants for charities. And consider the benefits of lifelong learning. Each of these topics is the focus of Connect4Life’s Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries, which was produced during the summer...
2025-08-2107 minConnect4Life: The PodcastSummer Series '25 - Part 2: Disability Pride MonthThe Summer Series ‘25A Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries hosted by Melanie Taddeo1. Accessible Housing in Canada2. Disability Pride Month3. Grant Writing4. Lifelong LearningLearn more about what accessibility means in the context of Canada’s housing crisis. Discover the fact that there is a Disability Pride Month. Listen to some instructive lessons on writing and applying for grants for charities. And consider the benefits of lifelong learning. Each of these topics is the focus of Connect4Life’s Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries, which was produced during the summer...
2025-08-2105 minConnect4Life: The PodcastSummer Series '25 - Part 1: Accessible Housing in CanadaThe Summer Series ‘25A Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries hosted by Melanie Taddeo1. Accessible Housing in Canada2. Disability Pride Month3. Grant Writing4. Lifelong LearningLearn more about what accessibility means in the context of Canada’s housing crisis. Discover the fact that there is a Disability Pride Month. Listen to some instructive lessons on writing and applying for grants for charities. And consider the benefits of lifelong learning. Each of these topics is the focus of Connect4Life’s Four-Part Mid-Season Miniseries, which was produc...
2025-08-2110 min
NIC ChatsValue-Based Care in Senior Living: An Operator's Perspective - Episode 3Rounding out NIC Chats' value-based care series, Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, joins host Lisa McCracken for an insightful discussion on one operator’s journey successfully implementing outcomes-driven care models in senior living. Juniper's experience with integrated care offers actionable lessons for other senior living providers seeking to improve outcomes, resident satisfaction, and operational efficiency.Listen to learn:The fundamentals of value-based care and its impact on resident outcomes, satisfaction, and cost management, based on firsthand operator experience.Practical advice for senior living operators considering value-based care, including essential pa...
2025-07-1433 minConnect4Life: The PodcastThanks for Listening - Season 3 Coming Soon!Thanks for Listening - Season 3 Coming Soon!June 20, 2025This special bonus episode of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, featuring Host and CEO Melanie Taddeo, wraps up Season 2 and provides a few teasers about what to expect in Season 3 -- including new talk formats, new guests and new conversations and topics that will take you and our team on-location to where the action is happening.Until then, enjoy summer 2025, a season that we Canadians consider among the best. And please reach out to us to share your feedback, your criticism...
2025-06-2102 minConnect4Life: The PodcastThe United Nations Welcomes Connect 4 LifeSeason 2, Episode 20June 20, 2025The United Nations Welcomes Connect 4 LifeOn June 10 of this year, the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (otherwise known as the CRPD) convened at UN Headquarters in New York. One of the final items on the first morning of the proceedings was a decision announced in the General Assembly by the President of the Conference that the applications of 10 non-governmental organizations had been approved and would become accredited members moving forward. Connect 4 Life...
2025-06-2007 minConnect4Life: The PodcastIn Perspective: A Conversion about Living with a DisabilitySeason 2, Episode 19June 17, 2025In Perspective: A Conversion about Living with a DisabilityIn this episode of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, Host Melanie Taddeo chats with Mark Brown about what it means to live with a disability. Mark has a physical disability, and he relies on the use of a wheelchair to get around, while Melanie is legally blind. Despite the difference in each disability, both Mark and Melanie experience many of the same things each and every day, which range from stigmas and misconceptions about a...
2025-06-1729 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Governments Working Together for Canadians with DisabilitiesSeason 2, Episode 18 - June 9, 2025A Melanie Minute: Governments Working Together for Canadians with DisabilitiesEvery now and then we see governments at different levels working cooperatively, harmonizing their programs and services, so that the beneficiaries of those programs are not adversely affected.And this is the case with the most recent announcements by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. With new national disability benefits coming into effect in July, the provincial government has introduced measures to ensure maximum effect and to make sure that people...
2025-06-0907 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: The King’s Speech from the ThroneSeason 2, Episode 17 - June 7 2025A Melanie Minute: The King’s Speech from the ThroneOn May 27, 2025, His Majesty, King Charles III, attended the Opening of the Parliament of Canada and delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament and outline the government’s agenda.The Speech from the Throne opens every new session of Parliament. The Speech introduces the government’s direction and goals, and it outlines how it will work to achieve them.This is a very special Melanie Minute, one th...
2025-06-0707 minConnect4Life: The PodcastCreating Opportunities and Making a Difference: Mark BrownCreating Opportunities and Making a Difference: Mark BrownSeason 2, Episode 16 - June 6, 2025A young father, on a road trip with friends, was suddenly and violently thrust into a new world, all resulting from a car accident: the world of disability.In this episode of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, CEO Melanie Taddeo, from the national office in Mississauga, visits Mark Brown in Connect 4 Life’s Scarborough Office. Mark shares with listeners how one single day changed his life irrevocably, how he spent half a year in rehab, and how he...
2025-06-0612 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Accessibility Awareness is Needed Every DaySeason 2, Episode 15 – June 3, 2025A Melanie Minute: Accessibility Awareness is Needed Every DayNational Access Awareness Week is a week dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for Canadians with disabilities. The Week is designed to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and to work towards a more accessible and inclusive society. It usually falls in the last of week of May each year.In this Melanie Minute, Melanie Taddeo, the CEO of Connect 4 Life, asks the question: why is National Access Awareness Week even needed?She goes on to...
2025-06-0310 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025Season 2, Episode 14A Melanie Minute: Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025May 15 is GAAD. And what is GAAD?In this Melanie Minute, Connect 4 Life Founder, Melanie Taddeo, talks about the opportunities around Global Accessibility Awareness Day, or GAAD. This year, GAAD occurs on Thursday, May 15, 2025. And it’s a celebration that has been going strong for 14 years now. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion. It’s also helps get us thinking about how to harness the human pote...
2025-05-1207 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Artificial Intelligence and DisabilitySeason 2, Episode 13A Melanie Minute: Artificial Intelligence and DisabilityWelcome to another Melanie Minute, an exclusive series of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast.In this Melanie Minute, Connect 4 Life Founder, Melanie Taddeo, shares some personal observations about the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence – and specifically how these technologies affect someone with a disability.Artificial intelligence, or AI as it is more commonly known, is advancing in the world around us at a pace that seems exponential. The impacts and potential of AI affect everyone, including—and in s...
2025-04-2507 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: It's Tax Time!Season 2, Episode 12That’s right folks: it is tax time in Canada. Join Melanie Taddeo in this installment of A Melanie Minute to hear her advice, based on her experiences as someone with a disability who, like everyone else, has to file her income tax return every year.Preparing a tax return typically doesn't rank high on the popularity ratings for most people. But, as Melanie points out, if you do it right -- with the proper technical advice -- the end result can be surprisingly welcome.Learn about the advantages of keeping yo...
2025-04-1010 min
Connect4Life: The PodcastDispatches from Johannesburg Number 4: How To Be A Change-MakerSeason 2 – Episode 11Welcome to another installment of “Dispatches from Johannesburg”, an official series of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast.This episode features host Melanie Taddeo, founder of Connect 4 Life, enjoying the unique privilege of speaking with South Africa’s very own Mr. Taps. Mr. Taps is the renowned author, advocate and station manager of Skills Village Radio. He is also South Africa’s first blind rapper. Evoking the work of legendary communications theorist, Marshall McLuhan, Mr. Taps is someone who provides the medium and the message.For anyone interested in advocac...
2025-04-0918 min
Connect4Life: The PodcastDispatches from Johannesburg Number 3: Putting Words into ActionSeason 2, Episode 10Welcome to another installment of “Dispatches from Johannesburg”, an exclusive series of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast. In this episode, Melanie Taddeo interviews Samantha Daniels, a career educator in Cape Town. Samantha is also on the Board of Connect 4 Life South Africa, and she recently visited Johannesburg to chat with Melanie about the true meaning of accessibility. Samantha knows a thing or two about accessibility issues for people with disabilities: she not only teaches students with disabilities – or, as they like to say in South Africa, people of all abilit...
2025-04-0435 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life March 2025 - The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeAdvocacy4Life March 2025 – The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeSeason 2, Episode 9Welcome to Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode features Issue Number 8 of our monthly audio newsletter, Advocacy4Life, originally published in March 2025.In this month’s issue – increasing connections … the Connect 4 Life podcast launches new a series, as well as how the use of a podcast is complementing the growth of our organization … our post-election update on our next steps with the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario … and a brief update on Connect4Life’s work with the United Nat...
2025-03-2808 min
Connect4Life: The PodcastDispatches from Johannesburg Number 2: Building a Training Centre from ScratchSeason 2, Episode 8Dispatches from Johannesburg Number 2: Building a Training Centre from ScratchWelcome to another installment of “Dispatches from Johannesburg”, an exclusive series of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast. In this episode, Melanie Taddeo shares personal insights based on her experiences over the past several weeks in building a training centre for people with disabilities in South Africa – from the ground up.Recorded in Johannessburg in the first week of March 2025, Melanie talks about the work of two vocational schools in South Africa. As you’ll find out in this epi...
2025-03-1311 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: If I Were Prime Minister …Season 2, Episode 7A Melanie Minute: If I Were Prime Minister …Many of us have thought about what the Prime Minister should do and what priorities should constitute the national agenda. Some of us, in fact, have asked ourselves, “What would I do if I were the Prime Minister of Canada?”This Melanie Minute features Melanie Taddeo, Founder of Connect 4 Life, offering some insightful, do-able and very thoughtful steps that could easily be taken by Canada’s next Prime Minister, measures that would entail action in health care, disability supports, employment prospect...
2025-03-0605 min
Connect4Life: The PodcastDispatches from Johannesburg Number 1: Embracing Change and Discovering a PurposeSeason 2 – Episode 6Dispatches from Johannesburg Number 1 - Embracing Change and Discovering a PurposeThis episode of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast introduces our newest series, a monthly feature we call Dispatches from Johannesburg. Each segment of Dispatches from Johannesburg provides you with a personal update on the activities and development’s of Connect 4 Life’s newest chapter, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.This episode features Connect 4 Life’s Founder, Melanie Taddeo, delivering a keynote address to members of the Johannesburg New Dawn Rotary Club on February 26, 2025. Melanie’...
2025-03-0415 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life February 2025 - The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeSeason 2, Episode 5Welcome to Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode features Issue Number 7 of our monthly audio newsletter, Advocacy4Life, originally published in February 2025.In this episode you’ll hear about the growth of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, something that even the producers of the program are pleasantly surprised about. Executive Director Mark Brown reminds listeners about the Ontario Election on February 27. And our program update ties everything together by highlighting Connect 4 Life’s newest program, “Voting…for People with Disabilities”.Visit us at www.connect4life.ca.#disbilities #nonprofits #charity #fundraisin...
2025-02-1908 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: An Audio Postcard … To Canada with Love, from South AfricaSeason 2, Episode 4
In this Melanie Minute, you’ll hear Melanie Taddeo, Founder of Connect 4 Life, talk about the joys of transforming a dream into a reality – and, in fact, living that reality.
Melanie arrived recently in South Africa to further explore the opportunities and possibilities for growing Connect 4 Life. In so doing, she has immersed herself in the daily routines in Johannesburg as well as the beauty, splendor and perspectives of the African continent.
This Melanie Minute really is an audio postcard, giving listeners a personal glimpse into the sights and sounds, culture, food...
2025-02-0606 minConnect4Life: The PodcastYour Voice Counts – and Here’s How You Can Make a DifferenceSeason 2, Episode 3
Did you know that, when we add up every person with a disability (including older adults with mobility challenges), we comprise one of the biggest potential voting blocs in Canada -- a critical mass of people who can make a definite difference in which political party wins an election and which issues are advanced?
Welcome to Episode 3 of our second season of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast. This episode features Connect 4 Life Founder, Melanie Taddeo, explaining how the voices and votes of Canadians with disabilities can count in an election. She provides do-able and...
2025-02-0508 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life January 2025 – The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeSeason 2, Episode 2
Welcome to Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode features Issue Number 6 of our monthly audio newsletter, Advocacy4Life, originally published in January 2025.
In this month’s issue – news and updates about the Connect 4 Life podcast … the details about Connect 4 Life’s meeting with officials at the Ontario Ministry of Finance’s Pre-Budget Consultation … and an announcement about our newest program that empowers voters and facilitates participation in the voting and electoral process.
We hope you enjoy this issue January 2025 issue of Advocacy4Life.
#disbilities #nonprofits #charity #fundraising...
2025-01-1607 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: A New Year and a New Season of Connect 4 Life-The PodcastSeason 2, Episode 1
A Melanie Minute: A New Year and a New Season
An ongoing feature of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast
In this Melanie Minute, you’ll hear Melanie Taddeo, Founder of Connect 4 Life, talk about the vital importance of volunteers in the world of charities and nonprofits, the value created by volunteers for an organization, the impact on the clients served, and meaningful contributions to one’s larger community.
This Melanie Minute answers the question that some people might have: “You want me to give my time for free...
2025-01-1006 minConnect4Life: The PodcastConnect 4 Life Appears before Ontario’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and FinanceSeason 1, Episode 11
Connect 4 Life and Ontario's Pre-Budget Consultations: Advancing the Agenda
Each year, beginning in December, the Ontario Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and Finance reaches out to people and organizations across the province to gather information to help determine public priorities for the Budget.
On December 17, the Connect 4 Life Team, led by Founder Melanie Taddeo, appeared before the Standing Committee to share our organization’s priorities for Ontarians with disabilities. Melanie talked about our recommendations to increase public awareness about accessibility regulations as well as ways to...
2024-12-1706 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life December 2024 – The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeSeason 1, Episode 10
Welcome to Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode features Issue Number 5 of our monthly audio newsletter, Advocacy4Life, originally published in December 2024.
In this episode you’ll learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and how Connect4life encourages anyone to observe and participate. This episode also provides updates on our advocacy and outreach initiatives at Mississauga City Hall, Toronto City Hall – and a special recognition of Connect 4 Life that was presented in Ontario’s Provincial Parliament.
#disbilities #nonprofits #charity #fundraising #givingback #nonpro...
2024-12-1608 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Melanie Minute: Connecting Connect 4 Life South AfricaSeason 1, Episode 9
A Melanie Minute - An ongoing feature of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast
In this Melanie Minute, you’ll learn about how a small Canadian charity that sprouted in Mississauga, Ontario, expanded into South Africa.
Melanie Taddeo, Founder of Connect 4 Life, talks about what inspired her to even consider opening another chapter of the 10-year organization, not to mention doing so nearly half-way around the globe.
And in this Melanie Minute you’ll learn about what it takes to expand a charity, the opportunities and...
2024-12-1209 minConnect4Life: The PodcastMPP David Smith (Scarborough Centre) and his Member's Statement for Connect 4 LifeWelcome to this very special segment of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast.
On December 11, 2024, the team of Connect 4 Life attended a special event at Queen's Park, the provincial parliament of Ontario, for the reading of a Member's Statement by David Smith, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough Centre.
Mr. Smith's special message celebrates the work of Connect 4 Life, which was recognized by all Members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Mr. Smith's Member's Statement also recognizes the 10th anniversary of Connect 4 Life.
Many thanks to MPP David Smith and his staff at Queen's...
2024-12-1201 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Special Message about Connect4Life’s Programs by Aaisha Hussain-RasulSeason 1, Episode 7
Canada’s only charitable organization with its own internet radio station, and one that delivers courses in broadcasting and podcasting? That’s only part of it.
Connect 4 Life offers a wide range of programs that help improve the lives and livelihoods of people with disabilities, programs including life skills, job readiness, approaches to mental health, and public speaking.
This special episode feature Aaisha Hussain-Rasul, the Program Director of Connect 4 Life, explaining the work, the programs and the passion that make Connect4Life so special for fami...
2024-12-0603 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life November 2024 – The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeSeason 1, Episode 6
Welcome to Episode 6 of Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode brings you the November 20204 issue of monthly audio newsletter, Advocacy4Life.
Connect4Life recently produced a major submission to the Government of Ontario for the 2025 pre-budget consultations. In that document, Connect4Life urges the Government of Ontario to consider the immediate establishment of task force that considers do-able ways to address the skyrocketing costs of living and housing for
Ontarians with disabilities.
This episode also delivers an update on developments in our newest chapter, Connect 4 Life South Africa.
We...
2024-12-0507 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life October 2024 - The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeAdvocacy4Life October 2024 – The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 Life
Season 1, Episode 5
Welcome to Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode features Issue Number 3 of our monthly audio newsletter, Advocacy4Life, originally published in October 2024.
This episode is a special issue of Advocacy4Life that provides critical information about accessibility, Canadians with disabilities, and participating in Canada’s national election.
Much of this information was sourced from Elections Canada, at Elections.ca. This special issue is offered as a pubic service for all Canadians with disabilities by Connect4Life.
2024-12-0409 minConnect4Life: The PodcastA Special Message from Melanie Taddeo about Giving TuesdayGiving Tuesday is here! And in this special episode of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, founder Melanie Taddeo shares an important message about volunteering as a lifeblood of our favourite charities and of our communities.
#disbilities #nonprofits #charity #fundraising #givingback #nonprofitorganization #socialgood #makeanimpact #socialimpact #notforprofit #makeadifference #causes #supportnonprofits #dogood #inclusion #disabilityawareness #accessibility #disabilityadvocate #disabilityrights #disabilityinclusion #careerdevelopment #skilldevelopmenttraining
2024-12-0203 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life September 2024 - The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect4LifeSeason 1, Episode 3
Welcome to Episode Number 3 of Connect4Life: The Podcast. This episode brings you Issue Number 2 of our monthly audio newsletter, Advocay4Life, originally published in September 2024.
Learn more in this episode about how Connect4Life marked 10 years of service, congratulatory messages from local dignitaries, and our expansion goals for the future.
#disbilities #nonprofits #charity #fundraising #givingback #nonprofitorganization #socialgood #makeanimpact #socialimpact #notforprofit #makeadifference #causes #supportnonprofits #dogood #inclusion #disabilityawareness #accessibility #disabilityadvocate #disabilityrights #disabilityinclusion #careerdevelopment #skilldevelopmenttraining
2024-12-0209 minConnect4Life: The PodcastAdvocacy4Life August 2024 – The Monthly Audio Newsletter of Connect 4 LifeSeason 1, Episode 2
Welcome to Connect4Life The Podcast. This episode is the inaugural issue of Advocacy4Life, the Connect4Life monthly audio newsletter, from August 2024.
In this episode we feature the August update from our Executive Director, Mark Brown, an overview of Connect4Life’s programs, and a discussion about our Submission to the Ontario Government during the 2024 pre-budget consultations.
2024-11-2808 minConnect4Life: The PodcastThe Story Behind Connect 4 Life: A Founder’s JourneySeason 1, Episode 1
In this inaugural episode of Connect 4 Life: The Podcast, Founder Melanie Taddeo shares her story about how a sudden stroke resulting in blindness changed her career
aspirations – and her life.
Melanie’s journey begins as a 21-year-old university student with dreams and life goals. Then came a stroke, a coma, paralysis and blindness. The recovery process wasn’t her only
challenge: people’s attitudes towards disability, it turned out, were a monumental barrier.
This episode shows how Melanie beat the odds, having become a successful social entrepreneur who created Connect 4 Life, Canada’s...
2024-11-2714 minConnect4Life: The PodcastTrailer for Connect 4 Life: The PodcastWelcome to Connect 4 Life: The Podcast.
This program is about advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities in all walks of life.
Connect 4 Life is a disability organization that delivers innovative programs in skills development, wellness, job readiness and education, as well as teaching broadcast training and podcast skills.
In this program we talk to the people from and behind those programs, and we share those unique stories with you. You’ll hear compelling, sometimes emotional, and always informative guests sharing their experiences on topics
including diversity and inclusion, developing connections, as well as...
2024-11-2701 min
The Sit Down Stand Out ShowThe Return of a Visionary with Melanie TaddeoFebruary is often thought of as a month of love with Valentines Day or a time of historical reflection for Black History month on The Sit Down Stand out Show we will be focus on relationships business, personal or, relationships with one's self.
This week we begin with the return of Melanie Taddeo who for the last two years has been working to provide accessibility and inclusion resources in South Africa with her organization Gaining Vision 2020. Find out how Gaining vision started, where it's going in the future, the wonderful experiences of life in South Africa and...
2024-02-0720 min
The Sit Down Stand Out ShowLoosing Sight Gaining Vision with Melanie TaddeoLife can change very quickly sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worst. Melanie Taddeo's life changed forever after suffering a stroke rendering her legally blind. Although Melanie lost her eyesight and the ability to become a visual artist she always saw herself becoming a teacher after years of hard work she became the first legally blind teacher to graduate in Ontario. Melanie has gone on to create a variety of opportunities for individuals with disabilities founding the Connect 4 Life Charity, Voices 4 Ability Radio and the worldwide Gaining Vision organization. Melanie is a prime example what you can achieve...
2022-11-1620 min
Unstoppable MindsetUnstoppable Stroke Survivor with Melanie TaddeoMeet Melanie Taddeo. Her parents always encouraged her to be the best that she could be. That attitude shined through when, at the age of 21, she experienced a stroke that left her paralyzed on her left side and totally blind. Her drive helped her to regain the ability to walk. Also, she regained some of her eyesight.
Melanie will tell you that she is a teacher and loves to impart knowledge. In this episode, you will get to hear how she crashed through barriers when school principals and others would not give her a job after discovering she was b...
2022-09-131h 10
AT Banter PodcastAT Banter Podcast Episode 295 - Connect 4 LifeIt’s a skeleton crew this week as Rob and Ryan hold down the fort and welcome Melanie Taddeo, founder of Connect 4 Life, an Ontario non-profit that provides a wide variety of educational, programs and services for people with disabilities. The discuss the organization’s origins, the need to fill the service gaps left by larger organizations, and dive into discussing some of Connect 4 Life’s many programs. Oh, and Ryan plans an insurrection.
Show Transcript
Show Notes
Connect 4 Life
http://connect4life.ca/
AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assisti...
2022-07-2759 min
MasterpieceWhat’s Your AbilityA contribution to Connect 4 Life, a non-profit: www.connect4life.ca Also, if you'd like to read the message along with the audio: www.medium.com/@muniza521
2021-06-2217 min