Through the Eyes of Coach Wei and Benny: The NorthStar WaveRiders Story On August 15, 2026, the fourth Annual Hope Floats Dragon Boat Festival was held at the Welland International Flatwater Centre in Ontario. It was a memorable day for the NorthStar WaveRiders, who finished third in the Adult Mixed Division and won gold in the Para Division. The medals carried special meaning. But for Head Coach Peng Wei and Benny, what mattered even more was everything behind them—the child

Today, families from NorthStar’s Ottawa branch and Toronto headquarters gathered at beautiful Lake Leamy for a joyful summer celebration filled with sunshine, laughter, and connection. The sparkling lake, sandy beach, and warm summer weather provided the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Some participants tried paddleboarding and enjoyed the refreshing breeze on the water, while others played beach volleyball and soccer. Everyone also came together for a re

What an unforgettable afternoon for our NorthStar families! Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Scarborough Shooting Stars Foundation, our families had the opportunity to experience the excitement of professional basketball as the Scarborough Shooting Stars faced off against the Montreal Alliance at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. From the opening tip-off to the thrilling final buzzer, the game kept everyone on the edge of their seats. It was a closely contested batt

About the program: Buddy Up Program | NorthStar Before every Buddy Up session, our volunteers arrive excited and prepared. Most of our volunteers are high school students. They come with games to play, crafts to create, and thoughtful plans to fill the afternoon with laughter and connection. Like many people on their first day, they wonder, Will my Buddy enjoy this? Will we have enough to do? But after their very first session, many discover something they never expected. Som

About the program: Buddy Up Program | NorthStar Building meaningful friendships starts with understanding, respect, and shared experiences. That is the idea behind Buddy Up, NorthStar's peer connection program that brings together autistic children and trained volunteer Buddies in a safe, welcoming environment. Through games, sports, creative activities, and community outings, the program gives children the opportunity to develop friendships and confidence while allowing volu

On June 13–14, NorthStar WaveRiders proudly participated in the Paradragon division at the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival on Centre Island. The event brought together athletes, volunteers, families, and supporters to celebrate teamwork, determination, and inclusion. For our team, every stroke reflected the power of working together and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to compete and thrive. We are proud of our athletes for their dedication, r

Introduction As the closing event of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2026, the NorthStar Charity Golf Experience brought together children with autism, families, community members, and supporters for a day focused on inclusion, accessibility, and community participation through sport. The event provided a welcoming and supportive environment where participants of all abilities could enjoy golf while building connections and engaging with the broader community. Promoting Pa

As part of NAAW 2026, the NorthStar Ottawa Dragon Boat Community Experience brought children, families, and community members together for an afternoon of outdoor fun, teamwork, and connection on the water. Inspired by NorthStar’s established dragon boat program in Toronto, the Ottawa Community Experience focused on creating a welcoming and accessible environment where participants of all ages and backgrounds could enjoy nature and experience the spirit of teamwork through dr

Highgate Park, 37 Highgate Dr, Markham, ON June 2, 5:30–7:30 PM NorthStar Soccer hosted a Charity Soccer Engagement Event at Highgate Park in Markham. The event was built around a simple but meaningful idea: inclusion, connection, and participation through sport. More than a football activity, it was a shared community experience designed to bring children of different backgrounds together in one supportive space. Starting the Day on the Same Field As the event began, childr

“Accessibility is not just a ramp.” On May 31, 2026, at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in Markham, a meaningful community initiative centered on “inclusion,” “equality,” and “hope” took place. Representatives from government, education, community organizations, academia, and families with special needs gathered together to officially launch the 2026 National AccessAbility Week, advocating for a society where everyone can participate and everyone is seen. Event Coverage Th

The Opening Ceremony of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2026, hosted by NorthStar Special Needs Society, received heartfelt greetings and messages of encouragement from distinguished government leaders across Canada. Among the leaders extending their support was The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, who shared a meaningful message recognizing the significance of National AccessAbility Week and the contributions Canadians with disabilities make across

In many Asian communities, conversations about disability, neurodiversity, and mental health are still shaped by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. NAAW 2026 hopes to change that. Through a four-part online workshop series, we aim to create a safe and inclusive space where families, caregivers, youth, adults with disabilities, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members can learn, connect, and support one another. Because building an inclusive community beg

In every community, there are families quietly navigating challenges that often remain unseen. There are children seeking connection and belonging, and parents working tirelessly to help them feel included in a world that is not always designed with accessibility in mind. At NorthStar Special Needs Society, these experiences are at the heart of our mission. That is why we are honoured to serve as a co-organizing partner of the National AccessAbility Week 2026 initiative — a c

For many families raising a child on the autism spectrum, one word has often defined the journey: waiting. Waiting for assessments. Waiting for funding. Waiting for therapy to begin. The Ontario government’s 2026 budget signals an important shift—one that may help more children access support earlier. A Major Increase in Autism Funding The province is investing $965 million into the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) for 2026–27, including $186 million in new funding. What does thi

Look at these stunning creations—three dynamic horses in red, white, and gold, captured mid-motion with incredible detail and energy. This isn’t just art; it’s the result of imagination brought to life through 3D printing . These models were designed and printed by one of our talented 3D printing teachers, showcasing what’s possible when creativity meets technology. Every curve, every flowing strand, and even the “2026” base reflects precision, patience, and innovation. Why 3

We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone for the NorthStar community. The NorthStar StormRiders Hockey Team has officially been registered in the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) system. This marks a historic step forward for our program and for the children and families who have been part of this journey. For the first time, our players are now part of Canada’s official hockey structure. This achievement belongs to every child, parent, coach, and volunteer who belie

On a joyful evening in the community, the North Star hockey and skating program welcomed Pierre Poilievre to the ice rink, where he spent meaningful time with the children both on and off the ice. Wearing skates and a bright red jersey, he joined the kids for an energetic session of skating and hockey, sharing laughter, encouragement, and genuine connection. The smiles on the ice said it all. Afterward, he spoke about how sports help children grow—not just physically, but in

In 2026, families gathered at Camp Adelaide for a warm and meaningful Chinese New Year celebration. This winter retreat was specially designed for families with special needs, creating a supportive and welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and celebrate together. Surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, families enjoyed classic Canadian winter activities while bringing the spirit of Lunar New Year into camp. From outdoor adventures in the crisp winter air to cozy even

NSNS and CCBAG’s 2026 New Year Charity Concert On January 4, 2026, the Canada Children’s Broadcasting Arts Group (CCBAG) successfully hosted its 2026 New Year Charity Concert in Toronto. Centered on the theme “Art Unites Us, Warmth Brings Us Together,” the concert marked a meaningful collaboration with NorthStar Special Needs Society (NSNS) , bringing children with autism and neurotypical children together on the same stage. Through music and performance, the event delivered

On December 5, our NorthStar families had an unforgettable afternoon at Scotiabank Arena, watching the thrilling NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Charlotte Hornets! For many of our kids, it was their very first time seeing a live professional basketball game — and the excitement in the air was incredible. When the game began, the arena exploded with cheers. Our kids joined right in — shouting, clapping, and proudly supporting the home team, the Toronto Raptors. Th