Reflections from the Global Leadership Exchange

In early June, KW Habilitation had the opportunity to take part in the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE)—an international gathering that connects leaders across disability, mental health, substance use, and addictions to share ideas, challenges, and solutions.

Our CEO, Ann Bilodeau, along with Jamie Russell, Director of HR, and Cherylyn Sawatzky, Manager of Administration, joined leaders from around the world for a week of learning, collaboration, and dialogue across Toronto and Ottawa.

As part of this experience, we also had the privilege of hosting guests from Scotland—Michael Stewart and Charlie McMillan—for a local conversation that brought global insights directly into our organization.

A Global Conversation, Grounded Locally

The first half of the Exchange brought people together for a series of “Matches”; small group sessions where participants explored specific topics, sharing experiences and perspectives from their own countries.

The Developmental Services Workforce Initiative (DSWI) was selected as one of the Match topics, bringing together leaders from the developmental services, disability, mental health, and substance use sectors from five countries. As part of the DSWI, KW Habilitation presented and contributed to conversations about building a strong, sustainable workforce for today and tomorrow. It was a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from different systems, and explore shared challenges.

A key theme throughout the discussions was the importance of lived experience. Families and people with lived experience shared candid insights about what they expect from services and personal supports, reinforcing that meaningful change happens when the voices of those most impacted help shape decisions.

The conversations highlighted an important truth: building stronger systems and a more inclusive workforce requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to centering lived experience in everything we do.

Learning Across Borders

The Exchange continued in Ottawa, where global leaders gathered for the Network Meeting. Across sessions and keynotes, several themes emerged:

• Collaboration is essential—no single organization or system can solve complex challenges alone

• Inclusion must be intentional and embedded in policy, practice, and culture

• Lived experience must shape decisions, not sit at the margins

• Leadership requires adaptability, shared accountability, and the courage to rethink systems

Speakers and participants shared perspectives on disability reform, system transformation, and the importance of aligning policy with lived realities.

A powerful keynote from Sandra Pronteau highlighted the intersection of disability, identity, and culture—reminding participants that inclusion is deeply connected to belonging, community, and opportunity.

Bringing It Back: A Conversation on Lived Experience

During their time in Canada, Michael Stewart and Charlie McMillan joined us at KW Habilitation for a reflective conversation with staff, leadership, Board representation, and people with lived experience.

Together, we explored a central idea that echoed throughout the Exchange:
the importance of listening to “experts by experience.”

Inclusion is not only about being present—it’s about being heard, valued, and able to influence decisions.

Charlie also spoke about the role of allyship, describing it as creating space rather than taking it. He shared a simple but powerful example from a previous Exchange: when given the opportunity to speak with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, he redirected the conversation to a delegate with lived experience, ensuring their voice was front and centre.

It was a small act, but one that reflected a bigger principle: meaningful inclusion requires intention.

What We’re Taking Forward

While systems and structures may differ around the world, the GLE reinforced something important:
many of our challenges—and opportunities—are shared.

Being part of this global dialogue strengthens our work locally. It pushes us to think differently, act collaboratively, and continue centering lived experience in everything we do.

This is just one step in a larger journey. As we continue to share more about our strategic direction, the insights from the Global Leadership Exchange, and the voices of those with lived experience, will continue to guide the path forward.