Most of us think of belonging and inclusion as the result of the number and quality of relationships in different parts of our lives.  But what if that limited definition of belonging actually restricts our ability to feel like we belong? This session explores the idea that humans desire four different kinds of belonging, only one of them related to other people. When we expand to this larger understanding of belonging, it can result in very powerful feelings of belonging, even though we may have limited social connections. This conversational hour will provide an overview of the Four Paths to Belonging, and give you the opportunity to explore how each of the four paths offers opportunities for connectedness and love to grow.

The purpose of this presentation is to present and discuss findings from a study designed to understand experiences with Individually Funded Services and Supports (IFSS) from the perspectives of service providers, service users and their support networks from across Ontario. Eighteen agencies from across the province participated in interviews. Fifty-five interviews with either service users and/or someone from their support network have also been completed. We will describe the nature of services and supports individualized funding is being used to purchase, challenges experienced, and benefits achieved from the service user, support network and agency perspectives.

In his closing, David will attempt to capture some of the important ideas shared at the Learning Exchange. Like an angler who knows that you cannot explain the sea with what you find in a single net, David will try to capture some of what flourishes in this gathering of good people with profound ideas.