My son, Bryan, was born at 27 weeks of gestation, weighing only 880 grams — a tiny but resilient and healthy baby. Just 10 days later, he developed a severe sepsis blood infection, which led to numerous lifelong complications, including hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), cerebral palsy, blindness, seizures, and the need for g-tube feeding.
In the face of these challenges, I had to give up much of what I had envisioned for my career and family life in Brazil. I made the decision to stay in Canada so I could access the specialized support Bryan needed to live with his complex medical needs.
When Bryan turned four, he began attending a school for the blind at High Park, and I started working full-time at RBC in 2007 to help provide a better quality of life for my family. As a single mother balancing work, medical appointments, and emergencies, it was not easy, but I drew strength and support from my community.
As Bryan grew older and approached adulthood, I saw firsthand the significant gaps in support available for individuals like him. When he turned 18, I founded a non-profit organization called “Dance to Shine,” which hosted monthly dance nights for youth and young adults. These events included a DJ with Down Syndrome and created an inclusive, joyful space for everyone.
The lack of support in the system is very real — there are few affordable or specialized programs for individuals with complex needs like Bryan, and waitlists are often long.
In July 2023, Bryan’s Place achieved charitable status. This milestone has filled me with hope for the future, as Bryan’s Place now offers supports for the special needs community, including affordable respite, the Beyond 21 Day Program, Mom’s Camp (a retreat weekend), and holiday celebrations.
My journey with DanceABLE — now InclusiV — began nine years ago, and it was something truly special for me.
For many families of children and adults with special needs, finding spaces where their loved ones can simply be themselves is not always easy. Too often, social environments come with judgment, limitations, or expectations that make inclusion feel conditional.
That is why inclusive dance spaces like InclusiV are so important to me. They create opportunities for freedom, connection, and confidence. They encourage self-expression without pressure, allowing people to build confidence by interacting with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.
I remember taking Bryan to a real nightclub when he turned 18, and the experience was terrifying for me. I just wanted to have fun with my son and give him the chance to feel included, grown up, and free to enjoy life like any other young adult. But instead of feeling welcomed, I felt the opposite. I remember the looks, the whispering, and the sense that people were watching us, trying to understand why we were there. I felt uncomfortable, almost as if I was doing something wrong.
That feeling stayed with me for a long time. What hurt most was knowing that Bryan was simply happy and not bothering anyone.
Today, when I see inclusive dances and welcoming events, I understand just how life-changing they can be for families like ours.
Communities become stronger when everyone has the opportunity to participate equally. Watching Bryan dance freely reminds me of how important these spaces truly are.
He doesn’t worry about how he looks, whether he fits in, or if he is being judged — he simply enjoys the moment. These events also give caregivers something rare: a chance to connect, breathe, and come together with friends.
As a mother, watching Bryan on the dance floor is emotional in a way that is hard to describe. So much of life as a parent of a child with special needs revolves around protecting, advocating, explaining, and worrying. These moments give us something different — acceptance, inclusion, and a brief chance to feel “normal,” where all of that disappears.
Caregivers feel connected instead of isolated.
Inclusion is about opening doors and making sure everyone is invited onto the dance floor.
Inclusion should not have limits.
When the music starts, joy should belong to everyone.
Lorena’s Bio
Lorena is the founder of Bryan’s Place and a dedicated advocate for young adults with complex needs. Inspired by her son Bryan’s medical journey, she created community programs that offer joy, connection, and meaningful support for families. Through her leadership, Bryan’s Place now provides inclusive social events, respite, and accessible programs that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive.
