Individual & Family

Person‑Directed Planning & Support

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At Inclusion Nova Scotia, our Placemakers walk alongside people with intellectual disabilities and their families on their journey toward a life of belonging, choice, and inclusion in their communities. .

Whether you are planning for the future, navigating a challenge, or simply looking for someone to help you understand your options, we're here to help.

Our Individual and Family Support is designed to provide meaningful, person-directed guidance, connection, and advocacy across Nova Scotia.

Our work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes the right of every person to full citizenship, meaningful inclusion, and equal human rights.

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Who we support:

• Individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Families and support networks

• Community members who want to learn more or become involved in building inclusive communities

 

A Placemaker can meet with you:

• In person

• By phone

• Online

• Or somewhere in your community that feels comfortable

 

Not Sure where to start?

 

 That's okay. Many people contact us because they simply have questions. A conversation with a Placemaker is free, confidential, and there's no obligation to move forward.

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A Placemaker can support you with:

• Creating a plan that reflects your vision, strengths, interests, and goals (education, housing, employment, recreation, and community life)

• Understanding rights and advocating for full and meaningful inclusion

• Navigating systems and identifying next steps

• Connecting you with local supports and community opportunities

• Exploring meaningful roles where people belong and contribute, belong and be valued.

• Answering questions about Inclusion, Human Rights, and the Human Rights Remedy

Every person's journey is different. Our role is to listen, provide information, and help you move toward the life you want.

 

Ready to Connect?

If this sounds like what you are looking for please complete the contact form below OR reach out to your local Placemaker by region:

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Central (Municipality of Halifax and East Hants)
Justin Smith
outreach@inclusionns.ca

 

Western Nova Scotia
Emily Morris
western@inclusionns.ca

 

Cape Breton
Chelsea MacPhee
cb@inclusionns.ca

 

Do not see your area on the list?

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If your community is not listed, contact inform@inclusionns.ca and we'll connect you with the right Placemaker.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Placemaker?

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Inclusion Nova Scotia calls their staff who work directly with people with intellectual disabilities, families and family leaders because their job is to help someone build connections, discover opportunities and help people and their families strengthen their community.

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The term comes from a community development idea called “Placemaking” which is where local people work together to create communities where people feel welcome, connected and valued. It focuses on people, relationships, participation and belonging, not just buildings and services.

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At Inclusion Nova Scotia we use the term Placemaker in a similar way. Our Placemakers help people with intellectual disabilities and their families to build lives of belonging in their communities. They walk alongside people as they explore opportunities, build relationships, understand their rights and work toward their goal.

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Placemakers help people find their place in community – as neighbours, friends, employees, volunteers, leaders, learners and valued citizens.

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Placemakers also help strengthen Family Leadership across Nova Scotia. Their role is to help facilitate chances for families to connect with one another, share experiences, learn together, mentor emerging leaders and build grassroots family networks that create positive changes in their communities.

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What happens when I call or e-mail Inclusion Nova Scotia looking for support?

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We understand that reaching out for support is an important step, and we know waiting can be difficult.

Once you complete our contact form, send us an email, or give us a call, we aim to respond within 2–3 business days.

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Please note: Our Placemakers are available regularly 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.

Please note: This service is not a crisis response program. If you or someone you love is experiencing an emergency or is in immediate danger, please call 911.

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Do your placemakers provide legal advice or referrals?

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Our team are not lawyers or legal experts. We cannot provide legal advice. We can connect you with legal supports in your community. 

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I live in a small community. Can you still help me?

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Yes, our Placemaker team supports people all across Nova Scotia, no matter where you live. We don’t have a Placemaker working in every region yet, but we can connect with you by phone, e-mail or video call. Even if we can’t be there in person, we can still join important meetings online to support you.

We are a group of people or families looking for support – how can you help us?

 

Yes!

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We work with family networks, community groups, and organizations across Nova Scotia to provide information sessions, workshops, resources, and opportunities to learn more about inclusion, rights, and person-directed planning.

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If you're interested in organizing a session or connecting your group with a Placemaker, we'd love to hear from you.

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Do I need to be receiving government services to get support?

No. Whether you're already connected with Disability Support Program services, a Local Area Coordinator, a service provider, or you're just beginning to explore your options, we're here to help.

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Can you help me understand the Human Rights Remedy?

Yes. Many families have questions about the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy and what it means for them or their loved one.

Our Placemakers can explain the changes, discuss what they may mean in your situation, help you prepare for planning conversations, and answer general questions about the process.

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Can you help with transition planning?

Yes. Whether you're planning for the transition from school to adult life, considering employment, exploring housing options, or thinking about future supports, we can help you explore possibilities and develop a plan based on the person's goals and vision.

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What if you don't know the answer?

We won't pretend to. If we don't know the answer, we'll tell you honestly and work with you to find the right information or connect you with someone who can help.

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How long can I work with a Placemaker?

Every situation is different.

Some people contact us with a single question, while others work with a Placemaker over several months as they navigate changes or pursue long-term goals.

We'll work with you for as long as our support is helpful and appropriate, but our goal is to help you and your family have to tools and feel empowered.

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Can you help if I disagree with a decision made by a school, service provider, or government department?

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We can help you understand your options, clarify your rights, prepare for meetings, and support you in advocating for meaningful inclusion. While we cannot make decisions on behalf of other organizations, we can help you navigate the process and ensure your voice is heard.

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Can you help even if I'm not sure I'm ready for a big change?

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Yes. You don't have to have a plan before contacting us. Sometimes people simply want to explore possibilities, ask questions, or better understand their options. We're happy to start wherever you are.