About Inspirations
Inspirations is a trusted English-language resource promoting inclusion and mental well-being across Greater Montreal. For 18 years, we have supported families of children with disabilities by providing trustworthy information, fostering community connections, and offering hope.
Through our print publications , online directories , internship program, and community outreach, we celebrate people of all abilities and encourage their participation in their community.
Mental health and well-being
Every edition and initiative includes a mental health and well-being focus, ensuring all families have access to reliable information that helps them navigate challenges. This integrated approach broadens our reach and strengthens our mission to advance inclusion.
Navigating a diagnosis or major life transition can be overwhelming for the entire family. Inspirations provides parents, caregivers, and professionals with trusted resources and a community that ensures they are not alone.
A grassroots resource for our community
As a grassroots, multiplatform resource, Inspirations is unique in Quebec for its community-driven content model. Operating as a non-profit under the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), we are supported by philanthropic partners, advertising, and sponsorships , with in-kind contributions from the EMSB.
Our objectives
Support and inspire individuals with disabilities, their families, educators and support networks with trustworthy information, resources and online presence.
Champion inclusion by elevating underrepresented voices, bringing awareness and understanding to their challenges while celebrating their successes.
Enhance positive mental health and well-being by sharing cutting-edge ideas and resources with the disability community and to the public.
What our readers are saying...
"Let us define the meaning of Inspiration. A feeling of excitement which drives us to When no organization in Montreal offered help to my nephew or even returned a call I lost all hope. All this changed with one email to Inspirations. Within hours of our communication a whole new world opened up to us. A network of people and organizations offering to help, offering services, access to educational courses, medical evaluations and test, YMCA, life skill lessons, group activities for adults and even one-on-one personal trainers."
"As the mother of a child with special needs, and as a politician that advocates for our community, Inspirations is essential as a means of awareness of all the wonderful and joyous achievements that children with special needs can accomplish when they are well surrounded, as they are in EMSB schools. Inspirations keeps us all connected, and supports us all as a community by bringing us closer with a shared goal – seeing the best for children with special needs in an inclusive and supportive society. Thank you to all those that contribute to the production of Inspirations!"
"As Director of Summit School, I see Inspirations Newspaper as a vital connector within the neurodiverse community. It brings together students, families, educators, and advocates, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. Through its stories, it highlights shared experiences, fosters understanding, and celebrates the successes that unite us. By amplifying voices across the community, Inspirations strengthens the sense of belonging that is essential for growth and empowerment. For Summit School, this connection is invaluable. Inspirations helps us share our students’ achievements, exchange ideas with other educators, and engage with the broader neurodiverse network. It allows families to see that they are part of a larger community—one filled with support, innovation, and inspiration. By bringing people together through information and storytelling, Inspirations plays an essential role in building a more inclusive, understanding, and connected world for all."
"Inspirations does for positive news what the Defi Sportif does for sports. It takes the focus off of disability. Instead, it brings to the forefront the projects, resources and uplifting stories taking place in this community. Inspirations has been instrumental in showcasing special projects involving our students to the wider community! Thanks to Inspirations, it is amazing to see all the wonderful programs going on in the wider special needs community!"
"It’s nearly impossible to convey how vital Inspirations has been to my family, my community and myself as a mother and caregiver. When my son Benjamin was diagnosed with autism, it was quite a shock. I knew nothing about autism or how to navigate Quebec’s complex healthcare, education and social service systems for special needs families. I felt completely isolated and lost for a number of years. So when I picked up Inspirations Newspaper for the first time (over a decade ago), it was as if I was thrown a life-line. I was not alone! In the years to follow, I have gotten much help and made genuine and meaningful connections for my son through the paper’s invaluable resources. Living in a rural region, it isn’t easy to find services."