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From time to time, the Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) is asked to distribute information on behalf of third parties. WRFN provides general information to self-advocates and families of children with special needs. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider. WRFN is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment when considering any resource.
Join Inclusion Canada on May 14 from 12-1 pm to learn about Listen, Include, Respect and its applicability to the justice system. Listen, Include, Respect is an international tool to promote inclusion. It was developed by people with an intellectual disability. Lawyers, judges, social workers, and other justice professionals are invited to get excited about making the justice system more accessible and inclusive.
Inclusion Canada will be joined by the following professionals working in this area:
This event will be hosted in English with French simultaneous interpretation, ASL, LSQ, and English and French CART captioning.
Know anyone who works in the justice system? Invite them along! Register now!
Partners for Planning would like to invite you to a presentation with Inclusion New Brunswick on Transition to Work and Adult Life.
As part of the events being hosted in the Planning and Facilitation Collaborative, P4P is thrilled to be able to bring two of our colleagues from Inclusion New Brunswick—Independent Facilitators Kristy Ewart and Andrea Rando - for a presentation on their Transition to Adult Life and to Work programs.
Inclusion New Brunswick's programs are helping students from across their province think about and plan for their future after high school. Andrea and Kristy will share how they have developed and implemented this program for students and their schools throughout New Brunswick.
This is an excellent opportunity for people working with young people transitioning from school to learn how we can best support them and set them up for a successful life after high school.
These event opportunities are now open to partners and colleagues outside the PFC. By joining the PFC, you can continue to carry on this and other conversations and access other events and learning opportunities.
This event will take place on Tuesday, May 14 at 1 pm.
Save the date and join us for an incredible evening of meeting and engaging with our community, gain insights into the rich history and culture of the Indigenous peoples, and participate in activities designed to inspire and connect youth.
This event is free and is designed for newcomers, immigrants, refugees, ethno-cultural organizations, and the community at large.
A class action is proceeding against the Province of Ontario regarding the long wait lists for developmental services in Ontario. Kosky Minsky LLP is the Class Council for this proceeding.
The best way to learn about the class action is to go directly to the website of Kosky Minsky LLP by clicking here. This webpage contains links to important documents. It also has, for those interested, the background and history over the last 5 years. And a good Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of the page.
Below is a quote from the site describing who falls within the class action:
The following persons fall within the Class definition, and are Class Members:
All persons who were alive as of April 10, 2015, who are eligible for ministry-funded adult developmental services and supports and funding, have been assessed by an application entity (DSO) and placed, at any point between July 1, 2011 to December 14, 2018, on any one or more of the service registries for:
(i) “residential services and supports”,
(ii) “caregiver respite services and supports” under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008; and
(iii) “Passport” funding under the Ministry of Community and Social Services Act.
Bi & Pan Space
You asked, we deliver!
Bi & Pan Space meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9pm. This group is for people in Waterloo Region who identify on the Bisexual and Pansexual spectrum(s). Join us to connect with other Bi/Pan people and chat about whatever's on your mind.
Call for Vendors
Spectrum is planning a Pride Market with Schneider Haus for June 22nd and we are currently looking for vendors! If you're interested, please submit an application here by May 15th. This event will also include a panel discussion with some local Rainbow Elders and musical performances by Coraline James.
WRDSB Pride Shop
WRDSB has launched their Pride Apparel Store featuring an official WRDSB PRIDE logo created by Natalie Vuong, a Vietnamese-Canadian queer graphic designer! By purchasing from the affinity apparel store, you are supporting one mechanism of funding student-led initiatives. The order deadline is May 13th at 11:55pm.
Rainbow Film Club
Spectrum partners with the Rainbow Coalition of Waterloo Region and the Apollo Cinema to bring you monthly Rainbow Film Club screenings!
On May 21st at 7pm check out CRUISING. William Friedkin’s (The Exorcist, The French Connection) controversial film stars Al Pacino as a rookie cop who is sent undercover in New York’s S/M districts to trap a serial killer, targeting gay men, particularly those men associated with the leather scene in the late 1970s.
Pride Pickleball Fundraising Tournament and Player Clinic
On May 18th we are hosting the first ever Pride Pickleball Fundraising Tournament and Player Clinic at RIM Park. Join us for a fun-filled day of pickleball while raising funds for a great cause. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this event is open to players of all skill levels. You can attend just the Clinic, just the Tournament, or both!
Rainbow Family Drop-In
How Does Learning Happen? Through Play! Join other 2SLGBTQIA+ children (aged 0-6), caring adults and families in play and exploration together! EarlyON Educators and a Spectrum Registered Early Childhood Educator are available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs, and referrals in a play-based environment.
Join us on May 16th at 3:30pm at EarlyON | Roger Street.
Bill 7 Award
The Bill 7 Award is a charitable trust that awards scholarships to gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirit post-secondary students who are studying in Ontario.
It is open to any student who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+, who demonstrates a financial need and who is attending or accepted by a post-secondary educational institution in Ontario to pursue their first post-secondary program of study.
In 2024, the Bill 7 Award Trust will be awarding 17 or more scholarships of $4,000 each. Application Deadline: August 2, 2024
Rainbow Diversity Training 301
On May 27th we're offering a FREE Rainbow Diversity Training 301 session. In this virtual session, gain insight into the challenges faced by trans and nonbinary people today and Rainbow History in Canada. This session will cover things like:
· What is Polyamoury?
· How does Drag fit into the 2SLGBTQ+ community?
· Current issues facing Transgender and Nonbinary people within Canada
· Systems of Oppression, and how they lead to 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination
· Allyship 301 & Self-Reflection Period
