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We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
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.
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On behalf of the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region, WRFN would like to draw your attention to a pre-election event on Feb. 21 (7-9 pm), "Cutting Through Election Noise - A Forum for Building Community Power."
The last minute announcement of an election has left many of us reeling. But the work happening all around us in grassroots spaces makes us hopeful that we can turn our collective anxiety into something productive. Join us as we gather with community groups, organizers, and residents across Waterloo Region to catch our breath, acknowledge our worries, and practise building our collective power in the face of systems that fail us.
If you're free on the evening of Feb. 21, they would love to have you - please register now on the Eventbrite page here.
Are you a family member of someone with an intellectual disability? Participate in our validation focus group!
Inclusion Canada, People First of Canada, and the University of British Columbia’s Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship are doing a research project.
Our goal is to identify and share information about how navigators can improve access to federal programs and services.
A navigator is a person who helps you access programs and services. They can help you understand what programs and services are available. A navigator can help you make informed choices. They can help you apply for programs and services that you want.
We collected information through focus groups, interviews, and a national survey.
We would like to share what we learned with you. Your opinions will help us recommend to the government ways to make their programs and services more accessible.
When are the focus groups?
· Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6pm - 7:30pm Eastern time (French group)
· Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern time (English group)
How many people will be in each focus group?
We are hoping to have around 6-8 people per focus group.
Will the focus group be online?
Yes, we will meet over Zoom. If you need accessibility accommodations to participate in the focus group, please let us know in advance: rmills@inclusioncanada.ca
What will the focus group be like?
Two facilitators will co-lead a discussion by asking questions. You will be invited to share your thoughts and opinions. You can choose to answer only the questions you are comfortable with.
Do I need to sign a consent form?
Yes. When you sign up, we will send you a consent form. This form explains how we will keep your information private. It also explains how we will store and use the information we collect. We will ask you to answer a few questions about yourself by filling out a short survey before the focus group.
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please email Rachel at rmills@inclusioncanada.ca
Monthly ADHD Support Groups (FREE!)
Feeling overwhelmed with life’s twists and turns? CADDAC’s FREE ADHD Support Groups are led by trained facilitators who are all adults with ADHD.
Each meeting will allow you to share your story or strategies with others who understand what it means to be affected by ADHD, whether personally or as a parent/caregiver of a child with ADHD. An email with the Zoom link will be sent a day before the meeting.
Click here to learn more & register!
Youth Peer-facilitated Support Groups (FREE!)
For teens and young adults aged 16-24
CADDAC is excited to introduce the official launch of our new Youth ADHD Support Groups!
Each session will offer a brief educational component to help relate a chosen topic to ADHD (i.e. Procrastination; sleep; advocacy; etc.) Based on the topic and information shared, participants are then invited to discuss how this relates to them, share strategies and to offer support to peers with similar lived experience. Our wonderful team of peer facilitators are there to provide a safe and inclusive space for you to listen, share and feel validated.
Click here to learn more & register!
Youth ADHD Group Coaching Program: 16-24 years
8-week program from April to June 2025
In this dynamic and engaging program, you'll not only learn more about ADHD and the impact it can have on your life, but also you'll gain tools and techniques to set yourself up for success and learn how to grow from past experiences so you can achieve your goals.
Grounded in Positive Psychology, this program will help you develop your own toolkit of skills and behaviours that will help you create the life you want.
Together, we'll work on:
· Living with ADHD
· Managing emotions, time, and money
· Self-advocacy
· Your own personal goal plan
Click here to learn more & register!
Adult ADHD Group Coaching Program
6-week program from April to May 2025
Are you an adult who struggles with ADHD? Do you feel overwhelmed by everything on your to-do list? Are you ready to learn new skills and create positive change in your life? This program is for you if you are tired of feeling stuck and want to start to move beyond your ADHD struggles!
In this 6-week group coaching program, participants will be introduced to foundational topics for living well with ADHD. This interactive program provides step-by-step practical support on implementing tools and strategies for more consistent performance.
Click here to learn more & register!
REFOCUS Parenting Program
10 week program from April to June
Executive function can impact working memory, flexible thinking and self-control. And, it can affect all aspects of life at school and at home. In this 10-week interactive course, parents and caregivers will learn about executive function, how executive function affects children and teens, and, they will learn tools and strategies to help their children increase these skills.
Topics include:
Inhibition, Emotional Regulation, Motivation, Attention, Shifting, Working Memory, Planning, Organization, and self-monitoring.
Learn more & register!
Understanding Your Child's ADHD
Begins Wednesday March 26th, 2025 - 3 weeks
Are you struggling to understand and navigate your child’s new ADHD diagnosis? Do you feel overwhelmed with all the information and unsure what to believe? This three-week introductory program will help you learn what ADHD actually is, and how it can affect your child at home and school. The course aims to teach parents and caregivers the basics of ADHD and strategies to help manage adverse symptoms.
This 3-week program is meant to be a first step for parents with a newly diagnosed child. It will explain the basics of the condition, along with how it may be showing up at home and school. It will provide parents with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their child, as well as opportunities to share their experiences with other parents.
Topics include: ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, how ADHD affects the family unit, social impairments caused by ADHD, IEPs, strategies to address problematic behaviours.
The YMCA Early Years and Child Care Navigator team is hosting a free virtual session designed for parents to: meet the EYCC Navigator team, learn how to set up a OneList account, discover how to apply for child care programs and get information about child care subsidies and early learning supports. Join the EYCC Navigator team on Wednesday, February 26th from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Click here to register here.
