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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.
15th Annual Policy Forum on Inclusion recap now available!
On November 13-14, Inclusion Canada and People First of Canada hosted the 15th Annual Policy Forum on Inclusion. This year's theme was "Roofs and Rights: Inclusive Housing Policy for People with Intellectual Disabilities." We were joined by policy experts, self-advocates, and industry stakeholders across the country to discuss Canada's housing crisis and find solutions that allow people with intellectual disabilities to live inclusive lives in community.
Thank you to all of the panelists and attendees who made this forum possible. Click here to read a blog post detailing the event.
Government of Saskatchewan announces re-introduction of segregated schooling for persons with disabilities
On November 25, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that they would be expanding their controversial Specialized Support Classroom Pilot Program from 8 to 200 classrooms across the province.
This expansion of segregated schooling is a huge leap backwards for inclusive education. Inclusion Canada and Inclusion Saskatchewan have distributed a press release denouncing the provincial government's actions and demanding that they reverse course. We join our national initiative, Inclusive Education Canada, in asking the provincial government to keep students with disabilities where they belong - fully supported in regular classrooms where they can learn, grow and experience life alongside their peers.
Click here to read our release.
Why the Canada Disability Benefit needs to be better: our feedback on the regulations
For many years, the disability community has been speaking out about the need for a Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). Many people with disabilities don't have enough money to live and are almost twice as likely to live in poverty than people without disabilities.
When the CDB became law last year, we were hopeful. But when we saw the draft rules, we were very disappointed. Read our blog to find out why and our recommendations to make it better.
Family Alliance Ontario would like to invite you to an online holiday gathering as part of FAO's Family Knowledge, to share stories, achievements, experiences, news from your area or just chat about what's on our mind at the end of 2024 and possibilities in 2025.
Date: Monday December 9, 2024
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Register in advance for this meeting by clicking here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
It's time to plan your Winter LEG Up! Activities! Registration opens onDecember 6 at 9:00 AM and classes run from January 6 - March 14, 2025
Click here to view LEG Up! Winter 2025 Classes and Activities
Featuring: Ken Roche, Emily Akerman, Something Wilde, Siyoban Blanco, and The {dis}ABILITY Pride Singers
We have a blind comedian, a deaf poet, a fabulous musical duo, a disabled dancer, and a trio of singers...all who have a visible or invisible disability. This is an event that highlights and celebrates persons with visible and invisible disabilities, provide an equitable paying gig for performers/authors/artists, and creates a performer and audience friendly environment where everyone feels welcome to be exactly who they are, even if they would traditionally be considered 'disruptive' at a regular concert environment.
$25/ticket on December 7th at 7:30 in the Studio Theatre at Centre in the Square
Are you A Neurodiverse or Gender Diverse person between the ages of 11 and 17 who has or is about to experience Moon Time (otherwise known as their period)? Then this workshop is for you! The workshop is in person tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2, from 8 - 7 pm at Camino Wellbeing + Mental Heath at 480 Charles St E.
Bridges to Belonging, in partnership with Changing the Flow and Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health with generous support from the Upstream Fund, is proud to support this workshop, created and led by Inaugural Poet Laureate Sarah Siembida.
For More information, visit here, and to register, visit here.
