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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.
From Atlas to Action: A Reflection on the Past 10 Years of the Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities Program (H-CARDD)
by Dr. Yona Lunsky
In our final newsletter of 2023, Dr. Lunsky, Director of the H-CARDD Program, takes readers on a journey through a decade of innovative activities and collaborations. The groundbreaking release of the H-CARDD Atlas on the Primary Care of Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Ontario in December 2013 was followed by a decade of transformative research to improve the health and health care of adults with developmental disabilities. In this blog, learn how the H-CARDD Program has been working to actively count those with developmental disabilities and make them visible. Click here to read.
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New ECHO Program on Autism
Upcoming ECHO Ontario Adult Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) addresses the mental health of autistic adults.
Length: 6 Sessions, January 19 to March 1, 2024
When: Friday Mornings (Weekly), 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Who: Healthcare Providers/Developmental Service Professionals with Experience Working with Adults with IDD and Autism
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January 2024 Family Mindfulness Program
Mindfulness for Family Caregivers of people with disabilities, those who are aging, and those experiencing a challenging illness
Every Monday, January 15 to Feb 26, 2024, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern (Note: No session Feb 19).
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Community Living Ontario Launches Podcast
Congratulations to Community Living Ontario on the launch of their new Community Unmuted Podcast. In their inaugural episode, Mental Health and Accessing Health Care with Dr. Yona Lunsky, host Niko Pupella from the Council of Community Living Ontario, talks to Dr. Lunsky about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health, the importance of practicing mindfulness, and barriers to accessing health care for people who have a disability.
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In case you missed it....
Big IDEAs About Health Data Speaker Series
Big IDEAs About Health Data: Administrative Data & Working with Disability Communities
This Speaker Series from Health Data Research Network Canada features a variety of experts discussing how data can be used to advance health equity. In this latest episode, listen to Drs. Hilary Brown and Yona Lunsky discuss how to include measures of disability in administrative health data research. It also discusses accessibility considerations throughout the research process, including how to make our research teams more inclusive of people with disabilities.
