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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.
Beyond the webinars that we have throughout the month of October, which you can read about here, we have also showcased a great blog to share 5 Reasons Why Mentoring is Important to Newcomers.
Please share these events with anyone who may be interested in learning more about these fields. Job seekers are also welcome to reach out to us directly through these options.
Additional webinars that are happening through October include:
Blog updates:
Mental Health: What you need to know about ADHD: Signs, Symptoms, and Coping Strategies
October 22 | DAY 1 starts 8am PT | 11am ET | 12pm AT
October 23 | DAY 2 starts 8am PT | 11pm ET | 12pm AT
The entire conference will be virtual via Zoom.
Cost is $40+tax
Sessions will be recorded and made available after the conference closes.
CADDAC's ADHD Conference provides information for adults with ADHD, parents/caregivers of children with ADHD, and their families. CADDAC also welcomes public registration to listen and learn from health professionals and panelists.
Conference Topics
Our 2022 AGM & Conference will be held at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites from September 14th to 16th. Each year, Community Living Ontario will continue to build on the Inspiring Possibilities theme and showcase new ideas and best practices.
Achieving Community Living Ontario’s vision relies on us working together with our local associations, families, people who have an intellectual disability, partners and other organizations with similar values.
Let's exchange ideas on how to move our collective vision forward and create a more inclusive Ontario together.
Call for Proposals
We are currently accepting proposals from speakers, thought leaders and collaborators for workshops, presentations and panel discussions on how to actively and effectively engage with our communities to address unmet needs, to challenge the status quo, and to build on integrated approaches that better our communities.
We want to encourage sessions that showcase best practices for how to actively and effectively create communities where we all belong, build on approaches that make our communities more welcoming, and grow partnerships that can help us make these changes happen everywhere. This year, we are looking for session proposals that:
We strongly encourage self-advocates, family members, support organizations, and other social justice groups to submit proposals. We also encourage submissions from Indigenous, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ speakers of all abilities. Everyone has something to contribute!
The deadline to submit your proposal is Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
We have changed our submission process this year. Please review the new proposal guideline here before submitting your proposal. If you would like to see the survey questions in advance of starting your online submission, here is a document with all of the questions listed.
Please note that only submissions entered through our online survey here will be reviewed by the CLO Inspiring Possibilities AGM & Conference 2022 Committee.
If you have any questions regarding your proposal submission and/or you require assistance with this process, please contact Aislinn DeRoches at [email protected] .
Hotel Room Booking Information
The Sheraton has rooms reserved at group rates for the Community Living Ontario conference. If the Sheraton is at capacity, the Best Western is available for group rates as well.
Rates start on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, and end on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Book soon to reserve your spot!
Click here for Sheraton rates and here for Best Western rates.
Create your ideal learning plan by taking the full certificate program, or any of the individual modules (webinars).
This certificate program will be offered as a webinar only.
Dates: September 17, October 20, November 26, 2020 and January 19, February 23, 2021
Facilitators: Andrea Warnick, RN., MA., RP., Liana Lowenstein, MSW., RSW., CPT-S., Lysa Toye, MSW., RSW., Rev. Andrew Blake
This training is suitable for: Any professional or volunteer who is in a position to influence the support received by a grieving child. This includes front-line workers and volunteers such as medical professionals, educators, clergy, social workers, administrators, residential workers, counsellors, funeral service providers and hospice volunteers.
Please note; Each of the modules (webinars) may be taken on their own as a stand-alone training, however all five days must be completed to obtain the certificate.
Overview: Grief is a confusing and isolating experience for any person, old or young. Children's grief, however, differs considerably from adult grief, resulting in the needs of grieving children often being overlooked or misunderstood. This can have a profound impact on the social and emotional development of a child. Caregivers, including the most skilled professionals, often feel helpless when supporting children through the death of someone close to them.
The Certificate Program in Children's Grief and Bereavement explores the roots of our cultural discomfort with the topic of children and death and exposes common myths and misconceptions. This certificate program equips you with skills to provide support to children, youth and families grieving the dying or death of someone they care about. Adults cannot change the reality of a death occurring in a child's life, but with the right tools they can play a powerful role in shaping the story of the child's grief experience and therefore help the child thrive in life.
Module 1: Children at the Bedside.
Module 2: When Death Darkens the Door.
Module 3: When Grief Gets More Complicated.
Module 4: Using Mindfulness and Compassion to Support Grieving Children/Families.
Module 5: Dancing in the Darkness.
For more details, click here.
Alternative and augmentative communication gives voice to thousands of people who might not otherwise be heard. These communicators, their families, and those who support them look to build communication in the moment, but also expand chances for speech and expression moving forward.
The future is a powerful thing.
To encourage development of broader communication goals and opportunities for EVERY communicator, CoughDrop is sponsoring this free, online AAC conference June 23-24 from 12 - 6 PM Eastern time each day.
Conference attendees will be presented with new ideas, current research, best practices, and personal experiences from accomplished AAC users, supporters and professionals.
We invite you to take part in this AAC focused online conference with sessions addressing dozens of important communication topics. The event includes chances to learn from experts, share your own AAC goals and understanding, participate in contests, and rub shoulders with elite AAC team members who are shaping the future of AAC.
Free online Conference dates June 23-24, 2020.
