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.
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.
****************************************************************************************************
Autism and Mental Health Series
Webinar Presentation
Autistic People and the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned So Far?
Thursday, April 27, 2023, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT
Dr. Liz Pellicano, Professor of Autism Research at University College London joins us for the latest in a series of monthly interactive workshops where we discuss different topics that are important to Autistic adults. The webinars are designed and hosted by Autistic adults; all are welcome. View our flyer.
For a full list of upcoming events, visit the Autism & Mental Health Webpage.
****************************************************************************************************
Webinar Presentation
"All teach – all learn”: Lessons learned about mental health and developmental disabilities during the pandemic
Tuesday, March 28th 2:00-3:00 PM EDT
Presented by the Disability Health Equity Research Network, with guest speaker, Dr. Yona Lunsky, Director of the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre and the Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities Program (H-CARDD) at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.
****************************************************************************************************
Research Study Recruitment
Autistic Adults and the Experience of Psychedelics
Are you Autistic and over 18 years old? We want to hear about your experiences with psychedelics.
This research study wants to learn about the perception, opinions, and knowledge of autistic adults about psychedelics, and whether they have used them in the past.
Participation involves filling out a 20-30 minute online survey. Click here to go to the survey.
For more information, email or call us:
Hsiang-Yuan.Lin@camh.ca
+1 416-535-8501 ext. 32817
****************************************************************************************************
Virtual Workshop
Direct Support Professionals in Developmental Services
New Workshop starts April 4th!
Are you a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in developmental services? Join our free virtual workshop, offered over three 2-hour sessions, to learn about Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) strategies. This workshop aims to support the well-being of DSPs and is part of a research study to help us to learn more about how to best support the well-being of staff in the sector.
Dates and Times:1. Mar 28 from 6:30-7:00 PM (Orientation) 2. Apr 4 from 6:30-8:30 PM 3. Apr 11 from 6:30-8:30 PM 4. May 9 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Interested? Please complete the expression of interest form by clicking here.
Contact us for more information at PACT@camh.ca
****************************************************************************************************
Virtual Mindfulness Group
Leaders and Management Professionals in Developmental Services
Starts March 28th!
Are you a leader or management professional in developmental services? Join our free 6-week Canada-wide virtual mindfulness program, led by Sue Hutton, a mindfulness teacher with 40 years of experience. This program is supported by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.
Every Tuesday, Mar 28th to May 2nd, 2023, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
This program is also part of the Cultivating Community Wellness Initiative. View our flyer.
**************************************************************************************************
Volunteer Opportunity
Caregiver Engagement Network
Join the Azrieli Caregiver Engagement Network! Open to all caregivers (siblings, parents, grandparents) of loved ones 18 years and older with a developmental disability.
Next meeting: Thursday, March 23rd, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT
Click here for more information.
Questions? Email Azrieli.Caregivers@camh.ca.
***************************************************************************************************
New Research
Survey on Siblings of Adults with Disabilities
Are you a Canadian Developmental Services Organization?
Please take 10 minutes to complete a survey on how your organization includes the siblings of people with developmental disabilities in the programs and services offered. The survey is part of a research study by Siblings Canada and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Share this flyer with the person at your agency who has the most contact with the families of people with disabilities (primarily siblings) or is most familiar with the support offered to families.
***************************************************************************************************
Check out this online Canadian wide resource AIDE Canada | Resources for Autism & Intellectual Disability
Canada's Down Syndrome Magazine
In this interview, H-CARDD scientists Yona Lunsky and Rob Balogh discuss the current state of Canadian health care for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, including shortcomings the pandemic has revealed about how they are viewed and cared for in our medical system. They talk about the lessons we can draw from the pandemic and offer suggestions for how families and people with disabilities can contribute to advocating for systemic change.
We are sharing the following information provided to us by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS). CDSS represents Canada at the Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) Taskforce Meetings. T21RS has organized an international online survey to collect data about COVID-19 vaccine response among people with Down syndrome. If the survey is applicable to you, please consider taking the time to fill it out. The more responses they receive, the better the data will be.
We need your help! More needs to be learned about COVID-19 and the related vaccine among people with Down syndrome. The Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) has organized an international online survey to collect this information.
You are invited to complete this survey, if you are a caregiver of a person with Down syndrome who has received the COVID-19 vaccine or who is eligible but does not plan to receive the vaccine.
The on-line survey:
Please click on the following link to complete the survey in the language of your choice:
English: https://is.gd/Eng_care
French: https://is.gd/Fren_care
German: https://is.gd/Ger_care
Italian: https://is.gd/Itl_care
Portuguese: https://is.gd/Port_care
Spanish: https://is.gd/Spa_care
Thank you for your help to collect this important information for people with Down syndrome.
T21RS COVID Taskforce
Cooking Classes for Ages 14+
The next session runs from January to June under the direction of Teresa Feliciano
WRDSS is pleased to offer cooking classes for members with Down syndrome ages 14 and older. All recipes are simple to prepare and are adapted to any skill level. Students will work in groups of 2-3 and will have a volunteer assisting them in completing their recipe. We will prepare a complete 3 course meal that includes a main course, side dish and a dessert. We all sit down together and enjoy it.
NEW Location: Parkminister United Church (275 Erb Street East, Waterloo, ON N2J 1N6)
Session: Various dates January to June (see registration links below for details)
Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Cost: $55
Our cooking class focuses on:
- Basic cooking skills
- Knife skills
- Safe food handling
- Following Recipes
- Measuring ingredients
- Table setting
- Clean up
Select Class Options Still Available:
3rd Tuesday of the month - Intermediate Skill Level
Can follow direction but needs some assistance with completing some tasks.
3rd Thursday of the month - Beginner Skill Level
Needs assistance with most tasks. Limited ability to follow direction without parental / instructor supervision.
Space is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Parents/Caregivers must be prepared to volunteer a few nights each session to help with the class.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Register for Cooking Class Ages 14+: 3rd Tuesday, Intermediate
