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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.
Join Developmental Services Ontario, Central West Region for Safety for Independent Living, a personal safety course where people learn lifeskills that empower them to make safe choices both online and offline.
Course content includes, basic first aid, fire safety, being assertive, people safety and how to ask for help, online safety, road safety, and more.
The course is held from February 12 to 15 from 10 am to 12 pm. A Zoom link will be sent after you register.
To Register, contact Ashlyn Northfield at anorthfield@cwsds.ca.
The Developmental Services Workforce Initiative was formed with the focus to address one aspect of Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, namely, Planning for a Skilled Workforce. This part of the plan is about supporting a skilled, diverse and professional workforce that will help people participate meaningfully in their communities and live good lives.
Modernizing the Core Competencies is one component to support this outcome.
Core Competencies reflect the needs of our workforce by recognizing the professional nature of Developmental Services, recruiting the right people, building leadership capacity and ultimately enhancing the lives of the people we support.
They are now taking registrations for the Core Competency Cafe. See details below:
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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RE-SCHEDULED TIMES for Fall Series: Planning for the Future
Every one of us, as parents and caregivers, contemplate what the future holds for our loved one with Down syndrome. Included in those thoughts would be our desire to facilitate as much of a meaningful, fulfilled and safe future as possible for our child. WWDSS is excited to offer you a series this fall that highlights main topics of future planning!
These include financial preparedness such as RDSPs, ODSP and the Disability Tax Credit as well as estate planning, which relates to Power of Attorney, Substitute Decision Making and Guardianship. It is our hope that these workshops will equip and empower you to promote the highest quality of a future life for your family member with Down syndrome. More detailed information on the content and presenters of each workshop is provided below:
DATE: Thursday November 17th
TIME: 6 to 8 PM
TOPIC: Wills, Henson Trust, Power of Attorney, and Guardianship
This session will address legal topics that all families will want to know regarding how to set up your will, and how to create and incorporate a Henson Trust into your will. Lisa will also address different types of Power of Attorney and how and when they should be used as well as the topic of guardianship with respect to your adult children with Down syndrome.
SPEAKER: Lisa Toner, Lawyer, Partner: Wills, Estates, Trusts, Elder Law; Sorbara, Schumacher, McCann LLP
LOCATION: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex – Community Pavilion (101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo) Room: Program Room 1
DATE: Wednesday November 30th
TIME: 6 to 8 PM
TOPIC: RDSP and Financial Planning
This session will discuss in detail RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan) and why this investment vehicle is important for families financial planning future.
SPEAKER: Robert P. Young, CFP, CLU, TEP, Certified Financial Planner®- Young Financial Group
Caroline Young, CIM®, Investment and Insurance Advisor - Young Financial Group
Frank Di Pietro, VP of Tax & Estate Planning – Mackenzie Investments
LOCATION: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex – Community Pavilion (101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo) Room: Program Room 1
COST: Members $5 each, Non-Members $10 each
November is here!
In the November issue of Family Pulse, you will find information on:
SEAC Updates
Nuances of Moving House When Neurodivergent
Erin's EarlyON Drop-Ins
Family Event
Celebrate Family
A New Chapter
What's Happening
Community Information, Resources and Opportunities
You can read the online version of Family Pulse here or download the PDF here.
