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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.
The Birth Place Lab at the University of British Columbia is conducting a CIHR-funded national study on people's experiences of care during pregnancy and childbirth in Canada called the RESPCCT Study (Research Examining the Stories of Pregnancy and Childbearing in Canada Today).
Anyone who is currently pregnant or who has had pregnancy or childbearing care in Canada in the last 10 years is welcome to participate in this online survey.
What is unique about this study is that a multi-stakeholder team including people who had pregnancy and childbearing experiences from different provinces, territories, backgrounds, identities, and circumstances spent two years working with researchers and healthcare professionals to develop a survey that is person-centered and designed through the lens and perspectives of people with lived experiences.
You may follow this link to learn more about the RESPCCT Study and to participate: www.respcct.ca.
If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected].
Update: The timeline for public feedback for the K-12 Education initial recommendations has been extended until November 1, 2021 (see below for updated language)
Standards Development Committees are responsible for developing and reviewing accessibility standards in Ontario. These accessibility standards help achieve the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), as Ontario moves forward on its journey to create a more accessible and inclusive province.
The Kindergarten-Gr. 12 (K-12) and Postsecondary Education (PSE) Standards Development Committees (Committees) were tasked with developing recommendations for proposed accessibility in publicly funded K-12 schools and PSE institutions. Both Committees are comprised of people with disabilities, representatives from disability organizations, and education sector experts.
The Government of Ontario is pleased to announce that the K-12 and PSE Committees’ Initial Recommendation Reports have been posted online for public comment.
In addition, a Technical Sub-Committee was tasked with developing recommendations on student transitions between K-12 and PSE; and between education, employment, and the community. Their report has been posted online and can be viewed here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/accessible-transitions-students-disabilities-kindergarten-grade-12-k-12-workforce-community-and
After you’ve read the initial recommendations for both the K-12 and PSE Committees, you have a couple of ways to submit your feedback:
Complete the online surveys at:
The timeline for public feedback for the K-12 Education initial recommendations has been extended until November 1, 2021, the same as the PSE initial recommendations timeline of November 1, 2021.
The Committees will review and consider all feedback before they finalize their recommendations and submit their final reports to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility for consideration.
We are reaching out to share an opportunity for you to provide input on the creation of a new learning resource for educators and school board staff across Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12, in English and French. This work is being led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, together with The Bloorview School Authority, and has been provided with funding by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
The resource, consisting of five online learning modules and a facilitator’s guide, is intended to expand on existing knowledge about accessibility, inclusion, and how to ensure that students with disabilities experience full participation in school settings. Read more about the project and individual modules here.
Engagement with stakeholders throughout the province is key to the success of the project. Holland Bloorview has prepared a brief survey for educators, students, and parents of children living with a disability. If you are interested in completing the survey, click on this link to launch the survey.
If you would like further information about the project, please contact Joanne Close
[email protected]
Inclusion Canada provides recommendations for Canada Disability Benefit
The government of Canada is seeking feedback from disability organizations about how to design the newly announced Canada Disability Benefit.
Inclusion Canada has developed a two pager and larger policy paper that explain our recommendations for the benefit design, including the monthly benefit amount. You can use these documents to get informed and influence the design of the benefit by starting a conversation with your local candidates for the federal election.
Volunteers needed to participate in a focus group for a new care solution called Shared living by Homecare Hub.
Homecare Hub is an innovative, purpose driven, homecare service delivery organization that helps people with caregiving needs receive care safely and comfortabley in their own community.
Homecare Hub's Shared Living offers a family-like, co-living home environment for those with care needs, which arims to help with the growing concerns of appropriate space and waitlists times for the community. As a planning step, Homecare Hub is working with the Developmental Services Sector to identify and understand the concerns and issues faced with housing by those with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure this model of care meets the needs of the community.
Location: Virtual meeting
Date & Time: to be determined based on reponse (late Sept or Oct)
If you are interested in participating and would like more information please contact Amber Armstrong at: [email protected]
Please sign up by August 25th.
