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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.
In the July issue of Family Pulse, you will find information on:
Updates from WRDSB SEAC meeting
A thank you for our departing board members
Spectrum on the Spectrum
A New Chapter
Kaleidoscope Kids dates and location
Canadian Disability Benefit Info
Community Info, Resources and Opportunities
The Accessibility Initiative (AI) cordially invites you to participate in the upcoming event: Webinar: Claiming the Right to Housing through the National Housing Strategy Act (NHSA)
Date: July 23rd, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Eastern time (EST)
Overview:
Join us to gain key information about the Right to Housing under the National Housing Strategy Act (NHSA). This federal law recognizes housing as a fundamental human right in Canada. This session is designed to equip settlement practitioners with the information to navigate and engage in National Housing Strategy Act (NHSA) processes.
Expected Outcomes:
A clear understanding of Canada’s housing rights commitments
Knowledge of how to use the NHSA’s unique accountability mechanisms
Early information on the accessible housing review process and how to support community submissions
*Sign Language Interpretation will be Available.
Speakers
Michèle Biss
Michèle Biss is the Executive Director of the National Right to Housing Network. As an expert in economic and social rights, she has presented at several United Nations treaty body reviews and at Canadian parliamentary committees. Prior to her work at the NRHN, Michèle was the Policy Director and Human Rights Lawyer at Canada Without Poverty. In 2016, she graduated from the Advanced Course on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights at Åbo Akademi University in Finland. She has extensive professional
experience working for marginalized groups, particularly women, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and Indigenous persons through casework, research, and community legal education. In her local Ottawa community, she sits on the board of directors of Ottawa Community Legal Services. She is a human rights lawyer and was called to the Ontario bar in 2014.
Ambalika Roy
Ambalika is the Legal Education Coordinator at the National Right to Housing Network (NRHN). She is a human rights lawyer with over a decade of experience working in national legal aid clinics in India, providing legal support to various equity-deserving groups. Her work has focused on access to justice and social inclusion, and she has contributed to several landmark judgments, including the recognition of the right to confidentiality for people living with HIV and the right to identity for transgender persons in India. Ambalika has worked extensively with marginalized communities—particularly women, people living with HIV, and LGBTQI individuals—and has led numerous public legal education initiatives. Before joining NRHN, she worked as the Senior Community Engagement Advisor at the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR).
