While COVID-19 will impact many of Autism Ontario's Raise the Flag events for World Autism Awareness Day, they invite you to visit their Raise the Flag website so you and your family can make use of the curriculum and content and safely celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. They will announce rescheduled events as they become available on their website and through their social media outlets.

Meanwhile, they are building a resource list of activities that families can do together during the extended period beyond the March break.  They invite you to share your thoughts by completing this brief survey.   Let them know how they can stay connected and supportive to Ontario families during this time. 

After much consideration, conversation and concern for the health and safety of the families and individuals supported through WRFN, our staff and volunteers, and for the larger community, we are cancelling all our support groups, social groups, events, and in-person program activities until further notice. With growing concerns around COVID-19, we feel this is the appropriate and responsible approach to take at this time. Updates will be provided as to when regular programming, activities and events will resume.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate and respond to these challenging times together.

Sue Simpson

Executive Director          

Dr. Jean Clinton is on her way to Waterloo Region, and you're invited!

On March 24th at the Kitchener Public Library, Dr. Clinton will be offering workshops to support parents/caregivers and professionals with understanding the importance of connection in healthy brain development for our children and youth.

This is a free event that is being provided by several community partners.

Please click here to view a flyer with further details.
 
There will be two sessions on March 24th: one in the afternoon for parents/caregivers (1-2:30pm) and one in the evening for professionals (5-8pm). Please register using the Eventbrite link that is included in the flyer. We are likely to fill every available seat as there are a limited number of seats, and this event is being shared widely in the community.
 
Below you'll find a couple of short YouTube videos with Dr. Clinton speaking, for those who are interested or need some help with deciding if this is an event you’d like to attend.

Dr. Clinton Supportive Connections video
Dr. Clinton - Parenting Style and Emotional Brain video (speaking to parents)
 

Join us on Friday, April 17 for WRFN’s annual signature fundraising event. Enjoy an elegant evening of mixing and mingling at the Great Hall, Luther Village on the Park while tasting delicious wine, beer and cider - all paired with appetizing food selections.

Our spectacular silent auction includes a number of exciting items for you to bid on. You won't want to miss our raffle and engaging vocal entertainment! All proceeds go directly to program resources - facilitating meaningful connections, in all life stages, for families of children with special needs both with and without a diagnosis.

Please join us at 7pm. The formal program will begin around 7:30pm. 

Early Bird tickets (available until March 10) $100

Regular tickets $125

Group discount tickets (8 tickets) $700

For tickets, click here.

Resilience as part of learning & building self-regulation.

January 23, 2020 from 7-9pm @ Community Living (8 Royal Rd, Guelph, ON)

*This is Part 1,of a two-part series* (This session is for parents & will be followed by a 2nd session for parents & youth on Feb 20, 2020).

Resilience is both a trait and an aspiration. We all have resilience and we need to know how to tap into our resilience, as well as devleop or build on it.

There are 7 key criteria for resilience and the top 2 criteria are Self-Regulation & Impulse Control.

Come to a workshop that will help you and your children with tapping into and developing Self-Regulation as a means to cope and thrive.

Cost: $15 (members $10)

Register here or by calling 519-837-2050 or emailing Info@ldawc.ca

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is pleased to continue offering the Weekend Social Club (WSC) to Waterloo Region. Founded by the Kitchener Waterloo Association for Community Living and with support from WRDSS, this program’s goal is to inspire active participation in the community.

WSC offers recreational opportunities for adults ages 18+ with a developmental disability where a variety of community events and interests are explored. Events and activities range from attending sporting events, going nature hikes, visiting historical places and so much more.

The winter/spring session runs from January - June, 2020 and the registration fee for this session is $35 (plus any additional costs for special events or trips). If required, a direct support person must be provided.

For more information or to register, please contact Ben Sauder, Support Coordinator/Community Group Supervisor at 519-741-0190 x290 /ben.sauder@eafwr.on.ca.

Check out the KidsAbility Winter Activity Guide.

The KidsAbility Program and Activity Guides for Fall is a great resource for local programming.

Program and Activity Guide - Fall 2019

Guides can also be found on the KidsAbility website at www.kidsability.ca.

On The House is an opportunity for Waterloo Region families that have a loved one(s) with a disability to enjoy a delicious complimentary three-course dinner for two at Proof Restaurant Lounge. Care, by a trained support person, will be provided for your loved one(s) nearby so you can relax and enjoy!
 

Participants will be chosen by random selection. If you would like to participate in On The House, please submit your interest by Thursday, May 23 to https://bit.ly/2vGc6Vm.
You can also refer a friend or family member!

Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Time: Table seating times from 5:30-6:30pm

Location: Proof Restaurant Lounge 

If you have questions, please contact Krista McCann 519-886-9150 x 2 or Krista.McCann@wrfn.info.

This event is an ASD Collaborative initiative. 

Families will have the opportunity to come and enjoy at Great Wolf Lodge at a special rate just for Autism Ontario.
 
Great Wolf Lodge is generously offering Autism Ontario families a discounted group rate for stays occurring during the below dates.  

By registering, starting May 16, 2019 at 9am, you will be given the group code, which allow you to access the reduced rate. This is for Ontario families with children with Autism, who are 18 and under. 

Dates:

• September 13 - 29, 2019
• October 27 - 31, 2019

Registration opens May 16 at 9am. Learn more here.