SkateABLE™ is Canada’s only high-quality adaptive ice skating program for children with physical and developmental disabilities.

This program is developmentally appropriate for children with a wide variety of challenges including: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, muscle weakness, as well as autism, down syndrome, learning disabilities, and other developmental delays.

All adaptive equipment is provided free of charge.

Program Dates: Tuesdays, January 15 - March 12, 2019

Time: 4:00pm

Location: Lion's Arena, 20 Rittenhouse Rd., Kitchener 

Registration for SkateABLE™ Kitchener is available now at www.skateable.ca.

If you’re the caregiver of a child (under 18 years of age) with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and have a strong desire to increase your knowledge and understanding of this diagnosis, Kerry's Place Autism Services has an exclusive offer for you!

Kerry’s Place Autism Services is offering this training course FREE as a Foundational Service through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). To qualify, families must have a child registered with the OAP. Not registered yet? Call the OAP Single Point of Access at 1-877-374-6625 (press 1) to register today!

This unique training opportunity will include:

• 12 modules delivered in six full days
• Group and individual activities
• Weekly assignments to enhance comprehension, skill development, and confidence
• The opportunity to work with other parents in a supportive and dynamic learning environment
• A certificate of participation

Dates

January 18, 25, February 1, 8 March 1,8, 2019

Time

9:30 am –3:30 pm

Location

Sunbeam Centre-training room - 2749 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener

For more information and registration please contact:

Amanda Polesello at Amanda.Polesello@kerrysplace.org or 519-763-5812 ext. 28

Registration is first come first serve basis. Spaces are limited.

Aldaview Services is running a March Break Respite Program. This program is for individuals with a developmental disability in Grade 9 and up.

Activities include:

• arts & crafts
• music
• games
• social time and much MORE!

Fees are based on participants' needs and activity costs.

Aldaview Services is accessible by GRT.

Dates: March 11 – 15, 2019

Time: 8:30 – 3:00

Location: Aldaview Services, 332 Hamilton Road, New Hamburg, Ontario

For registration contact:

Mary Hartman

519-662-5172

mhartman@tcmhomes.com

Respond by February 22, 2019

KidsAbility™ Centre for Child Development is offering the "Building and Learning Together" training through their KidsAbility Autism Program.

“Building and Learning Together” will provide you with weekly workshops, supported with hands-on coaching. Using the Behaviour Skills Training Model of instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and feedback, you and your family will be supported in learning strategies to apply with your child on a daily basis. 

Workshop topics will include:

• Reinforcement and Pairing
• Functions of Behaviour
• How to Increase Positive Behaviour (while decreasing less desirable behaviour)
• How to Enhance Communication
• Use of Visual Supports to Increase Independence
• Developing Play Skills

At the end of each workshop you will receive a skill practice sheet outlining what was discussed, and recommendations for practical ways to put your learning into everyday practice.

This workshop is being offered during the following times:

Guelph
Tuesdays | 9am—10:30am

January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, March 19

Register: "Building and Learning Together" (Guelph - Fall 2018)

Kitchener
Tuesdays | 6pm—7:30pm

January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, March 19

Register: "Building and Learning Together" (Kitchener - Fall 2018)

Waterloo
Wednesdays | 9am—10:30am

April 10, 17, 24, May 1, May 8, 15, June 12
Register: "Building and Learning Together" (Waterloo - Fall 2018)

The Children and Youth Planning Table September 2018 E-News Bulletin is available online.

In this issue:

• Message from the Co-Chairs
• Youth Engagement in Waterloo Region Survey
• Smart Waterloo Region
• Children & Youth Planning Table Meetings 
• Shared Foundation for Practice
• Family Compass
• Early Years System Roundtable
• Healthy Kids Community Challenge
• Community Updates
  • Resilience Summit
  • Ideas Connect
  • Parenting Now

Read the newsletter here.

Autism Speaks Canada and Samsung Canada have teamed up to donate 500 tablets to families living with autism and organizations that support them.

Apply between October 1 – October 31, 2018 at www.samsung.com/thelovespectrum.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Canadian residents.
• Individuals with a diagnosis of ASD
• Organizations supporting individuals with ASD.
• Do not currently have a touch device.

If you have any questions, please email lookatme@autismspeakscan.ca. 

Children with ASD, ages 3-18, are invited to attend 10-weeks of soccer with the Waterloo Minor Soccer Club.  Siblings, ages 3-18 are also invited to join in on the fun!

The WMCS's Waterloo Stars is an adaptive program for children ages 3-18 to have a positive experience on a soccer team. 

For this event, Autism Ontario will have full and private use of indoor field for 1 hour weekly. The Waterloo Minor Soccer Club will provide team jerseys, shorts, socks and a ball for the children with ASD. 

Children will go through warm up exercises, break out into skills training and then end with a short game. 

**Parents must participate with their children on the field**

The program runs October 13 to December 15 from 3-4pm

To learn more about this opportunity or to register please click here.

Firefly Therapy Services offers fee-for-service therapeutic programs for children and youth.  

Fall 2018 Programs:

Eat, Cook & Mingle Tween - This 8 week group is for youth in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who want to learn basic cooking skills and make new friends in the process.

Eat, Cook & Mingle Teens - This 8 week group is targeted for youth who want to learn basic cooking skills and make some new friends while they do it.

Playtime Academy Jr. - Playtime Academy Jr. is a fun and engaging group for children aged -7 who require additional support in developing beginner social skills and peer interaction within a group setting.

Playtime Academy - Playtime Academy is a fun and engaging group for children aged 4 – 7 who require additional support learning how to interact and play appropriately with their peers.

Social Explorers - Social Explorers introduces Superflex and Team of Unthinkables to teach youth, ages 8-12 who struggle with social situations and how to navigate and gain control of their emotions.

Music Therapy - Firefly offers group and individual sessions led by a music therapist. Groups include Rock N Talk, Music & Mingle and Rock Band.

Swimming Lessons - Firefly Therapy Services swimming program provides an opportunity for children to learn important basic swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Tuesday Hangout is a weekly get together with friends to enjoy volunteering, fun recreational activities and cooking!

Session 1: September 4 - October 23, 2018

Session 2: October 30 - December 18, 2018

Session 3: January 8 - February 26, 2019

1:30 - 5:30 p.m.

St. George’s of Forest Hill Church - Recreation Hall

321 FisherHallman Road, Kitchener

Cost: $350 *includes a meal cooked by group members

For those participating in Special Olympics Bowling, rides will be

provided to Victoria Bowl

For more information or to register, contact Lori at 519-501-6747 or

lmyc@gmail.com or Susan at 519-654-7023 or susanhipp@gmail.com.

This program is presented by Lori Malony Young Consulting and Susan's Toolbox.

Are you the parent/caregiver of a young adult with disabilities? Do you wonder how the future will look for your child and yourself?

Please join us in sharing some of the chal lenges - and solutions in supporting someone to build a full and active l i fe in the community.

Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM at The Family Centre, 65 Hanson Ave. Kitchener, Room 1024.

October 9 - November 27, 2018.

To register please contact Wendy by emailing wnewbery@bridgestobelonging.ca or calling 519-603-0998 ext. 223.

Presented in partnership by Bridges to Belonging and Waterloo Region Family Network.