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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.
Two new Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) workshops for siblings and fathers.
ACT aims to help people face difficult challenges in their lives, mindfully connect with things that are most important to them, and take effective value-driven action. Here is what Lee Steel, a family support worker with the Azrieli Centre, has to say about ACT:
“Parents of children diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability… [are] ever striving to meet the needs of our children, which doesn’t leave much time to just be – to celebrate, to cherish, and to enjoy our children, just as they are. Fears for the future and demands of the day seem like constant robbers of the moment. ACT is an opportunity for me to turn some attention back to myself to ’care for the caregiver’ so I could hopefully get to a healthier place, a place that would honour both my children and me”.
Join our 6-week ACT workshop for adult siblings of a person with an intellectual disability or autism. The facilitators are siblings of people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
This online workshop is spread over five consecutive Wednesday evenings followed by a refresher evening session three weeks later: Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, and 29. 7:00 - 9:00 PM Eastern. Registration is now open.
ACT Workshops for Fathers with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
This workshop is open to fathers of loved ones with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) and living in Ontario.
This is an experiential workshop co-facilitated by a father of a loved one with an NDD, as well as clinicians. It is important that participants attend all five sessions.
This virtual workshop is offered over five sessions on Wednesdays: Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 29 from 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern
Interested? Click here to register
ECHO Ontario Adult Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (AIDD): New Program Starts October 20th!
This program is open to healthcare providers and developmental service professionals with experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. It is a 6-week online program offered every Friday morning from Oct. 20 – Nov. 24, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Eastern.
The curriculum will address the mental health challenges that this population can face as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also supports healthcare providers in applying the 2018 Canadian consensus guidelines on primary care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Click here to register or click here to visit the ECHO AIDD website for more information.
