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Community News & Updates

 


 

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.

 


 

Sensitive Santa for Cambridge Residents!

The City of Cambridge will be running Sensitive Santa event again this year. This initiative is exclusively reserved for children with social, emotional, accessible, and behavioural needs. This sensory-friendly environment offers reduced lighting and a quieter atmosphere to meet with Santa. Families will receive complimentary digital photographs with Santa to commemorate this magical holiday season. The event is free for families.  

 

The City of Cambridge, in partnership with Cambridge Centre located at 355 Hespeler Road, has organized four dates for families to visit with Santa. Sensitive Santa will come to town on the following Sundays: November 26, 2023; Sunday, December 3, 2023, December 10, 2023, and Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

 

Registration is required, and spots are filled on a first-come basis.

 

If interested, please complete this registration form and send to accessibility@cambridge.ca. Someone will follow up with next steps.

Rachel Cave at 3:16 PM
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Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities Newsletter

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Autism and Mental Health Series
Webinar Presentation

Autistic People and the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned So Far?

Thursday, April 27, 2023, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT
Dr. Liz Pellicano, Professor of Autism Research at University College London joins us for the latest in a series of monthly interactive workshops where we discuss different topics that are important to Autistic adults. The webinars are designed and hosted by Autistic adults; all are welcome. View our flyer. 

For a full list of upcoming events, visit the Autism & Mental Health Webpage.

Click here to register

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Webinar Presentation

"All teach – all learn”: Lessons learned about mental health and developmental disabilities during the pandemic

Tuesday, March 28th  2:00-3:00 PM EDT
Presented by the Disability Health Equity Research Network, with guest speaker, Dr. Yona Lunsky, Director of the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre and the Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities Program (H-CARDD) at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.

Click here to register

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Research Study Recruitment
Autistic Adults and the Experience of Psychedelics

Are you Autistic and over 18 years old? We want to hear about your experiences with psychedelics.
This research study wants to learn about the perception, opinions, and knowledge of autistic adults about psychedelics, and whether they have used them in the past.

Participation involves filling out a 20-30 minute online survey. Click here to go to the survey.

For more information, email or call us:

Hsiang-Yuan.Lin@camh.ca 
+1 416-535-8501 ext. 32817

Click here to go to survey

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Virtual Workshop
Direct Support Professionals in Developmental Services

New Workshop starts April 4th! 
Are you a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in developmental services? Join our free virtual workshop, offered over three 2-hour sessions, to learn about Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) strategies. This workshop aims to support the well-being of DSPs and is part of a research study to help us to learn more about how to best support the well-being of staff in the sector.

Dates and Times:1. Mar 28 from 6:30-7:00 PM (Orientation) 2. Apr 4 from 6:30-8:30 PM 3. Apr 11 from 6:30-8:30 PM 4. May 9 from 6:30-8:30 PM

Interested? Please complete the expression of interest form by clicking here. 

Contact us for more information at PACT@camh.ca

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Virtual Mindfulness Group
Leaders and Management Professionals in Developmental Services

 

Starts March 28th! 

Are you a leader or management professional in developmental services? Join our free 6-week Canada-wide virtual mindfulness program, led by Sue Hutton, a mindfulness teacher with 40 years of experience. This program is supported by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.

 


Every Tuesday, Mar 28th to May 2nd, 2023, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
This program is also part of the Cultivating Community Wellness Initiative. View our flyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Volunteer Opportunity
Caregiver Engagement Network


Join the Azrieli Caregiver Engagement Network! Open to all caregivers (siblings, parents, grandparents) of loved ones 18 years and older with a developmental disability. 

Next meeting: Thursday, March 23rd, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT
Click here for more information. 

 

Questions? Email Azrieli.Caregivers@camh.ca.

Click here to register

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New Research
Survey on Siblings of Adults with Disabilities

 

Are you a Canadian Developmental Services Organization?
Please take 10 minutes to complete a survey on how your organization includes the siblings of people with developmental disabilities in the programs and services offered. The survey is part of a research study by Siblings Canada and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.   
  
Share this flyer with the person at your agency who has the most contact with the families of people with disabilities (primarily siblings) or is most familiar with the support offered to families.

Click here to go to survey

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Trish Coupal at 9:45 AM
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Dan the Music Man

Jump 'n Jam with Dan the Music Man

 

High energy Feature Entertainment for children's and family events! Invite one of Canada's favourite performers to lead your young audience on a musical adventure that will stretch the imagination, inspire smiles, tickle the funny bone and warm the heart!

 

Fun, fabulous and unforgettable family event entertainment and programs! The ever popular Dan the Music Man Show is the ideal celebration for every season of your family community!

Festivals, Fairs, Special Events, Celebrations, Attractions
Children's Stage, Family Zone, Main Stage
Themed programs to support your event community
Book early for best selection of dates

For the best in programming guaranteed to please all at your special children's and family events, call Dan the Music Man at 416-410-7765!

 

Click here for more information.

Trish Coupal at 12:46 PM
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Adolescent ASD Research

Looking for children with ASD (nonverbal) or neurotypical children, age 12-18,  to participate in online emotion research.  Contact ASD@queensu.ca.The study is online. After answering a few questionnaires, participants will recieve $20 and a $10 Amazon gift card.

Trish Coupal at 11:38 AM
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Strong Moms, Safe Kids Winter program

Strong Moms, Safe Kids, a group program for mothers & children healing from domestic violence, free program offered Wednesday January4-March 8 5:30pm-8pm meal provided, contact 519-884-0000

Leah Bowman at 10:06 AM
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