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.
ECHO Ontario Adult Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Autism
Open to mental health/primary care providers and developmental service providers in Ontario who support autistic adults with mental health concerns.
STARTS THIS FRIDAY!
Dates & Time
Every Friday, January 17 to February 21, 2025 9:30 am to 11:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Click here for more information
Click here to register
Coffee Chat Series: By Caregivers for Caregivers
Caregiver Coffee Chats: Sharing Our Realities
Wednesdays 12:00-1:30 PM - February 5th to March 12th
(Orientation: January 29th)
Join fellow caregivers for a 6-week online series of guided discussions. Open to caregivers supporting the mental health of adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including Autism.
Click here for more information
ACT Workshop for Leaders in the Developmental Services Sector
Are you a leader, manager, or supervisor employed at an agency that provides support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Canada?
Join our 3-session virtual workshop centered on evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/ Training (ACT) strategies. It is part of a research study exploring how best to support staff in the sector. View our study flyer.
Dates & Time
April 1, 6:30 - 7:30 PM (Orientation)
April 8, April 15, and May 13
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Online
For more information, email PACT@camh.ca
Interested?Click here to fill out the Study Form
Blog Post by Yona Lunsky
Please Take Action: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
In her latest blog post, Dr. Yona Lunsky reflects on the importance of taking action, inspired by lessons learned during the pandemic. Drawing from a newly published paper, “They Need to Speak a Language Everyone Can Understand”, Dr. Lunsky highlights the impact of meaningful actions—learning, listening, adapting, and working together—to improve our health and wellbeing, as well as that of those around us. As we enter 2025, she encourages everyone to take action—big or small—to make a positive difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
Click here to read the Blog Post
Virtual Courses: Brain Health and Aging in Adults with IDD
Join our Brain Health-IDD Research Study!
Help us evaluate virtual education programs designed to promote healthy aging in older Canadian adults with IDD and their families.
Family Caregiver Program
Family caregivers 60 years+ caring for an adult with IDD
or
Sibling/family member (any age) of an adult with IDD aged 40 years+
Dates & Times
Every Wednesday, Feb 26-Apr 2
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Adults with IDD Program
Adults with a developmental disability aged 40 years+
Dates & Times
Every Tuesday, March 25-May 6
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
Service Provider ECHO Program
Health and social service providers supporting adults aged 40 years+ with developmental disabilities
Dates & Times
Every Friday, May 2-June 6
11:30 PM to 1:00 PM EDT
For more information, please email us at brainhealthIDD@camh.ca
Interested? Click here to fill out the study form