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We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
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.
Are you supporting adults with IDD as they age?
Join this Canada-wide ECHO for health and social service providers focused on healthy aging in adults 40+. This ECHO is part of a research study evaluating virtual education programs for older adults with IDD and their families.
Dates & Time
Every Friday, May 9 to June 13
11:30 am - 1:00 pm EDT
Location
Online (Zoom)
Interested? Fill Out the Study Form
A few spots left! Caregiver Coffee Chat Series
Caregiver Coffee Chats: Sharing Our Realities
This is not a webinar! 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. View our flyer.
Dates & Time
Every Wednesday, May 7 to June 18
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
Location
Online
Webinar: Addressing Medication Use in IDD
Training, Tools, and Teamwork: Addressing Psychotropic Medication Use in Developmental Disabilities
Friday, May 23, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Join the Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Program (DDPCP) of Surrey Place for a webinar on reducing the overprescribing of psychotropic medications for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn how two UK initiatives are addressing this issue by centering the voices of people with disabilities and promoting better training, communication tools, and collaboration.
Updated Health Check-in Tool Now Online!
My Health Check-in: A visit with the doctor to talk about staying healthy and well
The DDPCP and H-CARDD teams have updated the My Health Check-in Tool to support adults with developmental disabilities in preparing for doctor’s visits. The tool covers 12 health topics, with space to write down questions and concerns. It’s available in long, short, and picture-based formats, along with a caregiver guide.
Learn how this tool was developed and used in practice in the H-CARDD research paper, Evaluation of a co-designed Health Check-in for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family caregivers to support pandemic recovery by Y. Lunsky et al., British Journal of Learning Disabilities.
Explore additional tools for the primary care of adults with IDD, including About My Health, My Coping Tool, and My Hospital Form.
Download My Health Check-in Tool
Kudos to our H-CARDD Colleagues!
We’re proud to share that two H-CARDD colleagues are recipients of the 2024 Paula Goering Collaborative Research and Knowledge Translation Award.
H-CARDD Scientist Avra Selick and the ALC Project Team were recognized for their work, Supporting Alternative Level of Care Patients with a Dual Diagnosis to Transition from Hospital to Home, noted for strong collaboration, co-creation, and innovative knowledge translation (KT) tools.
Former H-CARDD Fellow Hilary Brown and partners were awarded for Mental Health Outcomes and Needs of Birthing Parents with Disabilities: From Evidence to Action, which engaged people with lived experience, peer researchers, and tailored KT for diverse audiences.
Learn more about the award. Congratulations, Avra and Hilary!
Starting next week! Virtual Mindfulness Programs
Mindfulness for Care Providers
Every Tuesday, May 6 to June 10, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm EDT (online)
A 6-week 45-minute virtual Mindfulness Program is available across Canada to all care providers, including leadership and management professionals, and frontline staff in health, home care, and disability support services. View our flyer.
Mindfulness for Family Caregivers
Every Friday, May 9 to June 13, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT (online)
A 6-week 60-minute virtual Mindfulness Program is available across Canada to caregivers of family members with disabilities, those who are aging, and those experiencing a challenging illness. View our flyer.
Season 4 of our podcast, IDD: Get to Know Me is here!
We've teamed up with Special Olympics Canada to explore key health topics for this community, including women’s and men’s health, sleep, regular doctor visits, mindfulness, and diabetes prevention.
Listen to Season 4 of IDD: Get to Know Me!
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