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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Team PBS improves lives, not just behaviours. With engaging support, our providers offer person-centered ABA to help individuals and their families do more things, go more places, and achieve more goals.
Do you know someone who can benefit from these services or want to learn more?
Contact Anika Blum O'Connor, M. ED, BCBA REGIONAL COORDINATOR, THERAPIST, AND PROUD PARENT TO A CHI LD WITH AUTISM ablum@teampbs.com
Find us in the Golden Triangle & Beyond Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & Guelph.
Apply online at www.teampbs.com
Check out this online Canadian wide resource AIDE Canada | Resources for Autism & Intellectual Disability
Are you on the autism spectrum?
Are you a web designer and/or a web developer?
The A-Team is primarily run by individuals with Aspergers Syndrome, for individuals with Aspergers Syndrome, with some assistance from Bridges to Belonging. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment to meet fellow adults with Aspergers Syndrome [or ASD – level 1], discuss topics of interest, share experiences, and embrace our neurological diversity.
If you have past experience with either web design, web development, or both and are interested in a short-term contract arrangement to develop the A-Team’s website, please send a letter of interest to the Executive Director of Bridges to Belonging, Donnamarie Dunk at ddunk@bridgestobelonging.ca indicating your experience, past projects you’ve worked on and links to the websites.
Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview to share details and evidence of their past experience, and will be provided with details of the project scope, design elements, timelines and compensation.
Please note that the project may involve either one contractor skilled in both web design and web development, or two individuals with separate skills and experience in design and development.