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.
Join Developmental Services Ontario, Central West Region for Safety for Independent Living, a personal safety course where people learn lifeskills that empower them to make safe choices both online and offline.
Course content includes, basic first aid, fire safety, being assertive, people safety and how to ask for help, online safety, road safety, and more.
The course is held from February 12 to 15 from 10 am to 12 pm. A Zoom link will be sent after you register.
To Register, contact Ashlyn Northfield at anorthfield@cwsds.ca.
The Developmental Services Workforce Initiative was formed with the focus to address one aspect of Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, namely, Planning for a Skilled Workforce. This part of the plan is about supporting a skilled, diverse and professional workforce that will help people participate meaningfully in their communities and live good lives.
Modernizing the Core Competencies is one component to support this outcome.
Core Competencies reflect the needs of our workforce by recognizing the professional nature of Developmental Services, recruiting the right people, building leadership capacity and ultimately enhancing the lives of the people we support.
They are now taking registrations for the Core Competency Cafe. See details below:
Intro to the ODSP Webinar
January 25, 2024 at 7pm
If your loved one with a disability requires financial help with basic living expenses, including medical expenses, they could be eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Understanding how this program works and how to maintain it alongside other financial resources will ensure your loved one continues to receive this support for as long as he or she may need it need it.
Expert and disability advocate Graeme Treeby provides an overview of all things ODSP including clarifications on recent changes. Following this presentation Graeme will be available for a live Q & A.
What's in it for You:
The Henson Trust and Trustee Considerations
January 17, at 7pm
Many are unaware that the Henson Trust was initially conceived by a father trying to protect and plan for his daughter with a disability. Leonard Henson was a father concerned with his daughter's future. As a result of his efforts, the Henson Trust has become an important tool that not only safeguards ODSP benefits but increases financial security for our relatives living with a disability.
The Henson Trust is but one type of trust that can be incorporated into an estate plan to support a family member with a disability.
Join P4P on January 17 to learn more about the Henson Trust and critical considerations in selecting your trustees.
Learn more about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and other benefits and credits for persons with disabilities!
When (Date & Time): Wednesday, January 18, at 6:30 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Description: Inclusion Canada is hosting an interactive webinar with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for our community to learn more about:
You will get a chance to ask your questions and hear responses from the CRA directly.