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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.
An overwhelming number of parents have reached out to us during the pandemic to inquire about support in mathematics. Students with suspected or diagnosed LDs are struggling with math and have demonstrated a need for this type of support. The aim of this program is to support elementary and high school students by providing 10-weeks of small group (3:1) multi-sensory remedial mathematics tutoring, twice per week.
$500.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$400.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
This virtual peer support program for parents age 24 and under will focus on the emerging needs and challenges around parenting, self-care, and self-regulation during a pandemic. This group provides opportunities for connection, conversation and support
Start your weekend off right and join us for some relaxing and motivating stretches. Choose to come to one class or all four! This is for all fitness levels and abilities.
$100.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$20.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
KW Hab-Leg Up! Everyday Math FUNdamentals IN-PERSON
Jan 10, 2022 10:30 AM
Mar 14, 2022 12:00 PM
Statistics show 4 out of 3 people struggle with math. If you're new to math or just want to brush up and sharpen your skills to prepare for future endeavours, then join us at LEG Up! for this fun no pressure 9-week course.
Let's head into the kitchen and learn everything to be safe and successful in your own kitchen. Choose In-person or Virtual for this academic learning experience.
Let's head into the kitchen and learn everything to be safe and successful in your own kitchen. Choose In-person or Virtual for this academic learning experience.
Looking for a place to meet new friends and have fun? Come join our Fabulous Kids group where we will play games, create together, learn coping skills to feel better when we may not be feeling our best and connect with other kids.
This course is for people who are confident in the kitchen. Cook a meal, talk about healthy eating, learn about serving sizes and how to package the food for the freezer to eat another day or in an other recipe. The recipes are hearty and healthy choices that will freeze well and use everyday items from your kitchen. The course allows people to purchase larger packs of food staples to use across the course.
For example: potatoes, frozen veggies, hamburger and chicken.
If you like to cook and want to learn some new skills in the kitchen, join us for this 10 week program for youth in Grade 6, 7, and 8. Participants will learn fundamental cooking skills such as: chopping, mixing, and following recipes.
Active Start is an 8 week program for children ages 3.5-7 years old designed to teach the fundamental movement and sports skills needed to enjoy an active lifestyle.
Would you like to learn more about summer camp opportunities for children, youth and adults with special needs? KidsAbility and the Waterloo Region Family Network are partnering to host a series of virtual camp fairs showcasing summer camps in Waterloo Region, Guelph Wellington, and beyond.
Learn skills and strategies for understanding and supporting your two-year-old’s social and
emotional development as a foundation for transitioning to kindergarten.
DSO-Creating Your Individualized Housing & Support Plan
Jan 11, 2022 1:00 PM
Jan 25, 2022 3:30 PM
This 3 session workshop series is designed to help you begin creating an individualized housing and support plan for you or a family member with a developmental disability.
It is still a time of increased stress and reduced connection. This virtual peer support program group focuses on the emerging needs and challenges around parenting, self-care, and self-regulation during a pandemic.
YDC is a group for Male Newcomer Youth designed to promote well-being and sense of belonging in the community. The group will explore a wide range of issues that impact daily living. Recreational activities will be added to each group to promote total well-being.
KidsAbility- Playtime Academy Junior/Intermediate (Ages 4-7)
Jan 11, 2022 5:45 PM
Mar 22, 2022 7:15 PM
Playtime Academy is a fun and engaging group for children who require additional support with learning to interact and play appropriately with their peers. Each lesson will be broken down and taught using interactive activities, modelling, and role playing. Your child will have many opportunities to participate in fun games designed to promote skill competencies.
Looking for something social and a way to build some new skills? This 10 week group is targeted for teens who want to learn basic cooking skills and make some new friends while doing it. Participants will learn fundamental cooking skills such as, chopping, mixing, and following recipes.
Are you thinking about a summer camp for your child? Come join us for a summer camp planning workshop over Zoom! This workshop is designed to give caregivers and service providers the information they need to plan a successful summer camp experience for a child with special needs.
We all share the same dream for our children—a life filled with friends, joy and opportunities. As a parent/caregiver of a child with a disability, you already have a lot on your plate. But there are things you can do NOW that will make a huge impact on your child’s future. The Early Planning Toolkit will get you started.
The Mothers’ Connection group is a great opportunity for moms who have a child with Down syndrome (age 6 and under) to share celebrations, struggles, goals, practical information, and resources with one another.
In this music exploration course we will build different types of instruments, learn about the sounds they make and explore the various genres of music that the instruments create.
Playtime Academy is a fun and engaging group for children who require additional support with learning to interact and play appropriately with their peers. Each lesson will be broken down and taught using interactive activities, modelling, and role playing. Your child will have many opportunities to participate in fun games designed to promote skill competencies.
KidsAbility- Playtime Academy Intermediate (Ages 4-7)
Jan 12, 2022 6:00 PM
Mar 23, 2022 7:15 PM
Playtime Academy is a fun and engaging group for children who require additional support with learning to interact and play appropriately with their peers. Each lesson will be broken down and taught using interactive activities, modelling, and role playing. Your child will have many opportunities to participate in fun games designed to promote skill competencies.
All grade 9-12 students and their families are invited to a virtual session to connect with post-secondary resources, community agencies and academic institutions. Discover what to anticipate from your specific post-secondary pathway.
KidsAbility- Express Yourself - Theatre Program For Youth
Jan 12, 2022 6:30 PM
Mar 02, 2022 7:30 PM
This is an 8 week Theatre program for youth offered at KidsAbility in partnership with Purple Stage Door. Through theatre-based workshops, discover and hone transferable skills that unlock more of your creativity, confidence, expression, and individuality.
Do you need information, have questions or want to know more about the Every Canadian Counts' 'Stories Project'?
We are collecting stories from individuals, caregivers and families for anyone with a long term chronic disability in Canada, to effect needed change.
KidsAbility- Creative Expressions - Music Therapy Group
Jan 13, 2022 4:45 PM
Mar 03, 2022 5:30 PM
This is a music based program focused on creative expression and communication skills for children who need support with building social skills. Led by Katie Hampton, an accredited music therapist and registered psychotherapist, this program is geared toward children ages 4-7.
Social Explorers introduces Superflex® and the Team of Unthinkables® to teach youth who struggle with social situations and how to navigate and gain control of their emotions.
Bridges to Belonging-Future Planning: Wills, Estates, Henson Trusts, and Trustees
Jan 13, 2022 6:30 PM
Jan 13, 2022 8:30 PM
Free Webinar series...Learn from medical, legal and financial specialists about important considerations in creating a safe and secure future for yourself or your loved one with a disability.
[CLONE] Every Canadian Counts Coalition-Stories Project
Jan 15, 2022 10:00 AM
Jan 15, 2022 10:00 AM
Do you need information, have questions or want to know more about the Every Canadian Counts' 'Stories Project'?
We are collecting stories from individuals, caregivers and families for anyone with a long term chronic disability in Canada, to effect needed change.
Create & Connect is a virtual program specially designed for adults with a variety of functioning levels. This inclusive group will help individuals work towards social goals, enhancing cognitive skills, improving speech, encouraging movement and learning music!
$240.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$225.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
Create & Connect is a virtual program specially designed for adults with a variety of functioning levels. This inclusive group will help individuals work towards social goals, enhancing cognitive skills, improving speech, encouraging movement and learning music!
$240.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$225.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
WRFN & Stepping Stones Expressive Arts-Caregiver Art Series: Finding Sanctuary
Jan 17, 2022 7:00 PM
Jan 31, 2022 9:00 PM
WRFN is pleased to be partnering once again with Wendy Newbery and Rachel Tanner from Stepping Stones Expressive Arts to provide Expressive Arts experiences to our community of caregivers.
In this workshop, job seekers will gain an understanding of how LinkedIn works and will learn how to use it to help build their personal brand and establish a valuable professional network. This workshop is built for those that already have a LinkedIn account.
OIFN- Shared Learning Series: Building Capacity in Independent Facilitation
Jan 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Jan 19, 2022 3:00 PM
A shared learning series designed for people living with disabilities, family members and/or loved ones, and aspiring & experienced Independent Facilitators.
$150.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$400.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
Create & Connect is a virtual program specially designed for adults with a variety of functioning levels. This inclusive group will help individuals work towards social goals, enhancing cognitive skills, improving speech, encouraging movement and learning music!
$240.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$225.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
Do you find parenting in a new culture stressful?
Does the pandemic cause challenges for your family and for you as a parent?
Are you looking for ways to connect with your child?
Oak Bridge Academy is an alternative private school specializing in working with students with exceptionalities including ASD, anxiety and a variety of learning disabilities.
Create & Connect is a virtual program specially designed for adults with a variety of functioning levels. This inclusive group will help individuals work towards social goals, enhancing cognitive skills, improving speech, encouraging movement and learning music!
$240.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$225.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
Join a DSO Housing Navigator for a virtual presentation on various types of technological
assistance available today and how it might be used to support independence.
Carizon’s in-person Trauma Informed Parenting Workshop is being offered in the Waterloo Region for parents/caregivers of children and youth who have experienced trauma.
KW Counselling Services-Parenting Now: Screen Time. How do we help our kids maintain a balance?
Jan 20, 2022 8:00 PM
Jan 20, 2022 9:00 PM
As parents, many of us are struggling with reinstating screen time limits to pre pandemic levels. What are the pros, cons and concerns and how can we help keep our children to be safe online both physically and emotionally?
KW Counselling Services-Positive Parenting Snapshot Series: Screen Time: How do we help our kids maintain a balance
Jan 20, 2022 8:00 PM
Jan 20, 2022 9:00 PM
As parents, many of us are struggling with reinstating screen time limits to pre-pandemic levels. What are the pros, cons and concerns and how can we help keep our children to be safe online both physically & emotionally?
Come join our Newcomer Mental Health and Well-being programs free women’s group that supports and promotes holistic well-being and belonging in the community.
KidsAbility- Family Art Hangout At Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Jan 22, 2022 11:00 AM
Feb 12, 2022 12:30 PM
Children will create their own artwork while practicing fine motor skills, in this series of hands-on workshops presented in partnership with KidsAbility. This is a family program designed for children ages 4-8 to participate in weekly activities along with an adult companion.
WRFN & Kidsability-Virtual Camp Fair: Day camps for children (ages 4 -12)
Jan 24, 2022 7:00 PM
Jan 24, 2022 8:30 PM
Would you like to learn more about summer camp opportunities for children, youth and adults with special needs? KidsAbility and the Waterloo Region Family Network are partnering to host a series of virtual camp fairs showcasing summer camps in Waterloo Region, Guelph Wellington, and beyond.
Balancing Emotional & Financial Health
Would you like to feel more confident about managing your money?
Does thinking about money make you feel stressed and worried?
This group is for you!
Are you involved, inclined, or interested in knowing more about Inclusive Education? Then this webinar is for you! Let this be an opportunity to bring forth your experiences, share your stories, increase awareness and empower participants to become better advocates for Inclusive Education.
CADDAC-Creative Interventions for Children with ADHD
Jan 27, 2022 10:30 AM
Jan 27, 2022 1:30 PM
This webinar will highlight the diagnostic features of ADHD and will present practical and effective interventions along with ways to optimize online therapy sessions for children aged 4 to 12 years with ADHD. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn new and innovative approaches. Gain the skills to help children feel motivated, focused, and organized, allowing them to perform closer to their true potential.
$125.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$112.50 (child) plus applicable taxes
EAF Toronto-The Power and Potency of Social Capital
Jan 27, 2022 6:30 PM
Jan 27, 2022 8:30 PM
Exploring the impact of friendships in our lives, or “social capital” and what our relationships do for us. You will begin to think about how friendships can be better developed over time, and in turn build a more inclusive community.
CADDAC-Supporting the Mental Health needs of Racialized Young People
Jan 28, 2022 9:00 AM
Jan 28, 2022 4:00 PM
This webinar will give guidance to those providing mental health care to young people and their families, on providing culturally competent care for diverse young people. It will discuss various ways that young people may have felt unheard of or uncomfortable in mental health settings due to their racial and/or ethnic identity.
$250.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$225.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
CanFASD Research Network-Optimizing Employment Opportunities and Outcomes for People with FASD
Jan 28, 2022 10:00 AM
Jan 28, 2022 10:00 AM
People with FASD have many strengths, skills, and abilities to bring to their workplace. However, there are a number of challenges and barriers to people with FASD entering and succeeding in the workforce.
Learn skills and strategies for understanding and supporting your two-year-old’s social and
emotional development as a foundation for transitioning to kindergarten.
Join us in discussing the presentation of FASD and how it can be masked and misdiagnosed. Learn how FASD presents itself and why the approach need to be different. many children & youth are living with FASD and it is not being recognized. Mental health interventions can be successful when FASD is recognized and accommodated.
Lutherwood- Getting Ahead in the Workplace / Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS)
Feb 04, 2022 12:00 AM
Apr 08, 2022 12:00 AM
Are you between 15-30 years of age and looking for help to stabilize your housing situation, explore mental wellness strategies, identify your strengths, and learn about the "hidden rules" for job searching? Then you've found the right program!
Strong Minds, Strong Kids- Stress Lessons Grades 7-12 Training
Feb 04, 2022 12:30 PM
Feb 04, 2022 3:00 PM
Stress Lessons is a comprehensive resource designed for educators, social service workers, caregivers, and parents who want to help youth develop resilience. Full of psychologically-sound strategies and tools, this resource will help teens develop resilience and positive coping skills.
WRFN & Stepping Stones Expressive Arts-Creative Community Circle: Needlefelt Your Landscape
Feb 05, 2022 10:00 AM
Feb 05, 2022 12:00 PM
WRFN is pleased to be partnering once again with Wendy Newbery and Rachel Tanner from Stepping Stones Expressive Arts to provide Expressive Arts experiences to our community of caregivers.
KW Counselling Services-Parenting Now: Teens: The Joys and Frustrations.
Feb 08, 2022 7:00 PM
Feb 08, 2022 8:00 PM
How do we manage to stay close and connected with our kids when they seem so intent on independence and separation? This snapshot focuses on how we can build and strengthen our relationships with our pre-teen or teenaged children & specific strategies to keep those lines of communication open.
How do we manage to stay close and connected with our kids when they seem so intent on independence and separation? This snapshot focuses on how we can build and strengthen our relationship with our pre-teen or teen aged children & specific strategies to keep those lines of communication open.
The Mothers’ Connection group is a great opportunity for moms who have a child with Down syndrome (age 6 and under) to share celebrations, struggles, goals, practical information, and resources with one another.
Carizon’s in-person Trauma Informed Parenting Workshop is being offered in the Waterloo Region for parents/caregivers of children and youth who have experienced trauma.
Strong Minds, Strong Kids- Kids Have Stress Too! Grades 1-6 Training
Feb 11, 2022 12:00 PM
Feb 11, 2022 2:30 PM
This research-based program is built on an experiential learning approach and provides you with practical, developmentally appropriate, engaging activities for students in grades one to six. Its aim is to help educators, social service workers, caregivers, and parents create teachable moments to introduce stress management strategies and build emotional resiliency.
Are you thinking about a summer camp for your child? Come join us for a summer camp planning workshop over Zoom! This workshop is designed to give caregivers and service providers the information they need to plan a successful summer camp experience for a child with special needs.
Virtual Coffee & Convo gathering Bring your own after-dinner drink (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and a snack. Enjoy the friendly dialogue & exchange, and the learning together! We always have good topics to highlight with those who join us!
KW Counselling Services-Parenting Now: Encouragement or Praise What is the Difference?
Feb 17, 2022 12:00 PM
Feb 17, 2022 1:00 PM
We often think that praise is a way of encouraging our children to succeed but sometimes too much praise can work against our best intentions. This presentation will help you learn the difference
and give you some new strategies for encouraging your children.
KW Counselling Services-Positive Parenting Snapshot Series: Encouragement or Praise. What is the Difference?
Feb 17, 2022 12:00 PM
Feb 17, 2022 1:00 PM
We often think that praise is a way of encouraging our children to succeed but sometimes too much praise can work against our best intentions. This presentation will help you learn the difference and give you some new strategies for encouraging your children.
Carizon’s in-person Trauma Informed Parenting Workshop is being offered in the Waterloo Region for parents/caregivers of children and youth who have experienced trauma.
CADDAC-Refocus: Reinforcing Executive Functioning with Optimism, Compassion, Understanding, and Support EST
Feb 17, 2022 6:30 PM
Apr 28, 2022 8:00 PM
This program will provide parents and caregivers with important information about executive functioning and how it impacts children and teens with ADHD.
Learn skills and strategies for understanding and supporting your two-year-old’s social and
emotional development as a foundation for transitioning to kindergarten.
KW Counselling Services-Positive Parenting Conversation Series: Let's Talk About...Social Media & Screen Time
Feb 22, 2022 8:00 PM
Feb 22, 2022 9:00 PM
We live in a world filled with social media, is your child spending too much on screen time? How about you as a parent? Share some concerns and strategies.
CADDAC-Refocus: Reinforcing Executive Functioning with Optimism, Compassion, Understanding, and Support MST
Feb 23, 2022 7:00 PM
May 04, 2022 8:30 PM
This program will provide parents and caregivers with important information about executive functioning and how it impacts children and teens with ADHD.
WRFN & Stepping Stones Expressive Arts-Caregiver Art Series: Opening Doors
Feb 23, 2022 7:00 PM
Mar 09, 2022 9:00 PM
WRFN is pleased to be partnering once again with Wendy Newbery and Rachel Tanner from Stepping Stones Expressive Arts to provide Expressive Arts experiences to our community of caregivers.
CAMH-Heathy Sleep Habits: Helping You Get a Good Night's Sleep
Feb 24, 2022 12:00 PM
Feb 24, 2022 1:00 PM
It's important for caregivers to stay healthy and get a good night's sleep, especially when you are worried about your loved one. This Ontario Caregiver Organization's webinar features sleep expert, Alanna McGinn, who will teach you how to incorporate proper sleep hygiene into your daily life, with tips and strategies to quiet your mind, shorten sleep onset, and strengthen your relationship with sleep and your bed.
Strong Minds, Strong Kids- Kids Have Stress Too! Preschool, Kindergarten and Parent Program Training
Feb 25, 2022 9:30 AM
Feb 25, 2022 11:00 AM
This program provides a comprehensive introduction to key aspects of early childhood and brain development, as well as the crucial role caregivers and educators, play in helping children learn effective stress-management strategies. This program contains practice and curriculum-based strategies to help young children learn how to manage stress.
WRFN & Kidsability-Virtual Camp Fair: Day camps, day programs, and getaways for teens and adults
Feb 28, 2022 7:00 PM
Feb 28, 2022 8:30 PM
Would you like to learn more about summer camp opportunities for children, youth and adults with special needs? KidsAbility and the Waterloo Region Family Network are partnering to host a series of virtual camp fairs showcasing summer camps in Waterloo Region, Guelph Wellington, and beyond.
OIFN- Shared Learning Series: Building Capacity in Independent Facilitation
Mar 01, 2022 10:00 AM
Mar 03, 2022 3:00 PM
A shared learning series designed for people living with disabilities, family members and/or loved ones, and aspiring & experienced Independent Facilitators.
$150.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$400.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
The Mothers’ Connection group is a great opportunity for moms who have a child with Down syndrome (age 6 and under) to share celebrations, struggles, goals, practical information, and resources with one another.
Carizon’s in-person Trauma Informed Parenting Workshop is being offered in the Waterloo Region for parents/caregivers of children and youth who have experienced trauma.
Bridges to Belonging-Future Planning: Experiencing Community & Belonging
Mar 10, 2022 6:30 PM
Mar 10, 2022 8:30 PM
Free Webinar series...Learn from legal and financial specialists about important considerations in creating a safe and secure future for yourself or your loved one with a disability.
Carizon’s in-person Trauma Informed Parenting Workshop is being offered in the Waterloo Region for parents/caregivers of children and youth who have experienced trauma.
