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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.
PFLAG Waterloo, Wellington & Perth Region-Support Group
Jul 20, 2021 7:00 PM
Dec 21, 2021 9:00 PM
The Waterloo Wellington Perth Chapter of PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) invites you to attend our support group focusing on topics of interest to parents, family and friends of LGBTQ individuals.
Spectrum-Transgender Partners and Friends Peer Support Group
Aug 11, 2021 12:00 AM
Dec 08, 2021 12:00 AM
The Partners, Family and Friends of Transgender Folks Peer Support Group is a support group for non-transgender folks in the orbit of transgender folks where they can discuss their challenges and build community and solutions.
KW Hab-Leg Up! Virtual/Hybrid Program-Get Crackin' in the Kitchen Tuesdays
Sep 07, 2021 11:00 AM
Oct 26, 2021 12:00 PM
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
KW Hab-Leg Up! Virtual/Hybrid Program-Discover Your World Wednesdays
Sep 08, 2021 11:00 AM
Oct 27, 2021 12:00 PM
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
KW Hab-Leg Up! Virtual/Hybrid Program-World of Science Wednesdays
Sep 08, 2021 1:00 PM
Oct 27, 2021 2:00 PM
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
KW Hab-Leg Up! Virtual/Hybrid Program-Speaking Up for You Mondays
Sep 13, 2021 1:00 PM
Oct 25, 2021 2:00 PM
LEG Up! Provides a virtual/hybrid skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
CADDAC-Interactive Parenting Course: Building your Child's ADHD Profile
Sep 21, 2021 6:30 PM
Nov 02, 2021 9:30 PM
This five-part interactive course has been designed for parents starting the ADHD journey with their child and for those striving to better understand their child’s impairments and needs.
Do you or your loved one want to start on the path to making the life you dream about become a reality? Start by inviting a trusted friend or loved one to join you as a Planning Partner. Together with a small group of participants, you will discover your unique gifts and strengths and learn how to connect them with your specific interests, the people you know, and community resources to create the future you want and have a life of purpose and belonging as a valued member in your community.
Do you or your loved one want to start on the path to making the life you dream about become a reality? Start by inviting a trusted friend or loved one to join you as a Planning Partner. Together with a small group of participants, you will discover your unique gifts and strengths and learn how to connect them with your specific interests, the people you know, and community resources to create the future you want and have a life of purpose and belonging as a valued member in your community.
Are you looking for a program that assists in the development of social skills and social problem-solving strategies, while also promoting self-esteem and self-advocacy in a supportive environment?
CADDAC Parenting Program: Supporting Your Child's Executive Functioning
Sep 30, 2021 6:30 PM
Nov 25, 2021 8:00 PM
This group program will provide parents and caregivers with important information about executive functioning and how it impacts children and teens with ADHD. Group members will learn tools and strategies to help them support their children with the areas of executive functioning that are challenging for them, and practice applying them in their homes. Through a combination of psychoeducation, self-reflection, role-play, and real-life practice and experimentation, group members will gain insight and skills to help their young people be more successful.
$100.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$150.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
Join us for stories, games and songs in this program designed for children with autism or other developmental differences. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome.
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
The SCALE Program (Supporting?Caregiver?Awareness,?Learning and?Empowerment) offers weekly psychoeducational webinars (divided into two 4-week sessions) focused on various topics such as stress, anxiety, mindfulness etc., strategies and tools to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions and free online and/or individual counselling. Learn more about the program and how to register here.
Brightside ABA Services-Keeping Yourself Safe Online
Oct 07, 2021 12:00 AM
Oct 28, 2021 12:00 AM
This group will address the following:
• Privacy settings on various social media apps
• What is safe to share online?
• Who is it safe to share with?
• What is cyber bullying?
• What to do if you are cyber bullied?
KW Counselling Services-Parenting Now: Discipline or Punishment
Oct 07, 2021 12:00 PM
Oct 07, 2021 1:00 PM
What is the difference? Understand the impact of both discipline and punishment on the behaviour of children and teens and learn positive discipline strategies.
Keyboarding is one of the most important skills for students to learn. The LDAWC Typing Program is an fun and effective way to learn & improve on typing skills.
This virtual workshop for adults will introduce you to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model and learn how thoughts, emotions and behaviours interact we well as the value of changing negative thinking patterns.
Program geared to parents who are experiencing symptoms of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety. Offered at the Button Factory, this program is facilitated by Expressive Arts Therapist Catherine Mellanger.
Interested in learning how to reach your career goals? Want to learn new types of art? Make new friends and get volunteer hours? Then join Let's Talk!
Let's Talk is a virtual program for immigrant, newcomer, and refugee youth ages 14-21. This is a partnership program with the KW Multicultural Centre that is focused on helping you figure out your career goals and supporting you in exploring these ideas by using art activities (e.g. art, drama, music, etc.). In this program you will have the opportunity to connect with career mentors, ask them questions, and learn more about the career you are interested in. Let's Talk can also help you figure out your career goals if you are not sure which career you want to pursue.
KW Counselling Services-Parenting Now: Building Self-Esteem
Oct 13, 2021 7:00 PM
Oct 13, 2021 8:00 PM
What are some strategies? We all know how important self-esteem is for our children and teens (not to mention ourselves). This session will help you be more aware of the many ways that we, as parents, affect our children's self-esteem. Learn what you can do to help you children and teens develop positive self-esteem.
This conference is a FREE event but participants must register to attend and receive the links. This full day VIRTUAL conference has two breakout sessions with your choice of speakers on a variety of topics.
Establishing and maintaining an RDSP, requirements to be a plan holder or beneficiary, Grants & Bonds, the rules surrounding withdrawals, taxation...what you need to know.
For students who have a developmental disability, early perceptions of “unemployability” continue to foster lower expectations from families and educators, creating barriers to access critical supports needed to prepare them for a future that includes work.
Being a caregiver has many rewards and can be very emotionally fulfilling. However, it can also be demanding and impact mental and emotional wellbeing.
For students who have a developmental disability, early perceptions of “unemployability” continue to foster lower expectations from families and educators, creating barriers to access critical supports needed to prepare them for a future that includes work.
Does your child need to further develop one or more of the skills listed below?
? Planning
? Time Management
? Organization
? Task Initiation
? Impulse Control
? Sustained Attention
? Working Memory
? Self-Awareness
? Flexibility
? Perseverance Learning
Many families 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 and a true hero. As a result of his efforts, the Henson Trust has become an important tool that not only safeguards ODSP benefits, but secures great flexibility around estate planning.
This workshop will provide suggestions for iPad apps for cause/effect, literacy, social skills, visual supports, communication and language as well as suggestions for setting up an iPad and iPad settings.
As families consider the future, many are concerned about the long-term security of their family member with a disability. Taking the time to create a solid financial plan can increase the likelihood that your loved one with have a secure future and also provide you with peace of mind. This webcast will support you in getting started.
Being a caregiver is a very important role; so important, that we often forget to take care of ourselves. Join us for this presentation, where we will learn about some common caregiver experiences, such as empathic strain and burnout. We will learn strategies for practicing self-care, coping, and setting boundaries. Resources will be provided.
$15.00 (adult) plus applicable taxes
$10.00 (child) plus applicable taxes
What is an Everyday Life? Speaker Niki Stevenson: Having worked in the disability service sector for over 20 years, Niki became Director of Facilitation Leadership Group in April 2017, a group founded by John Lord, and dedicated to training independent facilitators and those interested in everyone being able to lead lives of full citizenship and inclusion in their communities.
LEG Up! Provides online skill enhancement and learning experiences. Learning for you in the comfort of your home. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a webcam, audio and internet connection.
This workshop will provide an overview of practical strategies to support communication development for individuals with ASD and will cover social communication skills including theory of mind, hidden curriculum, read the room, comic strip conversations and using scripts to support social skills.
The SCALE Program (Supporting?Caregiver?Awareness,?Learning and?Empowerment) offers weekly psychoeducational webinars (divided into two 4-week sessions) focused on various topics such as stress, anxiety, mindfulness etc., strategies and tools to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions and free online and/or individual counselling. Learn more about the program and how to register here.
All individuals have gifts and positive contributions they can make to their communities. At P4P, community means being involved in everyday places, doing everyday things with everyday people. Adopting this type of mindset opens up all kinds of opportunities for individuals to actively participate in and contribute to their community.
KW Counselling Services-Parenting Now: From Argument to Agreement
Nov 16, 2021 7:00 PM
Nov 16, 2021 8:00 PM
How do we get there? Bedtime. Chores. Homework. Screen time. Sibling bickering. Do you feel like even minor requests turn into major arguments? This session will give you some concrete strategies to turn that argument into agreement.
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.
For students who have a developmental disability, early perceptions of “unemployability” continue to foster lower expectations from families and educators, creating barriers to access critical supports needed to prepare them for a future that includes work.
SDRC- Helping Individuals with Autism Navigate the Social World
Nov 23, 2021 1:00 PM
Nov 30, 2021 3:00 PM
Individuals with autism typically do not learn many social skills by simply observing others in a social context. Parents and caregivers need to understand this. This workshop provide strategies, resources and educational material to help parents and caregivers understand the difficulties in teaching someone with autism social skills.
For students who have a developmental disability, early perceptions of “unemployability” continue to foster lower expectations from families and educators, creating barriers to access critical supports needed to prepare them for a future that includes work.
SDRC-Discussing Puberty & Sexuality with Your Child
Nov 24, 2021 1:00 PM
Nov 24, 2021 2:30 PM
This workshop will address body and behavioural changes that occur during puberty. We will give you resources and strategies to help you guide your child through this next step in their development and give them the knowledge and skills to keep them safe.
In an ideal world, a supportive network of people would be readily available to our son or daughter with a disability. At P4P, we believe that one cannot truly experience community without being engaged in reciprocal relationships with other members of the community. Building a network of support is a good first step in ensuring that individuals are engaged in nurturing and supportive relationships that promote personal autonomy.
It can be difficult to begin thinking about financial planning but if you have a disability or support someone with a disability, there is an easy way to get started.
Creating and exploring options for “home” is perhaps one of the more difficult aspects of future planning for individuals with a disability. However, many families have found creative and innovative ways to support their loved one in having a home of their own and one of their own choosing.
...resources in our community. Learn and share about resources in your neighborhood (extra-curricular activties, food resources/community gardens, recreation, parent supports etc.)
