18
VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2 Page 1 What’s Happening at Sunbeam 2 What’s Happening at DSRC 3 Workshops at DSRC 4 Resources 8 Community Events and Resources 10 Recreation and Leisure 14 Inside this issue: DSRC CONNECTION DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES RESOURCE CENTRE Volume 11, Issue 2 FALL 2016 Developmental Services Resource Centre – Waterloo Region (DSRC) is operated by Sunbeam Centre. It supports children and adults who have an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) living in Waterloo Region. DSRC offers a wide range of services to children and adults. Our clinical services include Behav- iour Consultation, Autism Behaviour Consultation (for youth aged 14-21), Speech and Language, Counselling (including parent support groups), Health Care, and ABA for children aged 9-17 years with an ASD (in partnership with Kerry’s Place Autism Services). DSRC also offers Service Coordination for all ages. Service Coordinators assist individuals and their families in strengthening their capacity to manage the challenges of caring for themselves/ their child and enhancing their formal and informal networks of community resources. Their key functions include providing information and referrals, coordination of community resources, mediation, and being a liaison with other service providers. DSRC serves as the single point of access for developmental services for children up to the age of 18 years who have an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is the access point for children’s residential services, children’s respite and Service Resolution. Eligibility and access to developmental services for children shall be based on diagnostic infor- mation covering intellectual as well as adaptive functioning. In determining eligibility for an Intel- lectual Disability and/or an Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSRC requires evidence of a diagnosis as provided within a psychological assessment or equivalent medical documentation. These reports must include commonly accepted instruments and assessments tools in determining the diagnosis. Once eligibility for children has been determined, DSRC’s Intake staff will meet with the individual and/or their caregiver to review services available to them. The Intake staff will remain linked with the family until the child turns 18 years old to provide the family with Resource Support. Individuals/their caregivers can call in to ask about services available to them and how to access those services. Before turning 18 years of age, clients will need to have their eligibility for adult services deter- mined by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at www.dsocwr.ca Once the eligibility for adult services has been determined, our DSRC services can continue past the age of 18. For more information about the services mentioned above or our other services please visit our website at www.dscwr.com or call us at 519-741-1121. An Overview of Developmental Services Resource Centre Please be advised Autism Direct Funding Applications will not be mailed to families for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Applications for Autism Direct Funding will be available on our website from March 1, 2017 until March 31, 2017. If you are unable to access the application online, paper copies will be available to pick up at the office. Important Information on Autism Direct Funding

An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    0

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 1

What’s Happening at Sunbeam 2

What’s Happening at DSRC 3

Workshops at DSRC 4

Resources 8

Community Events and

Resources 10

Recreation and Leisure 14

Inside this issue:

DS

RC

CO

NN

EC

TIO

N

DE

VE

LO

PM

EN

TA

L

SE

RV

IC

ES

R

ES

OU

RC

E

CE

NT

RE

Volume 11, Issue 2

FALL 2016 Developmental Services Resource Centre – Waterloo Region (DSRC) is operated by Sunbeam Centre. It supports children and adults who have an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) living in Waterloo Region.

DSRC offers a wide range of services to children and adults. Our clinical services include Behav-iour Consultation, Autism Behaviour Consultation (for youth aged 14-21), Speech and Language, Counselling (including parent support groups), Health Care, and ABA for children aged 9-17 years with an ASD (in partnership with Kerry’s Place Autism Services).

DSRC also offers Service Coordination for all ages. Service Coordinators assist individuals and their families in strengthening their capacity to manage the challenges of caring for themselves/their child and enhancing their formal and informal networks of community resources. Their key functions include providing information and referrals, coordination of community resources, mediation, and being a liaison with other service providers.

DSRC serves as the single point of access for developmental services for children up to the age of 18 years who have an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is the access point for children’s residential services, children’s respite and Service Resolution.

Eligibility and access to developmental services for children shall be based on diagnostic infor-mation covering intellectual as well as adaptive functioning. In determining eligibility for an Intel-lectual Disability and/or an Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSRC requires evidence of a diagnosis as provided within a psychological assessment or equivalent medical documentation. These reports must include commonly accepted instruments and assessments tools in determining the diagnosis.

Once eligibility for children has been determined, DSRC’s Intake staff will meet with the individual and/or their caregiver to review services available to them. The Intake staff will remain linked with the family until the child turns 18 years old to provide the family with Resource Support. Individuals/their caregivers can call in to ask about services available to them and how to access those services.

Before turning 18 years of age, clients will need to have their eligibility for adult services deter-mined by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at www.dsocwr.ca Once the eligibility for adult services has been determined, our DSRC services can continue past the age of 18.

For more information about the services mentioned above or our other services please visit our website at www.dscwr.com or call us at 519-741-1121.

An Overview of

Developmental Services Resource Centre

Please be advised Autism Direct Funding Applications will not be mailed to families for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Applications for Autism Direct Funding will be available on our website from March 1, 2017 until March 31, 2017. If you are unable to access the application online, paper copies will be available to pick up at the office.

Important Information on Autism Direct Funding

Page 2: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 2

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SUNBEAM CENTRE

Board of Directors Recruitment at Sunbeam Centre

Sunbeam Centre Joins WRFN

Sunbeam Centre is currently accepting applications for up to three volunteer positions on the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is responsible for governance of the organization through:

• Establishing the Vision, Mission and Values of Sunbeam;

• Setting By-Laws and Governance Policy;

• Providing oversight to ensure compliance with legislation and contract requirements; financial stability; service quality; and risk management

We are seeking candidates from across Sunbeam’s catchment area to fill recent vacancies on our Board of Directors. Directors will be appointed to the Board from September 2016 to June 2017, with election for a three (3) year term at the June 2017 Annual General Meeting running to June 2020. Directors are expected to attend monthly Board meetings during the term and may be required to attend additional Committee meetings. We

are particularly interested in individuals with experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Marketing

• Fund Development

• Public Relations

A positive Police Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector is required before full acceptance to the position can be granted.

For further information, or to apply for a position, please forward a resume to or contact:

Bob Butella, Executive Director

2749 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener ON N2C 1A7

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 519-893-6200 x246

Sunbeam Centre is committed to providing a barrier free

environment. If you require accommodations throughout

the applications process please do not hesitate to let us

know.

Sunbeam Centre is pleased to announce that they have joined Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN)!

The Waterloo Region Family Network is a not-for-profit, family-driven resource centre dedicated to providing the support, knowledge and assistance families need in order to make informed decisions.

The Network assists all families of individuals (all ages) with special needs, regardless of diagnosis or lack thereof.

Through a strong network of parents and community part-ners, they offer lifelong support to families and individuals as they navigate the world of “disability”.

Programs include parent-to-parent mentoring, a variety of workshops and seminars, ongoing support groups and personal guidance to ensure families are aware of, and appropriately connected to, all available community resources.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a program for people who have a disability, and need help with their living expenses. It is operated directly by the provincial government, and offers income support, benefits, and employment supports to people who meet their eligibility criteria. To be eligible for ODSP, you must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of Ontario, be in financial need, and meet the program’s definition of a person with a disabil-ity. (You don’t have to necessarily have a developmental disability to meet this definition).

A big change to ODSP eligibility happened on September 1. Now, if you get a letter from the DSO saying that you are eligible for developmental services and supports, you can

use this letter to support your application for ODSP. (You will still need to meet the age, residency, and financial need conditions – and you will still need to call ODSP to apply.)

You can apply for ODSP as early as 17 ½ years of age (so that you can start to receive ODSP support as close to your 18th birthday as possible.) And it’s important to remember that even if you are not eligible for developmen-tal services, you may still be eligible for ODSP.

To find out more about ODSP, visit www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/apply_online.aspx In Waterloo Region, you can also call them directly at (519) 886-4700.

A Big Change to ODSP Eligibility

Page 3: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 3

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DSRC

Upcoming Videoconferences at DSRC

In partnership with Community Networks of Specialized Care (CNSC), the Developmental Services Resource Centre (DSRC) hosts videoconferences and educational seminars. Upcoming videoconferences that may be of interest to you are listed below:

New videoconferences are scheduled on a continual basis throughout the year.

For a complete list of the videoconferences available at DSRC, please visit our website at www.dscwr.com

POSITIVE PARENTING

Presenters: Zainab Fazal

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Description: Parents will learn how to recognize and respond to their child's inappropriate behaviours; the difference between reinforcement and punishment; recognize when it's not just a phase; and the 5 rules to positive parenting.

STAND UP FOR BULLYING

Presenters: Jim Haesen and Scott Wildman

Thursday, October 27, 2016 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Description: Understanding strategies that will help children and youth with ASD prevents incidents of bullying and will help them feel more socially confident and improve their relationships with peers. This workshop will explore ideas and strategies that will help parents and caregivers identify the signs that indicate that a child or youth is a victim of bullying and teasing, and discuss strategies that will help build skills to prevent the problem of victimization and bullying.

AUTISM AND MANAGING BEHAVIOR IN ADULTHOOD

Presenters: Dr. Amanda Azarbehi

Friday, December 9, 2016 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Description: While a person with ASD is a child or teen there exists a variety of supports within the school system, community agencies, and funding agencies upon which they and their families can draw support. Unfortunately, once adulthood is reached it can become much more challenging to find support despite the fact that many adults with ASD continue to face challenging behav-iors across the lifespan. With over 15 years of experiences working as a behaviorist with individuals with ASD across the lifespan Dr. Azarbehi is keen to share behavioral management strategies that work. This workshop will be very practically focused on equipping participants with behavioral management skills which they can then use with the adults with autism with whom they work.

For details of an event please visit http://www.community-networks.ca/events/

To watch a webcast visit http://webcast.otn.ca/ (Please check before if an event is going to be webcast)

To connect to a live event click “live” ~ to connect to an archived event click “archive” and select the ‘private’ option. Then login with username=cnsc1 and password=network1

Handouts for all Network Sessions will be posted on this website: http://www.community-networks.ca/

Please register at 519-741-1121 or email [email protected] to attend the VC at DSRC.

Page 4: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 4

FALL WORKSHOP SERIES AT DSRC

Unless otherwise noted, all workshops will be held in DSRC’s Training Room at

1120 Victoria St. N., Suite 205, Kitchener

Spaces are limited for some workshops. Please call early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that in the event of bad weather, the workshops may be cancelled. Please listen to 570 News AM, 96.7 CHYM FM, 105.3 KOOL FM or KIX 106.7 FM to find out if the program will be held. As a general rule, all workshops are cancelled on days when schools are closed due to stormy weather. The workshop will also be cancelled if there are not enough individuals registered for the session. Registrants will be contacted by phone or email.

Program Cancellation Policy

Parenting Tips

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Register By: Sept. 23, 2016

OR

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Register By: Dec. 16, 2016 Presenter: Stuart Lamont, B.SD., RSSW Appropriate For: Parents and Caregivers

This workshop is designed to provide parenting tips for children with developmental disabilities, discuss the challenging behaviours and review parenting styles and the causes behind behaviours.

Puberty and Sexuality in Pre-Adolescence

Date: Wednesday October 26, 2016 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Register By: October 24, 2016

Presenters: Louise Rodgers RN, B.Sc. Health Care Consultant and Jessica Gambacort, B.A., BST

Appropriate For: Parents and Caregivers of children in pre-adolescence.

This workshop will address body and behavioural changes that occur during puberty. Our objective is for you to gain a better understanding of what to expect, how to communicate and learn skills to support your child through this next step in their development.

Dates: Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Register by: October 17, 2016

Presenter: Jessica Gambacort, B.A., BST

Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of individuals with ASD

Many individuals with ASD struggle with some level of anxiety. This workshop will help participants gain a better understanding of anxiety, how it presents in individuals with ASD, common triggers as well as prevention and intervention techniques.

Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Page 5: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 5

FALL WORKSHOP SERIES AT DSRC

Helping Children Navigate the Social World

Dates: Thursday, January 26, 2017 - Part One and Thursday, February 2, 2017 - Part Two

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Register By: January 23, 2017

Presenter: Stuart Lamont, B.SD., RSSW

Appropriate For: Parents and Caregivers

The objectives of the Helping Children Navigate the Social World reflect the premise that parents and caregivers need infor-mation resources and educational materials to help them develop social skills programming for children and adults who have an intellectual disability.

Topics covered include:

Developing an Action Plan

Identifying Core Skills

Developing a Social Skills Profile

Generating Useful Strategies

Exploring Ways to Observe Behaviour & Identify Alternative Behaviour

Understanding Behaviour within the Context of Social Skills

A model of Skill Learning will be presented. This is a 2-part course. You must take Part One to understand Part Two.

Dates: Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2016 - Part One and Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2016 - Part Two Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register By: Nov. 3, 2016 Presenter: Stuart Lamont, B.SD., RSSW Appropriate For: Parents and Caregivers

This program aims to provide parents and caregivers with:

An increased knowledge of child development, including an historical perspective, the stages of child development and how

developmental changes can affect the process of development.

A foundation of effective skills for behaviour intervention.

An opportunity to meet other parents/caregivers.

Parenting Children with Developmental Disabilities

iPads and Apps for Communication and Learning

Date: Monday, October 17, 2016

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Register By: October 14, 2016

OR

Date: Monday, October 24, 2016

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Register By: October 20, 2016

Presenter: Lorraine Otto, M.Sc., CCC, Speech Language Pathologist (Reg. CASLPO)

iPads are becoming increasingly popular for children and adults with developmental disabilities. This technology is useful for encouraging communication for those with limited speech skills as well as for teaching academic skills and improving comprehen-sion. This workshop will demonstrate a variety of apps that are appropriate for communication, language, early literacy, writing, scheduling and social skills.

Page 6: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 6

Attendee’s Name

Address

Phone Number

E-mail

Online: Go to http://www.dscwr.com/workshops-clinics-training/ and click on the ‘Details and Registration’ button at the right of each workshop.

By Mail: Send your completed registration form to:

Information Resource Assistant, Developmental Services Resource Centre

205-1120 Victoria St. N., Kitchener, ON N2B 3T2

By Fax: Fax your completed registration form to:

(519) 743-4730

Attention: Information Resource Assistant

By Email: Include all the information requested on the Registration Form and forward to: [email protected]

By Phone: (519) 741-1121, and ask for the Information Resource Assistant

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

There are five ways in which you can register:

REGISTRATION FORM

WORKSHOP (√ OR CIRCLE TO REGISTER) DATE

(√ OR CIRCLE TO REGISTER)

FAMILY/INDIVIDUAL COST

PROFESSIONAL/

AGENCY COST

Parenting Tips Sept. 27 or

Dec. 20 n/a n/a

iPads and Apps For Communication and Learning Oct 17 or

Oct 24 n/a n/a

Puberty and Sexuality in Adolescence Oct 26 n/a n/a

Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder Oct 19 n/a n/a

Parenting Children with Developmental Disabilities Nov 7 Part One

Nov 14 Part Two n/a n/a

Helping Children Navigate the Social World Jan 26, 2017 Part One

Feb 2, 2017 Part Two n/a n/a

FALL WORKSHOP SERIES AT DSRC

Page 7: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 7

FALL SUPPORT GROUPS AT DSRC

The Fathers’ Support Group

Evening filled with discussions, information and resource sharing on topics related to intellectual disabilities. Occa-sional guest speakers! Fathers of DSRC clients are welcome to attend the group. The Group runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the last Monday of each month. Group does not meet in December. A referral is required as this is not a drop-in group. To make a referral for a father of a child 17 years of age or younger call 519-741-1121 and ask for the Intake Worker. To make a referral for a father of a child 18 years of age or older, call Developmental Services Ontario Central West Region at 519-894-1153, Ext. 2910.

The Mothers’ Support Group at DSRC is a 6-week group that covers the effects of having a special needs child on siblings, marital relationships, extended family, future planning and the issue of grief. Mothers of DSRC clients are welcome to attend the groups. It is a small group which consists of 6 parents, and runs for 6 consecutive weeks on Wednesday morning or evening. The Morning Group runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Evening Group runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Groups do not run in December. A referral is required as this is not a drop-in group. To make a referral for a mother of a child 17 years of age or younger call 519-741-1121 and ask for the Intake Worker. To make a referral for a mother of a child 18 years of age or older call Developmental Services Ontario at 519-894-1153, Ext. 2910

The Mothers’ Support Group

As you may be aware, there has been an increasing awareness over the past couple of years regarding the spread of infec-tious germs (i.e., flu viruses and colds) and pests (i.e., bed bugs, head lice). We at DSRC want to make sure that we are

keeping you and our staff safe from the spread of these “unwanted guests”.

If you are ill or have something that may be passed on to others, please let us know so that we can reschedule your appointment. Thank you for helping us keep everyone healthy!

Did you know…

If you have questions or need some assistance accessing supports for your child, you can contact DSRC for resource support.

Please call us at 519-741-1121 and ask to speak with Robin, Elizabeth, or Tracey-Ann

For DSRC clients, living in Waterloo Region,

with an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, over the age of 6 years.

The iPad Information Clinic is an individualized one hour appointment for a caregiver and client to meet with a Speech-Language Pathologist and explore the use of an iPad. This would be helpful if you have purchased or are considering

purchasing an iPad and would like support in choice of device and appropriate applications (apps).

One hour appointment times are available on the following dates:

Monday, September 27; Tuesday, October 18; Tuesday November 8 and Monday, January 16

Please call the Information Resource Assistant at DSRC to make an appointment: 519 741 1121

iPAD INFORMATION CLINICS AT DSRC

Page 8: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 8

RESOURCES

In the past few years we have seen a surge in the use of technology that can help individuals with special needs improve communication, comprehension, develop social skills and enhance learning. Chromebooks are yet an-other piece of technology that can help students through typing, simplifying reading and writing tasks and encour-aging research for projects.

Chromebooks are similar to laptop computers but run solely on Google's Chrome Operating System. They are designed to be used primarily while connected to the in-ternet. A variety of companies make Chromebooks that are optimized to allow the use of Google applications (i.e., Google Drive, Calendar, Gmail, Google Classroom, etc.). Chromebooks have USB ports which allow special-ized accessibility such as a keyboard or joystick.

Google Apps for Education: GAFE:

Chromebooks are becoming more popular in our local school board where Google Apps for Education (GAFE) are used by students (the education version of Google Apps). The school district sets up Google apps for their domain and each user has their own Google ID. Apps included in GAFE include:

Google Drive: Cloud based storage to save documents, photos or other files. Students can access their ma-terials from any device once they login. This is a great way to manage and organize assignments.

Google Docs: Documents can be created, edited and stored online. Files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

Google Calendar: Great for promoting time management, planning and organization.

Google Slides: Create slideshows for presentations, col-laborate and share.

Google Drawings: Create drawings, flowcharts, graphic organizers or timelines. Use for brainstorming or to organize information.

Also included are: Google Sheets, Google Forms, Google Classroom, Google Site (website builder) and Google Mail.

Benefits of Google Chrome:

Share files and folders with others and choose whether they can view, edit, or comment on them. Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Slides can be shared. This allows teachers to digitally provide assignments and resources to students. Students can also hand in any document through Google. Collaborate with others on a document in real time. Login from any device with a web browser – Apple, Android or Chromebook.

CHROMEBOOKS: TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

Accessibility Features: (www.google.com/accessibility/products-features.html)

Apps/extensions make the Chromebook more function-al for those with special needs (Apps/extensions are available to add on to the Chrome web browser and are found in the Chrome Web store)

Chromevox: Screen reader Read & Write for Google: Text-to Speech, Word Pre-

diction, Speech Input, Vocabulary support to Google Docs. Free for 30 days. Text-to-speech and Translator tool remain free.

SpeakIt!: Reads selected text – in more than 50 languages.

Readability: Creates a more readable version of a web page by removing ads and comments. Select “read later” to save content to a personal reading list.

Picto4Me: Create, edit, download and play pictograph-ic communication boards.

Newsela: Current event articles written at five different (Lexile) reading levels so all students can read the same material.

What’s Next:

In May, Google announced that they will be adding Google Play (“the most popular app store in the world”) to Chromebooks. This means many Chromebooks will be able to use Android apps, “so you can make a Skype call, work with Office files and be productive of-fline.” (https://chrome.googleblog.com.)

Lorraine Otto, Speech-Language Pathologist Developmental Services Resource Centre

DSRC Offers iPad Clinics once per month. The clinic also has a Chromebook available

for demonstration!

Page 9: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 9

RESOURCES

Page 10: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 10

School-Issue

Parent Support Group

Waterloo Region Family Network has initiated a new support group for parents with questions or concerns about school issues for their child/youth with special needs. This is a great opportunity to share questions, concerns and successful tips in a safe environment while learning from others. The support group will be held on the following dates for 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sept. 28 - Waterloo Region District Board Education Centre:

Breaking Down the IEP

October 26 - The half-gym at The Family Centre: Regular peer-led parent support group

November 30 - Room 2011 at The Family Centre: Vision and Guiding Principle for Special Education

To register or for more information please contact: Krista McCann, 519 886 9150 ext. 2

[email protected]

New Support Group

for Parents and Caregivers of

Teens on the Spectrum

Downtown Community Health Centre

35B Weber St. W., Kitchener

Every other Saturday

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

September 10

September 24

October 8 and

Oct 22

No registration is required. This is an adult only group, no supervision of children/youth at this event will be provided. Due to allergies and sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented products such as hairspray or lotion.

For more information contact Paulette Thompson at [email protected]

Social Skills Groups by Firefly

Students of the Social Crusader group by Firefly Therapy Services, sponsored by KidsAbility will learn how to defeat common social villains who attempt to invade their brain with un-social thoughts and actions.

October 5 - December 7, 2016 (5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.)

Age: 8 - 12 years

Playtime Academy is a fun and engaging group for chil-dren who require additional support learning how to interact and engage appropriately with their peers.

Mondays Oct. 3 - Dec. 12, 2016 (5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.)

or Tuesdays Oct. 4 - Dec. 6, 2016 (5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.)

Age: 4 - 7 years

Social Discovery is designed for children who require ad-ditional support learning how to interact and engage appro-priately with peers. To be successful in this group, your child should be able to attend to a teacher and engage in an activity for 10 minutes without requiring redirection.

Mondays Oct. 3 - Dec. 12, 2016 (5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.)

Age: 8 - 11 years

For more information on cost and registration please contact Firefly Therapy Services at [email protected] or by phone,: 519 886 8886 ext. 1052

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Page 11: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 11

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Youth Job Connection

The Youth Job Connection program provides intensive support and training to young people who are:

Between the ages of 15 - 29, unemployed, not in school or training full time, facing multiple barriers to employment Some examples of barriers to employment could include: newcomer status to Canada, living with a disability, living with mental health issues, living in poverty, low motivation, conflict with the law, low levels of education and literacy, identifying as LGBTTQ, poor or lack of labour market expe-rience, Aboriginal youth, living in a low income household.

Program Features PAID pre-employment activities/ work-shops, financial support for transportation, work clothing, equipment costs and ongoing support through mentorship and coaching to help with school and work transitions after the program ends. For more information contact:

Kitchener:

Lutherwood at: 519-743-2460

Cambridge:

Lutherwood at: 529-623-9380

YMCA at: 519-621-1621 ext 308

The A-Team Adults with

Aspergers Support Group

The A-Team of Waterloo Region is a support group for adults (19+) who are either diagnosed or self-identify with Aspergers Syndrome. Its goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment to meet fellow adults with Aspergers Syndrome, discuss topics, share experiences, and embrace our neurological diversity.

Unless otherwise noted these meetings are private, only participants (individuals who self-identify with Aspergers or ASD) may attend. RSVP is required, please email: [email protected] to RSVP or for more information.

Upcoming meeting dates starting September 2016:

Thursday, September 22, 2016 – Private meeting

Thursday, October 20, 2016 – This is an Open meeting

with guest speaker: TBA

Thursday, November 17, 2016 – Private meeting

Thursday, December 15, 2016 – Private meeting

Thursday, January 19, 2017 – Private meeting

.

All meetings will take place at KW Habilitation

99 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener at 7:30 pm.

Page 12: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 12

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Helpful Links to Workshops

Different agencies offer a variety of resources, workshops and

educational sessions for parents, caregivers and profession-als on various topics of interest.

For more information visit these links:

http://www.kidsability.ca/aboutus

http://www.eafwr.on.ca/events/

https://wrfn.info/category/event/

https://www.autismspectrumconnection.com/calendar

Some helpful links for programs and activities:

City of Waterloo Program and Activities Guide

http://www.waterloo.ca/en/government/programandactivitiesguide.asp

City of Kitchener Leisure Magazine

http://www.kitchener.ca/en/insidecityhall/Leisure_magazine_advertising.asp

City of Cambridge Activity Guide

http://www.cambridge.ca/community_services/activities_guide

City of Guelph Programs and Activities

http://guelph.ca/living/recreation/recreation-programs/

Centre Wellington Community Guide

http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=community_guide

Grand River Transit (GRT) has developed a new transit route that will provide transit service to the areas around Hanson Avenue and Fallowfield Drive in Kitchener. Service is expected to begin in September 2016. This will make it easier for families who need access to the differ-ent community agencies i.e., Family Centre, Family and Children’s Services, etc.

GRT Route to Family Centre

Autism Research Institute together with Johnson Centre for Child Health and Development offers free webinars on autism education for parents and professionals. Space is limited. All webinars are scheduled to be aired at 1 pm ET/5 pm GMT. Below is a list of some upcoming webinars.

Sept. 29: Decision Making Thoughts for Parents

and Caregivers

Oct. 6: Parents' and Students' Rights in Special

Education

Oct. 12: Environmental Factors in ASD -

Research Updates

Oct. 20: Feeding: Beyond the Basics

Nov. 4 : Anxiety and Autism: What You Need To

Know

Nov. 9: Obesity and Failure-to - Thrive

Concerns in Children with ASD

Dec 2: Patient and Family Centered Care: What

You Need to Know Register at this link or visit http://ariconference.com/

Webinars on Autism Education

Join Planned Lifetime Networks on their 11th annual

Amble/Community Walk. This is a family and com-

munity event for everyone, so come walk or roll!

Bring your children for various activities including

crafts, music, fire truck, bubble; eat BBQ; reconnect

with family and friends and our local community.

Date: Saturday, September 24th Time: 10am-1pm

Place: The Family Centre

65 Hanson Ave, Kitchener

To obtain more information email:

[email protected] or call 519-624-5195

PLN Amble/Community Walk 2016

Planned Lifetime Networks - Annual Amble/

Community Walk

The new route will run every 30 minutes Monday to Friday (for up to 12 hours a day). It will operate using a smaller GRT BusPLUS vehicle. These 19 seat vehicles are fully accessible with a lift and wheelchair spaces. The expected total travel time for the entire route will be approximately 20 minutes.

Page 13: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 13

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Page 14: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 14

RECREATION AND LEISURE

The Safety for Independent Living program will also be running at

other dates, times, and locations in the near future. If you would like to be informed of up-coming program

dates, please contact Becky Verdun at 519-741-1121 ext. 2226

or [email protected]

Page 15: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 15

RECREATION AND LEISURE

THE LAST SUNDAY EVERY MONTH

8 AM - 10 AM

Sky Zone will turn off the music and dial down the distractions for the comfort of our extra special jumpers.

We welcome children and adults with special needs and their siblings, family, and friends to come jump! We will make every effort to accommodate all jumpers with any kind of special needs.

$15 for the Jumpers + 1 Free Chaperone

for Assistance

For more information please contact:

Sky Zone Trampoline Park 150 Gateway Park Dr, Kitchener, ON N2P 2J4, 519-804-4455

Page 16: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 16

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Firefly’s Eat, Cook and Mingle!

Continues in the fall:

For Children of grade 7 and 8 who have near typical receptive and

expressive communication but require additional support

Oct. 3 - Nov. 28, 2016

(5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

Cost: $75.00

For teens in high school who have near typical receptive and expressive communication but require additional

support

Oct. 5 - Dec 7, 2016

(5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

Cost: $75.00

Swimming Sessions

For children upto 18 years of age (please contact firefly for the

appropriateness of your child)

October 4 – November 22

Time: 5:15p.m. - 6:00 p.m. OR

6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $120(per cycle)

For more information or to register for a Firefly program contact:

519-886-8886 ext. 1052

or 1-888-372-2259 [email protected]

Specialized Yoga for

People with Disabilities

This gentle program which includes stretching, strengthening, breathing and relaxation will build muscle strength, tone, posture and flexibility. Family, friends and support workers welcome!

Friday Sept. 23 – Dec. 16 (12 weeks) at Breithaupt Centre, 350 Margaret Ave

Course Code: 220762

Cost: $71.98/$87.55

To register go to: www.kitchener.ca/webreg or call 519-741-2502

Page 17: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 2 Page 17

RECREATION AND LEISURE—CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge Ice Hounds

The purpose of the program is to provide an amateur athletic program for children and adults with develop-mental disabilities. The Program is open to players of any age, male or female, physically able to participate, but who are ineligible or unable to participate in an existing organized program due to his or her disability. For information contact [email protected]. 519-740-4681 ext.4689.

Zumba

Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a one of a kind fitness program. This program is designed for adults with disabilities.

Saturdays, October 15 – December 2, 2016 Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm, Cost: $48 for 8 classes, Location: David Durward Centre – 2nd Floor Activity Room Barcode: 238289

Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL)

The PAL Card allows persons with disabilities to be accompanied by an attendant free of charge to access community programs and services. If your disability restricts you from performing activities or your disability can’t be eliminated with the use of a technical aid, you may be eligible and can apply for a PAL card. Applica-tions can be found online at www.cambridge.ca/accessibility or contact 519 740-4681 ext 4292.

Leisure Buddy

The Leisure Buddy Program is a service designed to provide support to people with disabilities in a recreation program. It is our goal to provide support to persons with a disability who require varying levels of assistance to access and participate in municipal, community based programming. Applications can be found online at www.cambridge.ca/accessibility or contact 519 740-4681 ext. 4292 for more information.

Community Inclusion Recognition Award 2016

This year marks the 6th Annual Community Inclusion Recognition Award. This award is presented each year

to someone that has made a difference in our Cambridge community and has made a positive impact on the lives of people living with a disability. Nomination forms can be found online www.cambridge.ca/accessibility. Nomination deadline is November 11

th 2016.

International Day of People with Disabilities December 3, 2016 marks International Day of People with Disabilities. We are joining other municipalities in building awareness of the resources available for people with disabilities on a local and provincial level. The day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by all people regardless of ability.

Sensitive Santa – December 4, 11 and 18

This special time to visit with Santa is reserved for children with social, emotional or behavioral needs. This sensory friendly environment provides lower lighting and quieter surroundings. If you know a child that would benefit from this event, please contact [email protected] or call 519-740-4681 ext. 4292 to register. To keep this event sensory friendly and organized, we ask that each family register in advance. Space is limited.

Just Hangin’ Out - Teens 13-21

The Just Hangin’ Out program is designed to provide a safe and inclusive place where youth with develop-mental disabilities can develop character building, health and wellness and life skills while socializing with peers. Thursdays, Sept 29 – Dec 15 2016, 5:30-8:30pm, $130.00/12 weeks. For registration contact [email protected] , 519 740-4681 ext 4292.

Barcode: 238290

Page 18: An Overview of Developmental Services Resource …...A review of DSO Services was provided in our Spring 2016 newsletter, available on our website, or you can visit their website at

Developmental Services Resource Centre—Waterloo Region (DSRC) serves as the single point of access for clinical services, service coordination, children’s residential services, children’s respite and service resolution. These services are available to children and adults in Waterloo Region who have a developmental disability and/or an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

205 - 1120 Victoria St. N. Kitchener, ON N2B 3T2

Satellite Offices

Phone: 519-741-1121 Toll Free: 1-888-941-1121

Fax: 519-743-4730 E-mail:

[email protected] Website: www.dscwr.com

Elmira

118 Barnswallow Dr.

Elmira, ON N3B 2Y9

Phone: 519-669-3205 Ext. 222

Fax: 519-669-3444

We want to provide an informative resource that will be a useful guide for you.

Developmental Services Resource Centre does not necessarily endorse the information contained in this newsletter. The purpose is to provide information to the community. It is

up to the reader to decide what is useful for him/her.

We make every effort to ensure that our information is accurate and relevant.

We apologize for any errors or omissions that occur.

Disclaimer

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday

DSRC Connection publishes three times a year.

If you would like to receive notification when new issues are available on our website, please contact us at [email protected] providing your name and email address. If you have a family member currently receiving services from DSRC, please provide his/her name as well.

You can also sign up for newsletter notification online at our website : http://www.dscwr.com

Kingsway

2749 Kingsway Dr

Kitchener, ON N2C 1A7

Phone: 519-894-6156

Fax: 519-896-0978