Waterloo Region Family Network - WRFN

10/21/2026

School Issues Support Group:

🎒SCHOOL ISSUES SUPPORT GROUP: October 28, 7-8:30pm

Featured Learning Topic

🗸Join our monthly virtual support group as we explore Understanding the Student Success Plan and how school boards approach supporting students as their needs evolve.

🗸Following our 15–20 minute learning topic, we’ll open the floor for group discussion with an opportunity to connect with other parents & caregivers, share experiences, tips, and learn from each other.

📩[email protected] to join

10/21/2026

Tech Creators Program with Autism Ontario at the University of Waterloo

This program is intended for autistic youth ages 9-15. *No prior coding experience is needed - just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

Join Autism Ontario for 4 weeks of hands-on technology fun! Using a variety of digital tools and technologies such as Micro:bits and Lego Spike Prime, participants will design interactive projects, build problem-solving skills, and discover new ways to create with technology.
Participants will also receive their own Micro:bit to keep and continue exploring at home.

Dates: Wednesdays, November 4 to November 25, 2026
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G5
Parking Fees will be covered by Engineering Outreach.

Registration Fee: $20 (once registered, there can be no refunds)

*This is not a transfer of care program. Caregivers are required to stay onsite.

To Register and for more information please go to:
https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=13146

Once your registration is successful you will receive an automatic confirmation. If not received, please check your "junk" or your "other" box. If in doubt, contact [email protected]

10/20/2026

SMILE Canada – Support Services is hosting a free buffet brunch and support gathering for mothers of children and youth with disabilities in the Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge area, and we’d appreciate your help reaching local families.

The brunch will give moms an opportunity to take a break, meet other mothers, and share experiences in a relaxed, supportive space.

Event details:

Event: Waterloo Moms’ Support Group Brunch
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Agha Turkish Restaurant, 50 Westmount Rd N, Units D4–D5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6N9
Cost: FREE — including the buffet brunch!

Who it’s for: Mothers of children and youth with disabilities in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge

This is a moms-only gathering. Childcare will not be provided, so participants will need to arrange childcare beforehand and attend without their children. Space is limited, and each participant must complete a separate registration form.

Registration links:

English Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdA2d9NE3R0q35z9RE5K-DV5sV9KYclmNOZkFPw_l--Uabvw/viewform

Farsi Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHdevZBTkHa88CEBZ2qn-I7N4Qpc8PFQhw1np2yxxMzFArsg/viewform

Arabic Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSYC5rAJX65uNhadkd-LFNg7jooNmuziPrhWXYruS6NSejlA/viewform

10/20/2026

New November dates are now available for the Family Compass Workshop Series!

This FREE 3-part interactive virtual series is designed to empower families and caregivers by providing practical guidance and support, helping to envision what’s possible as you take actionable steps toward creating full life with and for your family member with a disability.

Each workshop is divided into three weekly, 2-hour sessions:
Session 1: Crafting a Future Vision
Session 2: Discovering Purpose and Valued Roles
Session 3: Building Relationships and Creating Connection

Please note that space is limited.
For more information and to register please go to:

Workshop Series

10/20/2026

Have you considered who would make healthcare decisions for you–or how those decisions would reflect your values– if you were unable to speak for yourself?

As part of our Future Planning Webinar Series, Dr. Sandy Shamon will discuss advance care planning and how sharing your wishes can help prepare you, your family and your health-care providers for future decisions.

Date: Nov 5
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free

To register please email [email protected]

10/20/2026

Planning for the future can bring a lot of questions – especially when it comes to taxes, insurance, trusts and long-term financial security.

Join Presenter Paul Arsenault from Co-operators for the next webinar in our Future Planning Series. Topics include:

Disability Tax Credit
Disability Supports Credit
Taxation of trusts
Insurance and estate planning, including Henson trusts
Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs)

Date: Oct 29
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free

To register please email [email protected]

Please share this opportunity with anyone who may find it helpful.

10/19/2026

The YMCA Early Years and Child Care Navigator team is hosting a free virtual session designed for parents and caregivers to: meet the EYCC Navigator team, learn how to set up a OneList account, discover how to apply for child care programs, get information about early learning supports and paying for licensed child care—including how to apply for child care subsidy from the Region of Waterloo’s Subsidy Team.

Join them online Wednesday October 28
from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Register at: 464c229e-37bd-4f46-91bc-adb12e3424b8@03ce9fb8-e3cf-46d6-8214-708097f71c55" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/464c229e-37bd-4f46-91bc-adb12e3424b8@03ce9fb8-e3cf-46d6-8214-708097f71c55

10/19/2026

🎓 Preparing You Student with Diverse Needs for High School? Join Our Workshop, Transitioning to High School: Planning, Pathways & Supports

In partnership with Waterloo Public and Catholic School Boards, helping Grade 8 students and families prepare for high school.

📅 Tuesday, November 3
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM | Catholic Session
🕢 7:30–8:30 PM | Public Session
Attend your intended school board’s session or both!

💬 Connect directly with school board representatives and get your questions answered!

📩 RSVP: Email [email protected] with your name, school board and questions you’d like addressed.

10/17/2026

What a great turn out today at the Fall Family & Youth Wellness Fair! It was a great opportunity to share with new faces what we do and connect with community partners! We will be here until 4pm

10/16/2026

EYCC Navigators: Connecting Families to Early Learning and Child Care
YMCA Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) Navigators help remove barriers to accessing child care for equity deserving groups in Waterloo Region.

Want to learn more about the interesting and impactful work they do? The EYCC Navigator team will be holding a virtual session to help our community learn more about this partnership between the YMCA of Three Rivers, EarlyON Waterloo Region, and the Region of Waterloo.

At this session you’ll meet the EYCC Navigator team, learn what we do to support BIPOC communities, and how you can connect with us.

Date: Wednesday, October 21,
Time: 12:00 PM
Virtual
Cost: Free

For more information or to register please go to:
d851b284-97ea-4ad3-80a2-0a6854b35b66@03ce9fb8-e3cf-46d6-8214-708097f71c55" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d851b284-97ea-4ad3-80a2-0a6854b35b66@03ce9fb8-e3cf-46d6-8214-708097f71c55