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This page is updated regularly | Last updated: June 23, 2026

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What’s Happening at SDRC

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What’s Happening at Sunbeam
You can also sign up to receive our workshop and events schedule, flyers and notification on news update on the SDRC Insights and Community Board.

What’s Happening at SDRC

Clinics at SDRC

Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) hosts a variety of clinics. All clinics are 1 hour in length via Zoom, limited to a maximum of 10 participants (except the SLP clinic which is one-on-one) and include an opportunity for questions and discussion. Eligibility criteria vary.

Some of our clinics are:

– Ask A Behaviour Consultant Clinic (Please check back for the fall dates)
– Ask A Speech Language Pathologist Clinic
– Ask A Service Coordinator “Let’s Talk School” Clinic
– Intake Financial Clinic
– Speech Language Pathology Clinic

Clinic Schedule

There are a wide range of services and resources available in Waterloo Region including SDRC to support individuals and families affected by FASD. Here are some of these:

Who Can Access Services:

    • Children, youth, and families living with or suspected of having FASD
    • Ages: Up to 18 years old, or up to 21 if still attending school
    • Must reside in the Waterloo Region

Referral Process:

    • Referrals can be made via Plexus
    • Eligible referrers include:
      • The individual or their legal guardian
      • Extended family members
      • Family physicians
      • Agencies acting on behalf of the individual/family (with permission)
    • Individuals aged 16+ must provide consent if they understand the implications of assessment/treatment

Support Offered:

    • Coordination and guidance from FASD Coordinators
    • Resources for caregivers, health professionals, and social service providers
    • Information and assistance regarding eligibility and services
Plexus FASD Logo

Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact the FASD Coordinators at SDRC directly for clarification on eligibility or services for children under 18 at: plexusfasd@sunbeamcommunity.ca

They can also be found on Instagram and Twitter at – @Plexus Fasd Iike, follow, share and connect!

Referrals can be made here: Plexus Referral
sunbeam-centre.ontarionow.ca/self-referral/?aLanguage=

FASD Ontario Webinars

FASD Ontario has a resource page with past webinar recordings that cover a wide variety of topics within FASD including FASD and cannabis, FASD prevention, supporting parents raising children with FASD and more.
www.fasdinfotsaf.ca/webinars.

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What’s Happening at Sunbeam

Recreation and Wellness Programs of SCDS

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Through the delivery of specialized programming and activities designed to promote physical, emotional, and social wellness, Sunbeam’s Recreation and Wellness team strives to enhance the quality of life and sense of community and belonging in the people they support.

The team introduces the monthly Recreation and Wellness Calendar of Events, which contains information and details for all group activities at Sunbeam. It can be found on the Sunbeam Community website here:

www.sunbeamcommunity.ca/recreation-wellness-program

These programs are eligible for Passport funding for adults 18 and older, and are also available as fee-for-service options for children aged 12 and up.

For more information and registration, please contact the Recreation & Wellness department via phone: 519-893-6200 (ext. 1211) or email: recreation@sunbeamcommunity.ca

DSO Central West

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Your Local Developmental Services Ontario Office is your access point for adult developmental services in your area. Developmental Services Ontario, Central West Region (DSO CWR) helps adults with developmental disabilities access services and supports in their communities. They serve people who live in Dufferin and Wellington Counties, Halton Region, Peel Region and Waterloo Region.

DSO CWR is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, is one of nine DSO’s in Ontario and is administered by Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services.

What services can you apply for?

There are many different services offered across the province. Some of the services that may be available in your area include:

    • housing supports
    • respite for your caregivers
    • supports to help you take part in the community
    • specialized and clinical supports
    • Adult Protective Service Worker Program
    • Passport program

Please check their website, www.dsocwr.ca, for more information.

Community Resources

We want to provide an informative resource that will be a useful guide for you. Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre does not necessarily endorse the information contained in this Update. The purpose is to provide information to the community. It is up to the reader to decide what is useful for them. We make every effort to ensure that our information is accurate and relevant. We apologize for any errors or omissions that occur.

Autism

AccessOAP

Intake Organization to connect you with autism programs and services available to your family through the Ontario Autism Program.

If you have questions about the New Access-OAP, how to create an account or the Ontario Autism Program visit these websites:

www.autismontario.com/AccessOAP
www.accessoap.ca

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Autism Ontario Calendar of Upcoming Events

Autism Ontario helps all individuals with autism and families in their communities have access to meaningful supports, information, and connections so they are equitably and seamlessly supported across their life course.
www.autismontario.com/events

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Mental Health

Parent / Caregiver Resources and Supports

School-Issue Parent Support Group of WRFN

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This peer-led group provides support, advice and a safe environment for parents who have questions or concerns about school issues affecting their children with special needs. The WRFN (Waterloo Region Family Network) School Issues Support Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month during the school year. For more information, please contact Lisa Cook at lisa.cook@wrfn.info.

Special Education Resource Guide of Community Living Ontario (CLO)

Strategies for Success:
Navigating Special Education in Ontario
A Guide for Students, Parents and Caregivers

This guidebook is intended to provide information for parents, caregivers, and community organizations that support students with disabilities. No matter your role, access to information is key when advocating for students throughout their learning journey.
Please check CLO’s website to see the Special Education Resource Guide

http://specialeducationguide.communitylivingontario.ca/

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Recreation and Leisure

Splash Pads in Waterloo Region

There are splash pads and water play areas in different parks and other areas all around Waterloo Region. Most are open daily and free to use whereas some of these are fully accessible.

Here are the lists of splash pads and accessible splash pads:

Cambridge
Riverside Park Address: 49 King St W, Cambridge, 519-740-4681
Churchill Park, 200 Christopher Dr, Cambridge, 519-740-4681
Soper Park, 120 Shade St, Cambridge, 519-740-4681 ext. 4214

Kitchener
Kitchener’s splash pads open May 29. They will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ten splashpads and water play features in Kitchener:
• Breithaupt Park, 806 Union Street, 519-741-2502
• Carl Zehr Square, 200 King Street West (open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Centreville Chicopee, 141 Morgan Avenue, 519-741-2490
• Doon Pioneer Park, 150 Pioneer Drive, 519-741-2641
• Kingsdale, 78 Wilson Avenue, 519-741-2540
• McLennan Park, 901 Ottawa Street South
• RBJ Schlegel Park, 1664 Huron Road
• Vanier Park water play feature, 335 Vanier Drive, 519-741-2345
• Victoria Park, Courtland Avenue West, 519-741-2345

The splash pad at Chander Mowat Community Centre is currently under construction. Check back for more information on when it will reopen.

Waterloo
Waterloo Splash pads are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months.
Waterloo Park splash pad – open June 1 to Labour Day
Albert McCormick Community Centre splash pad – open June 1 to Labour Day
Eastbridge Green splash pad –open June 3 to Labour Day
Blue Beech Park splash pad – opening date to be announced

Only Waterloo Park splash pad has changing rooms.

Most splash pads have shaded seating nearby, but be prepared for sun.

Accessible Splash Pads & Parks in Waterloo Region RBJ Schlegel Park

1664 Huron Road

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This modern facility features a fully secured, gated splash pad area with dedicated overhead shade structures. The adjacent playground features a partially rubberized play surface, a ramped structure, an at-grade accessible merry-go-round, tactile music stations, and inclusive saucer and adaptive swing seats. It also features accessible, universal, gender-neutral washrooms.

Waterloo Park West Splash Pad

Located off Father David Bauer Drive, this newer water play area features flush, zero-beach-entry water elements geared to all ages. The perimeter offers excellent accessible amenities, including a shade sail over a section of the pad, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, and a dedicated facility building with two universal, accessible washroom stall.

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Splash Circle at The Boardwalk
235 The Boardwalk
An excellent choice for sensory-safe play, featuring a cushioned foam ground surface rather than standard concrete. The area has flat, zero-step entry, plenty of shaded seating, and two fully accessible public washrooms right by the play area.

Wilmot Splash Pad
Baden, ON
Located at the Wilmot Recreation Complex, this massive 2,800-square-foot outdoor water facility is explicitly designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. The property features wide concrete pathways, an adjacent barrier-free inclusive playground with musical elements, and accessible indoor/outdoor washroom facilities.

Bolender Park Splash Pad
Elmira, ON
This large, recently constructed park features flat, open-concept concrete water play areas safe for walking toddlers and wheeled mobility devices alike. The adjoining playground features a soft, protective foam base instead of traditional woodchips or sand, alongside accessible parking and public washrooms.

Belwood Lodge and Camp Registration

Belwood Lodge & Camp is a summer camp for children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities. Located in Belwood, Ontario, this camp offers an amazing and unique opportunity for individuals from age 7+. Camp offerings include adaptive and accessible activities such as swimming in an accessible pool, arts and crafts, sports, outdoor skills, drama games, talent shows, and dances, supported by enthusiastic counsellors and an on-site nurse. One-, two-, and three-week sessions are available, and the program is passport funding friendly. Registration and additional information are available by visiting belwoodlodgeandcamp.com, emailing office@belwoodlodgeandcamp.com, or calling 519-843-1211.

To better serve our community, we have moved to an online format in the fall of 2025.

Click here to view previous quarterly newsletters.