This page is updated regularly | Last updated: October 7, 2025
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Community Resources
Autism/Developmental Disabilities And Social Communication Skills – Virtual Workshop
Appropriate for: Individuals, families and professionals
Register online: www.sdrc.ca/workshops-and-training or email r.khanam@sunbeamcommunity.ca.
Upcoming dates:
Presenter: Lorraine Otto, M.Sc., CCC, Speech Language Pathologist, (Reg. CASLPO)
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Register By: October 31, 2025
Emotional Regulation – Virtual Workshop
Upcoming Dates
Presenter: Jennifer Jacobs
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Register by: November 21, 2025
Register online: www.sdrc.ca/workshops-and-training or email r.khanam@sunbeamcommunity.ca.
School Refusal – Virtual Workshop
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers
Register online: www.sdrc.ca/workshops-and-training or email r.khanam@sunbeamcommunity.ca.
Upcoming dates:
Presenter: Denise Burke
Date: Monday, Dec 15, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Register By: December 12, 2025
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. Different eligibility criterias apply.
Some of our clinics are:
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- Ask A Behaviour Consultant Clinic
- Ask A Speech Language Pathologist Clinic
- Collaboration with Schools Clinic
- Intake Financial Clinic
- Speech Language Pathology Clinic
For specific information on each clinic and dates please visit: www.sdrc.ca/clinics. Call Rehana Khanam at 519-741-1121, ext. 2201 to register.
Brightside Sibling Group
Free group for children 11 and under who have a sibling with autism (registered with OAP).
- Supporting, fun, and safe space where you can connect with others who understand your experiences
- Facilitated by our Clinical Therapists
- Increase your understanding of autism
- Opportunity to share concerns about the future
- Problem solving and perspective taking
- Learn how to support your sibling and yourself!
Morning and Afternoon Sessions Available
Monday, November, 17, 2025. (RSVP by November 10, 2025)
Register for one session per child by emailing Rehana at r.khanam@sunbeamcommunity.ca
(You will need to provide your child’s OAP number and proof of two doses of the vaccine or proof of immunity though a vaccination record from your doctor or public health to register their sibling).
Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services.
65 Hanson Ave., Kitchener, ON, N2C 2H6
Offered as part of SDRC’s Foundational Family Supports through the OAP.
Collaborating with School Clinics
Clinics will be offered throughout the year to provide a general overview of school systems to help guide families on their child’s school journey. These 1-hour clinics are offered virtually and small group in nature. If your child has been confirmed eligible for SDRC services, you are welcome to attend.
Topics to be discussed include:
- what you can do as a parent
- common concerns within schools
- school resources
Referral is made by parent/care provider by calling/emailing Rehana Khanam at 519-741-1121 ext. 2201 or r.khanam@sunbeamcommunity.ca.
Upcoming dates:
January 22, 2026
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Groups at SDRC
Autism Social Skills Group
SDRC offers a 6-week Social Skills Group to children/youth with an autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 11 and 17 years. A referral is required as this is not a drop-in group. The Six-Week Group runs on Tuesday evenings from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm.
SDRC offers a Monthly Social Group for youth between the ages of 14 and 17 years with an autism spectrum disorder with no intellectual disability. Individuals must be able to be independent. The purpose of the group is to help individuals develop social skills. A referral is required as this is not a drop-in group.
Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.
The Weekly Mothers’ Support Group at SDRC
The Mothers’ Support Group is a 6-week group, providing the opportunity for mothers to discuss a range of topics related to parenting a child with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Topics include: understanding and sharing the diagnosis, grief and resilience, community resources, behavioural challenges and self-care. Guest speakers from the community and SDRC also contribute their expertise.
The group is a great way to connect with other mothers who understand your daily experience. It is a small group, for
6 – 10 members, and runs for 6 consecutive weeks.
Two times are offered:
– Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
– Thursday mornings from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Groups are offered 2 – 3 times per year. Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.
The Monthly Mothers’ Group
Monthly Mothers’ groups of SDRC are offered at two different times:
Daytime: The last Friday of the month
from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Evening: The last Tuesday of the month
from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
The purpose of the group is to connect with other mothers, share ideas, learn more about community resources and get support. Speakers are often invited to share information on topics of interest to group members. Some of the topics discussed in the past year were: anxiety, school issues and grief.
Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.
The Monthly Fathers’ Support Group
The Fathers’ Support group is open to fathers in Waterloo Region who have a child (of any age) with an intellectual disability and/or autism. The group meets monthly.
It is a great opportunity for dads to discuss a wide range of topics related to parenting a child with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Fathers learn from guest speakers as well as from each other, sharing wisdom, understanding and a chance to talk to other dads who “get it”.
Some of the topics discussed in the past year were: mindfulness, sharing the diagnosis and advocating for your child.
The Fathers Support Group meets on the
3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.
Book-A-Chat with DSO Waterloo-Wellington
November 10, 2025
If you live in Waterloo Region or Wellington County and interested to book an appointment with a DSO staff to ask questions this opportunity is for you!
Please RSVP by November 3, with Jessica Pearson at 1888-941-1121 ext. 2406 or email j.pearson@sunbeamcommunity.ca.
Recreation and Wellness Programs of SCDS
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
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:
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- 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.
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:
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
Groups and Workshops at Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
Groups are ongoing sessions, typically meeting weekly for about 8 weeks. Workshops are one-time events focused on specific topics.
Please visit their website at www.caminowellbeing.ca/groups-workshops for details.
To register for any group or workshop, please email groups@caminowellbeing.ca or call 519-743-6333.
Mindfulness for Family Caregivers
By CAMH
Online
Tuesday, January 27 to March 3, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Please fill in the following form to register for the program. Click here to proceed to registration form. If you are having trouble with this form, please email hcardd@camh.ca.
The 6-week Mindfulness for Family Caregivers Program is available across Canada and open to all caregivers of people with disabilities, or of people who are aging or experiencing a challenging illness.
Sue Hutton, a mindfulness teacher with 40 years of experience, will lead the program. The program has been developed at the CAMH Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre in Toronto, Ontario, with the support of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.
There is no cost to attend. You will receive audio links weekly to practice brief mindfulness exercises as well as readings and support materials to help encourage your home practice.
The Resource Library of Surrey Place
- Tools and Templates
- Articles and
- Recorded Events.
Some of the article topics are ‘Applying for Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities’, ‘Managing Stress, Anxiety and Depression: Tips for Parents and Caregivers’, ‘Anxiety and Depression in Children with Autism: How to Recognize the Signs and Get Help’, ‘How to Make Your Home Safe for Children with Challenging Behaviours’ etc.
Please check the Resource Library page on their website at this link Resources – Surrey Place.
Barrier-Free Benefits
Inclusion Canada’s Barrier-Free Benefits program offers free, one-on-one help with disability benefits. Their Navigators will help you apply for benefits like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), including help with the medical certificate, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They can also provide general information and advice on filing your taxes and links to free services. Please check their website for more information on this new program: www.inclusioncanada.ca/page/barrier-free-benefits.
School-Issue Parent Support Group of WRFN
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)
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
School Navigation Workshop Series by WRFN
Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) is running their in person School Navigation Workshop Series throughout the year. These are free workshops for parents and caregivers to support their family through school navigation.
Location: 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo. Free In-Person Workshops for Parents & Caregivers
Upcoming Sessions
Back to School Planning & Communication Between Home and School
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- Get tips and strategies to help your child transition into the school year
- Learn effective communicate strategies with school staff to stay informed, address concerns, and support your child while at school
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- January 5, 2026 6:30–8:00 pm
Transitions
- January 5, 2026 6:30–8:00 pm
To register, email info@wrfn.info.
Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component of Government of Canada
Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component of Government of Canada is now Accepting Applications.
To help make Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is looking for dynamic youth who want to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to their communities. Through this process, youth volunteer their time to build a more accessible Canada.
Deadline to Apply:
October 6, 2025
Youth Impact Project (YIP) Application
Projects should respond to insights from the 2023 Youth Impact Survey. Awards are granted until funds run out, so early applicants may have an advantage. $50,000 total available in 2025. Applications open from mid-May to November 9, 2025 at 11:45 pm.
For more information, please visit the website: www.childrenandyouthplanningtable.ca/yip
Friendly Connections at ConnectABILITY
Friendly Connections is an interactive social service for individuals of all ages with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities run by ConnectABILITY.
They are focused on helping the community overcome isolation. They aim to help improve the well-being of individuals through socializing and providing entertaining resources.
Check their website at: www.connectability.ca/friendly-connections.
Adaptive Vehicles Join Shared E-Bike/E-Scooter Program
Neuron will be offering the service free of charge to celebrate the launch of the program.
Residents can book the four upright tricycles and two handcycle tricycles 24-hours ahead. Neuron will deliver and pick up vehicles throughout the tri-cities. Drop-off/pick-up locations do not need to be the same. Vehicles are owned and maintained by Neuron.
The Region of Waterloo and Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo renewed their agreement with Neuron Mobility for 2025, with shared e-scooters and e-bikes having returned in April. For more information about the adaptive vehicle program, visit: rideneuron.com/adaptive.
Inclusive Programs of City of Kitchener
City of Kitchener has introduced some Inclusive Recreational Programs this fall.
To register for the programs below please visit a Kitchener Community Centre, swimming pool or their website at www.kitchener.ca/ActiveNet.
You can also call the program registration line at 519-741-2907, Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm.
Inclusive Bingo
Get your dabbers ready — it’s BINGO time! These are fun and relaxed rounds of this classic game in an accessible and inclusive setting. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the ropes, everyone’s welcome at the table. Expect small prizes, laughter, and that satisfying moment when you shout BINGO! Not only will you play Bingo, we hope you will make connection with others as well. Drop-ins welcome! Program is designed with a 5:1, participant to leader ratio. Family, friends and support workers welcome.
Time: 10:30 am – Noon
Date: Tuesdays, Sept 30– Nov 18
Location: Downtown Community Centre
Age: 18 years and up
Cost: Free!
Course Code: 195683
Inclusive Dance
Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, this fun and engaging class offers a welcoming space to explore movement through music, develop coordination and rhythm, and express creativity through dance. Each session includes easy-to-follow routines, opportunities to build confidence, and lots of encouragement along the way.
Whether you’re brand new to dance or have some experience, everyone is welcome to join the fun and enjoy the benefits of staying active, socializing, and feeling empowered through movement.
No experience needed — just bring your energy and enthusiasm! Program ratio is 1 leader to 3 participants.
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Date: Wednesday, Sept 17 – Nov 12
Location: Forest Heights Community Centre
Age: 13 and up
Cost: $85.32
Course Code: 194344
Inclusive Game Connect
Participants will play a variety of large board games at their leisure, like cornhole, Connect 4, Jenga, KerPlunk, puzzles, gym games, etc. in an inclusive and accessible environment that will foster social connection. Drop-ins welcome. Program is designed with a 5:1, participant to leader ratio. Family, friends and support workers welcome.
Time: 10:00 – 11:30am
Date: Thursdays, Sept 18 – Nov 13
Location: Centreville Chicopee Community Centre
Age: 18 years and up.
Cost: Free!
Course Code: 194345
All-Access Hangout
All-Access hangout is for young adults 14 to 21 years of age, who have special need and/or disability and who do not require one to one support.
Participants will participate in a variety of activities including sports, crafts, games, cooking, and more, in a supportive environment that meets the sensory, emotional and physical needs. Activities are designed with the interests and abilities of participants and will encourage building friendships, social skills and life skills. Program ratio is 1 leader to 3 participants.
Time: 1:15 – 2:45pm
Date: Sundays, Sept 21 – Nov 23
Location: Country Hills Community Centre
Age: 14-21 years
Cost: $85.32
Course Code: 191076
Sensitive Santa Skate
Sensitive Santa Skate is an opportunity to skate with your friends and family and meet Santa in a sensory friendly environment.
To avoid long line ups to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, you will be provided with a window of time to meet Santa; this info will be shared with you four days prior to the event.
A picture of you and Santa will be emailed to you after. Maximum of 5 additional guests to join the person who has registered (6 people in total).
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Date: November 1
Location: The Aud
Age: All ages
Cost: $12.71 for the group (max 6 people)
Course Code: 194347
Sensitive Santa Visits
Join us for an intimate gathering where individuals and families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in a sensory friendly environment. You will also have an opportunity to explore activity stations and take home a craft. A quiet room will be available for sensory breaks.
To avoid long line ups to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, you will be provided with a window of time to meet Santa; this info will be shared with you 5 days prior to the event. A picture of you and Santa will be emailed to you after the event.
Time: 3 time slots available at 9:30am, 10:30am, and 11:30am.
Date: November 29
Locations: Forest Heights Community Centre
Age: All Ages
Cost: $10 for the group (max 5 people)
Course Codes: 194264, 194267, 194268
To better serve our community, we have moved to an online format in the fall of 2025.