This page is updated regularly | Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Community Resources
Clinics at SDRC
Some of our clinics are:
– Ask A Speech Language Pathologist Clinic
– Ask A Service Coordinator “Let’s Talk School” Clinic
– Intake Financial Clinic
– Speech Language Pathology Clinic
School Refusal – Virtual Workshop
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.
Upcoming dates:
Presenter: Denise Burke
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
Register By: September 11, 2026
ASK A SLP ABOUT AAC (AUGMENTATIVE and ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION) – Virtual Workshop
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Register By: September 11, 2026
Executive Functioning – Virtual Workshop
Upcoming Dates
Presenter: Denise Burke
Date: October 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 am
Register By: October 2, 2026
This workshop will look at mental skills that includes working memory, flexible thinking and self control. We use these specific skills everyday to learn, work and manage daily life. We will learn to identify challenges with executive functioning and how to implement strategies that can be useful in day to day situations.
Appropriate for: Parents and Caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.
CONNECTIONS AT HOME: COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND/ OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES – Virtual Workshop
Upcoming Dates
Presenter: Lorraine Otto, Speech Language Pathologist
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Register By: Oct 16, 2026
In this workshop, the Speech-Language Pathologist will be discussing what communication is, why some children struggle to communicate, the foundations of communication and practical strategies to encourage communication skills. This workshop is geared toward parents and caregivers of children aged 6 to teens who have limited speech and language skills and will focus on strategies to use at home.
DISCUSSING PUBERTY WITH YOUR CHILD – Virtual Workshop
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Register By: October 30, 2026
Sleep Hygiene – Virtual Workshop
Presenter: Denise Burke
This workshop will focus on common sleep issues and factors influencing sleep. Sleep is essential, influencing our biological, social and emotional needs. We will look at sleep as a skill, examining specifically how to support a healthy sleep environment and review evidence-based sleep strategies.
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.
Upcoming dates:
Monday, December 7, 2026
1pm to 2pm
Register by: December 4, 2026
iPad Loaner Program
Please call 519-741-1121 for further details on how to borrow a device.
Who Can Access Services:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- Coordination and guidance from FASD Coordinators
- Resources for caregivers, health professionals, and social service providers
- Information and assistance regarding eligibility and services
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.
Innovative Assistive Technologies at Sunbeam
Guided Hands® is an award-winning tool designed for those with limited fine motor skills. Its clever sliding system guides movements using stronger shoulder motions rather than just hands. The adjustable handpiece securely holds pens, paintbrushes, markers, or styluses, paired with an ergonomic wrist rest for comfort.
Clients at Sunbeam are now rediscovering the joy of writing heartfelt notes, painting vibrant artwork, drawing freely, and even accessing tablets for communication and games. One client beamed, “I can create again—it feels like freedom!”
This thoughtful investment reflects Sunbeam’s dedication to fostering independence, self-expression, and confidence. Every stroke of colour or word brings smiles, connection, and renewed purpose to the community.
For more details, please check at this link: www.sunbeamcommunity.ca/2026/05/14/innovative-assistive-technologies-at-sunbeam/
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.
A New Chapter – Parents and Caregivers Supporting Each Other Virtual Support Group by WRFN
This group is for family members & caregivers interested in preparing for the future of their youth/adult (18+) family member with a lifelong disability.
First Tuesday of the month from 7:30 pm to 9 pm.
Please email ANC@wrfn.info to register and get updates.
Region of Waterloo’s Resources on Children with Exceptional or Special Needs
Some children are born with exceptional needs or an exceptional need is identified later as the child grows. Region of Waterloo’s website is a great resource for parents and caregivers of Children with Exceptional or Special Needs. You can find information on the following programs/services on the ‘Children with Exceptional or Special Needs’ Page on their website at the link below:
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/children-with-special-needs.aspx
Infant and Child Development
Infant and Child Development offers services, assistance, and support to families of young children who may be experiencing developmental concerns, delays or disabilities. A range of services are available to children up to age five who are not attending licensed child care or kindergarten.
Finding Licensed Services for Children with Special Needs
The Special Needs Access Point (SNAP) is a single access point for children up to 12 years who are currently attending or seeking to enroll in a licensed child care program in Waterloo Region. SNAP accepts referrals from child care programs, parents, and community agencies.
Please visit the Special Needs Resourcing Collaborative website where you can find more information about referrals, what supports are available, and resources for both parents and early learning child care centers.
Community Supports
• Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
• KidsAbility
• Waterloo Region Family Network
Financial Assistance: Help Paying for Child Care
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities: If you are a parent or guardian who is caring for a child with a severe disability you may be able to get financial support through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Program. This program provides financial support for low-income and moderate income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.
Special Services at Home: Families who are caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability can apply to the Special Services at Home (SSAH) program to get funding.
Online Application for ACSD and SSAH
ACSD and SSAH applications can be completed online. Below are the links for these two applications: ACSD: www.ontario.ca/page/assistancechildren-severe-disabilities-program SSAH: www.ontario.ca/page/special-serviceshome
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old.
Their wide variety of programming and services are tailored to children from birth to six years, and their parents and caregivers. We offer families the opportunity to learn and connect with other families and early childhood professionals. EarlyON provides centre-based, mobile sites and virtual programs that where families can:
• Engage in play-based learning activities;
• Get advice from early childhood professionals;
• Learn more about other family services and supports in your area;
• Connect with other families with young children
Drop-in Playtime: drop in any time the center is open.
Families are required to set up a KeyON account through www.KeyON.ca before participating in programs. Some programs require pre-registrations.
Please visit the website for more information.
www.earlyyearsinfo.ca
Back to School
If you are locating to a new place in the coming school year and wondering which school your child would attend – here are some links that may help you:
• For Waterloo Region District School Board www.wrdsb.ca/our-schools/schools.
• For Waterloo Catholic District School Board www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/school-findertransportation-eligibility.
• To find the transport eligibility and other information about school bus: bpweb.stswr.ca/Eligibility.aspx? Page=School
For Childcare
• www.regionofwaterloo.onehsn.com/ux_2_0
• www.risingoaks.ca/registration-before-and-after-wcdsb
• www.snrcwaterlooregion.ca
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
Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health (PCMH), formerly Parents for Children’s Mental Health, is a program of Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO). It is a resource hub for parents and caregivers whose children have mental health challenges aiming to support, educate, and empower parents and caregivers of children and youth with mental health challenges. For more information and access to the resources please visit their website:
Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health | PCMH
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
PAL (Personal Assistance Leisure) Card: with this card people with disabilities can bring a helper, often a friend or family member, to help them take part in city-run programs. In most cases, there is no extra cost as the helper is there to make sure you can participate and enjoy the activity and not there to participate themselves. There is no fee for this card. Find more information at:
People can apply for the PAL card with the City on line here:
PAL-card-application-process Kitchener
PAL-Card Application Waterloo
PAL-Card Application Cambridge
The Access 2 Program:
The Access 2 Program is a collaborative partnership between Easter Seals and over 500 movie theatres, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and recreation facilities across Canada. When an Access 2 cardholder (the individual with the permanent disability) presents their valid Access 2 Card at any participating venue partner, their support person receives free admission; the cardholder pays regular admission. There is a fee for this card, however it is covered by SSAH/Passport funding. You can find more information on their website: www.access2card.ca.
These are some of the places who accept an Access 2 Card in the Region of Waterloo:
Cambridge: Butterfly Conservatory, Fashion History Museum
Kitchener: Bingemans, Chicopee Tube Park, THEMUSEUM, Center in the Square, The Registry Theatre
Waterloo: Third Age Learning, Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Links to Community Workshops and Activity Guides Summer 2026
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
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.
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.