This page is updated regularly | Last updated: April 17, 2026
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Community Resources
ASK A SLP ABOUT AAC (AUGMENTATIVE and ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION) – Virtual Workshop
Learn about augmentative communication and how it can enhance comprehension and serve as a means of expression. Discover the various types of AAC systems available and the differences between AAC apps. Get suggestions for getting started with AAC.
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities
Presenter: Tess Farrington, Communicative Disorders Assistant and Lorraine Otto, Speech-Language Pathologist
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Time: 12pm to 1pm
Register By: May 29, 2026
FASD Fundamentals for Caregivers – Virtual Workshop
This is a full day of interactive learning about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) for parents and caregivers. The presenters will share information on how does FASD impact the brain and body, what does FASD look like in everyday life and how to build accommodations for support and success in home and community.
To register for this workshop: Register online
Upcoming dates:
Thursday, May 7, 2026
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Register by: May 1, 2026
An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
The workshop offers an introduction to the diverse spectrum of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). We will discuss the unique strengths and challenges individuals with ASD navigate daily, while exploring strategies to create supportive environments.
Appropriate for: : Individuals, families and professionals.
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Register by: May 22, 2026
Emotional Regulation – Virtual Workshop
Presenter: Jennifer Jacobs
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Register By: May 22, 2026
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Register By: June 19, 2026
This workshop will look at myths about emotions, explaining strategies to promote emotional regulation. This workshop would be suitable for caregivers who are struggling to help those that they care for cope with emotions. The idea that ‘all behaviour is communication’ will be explored along with ways to interpret the behaviour of nonverbal individuals.
Appropriate for: Parents and Caregivers.
School Refusal – Virtual Workshop
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers
Upcoming dates:
Presenter: Denise Burke
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Register By: June 5, 2026
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.
DSO Waterloo-Wellington Book-A-Chat
Virtural and Telephone
May 13, 2025
RSVP by April 29 for an opportunity to connect one-to-one with a DSO staff.
Schedule time by contacting 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.
Ontario Caregiver Organization
If you care for a family member or friend and need support, The Ontario Caregiver Organization is here to help.
They offer:
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- 24/7 Helpline 1833-416-2273
- Helpful Webinars (Live and Recorded)
- Group and 1:1 Peer Support (online or by phone)
- Group and 1:1 Counselling
- Online Learning Library
- Caregiver Coaching Program Toolkits for Caregivers (For New and Working Caregivers)
- Resource for Young Caregivers: youngcaregiversconnect.ca
- Time to Talk Podcast
For more information and access to these resources visit: ontariocaregiver.ca
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
Some Inclusive Events and Programs in Kitchener
Prom of PossABILITIES
June 13, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Williamsburg Community Centre
Colleen Cares Foundation is hosting Waterloo Region’s first ever accessible prom for Teens ages 14-21 with disabilities. Get your friends together for music, dancing, photo booth and snacks!
This event is free, but donations are welcome.
To get more information or to register please email colleencaresfdn@gmail.com.
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National AccessAbility Week Tradeshow and Conference
June 1, 11 am – 7 pm
June 2, 9 am – 4 pm
Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
To learn more about our speakers, workshops, schedules, etc. please visit www.NationalAccessAbilityWeek2026.eventbrite.ca
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Golf season is almost here
Did you know the City of Kitchener has an accessible golf cart? To see cart in action please check out their video.
To learn more visit their website at: https://www.kitchener.ca/accessiblegolfcart or call the Doon Valley Golf Course to reserve for your tee time, or to book a tour, at 519-741-2949.
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City of Kitchener Inclusive Programs:
Feel the Music: A Therapeutic Music Experience
Fridays at Bridgeport Community Centre, from April 17 – June 12
12 years plus
6:15 – 7:15 pm
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All-Access Hangout
Sundays at Country Hills Community Centre, from April 19 – June 15
14 – 21 years
1:15 – 2:45 pm
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Inclusive Dance (Program is full, please sign up for the waitlist)
Wednesdays at Forest Heights Community Centre, from April 15 – June 10
14 years and up
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Inclusive Dance
Tuesdays at Breithaupt Centre, April 28 – June 16
18 years plus
9:00 – 9:55 am
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Expressive Painting
Mondays at Chandler Mowat Community Centre, April 13 – June 8
12 – 17 years
4:30-5:45
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Expressive Painting
Wednesday at Chandler Mowat Community Centre, April 15 – June 10
18 years and up
1:45 – 3:00 pm
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BINGO
Fridays at Downtown Community Centre, April 17 – June 12
16 years and up
1:15 – 2:45 pm
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Adapted Aquatics
Thursdays at Forest Heights Pool. Classes are 40 minutes in length.
Please call Forest Heights pool for questions: 519-741-2493.
How to register for a program:
Call 519-741-2907, Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Visit www.kitchener.ca/ActiveNet
In person at any City run community centre or swimming pool, or Kitchener City Hall.
To better serve our community, we have moved to an online format in the fall of 2025.