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Options Children Fall Workshops

Once again, we will offer workshops Financial Support, Camps, Autism Services with AccessOAP and 1:1 Service Consultations.

New this year we are delighted to be partnering with Extend-A-Family to offer a 3-part series on Developing and Maintaining Support Circles. 

We will also be offering a new resource workshop on Respite.

Please see the attached flyers for details and registration information or visit our website https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/#Options

See flyers for more details

Extend-A-Family Support Networks/Groups

Adult Sibling Support Group

Extend-A-Family is hosting an Adult Sibling Support Group for people 18 and older who want to get together with other adults who have a sibling with special needs.

Come together to connect, share, explore, support each other, and meet new people.

Where: Zoom or in person
When: Thursday Evenings, one evening a month
Time: 6-7:30 pm
2025 Dates: September 18, October 16, November 13, December 11 
2026 Dates: January 15, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 7, June 4

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Janes, Extend-A-Family
jj@extendafamily.ca
647 220 9412

See flyer for more details

Inclusive Education Parent Network

Join us to share in successes, find creative solutions and broaden your knowledge and understanding of inclusive education. 

This is a space for parents or guardians who are striving for an inclusive education for their child. 

Location: Virtual 
Time: Tuesday monthly, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 
2025 Dates: September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2 
2026 Dates: January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 

Contact:
Kim Southern-Paulsen ksp@extendafamily.ca 
Marlene Solano ms@extendafamily.ca 

See flyer for more details

Strength Through Support

For families living in Toronto whose loved one has been recently diagnosed with a developmental disability.

A place of acceptance and understanding for those whose child/loved one has recently been diagnosed with a developmental disability. Caregivers can share stories and experiences while building strength together and looking for the “good things in life”

Location: Virtual
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
2025 Dates: September 24, October 22, November 26 & December 17

To RSVP or for more information, please contact
Kristen Carhart
Phone: 647-292-5175
Email: kc@extendafamily.ca

See flyer for more details

Safe and Secure Future Networks

Explore a variety of topics of mutual interest through guided discussions with a facilitator such as: transition planning, Person Centered Planning.

Location: Virtual
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
2025 Dates: September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
2026 Dates: January 20, February 17, March 16, April 21, May 19, June 16

FOR INFORMATION & RSVP CONTACT: 
Kristen Carhart @  ssfne@extendafamily.ca  or  647-292-5175

See flyer for more details

Introduction to Advocacy in Ontario’s Schools [webcast]

WHEN: September 11 at 7pm EST

P4P’s Fall Webcast Season starts this September and we’re excited to kick things off with the Introduction to Parent and Caregiver Advocacy in Ontario’s Schools webcast!

We know that navigating the education system when your child has diverse learning needs can be challenging. Having a good understanding of the system and knowing what resources are available can equip your family with the tools needed to advocate for your child’s education.

Join us on September 11th at 7pm EST as our guest panelists offer insights on how to advocate for your child’s education and explore important educational legislation and resources. 

Topics discussed will include:

  • How and by whom decisions are made
  • How funding is allocated
  • What legislation is important to know
  • Practical actions caregivers can take

Panelists:

Robert Lattanzio

Robert Lattanzio is Executive Director of ARCH Disability Law Centre. He has been appointed to numerous advisory committees, and has written and guest-lectured on diverse topics including equality and human rights law, education law, capacity and supported decision making, disability rights, legislative reform, and social science evidence.

Humberto Pacheco

Humberto Pacheco is a father of three adult children, with his eldest daughter having a disability. He and his wife have had a wide range of experience dealing with the school system. Being a retired elementary school principal places Humberto in a unique position of understanding both the parent and school perspectives. 

A live Q&A will follow this presentation. Register using the link below – we look forward to having you there!

Register now

Out & About fall schedule

A FREE in-person meet-up for LGBTQ2s+ adults (18+) with an intellectual developmental disability

Upcoming Dates

  • September – 14, 21, 28
  • October 5, 19, 26
  • November 2, 9, 16
  • December 7, 14, 21

Sign up if:

  • You identity as being Gay, Lesbian, Transgender,
  • Bisexual, Queer, Questioning, Plus!
  • You’re looking for community support and building connections.
  • You’re interested in learning about sexual health.

Email: outandabout@conc.ca

Out and About Flyer

Swansea School of Dance – Dance Buddies Program

At Swansea School of Dance the focus on creating a friendly and welcoming community is a priority. Dance Buddies is an adapted dance class for students with diverse cognitive, physical and developmental needs. This inclusive class pairs children with and without disabilities for a shared learning experiences.  

Registration is now open for SSOD’s 25/26 season with dance classes for all ages and levels. If your 8-12 year old has never danced before, Dance Buddies 1 is the perfect class!  It runs 5-5:45pm on Thursdays from September through June with a culminating performance onstage in June. 

Go to https://swanseaschoolofdance.com or email info@swanseaschoolofdance.com to register.

See flyer for more details

Addus Art Show

The Addus Art+ Studio supports artists with developmental disabilities to develop their artistic skills and self-expression and to share them with the broader community through art.

Come experience our work at our new show – POW! Popular Outstanding Works of Addus. The show will centre on pop art and original representations of food, music, movies, and other pop culture. This is a free public event open to all who may want to attend! 

The show will be on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 12:00pm-3:00pm in the Gwen Liu Room (Room 200) at 40 Orchard View Blvd (on the second floor of the Northern District Library).

This fun event will include:

  • Silent auction of original artwork, including paintings and – new for this year! – ceramic pieces
  • Cards, 2026 calendars, and other merchandise for sale
  • Fun photo booth to capture the event
  • Light refreshments, raffle, artist recognition, and more!

Sales of artwork and merchandise go directly to the artists, with a portion going to the Art+ Studio program to help cover the costs of materials and merchandise production.

 Coffee and Advocacy meeting

Respecting Rights and ARCH Disability Law Centre are hosting our last in-person Coffee and Advocacy Meeting of the year!

If you live in Toronto and identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability, we would love for you to join us on Friday, August 29 at 1:00 PM at the ARCH office.

This month’s theme is “Accessibility in the Summer.” We will talk about why it’s important for Toronto to have accessible spaces—especially during the summer when many of us want to enjoy attractions across the city!

To join, please email Jessica at jessica.field@arch.clcj.ca to register

Made By Mavericks Barista Training

Barista Workshop for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Made by Mavericks is a barista training workshop created especially for persons with developmental disabilities. This comprehensive and intensive, two-day workshop will introduce people to the fascinating art of coffee preparation.

Learn the basics, science of coffee, dosing techniques, brew ratios, how to operate and use the brewer and steamer safely, milk texturing, pouring techniques and more. At the end of the class, the student should be able to pull the perfect café style beverage. A comprehensive training booklet and online video tutorials are provided to help you both during and after the workshop.

Contact us for more information on how to register.

foundations@commongroundco-op.ca

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