A workshop outlining some helpful ideas around using Social Media at an agency.
Play < - Flash version
Play – HTML5 version (updated browsers and tablets)
How to support someone in using social media safely
Social media can be a great tool for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It can be used to:
- Keep in touch with friends and family
- Play games
- Post and look at photos
- Blog
- Learn new skills
- Look up and research various hobbies
Unfortunately, the internet can also be a dangerous place in a variety of ways, including internet hoaxes, scams and viruses, cyber bullying, and online predators.
Here are ways in which you can help ensure individuals with intellectual disabilities are using the social media in a safe manner:
- Educate yourself about the site. When supporting an individual with an intellectual disability who is using social media, do a bit of research on the websites they’re using. Read and understand the privacy policy of the website and learn how to set privacy settings on sites such as Facebook.
- Communicate with the individual about their experiences. Encourage them to tell you if something they encounter on one of these sites makes them feel anxious, uncomfortable, or threatened.
- Talk with the individual about keeping private things private. As a basic rule, you should not post anything onto social media that you would not show or say to everyone in a public place like a store, a bus or a coffee shop.
- The internet is very public and once you have posted a comment, photo or video, it cannot be erased or taken back. As an example, anything that you put on your Facebook page is owned by Facebook and stays on Facebook even if you remove it.
- Websites make the decision on what to do with the information and this could include sharing or selling the information with other companies or websites as a means to make money.
- You cannot control how many times it is copied and it may be used against you. An embarrassing picture could show up in public many years after you posted it onto the internet.
- When using Facebook, encourage individuals to communicate with people they have only met in person. Some individuals may not understand the risks associated with communicating with people they have never met in person. Try to talk to them about the dangers of communicating with strangers and encourage them to keep their facebook account private, and only friend people they know in real life
- Encourage the use of nicknames on public platforms. Have a conversation about using only an individual’s first name or nickname to help protect their identity.
- Warn individuals against the use of other identifiable information. This includes their phone numbers and address, the name of their school or workplace and their neighborhood information. Too much information can make an individual vulnerable to internet fraud or predators.
- Help choose photos wisely. Photographs can reveal personal information. Help an individual choose a profile picture that does not include identifiable details such as street signs, license plates, or the names of their school or workplaces.
- Warn the individual about expressing emotions to strangers. Many internet cyberbullies or predators will search for emotionally vulnerable individuals. Discourage the individual from posting emotionally charged status updates or online journal entries.
- Encourage individuals to always be courteous online. The person with a developmental disability can sometimes be engaged in cyber bullying. A conflict with a friend or co-worker can quickly get worse when personal attacks and name calling are posted on Facebook, especially if other Facebook Friends join in with their own putdowns of the targeted person.
- Help the person to realize that the same rules of relating to others that apply in real life apply online. As a basic rule, you should treat people, whether online or offline, as you would yourself like to be treated by others:
- Don’t post anything that may hurt others or be against the law.
- Don’t be rude or use abusive language.
- Don’t post anything when you are angry. Rather than posting right away, save it as a draft and re-read it the next day before you post it. Once you have calmed down and thought about it, you will often change it prior to posting it or maybe you won’t post it at all.
Other tips for Internet Safety
- Consider keeping computers in family room/communal space. Keeping the computer in a communal space can ensure individuals aren’t vulnerable to online predators, scams or viruses.
- Install filters. Internet filter software can be purchased to control what sites can be accessed.
- Protect your computer with anti-virus applications. Computer viruses can harm your computer. Prevent the risk of a computer virus by installing an anti-virus software.
For more tips on Internet Safety read the ‘Do’s and Don’ts of Staying Safe on the Internet’
How to successfully use Connected Families and other social media in your Community based organization?
Moving away from the e-mail mindset
Over the last decade there has been a shift away from telephone, interoffice mail and in person meetings as the primary way to communicate with others. E-mail has fundamentally changed how we converse with each other both at work and at home. Social Service organizations now rely greatly on e-mail as the way to get information out to staff, their stakeholders and to their clients.
E-mail does have its issues. The careless use of “reply to all” fills inboxes with unwanted messages. There are difficulties keeping everyone on the same page as one-off discussions and replies explode within a group e-mail. How much time do you spend sending e-mail after e-mail to different people all with the same information? The extent of who information gets to is limited by the size of your e-mail contact list. Often it is by luck that you come across useful information, as you were not included in the e-mail sent out.
In recent years there have been changes in how people are communicating with the active use of new technologies. Social media has become an integral part of the way people are communicating throughout the world. In a 2011 survey of those who have a family member with a developmental disability ConnectABILITY.ca, 57% of respondents indicated that regular access to a networking internet site was their preferred method of networking. Respondents also told us that they want to use multiple ways of communicating.
It is important to embrace social media as one of a number of tools to include in your communication tool box, along with e-mail, the telephone and in-person conversations. There are a number of ways that social media can improve how quickly and how well you provide support. It is a way to allow everyone in on the conversation at the same time while ensuring that all have access to the whole conversation. It provides the opportunity to answer a question once and have it easily accessible to anyone else who has the same question. It can be the first “go to” place to look for an answer to your question and unlike an FAQ section it is dynamic, with the possibility of new relevant material being added at any time by members of the community – people with a developmental disability, family members or others in their support networks. You can also have access to the new information as soon as it is posted.
There are a growing number of social media sites available to use; a few are listed below. It is important that before engaging in any social media channel you consult your agency’s policy regarding social media use. You want to be sure you are aware of the advantages – and the risks – of using social media as a professional tool.
Facebook – www.facebook.com
Facebook is one of the largest social networking tools available. It is open to everyone and has more than a billion users worldwide. It is a great place to keep in touch with your friends and let them know what you are doing. It is also a good place to get reacquainted with old friends, school mates. However, it is not private. Once you put information or a picture on the site, you do not have control of where it goes. You can make your profile private and only invite who you want in, but other members can share the information. Everything posted on Facebook becomes the property of Facebook and may re- surface in different ways and years later. Facebook ‘pages’ can also be set up that bring a common group together. These are different from personal pages – they are not private, and anyone can ‘like’ a page. They can be set up by networks, groups or agencies.
Skype – http://www.skype.com/
Skype is a free voice over internet protocol (VOIP) service that allows users to communicate using an internet connection. You can use voice only, video, or instant messaging. Skype has grown to be the most popular VOIP service in the world and serves millions of users each day.
Twitter – https://twitter.com/
Twitter is an online micro-blog that enables its users to send and receive text-based messages of up to 140 characters, known as “tweets”. This is a good tool to use to get a message out quickly. It is not so good if you are looking to have an ongoing conversation as it is not private. You can directly message someone, but only if they ‘follow’ you. It is increasingly a resource for news, trends and media.
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/
YouTube is a video-sharing website where users can upload, view and share videos. This is a good tool to use when literacy skills or fine motor skills are an obstacle for the user.
Ability Online – http://www.abilityonline.org/
Ability Online is a free online community for young people with disabilities and illnesses, addressing their needs of friendship, companionship and support. You are required to sign up and you will be screened which involves a phone call. You will be assigned to a group (“Kids & Teens” or “Parents & Professionals”) and are only able to participate in (and view) the forums for your assigned group.
Tyze – www.tyze.com
Tyze is a social networking service that provides private, secure, online networks of support to individuals. This allows your support group to meet and share online. New members must be invited to join the group. Therefore you need to know the person first. This tool does not enable you to increase your connections. This is a very good tool to use with your person directed planning team and your support network.
Connected Families – https://connectability.ca/connected-families/
Connected Families is a social media tool that has some privacy but also allows for opportunities to meet new people who have similar concerns and interests. It is built into the ConnectABILITY.ca community of people with a developmental disability and their support networks.
Here are some strategies for starting and growing online discussions like those on Connected Families.
Don’t approach this as an ‘if there is time’ add-on to your work.
Build the use of the discussions into your regular work. Make this a regular practice of how you reach out and communicate with your customers (the people you support, their families, support groups, etc.) Integrate it directly into the work you do as another tool to use to communicate – along with email, phone, in person, meetings etc. Get into the habit of checking your discussion to see if there are any new posts as one of the first things you do in your daily routine, along with checking your email.
How do you start?
- Define your audience. Who are you trying to reach out to? Who will benefit from the discussion?
- Where are they going online? Do they have Facebook pages, twitter pages or are they using Connected Families? You want to also make it easy for your group – go where they already are and you’ll have better success.
- Once you’ve set up a page, let them know you’ve done it and how to easily find you!
- Start small. Start with the 2 or 3 discussion topics that are most relevant for your audience.
- Look for champions – those who are already using social media and like it. Encourage them to post on your discussion.
- The majority of people will be passive – just reading. That is OK. If the content is relevant and useful to them, then you are being successful. Once they feel comfortable, they might post something or ask a question.
- Rather than sending out emails to a large group, post the content you would have sent on your discussion instead. Then send an email to the group telling them to view the post on the discussion – include the link to the post. If you are looking for replies and comments – they will be posted in discussions for all to see rather than being sent sporadically to subsets of the original email group – The outcome is that the whole conversation is in one place accessible at any time by the whole group.
- Collect, write and publish stories of mentoring and being mentored. This creates an environment where sharing is encouraged. The power of the discussions is the sharing of ideas and suggestions that have worked for you or others. The discussions can become a peer mentoring community.
- Be inviting – ask for input from the audience – ask a question at the end of your post. Creating a survey is a great way to engage your audience. Remember that it is important to post the results from the survey which not only provides follow-up to the audience but also provides another opportunity to engage with them. For example, ask the audience whether your findings from the survey make sense to them.
- Tell stories – stories of success and stories of hardships and strategies that have worked and those that have not worked.
- Have new posts on a regular basis. This encourages people to come back to the discussion.
- If someone posts – make sure that there is a reply. No one will come back if they feel that they are talking to an empty room.
Resources:
FeverBee: The Online Community Guide – How To Build An Online Community: The Ultimate List Of Resources (2013) http://www.feverbee.com/2013/02/how-to-build-an-online-community.html
How to use Social Media to keep relationships going
What is Social Media
Social Media are websites that let you interact with other people who are using the same website. For example, when you comment on blog posts, forums or pictures of people, you are using social media websites.
Popular Examples of Social Media
Facebook is a popular social networking website that allows people to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues.
Twitter is a website that allows people to write short sentences called tweets. Twitter members can write tweets and follow other users’ tweets. It is a great way to get up to date information about the news or even your favourite sports team.
Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia created by a number of people. Anyone registered on the site can create an article for the site and it can be a good way to find information about a variety of topics.
Pinterest is a website for sharing images you find online. People can pin pictures to their websites called ‘boards’. You can find great recipes, information how to create things, as well as create your boards of things you enjoy.
Skype is a free voice over internet protocol (VOIP) service that allows users to communicate using an internet connection. You can use voice only, video, or instant messaging. Skype has grown to be the most popular VOIP service in the world and serves millions of users each day.
How to Use Social Media to Keep Relationships Going
Social media is a great way to keep in touch with people you may otherwise not see regularly. You can share photos with a family member who may not live in the same country as you, or find out information about your favourite sports team or news happening in your city. But always remember to be cautious, only become friends with people you know on Facebook and do not give any personal information out to anyone you do not know on any of the other social media sites.
A great way to get live face to face contact is to use a service that lets you have live video communication such as Skype or Google hangouts. This is very useful when you want to stay in touch with someone who does not live close to you.
Getting started
Signing Up:
Visit the homepage of the site you would like to sign up for. Facebook is more personal, so it’s best to use your real name, while sites such as Pinterest let you be creative and you can choose a username of your liking. Either way, you need to use your real email.
While some social media sites require you to only enter a username, password and email, others take more time completing and may ask you to upload a photo as well as some more information about yourself. Ask someone you trust ,a friend or family member for help if needed and ask them to explain to you some of the rules of using the site.
How to Use Social Media
Status Updates:
You can update your status to anything you’d like to share with the people on your Facebook. That can include anything from how happy you are that your favourite team just won a game to the lovely weather you’re enjoying today.
Putting Website Links in Status Updates:
If you have a cool link to a website or an article you’d like your friends to seealso, you can share the link right on your status update.
Tags and Mentions:
If you’d like to make sure specific people see your status update, you can tag them in it. All you have to do is put the @ in front of their names in your status update and they will get a notification informing them of the tag.
Privacy:
You should only friend people on Facebook who you know in real life and try to keep your settings private. Ask someone you trust to help you set your privacy settings to make sure only people you trust can see your page.
What to Post:
Remember to ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’. If you want to post something about a friend, ask yourself if this is something you’d want posted about yourself. Likewise, if someone is posting anything about you that you don’t like or feel uncomfortable about, let someone you trust know.
Remember that although social media can be great to keep in touch with friends and family, it is still really important to have live in person contact with your friends and family. It is not healthy to spend all your time in front of a computer, tablet or cell phone.
Friends and Relationships
Relationship Group
The Relationship Group is for self advocates with a Developmental disability to build safe and strong relationships. We work on safety, respect and self esteem.
Upcoming meetings
- July 3 – Connecting with Friends
- July 10 – Connecting with Friends
- July 30 – Monthly chat
For more information or if you would like the link to attend any of our meetings please contact us.
Past presentations
- Group presentation at the DSTO Information Fair 2014
- Kelly talks about what it means to be on the DSTO Council
Relationship Stories
Meet a group of self advocates and hear their stories of what relationships mean to them. Learn more
Relationship Group videos
Tools for Teaching about Relationships and Sexuality
Road to Relationship Poker Game
A fun and interactive card game that has characteristics/quality of a person which creates friendly and constructive debates that can benefit participants and open their minds to new ideas and feelings.
Empowering your Sex-Esteem
By exploring the language related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
Supporting healthy relationships for all: ALL means ALL
There has been a long-standing misconception about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, queer, questioning, two spirited + (LGBTTQQ2S+) relationships not being “a real relationship” and instead being deviant. This is simply not true. https://publications.ici.umn.edu/frontline-initiative/16-1/lgbtq-community-disabilties
Autism & 90-90-90: Reaching for the Goal
Presenting preliminary findings on ACT’s “ASD & HIV Prevention Needs Assessment” survey and explaining the impact the autism spectrum has on negotiating safer sex, accessing services, and community connection.
Sexuality, Relationships, Rights and Advocacy
Municipal or Regional Public Health departments often will come in to present sexuality material to groups or schools. If you do not feel comfortable presenting some of the information contact your local Public Health department. Here is a list of workshops offered by Toronto Public Health. List of Public Health workshops
The Relationship Work Group
Personal statements about relationships
Relationships are important... Facing challenges How do you make friends? My girlfriend Spending time together Relationship Building: what parents can do Relationship Building: what agencies can do Using social media to find friends Final words I just might To my mama Guiding principals: Romeo Lost and Now I’m Found: exploring trans identity, belonging and family dynamics A poem about being in loveOther related content
Articles
- Transition planning for people 21yrs. and older,
- How to use Social Media to keep relationships going
Links
Mindfulness
Professional Fatigue: Surviving the Front Lines!
Shared Learning presentation
Presented by: Sue Hutton, Community Living Toronto
Play – Flash version
Play – HTML5 version (Tablets)
Meditations
Becoming Present Exactly As We Are
5 Touchstone Techniques
Related PDFs
- The Jouney, A poem by Mary Oliver
Stress-related Health
Family (Support) Groups
This is a list of Family Support groups operating in Ontario. If you would like to be added to this list or to report any changes please contact us at support@connectability.ca
Adult Sibling Support Group
In association with: Extend-A-Family https://www.extendafamily.ca/family-support-groups
Description: An opportunity for adult siblings (ages 18 and up) to get together, share, connect, and support one another through sharing stories, information, and conversations.
Location: Virtual via Zoom, please RSVP with facilitator
Meetings: One evening a month from September – June, please contact the facilitator for the exact dates and times
Contact: Jessica Janes, jj@extendafamily.ca 647-220-9412
Chinese Speaking Family Support Group
In association with: Spirit of Life
Description: A family network supporting Cantonese and Mandarin speaking individuals with families who have a son or daughter with a developmental disability in the Chinese community in the GTA.
Location: Zoom Meeting RSVP contact to be invited
Meetings: 4th Friday of each month
Contact: 905-474-9500 info@solhc.ca
Dad’s Group
In association with: Extend-A-Family https://www.extendafamily.ca/family-support-groups
Description: A gathering for Dads who have children (of any age) with a developmental disability. This informal time is designed for people to share, be together, connect and support one another.
Location: Virtual and in-person TBA
Meetings: Last Tuesday of each month from September – June from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Contact: Salvatore Rocchese, sr@extendafamily.ca, 416-530-0272
Dads Supporting Dads
In association with: Community Living Toronto
Description: Join the group to: Meet other fathers facing similar experiences, Share stories, tips, and support in a welcoming environment, Be part of a community that understands and uplifts each other.
Location: Virtual and in-person TBD
Meetings: TBD based on members availability
Contact: Tom Gaspar, tom.gaspar@cltoronto.ca, 437-688-1139
Danforth Parent Support Group
UPDATE: Combined with Parent Share until further notice
In association with: Woodgreen Community Services
Description: Get people together to talk about what their kids are doing when school ends.
Location: Woodgreen Community Centre – 815 Danforth (map)
Meetings: once a month from January – June
Contact: Bonnie Heath, bheath@woodgreen.org, 416-645-6000 ext. 1311
DANI (developing and nurturing independence)
UPDATE: Meetings have been postponed until further notice.
Description: Offers parent information sessions on various topics; housing / transition/ employment/ financial planning / medical updates
Location: 501 Clark Ave West, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 4E5,
Meetings: held once every three months, typically on a Monday evening @ 7:30 pm
Contact: Susie Sokol
Contact: ssokol@dani-toronto.com or call 905-889-3264 ext. 226
Downtown Family Support Group
In association with: Gifted People Services and Community Matters Toronto
Description: Parent Support Group for parents of teens and adults with developmental disability. Includes speakers, discuss issues of concern to the group members.
Location: Online through Zoom, must RSVP
Meetings: 2nd Saturday every month from 1pm to 4pm
Contact: Dianna Jiang, info@giftedpeople.ca, 647-886-9062
Evening Parent Group
In association with: Extend-A-Family https://www.extendafamily.ca/family-support-groups
Description: A gathering of parents and guardians of children with disabilities. Our time together is an opportunity to connect with others, share resources and gain perspectives.
When: Second Thursday of each month, evenings 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom, please RSVP
Contact: Antonia Heer, ah@extendafamily.ca, 647-292-5144
Everyday Families
In Association with: Miles Nadel JCC
Description: A monthly peer support program forparents and caregivers of youth andyoung adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to shareand access educational and advocacyresources from peers and expert guestspeakers from the community.
When: Monthly on Thursdays: Sept 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 7, 7pm – 9pm
Contact: everydayfamilies@mnjcc.org
Family Link
In association with: Community Living Toronto (formerly Pilot Parents)
Description: Bringing families together to offer friendship and a network of support who all share the unique challenges and experiences of parenting a child with a disability
Location: On-line at Connected Families, and various locations and times (See Family Link Toronto for more details)
Meetings: Various locations and times
Contact: Sarah Winter swinter@cltoronto.ca 647-968-6214
More Information: Flyer
Families Connect Group
In association with: CAMH
Description: The parent support group provides a safe space for families and caregivers to connect around shared experiences and decrease the isolation and stigma associated with caring for a loved one with an intellectual disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Topics include managing stress with self-care, recognizing and addressing burnout, system navigation and connection with supportive resources. There will be an opportunity for an individual session with an Adult Neurodevelopmental Social Worker.
Location: Online
Meetings: Wednesdays – October 1 – November 8, 2023
Contact: Atif.Khan@camh.ca and rhea.olocoloc@camh.ca
More Information: Flyer
FASD Family Support Group
UPDATE: Postponed until further notice
In association with: FASworld Canada
Description: Mutual support for families who have a son or daughter (often adopted) with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). We work with families with children of all ages but most families reach out for help when the children are teens and acting out behaviour starts.
Location: Hospital for Sick Children (map)
Meetings: 9 x /year from Sept-June 3rd Sat of each month from 10-12
Contact: Bryan Philcox 416-264-8000 or Michelle Todorow 416-995-3689 drmtodorow@gmail.com
Group for parents of Children with Autism
In association with: Autism Ontario
Description: Looking for a way to connect with other families? Join Autism Ontario Service Navigators and other family members in an online support group forum. Our Service Navigators will facilitate theme-based, guided conversation on timely topics. This is a great way to connect with other families and brainstorm ideas on different supports and services in your area.
Location: Visit https://www.autismontario.com/events to find a variety of virtual events offered.
Meetings: Dates and times vary, check website to confirm and RSVP
Contact: Karie Evelyn, karie@autismontario.com, 416-246-9592 ext.340
Hand Over Hand: Parent Support Group
UPDATE: Postponed until further notice
Description: The Hand Over Hand Parent Support Group aims to create a community of parents, welcome new parents, and establish a support circle for those who have children with a developmental disability. Regularly, we provide a venue to discuss and share resources with other parents on a multitude of topics. We also provide events which are fun and relaxing for parents to have a break and do something that is out of the ordinary routine! Hand Over Hand is proudly able to provide free child care service for Social Group members (15-30 years old) while Parent Support Group meetings take place.
Location: York Region (exact location varies from month to month depending on activity)
Meetings: Monthly, weekend afternoons, typically between 2-4pm
Contact: Yuen Ngo, parents@handoverhand.ca
Inclusive Education Parent Network
In association with: Extend-A-Family https://www.extendafamily.ca/family-support-groups
Description: A space for families who desire and are striving for inclusion in regular education classroom settings for their child with a disability. Providing opportunities to learn, listen and share strategies; broaden our knowledge and understanding of inclusive education, and hear first hand stories of resilience and success. Relevant topics of mutual interest will be explored.
Location: Virtual via Zoom, please RSVP with the facilitator
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month September – June, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (subject to change)
Contact: Kim Southern-Paulsen, ksp@extendafamily.ca, 416-757-2780 | Marlene Solano, ms@extendafamily.ca, 416-824-4252
“It takes a Village” Black Parent Support Group
Description: A group for Black caregivers of children or adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Location: via ZOOM through your phone; tablet; laptop; or other online device.
Meetings: Monthly every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month
Contact: Clovis or Sherron Grant, BPSGroup2020@gmail.com
Life with Loss
In association with: Montage Support Services
Description: A group comprised of adult family members who have lost a loved one, someone close to them. We come together in a non-judgmental forum to walk with you on your healing journey.
Location: Online through Zoom
Meetings: Every Tuesday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Contact: Linda Walters, lindagerwalters@sympatico.ca, 416-716-8343
North York Parent Group for Chinese Speaking Families
In association with: Gifted People Services
Description: Parent Support Group for parents of teens and adults with a developmental disability. Includes speakers, discuss issues of concern to the group members.
Location: Online through Zoom
Meetings: 3rd Friday every month from 7pm to 8pm
Contact: Sara Zhang, program@giftedpeople.ca, 647-978-8416
Online Webinars
In association with: Partners for Planning
Description: Each month Partners for Planning hosts online webcasts on a variety of topics for families. Throughout the webcasts, families can connect and have conversations through the chat and some webcasts will host a forum chat after the webcasts with the opportunity to engage with the presenters and other families.
Location: online ( www.partnersforplanning.ca )
Contact: Natalie Jones, njones@p4p.ca, 416-232-9444. Check out www.partnersforplanning.ca
Ontario Wide Virtual Support Group for Mom’s
In Association with: Community Living Toronto, Montage Support Services and The Relationship Group.
Description: A virtual support group for Moms who have a child with an intellectual disability and/or Autism of any age to come together to share, strategize and support one another. The group is open to everyone regardless of where they reside in the province of Ontario.
Location: ZOOM Meeting, link will be sent once RSVP has been received.
Meetings: Mondays 7:30pm-9:30pm September 19 – December 12, 2022, OR Thursdays 1:00pm-3:00pm September 22 – December 15, 2022.
Contact: Linda: lindagerwalters@sympatico.ca or Tracey: toregan@cltoronto.ca for more information.
Parent and Caregiver Support Group
UPDATE: Postponed until further notice
In association with: Asperger Society Ontario (ASO)
Description: Provides a forum for learning, support, and the exchange of information for parents, family members and caregivers of children with Asperger Syndrome. No fees
Location: Toronto City Hall – Committee Room #4 (100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON)
Meetings: Monthly – last Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Contact: info@aspergers.ca
Parent’s Advocacy in the School
www.parentsadvocacy.com
Description: A support group for parents and caregivers to help them advocate for the programs and services their children with exceptionalities require. Information, resources and parent training is available via PAS. A new initiative is the creation of PAAT- The Parents Advocacy Association of Toronto & GTA – Where Parents of Children With Special Needs Unite.
Contact: Dr. Norm Forman
416-429-8511 or PAAT 647-794-6679 – email: support@parentsadvocacy.com
Parent Link
UPDATE: Postponed until further notice
In association with: Youthlink
Description: Provide parent peer support, education and information exchange related to the developmental sector.
Location: 747 Warden Avenue (map)
Meetings: Second Thursday of each month from Oct to June from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Contact: Roger Smith, Roger.smith@youthlink.ca & Blair Coombs, blair.coombs@youthlink.ca or 416.967.1773
Parent Share
UPDATE: Combined with Danforth Parent Support Group until further notice
In association with: Community Living Toronto & Parent Outreach Program
Description: A get-together for parents of children (of any age) who have a developmental disability. This informal time is designed for parents to share, be together and connect with each other.
Location: Zoom
Meetings: every second Thursday morning from September –June from 9:30-12:00
Contact: Janet Dunne, jdunne@cltoronto.ca, 647-729-1699, Bonnie Heath, bheath@woodgreen.org, 416 645 6000 x1311.
Parent Support Network
In association with: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Description: Parent Support Network (PSN) is a monthly support and discussion event for families. PSN is co-facilitated by a Holland Bloorview Family Support Specialist and a Family Leader. Aims to create a space where families can share experiences, information, challenges and successes. At times we have guest speakers who present on various topics and join the discussion.
Location: Online through Zoom, must register in advance
Meetings: 1st Wednesday of every month, alternating between day and evening times
Contact: resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca
Safe & Secure Futures Networks
In association with: Extend-A-Family https://www.extendafamily.ca/safe-secure-futures-networks/
Description: Aims to empower families to develop and nurture a support circle with their family member who has a disability. Offer opportunities to share and learn from each other. A variety of topics of mutual interest are explored through guided discussions with a facilitator.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 , subject to change depending on availability
Toronto East Contact: Kristen Carhart, ssfne@extendafamily.ca, 647-292-5175
Toronto West Contact: Nusrat Motala, ssfnw@extendafamily.ca, 437-335-2180
Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support (formerly Black Parent Support Group)
In association with: Community Living Toronto
Description: A group for Black caregivers of children or adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Location: via ZOOM through your phone; tablet; laptop; or other online device
Meetings: Monthly every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month
Contact: Sherron Grant, or Clovis, bpsgroup2020@gmail.com
Facebook: BPSG: Black Parents of Children and Adults with a Disability Support Group
Flyer: Meeting Dates 2021-2022
Scarborough Residential Alternatives
Description: This is a group of parents looking at various alternatives to independent living – funding, affordability, roommates, support, etc. While the meetings are mostly about housing and supports, a decent life is also discussed and lots of questions and figuring out goes on.
Location: Zoom meeting https://zoom.us/j/92833780448?pwd=TXlQcE5CUEV5a2J2VlVqZi9hOTAxUT09
Meetings: First Tuesday of each month in person from September -June, but a lot of the information and ideas are shared through email.
Contact: Bonnie Heath, heath_bonnie@hotmail.com, 416-550-0177
Toronto Family Network
Description: A regional family network affiliated with Family Alliance Ontario that provides support and information to families regarding how to navigate the educational system and other sectors involving children (of all ages) with additional needs. Families who seek out the Toronto Family Network are provided assistance mainly via e-mail or telephone. When possible, Toronto Family Network volunteers have accompanied parents to IPRC meetings, IEP meetings, etc. Families can also receive support when the Toronto Family Network is invited to speak at conferences and provides workshops to small groups of families.
Contact: Janis Jaffe White or Reva Schafer 416-484-1536, torontofamilynetwork@gmail.com
West Parents’ Support Group
In association with: Extend-A-Family http://extendafamily.ca/our-services/family-support-groups/
Description: A gathering for Parents/Guardians, who have children of any age who have a disability. This informal time is designed for Parents/Guardians to share, be together, connect and support one another. Sessions run once a month on Thursday evenings
Location: Virtual
Meetings: Sessions run once a month on Thursday evenings
Time: 7:00 – 8:30pm
RSVP: Marissa Wolicki (Family Coordinator) mw@extendafamily.ca 647-292-5357
Young Caregiver Online Support Group
Description: Are you a caregiver between the ages of 15-25? We’re here to help.
Location: Virtual
Meetings: Wednesday evenings
Time: 7:30pm
RSVP: Register online
To be added to this list or to report any changes please contact us at support@connectability.ca
Toronto agencies offering interpretation services
Free Interpretation Services
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Address: 489 College St Ste 503, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-323-9149
TTY: 416-323-1361
Fax: 416-323-9107
Email: admin@schliferclinic.com
Website: www.schliferclinic.com
Languages: English; Spanish; Punjabi; Urdu; Hindi; Gujarati; Filipino; Farsi; Tamil; Amharic
Afghan Women’s Organization
Address: 789 Don Mills Rd Ste 700, Toronto, ON M3C 1T5
Location: North York East
Phone: 416-588-3585
Fax: 416-588-4552
Email: awo@afghanwomen.org
Website: https://afghanwomen.org/
Languages: English; Arabic; Farsi; Dari; Pashto; Uzbek
Armenian Family Support Services
Address: Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 920 Progress Ave, Toronto, ON M1G 3T5
Location: Scarborough Central
Phone: 416-431-5549 ; Church office 416-431-3001
Fax: 416-431-0269
Email: contactus@afsstoronto.ca
Website:
Languages: English; Arabic; Russian; Farsi; Armenian
Armenian Relief Society Toronto – Roubina Chapter
Address: Armenian Community Centre, 45 Hallcrown Pl, Toronto, ON M2J 4Y4
Location: North York East
Phone: 416-495-0644
Fax: 416-495-1729
Email: arssocialservices@yahoo.ca
Website: https://www.acctoronto.ca/organizations/armenian-relief-society/
Languages: English; Armenian
Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples
Address: 2141 Jane St 2nd Fl, Toronto, ON M3M 1A2
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-533-8545
Fax: 416-533-5731
Email: info@spanishservices.org
Website: www.spanishservices.org
Languages: English; Spanish
Dejinta Beesha Multi-Service Centre
Address: Rexdale Multiservice Hub, 21 Panorama Crt Unit 24, Toronto, ON M9V 4E3
Location: Etobicoke North
Phone: 416-743-1286
Fax: 416-743-1233
Email: info@dejinta.org
Languages: English; Italian; Arabic; Somali; Swahili
Eritrean Canadian Community Centre Toronto
Address: 550 St Clair Ave West Ste 209, Toronto, ON M6C 1A5
Location: Toronto North
Phone: 416-658-8580
Fax: 416-658-7442
Email: info@eccctoronto.ca
Website: www.eccctoronto.ca
Languages: English; Arabic; Amharic; Tigre ; Tigrinya
Ethiopian Association in the Greater Toronto Area
Address: 1950 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1J4
Location: Toronto East
Phone: 416-694-1522
Fax: 416-694-8736
Email: office@ethiocommun.org
Website: https://www.ethioassociation.org/
Languages: English; Italian; Arabic; Somali; Amharic; Oromo ; Tigrinya
FCJ Refugee Centre
Address: 208 Oakwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6E 2V4
Location: City of York
Phone: 416-469-9754
Fax: 416-469-2670
Email: info@fcjrefugeecentre.org
Website: www.fcjrefugeecentre.org
Languages: Spanish
Greek Orthodox Family Services and Counselling. Wife Assault Program
Address: St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3840 Finch Ave East, Toronto, ON M1T 3T4
Location: Scarborough North
Phone: 416-291-5229
Fax: 416-291-5358
Email: greekfamilyservices@yahoo.ca
Website: www.gometropolis.org/metropolis/social-services
Languages: Greek
Kababayan Community Centre
Address: 1313 Queen St West Ste 133, Toronto, ON M6K 1L8
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-532-3888
Fax: 416-532-0037
Email: office@kababayan.org
Website: www.kababayan.org
Languages: English; Hindi; Filipino; Nepali
KCWA Family and Social Services
Address: 27 Madison Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 2S2
Location: Toronto North
Phone: 416-340-1234
Fax: 416-340-8114
Email: kcwa@kcwa.net
Website: www.kcwa.net
Languages: English; Korean
Lao Association of Ontario
Address: 956 Wilson Ave, Toronto, ON M3K 1E7
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-398-3057
Email: info@laoweb.org
Website: www.laoweb.org
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm
Languages: English; French – (some volunteers); Thai; Lao
Latino-Canadian Community Association of Scarborough
Address: 2929 Lawrence Ave East Ste 205, Toronto, ON M1P 2S8
Location: Scarborough Central
Phone: 416-492-5128
Fax: Call first 416-492-5128
Email: gapar@rogers.com
Languages: Spanish
Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto. North York Branch
Address: 2737 Keele St Unit 9, Toronto M3M 2E9
Location: North York West
Phone: 647-776-2057
Fax: 647-776-2061
Email: mnlct@mnlct.org
Website: www.mnlct.org
Languages: Spanish, French
Midaynta Community Services
Address: 1992 Yonge St Ste 203, Toronto, ON M4S 1Z7
Location: Toronto North
Phone: 416-544-1992
Fax: 416-440-3379
Email: info@midaynta.com
Website: www.midaynta.com
Languages: English; Somali – Italian and Romanian available by appointment ; translation of documents — Arabic, Somali
Northwood Neighbourhood Services
Address: 2625D Weston Rd 2nd Fl, Unit 27, Toronto, ON M9N 3V8
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-748-0788
Fax: 416-748-0525
Email: info@northw.ca
Website: www.northw.ca
Languages: English; Italian; Spanish; Arabic; Punjabi; Urdu; Hindi; Gujarati; Farsi; Albanian; Amharic; Pashto; Swahili ; Vietnamese
Oromo Canadian Community Association of GTA
Notice: Formerly known as Oromo Canadian Community Association of Greater Toronto Area
Address: 94 Kenhar Dr Ste 3, Toronto, ON M9L 1N2
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-767-8784
Fax: 416-767-7223
Email: oromocanadian@yahoo.ca
Languages: English; Amharic; Oromo
Rexdale Women’s Centre. Rexdale Multiservice Hub. Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Services
Address: 21 Panorama Crt Ste 2300, Toronto, ON M9V 4E3
Location: Etobicoke North
Phone: 416-745-0062
Fax: 416-640-1627
Email: sakrampall@rexdalewomen.org
Website: www.rexdalewomen.org
Languages: English; Spanish; Arabic; Punjabi; Serbian; Urdu; Somali; Hindi; Gujarati; Croatian; Chinese (Mandarin); Bosnian; Farsi; Tamil; Twi; West Indian dialects; Assyrian; Dari; Pashto – Italian — available upon request
SEAS Centre
Address: 603 Whiteside Pl, Toronto, ON M5A 1Y7
Location: Toronto East
Phone: 416-362-1375
Fax: 416-362-4881
Email: info@seascentre.org
Website: www.seascentre.org
Languages: English; Filipino; Chinese (Mandarin); Chinese (Cantonese) ; Vietnamese
Settlement Assistance and Family Support Services
Address: 1200 Markham Rd Sts 214 & 221, Toronto, ON M1H 3C3
Location: Scarborough Central
Phone: 416-431-4847
Fax: 416-431-7283
Email: reception@safss.org
Website: www.safss.org
Languages: English; French; Spanish; Punjabi; Urdu; Bengali; Hindi; Gujarati; Filipino; Chinese (Mandarin); Farsi; Tamil; Chinese (Cantonese) ; Dari; Pashto
South Asian Women’s Centre
Address: 800 Lansdowne Ave Unit 1, Toronto, ON M6H 4K3
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-537-2276
Fax: 416-537-9472
Website: www.sawc.org
Languages: English; Arabic; Punjabi; Portuguese; Urdu; Hindi; Tamil; Tibetan
Working Women Community Centre
Address: 533A Gladstone Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3J1
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-532-2824
Fax: 416-532-1065
Email: admin@workingwomencc.org
Website: www.workingwomencc.org
Languages: English; Spanish; Arabic; Punjabi; Portuguese; Urdu; Chinese (Mandarin); Twi; Ewe; Ga; Tigrinya
YMCA of Greater Toronto. Korean Community Services. Toronto West Location
Address: 721 Bloor St West Ste 303, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-538-9412
Fax: 416-538-1778
Languages: Korean
Fee for Interpretation Service
Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society
Address: 2383 Bloor St West 2nd Fl, Toronto, ON M6S 1P6
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-767-4595
Fax: 416-767-2658
Email: cuias@cuias.org
Website: www.cuias.org
Languages: English; Polish; Ukrainian; Russian; Romanian
Afghan Association of Ontario
Address: 29 Pemican Crt Unit 6, Toronto, ON M9M 2Z3
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-744-9289
Fax: 416-744-6671
Email: info@aaocanada.ca
Website: www.aaocanada.ca
(fees vary)
Languages: English; Urdu; Farsi; Dari; Pashto
Arab Community Centre of Toronto
Address: 555 Burnhamthorpe Rd Ste 209, Toronto, ON M9C 2Y3
Location: Etobicoke Central
Phone: 416-231-7746
Fax: 416-231-4770
Email: Info@arabnewcomers.org
Website: https://www.acctonline.ca/
Languages: English; French; Arabic; Punjabi; Russian; Urdu; Hindi; Farsi; Armenian; Assyrian; Dari; Kurdish ; Lithuanian ; Pashto; Turkish
Arab Immigrant Centre
Address: Parkway Mall, 85 Ellesmere Rd Ste 234, Toronto, ON M1R 4B8
Location: Scarborough Central
Phone: 416-444-1163
Fax: 416-444-9031
Email: immigrationconsultant@rogers.com
Languages: English; Arabic
Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society
Address: 2383 Bloor St West 2nd Fl, Toronto, ON M6S 1P6
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-767-4595
Fax: 416-767-2658
Email: cuias@cuias.org
Website: www.cuias.org
Languages: English; Polish; Ukrainian; Russian; Romanian
Centre for Immigrant and Community Services
Notice: Formerly known as Centre for Information and Community Services of Ontario
Address: 2330 Midland Ave, Toronto, ON M1S 5G5
Location: Scarborough North
Phone: 416-292-7510
Toll free: 1-855-392-2427
Fax: 416-292-9120
Email: info@cicscanada.com
Website: www.cicscanada.com
Languages: English; French; Spanish; Arabic; Punjabi; Ukrainian; Russian; Urdu; Korean; Bengali; Hindi; Gujarati; Hebrew; Filipino; Chinese (Mandarin); Farsi; Tamil; Chinese (Cantonese) ; Dari; Kurdish ; Malay ; Sindhi
COSTI
Address: 1710 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6E 3P2
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-658-1600
Fax: 416-658-8537
Email: info@costi.org
Website: www.costi.org
Languages: English; French; Italian; Spanish; Portuguese; Tamil
Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre
Address: 86 Blake St, Toronto, ON M4J 3C9
Location: Toronto East
Phone: 416-392-1750
Fax: 416-392-1175
Email: info@eastviewcentre.com
Website: www.eastviewcentre.com
Languages: English; German; Arabic; Chinese (Mandarin); Chinese (Cantonese) ; Vietnamese
Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women
Address: 2350 Finch Ave West Unit D, Toronto, ON M9M 2C7
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-663-2978
Fax: 416-479-0898
Email: info@ehcw.ca
Website: www.ehcw.ca
Languages: English; Punjabi; Russian; Urdu; Hindi; Gujarati – interpreters available for other languages
Interpreter Services Toronto
Address: 489 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
Location: Toronto Central
Phone: 416-323-2503
Email: contact@interpreterservicestoronto.ca
Website: www.interpreterservicestoronto.ca
Languages: English; French; Dutch; Greek; Italian; German; Spanish; Polish; Hungarian; Arabic; Punjabi; Serbian; Ukrainian; Portuguese; American Sign Language (ASL); Japanese; Russian; Urdu; Korean; Somali; Bengali; Hindi; Gujarati; Romanian; Thai; Hebrew; Swedish; Filipino; Croatian; Chinese (Mandarin); Bosnian; Farsi; Slovenian; Tamil; Twi; Afrikaans; Akan; Albanian; Amharic; Armenian; Assyrian; Azerbaijani; Belorussian; Bulgarian; Burmese; Cebuano; Chinese (Cantonese) ; Chinese (Chaozhou); Chinese (Fujian); Chinese (Hakka); Chinese (Taishan); Chinese (Taiwanese); Cree; Czech; Danish; Dari; Dinka; Edo; Estonian; Ewe; Fanti; Finnish; Ga; Ganda; Georgian; Harari; Hausa ; Ibo ; Ilocano ; Indonesian ; Inuktitut ; Kannada; Khmer; Kikuyu ; Kinyarwanda ; Kurdish ; Lao ; Latvian ; Lingala ; Lithuanian ; Macedonian ; Malay ; Malayalam ; Maltese ; Mandingo ; Marathi ; Nepali ; Norwegian ; Nuer ; Ojibway ; Oromo ; Pashto; Romani ; Rundi ; Sindhi ; Sinhala; Slovak ; Susu ; Swahili ; Telugu; Tibetan ; Tigrinya ; Tswana; Turkish ; Vietnamese ; Xhosa ; Yiddish ; Yoruba ; Zulu ; Turkmen; Sgaw Karen; Shilluk; Chinese (Min Dong); Kipsigis; Nandi; Uzbek – also Acholi; Dholuo; Dzongkha; Esan; Hmong-do; Jarai; Kachchi; Mongolian; Oshiwambo; Quechua; Sicilian; Tamazight; Tatar; Uyghur; Vlaams
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services Toronto
Address: 4600 Bathurst St Ste 325, Toronto, ON M2R 3V3
Location: North York West
Phone: 416-630-6481
Fax: 416-630-1376
Email: info@jiastoronto.org
Website: www.jiastoronto.org
Languages: English; French – (one counsellor); Spanish; Russian; Hebrew; Yiddish
Multilingual Community Interpreter Services
Address: 789 Don Mills Rd Ste 608, Toronto, ON M3C 1T5
Location: North York East
Phone: 24 hours 416-426-7051; Training 416-426-7014
Crisis phone: 24 hours 416-422-5984; 24 hours 1-888-236-8311
Fax: 416-426-7118
Email: info@mcis.on.ca
Website: www.mcislanguages.com
Languages: English; French – (interpreters); Dutch; Greek; Italian; German; Spanish; Polish; Hungarian; Arabic; Punjabi; Serbian; Ukrainian; Portuguese; American Sign Language (ASL); Japanese; Russian; Urdu; Korean; Somali; Bengali; Hindi; Gujarati; Romanian; Thai; Hebrew; Swedish; Filipino; Croatian; Chinese (Mandarin); Bosnian; Farsi; Slovenian; Tamil; Twi; Afrikaans; Akan; Albanian; Amharic; Armenian; Assyrian; Azerbaijani; Belorussian; Bulgarian; Burmese; Cebuano; Chinese (Cantonese) ; Chinese (Chaozhou); Chinese (Fujian); Chinese (Hakka); Chinese (Taishan); Chinese (Taiwanese); Cree; Czech; Danish; Dari; Dinka; Edo; Estonian; Ewe; Fanti; Finnish; Ga; Ganda; Georgian; Harari; Hausa ; Ibo ; Ilocano ; Indonesian ; Inuktitut ; Kannada; Khmer; Kikuyu ; Kinyarwanda ; Kurdish ; Lao ; Latvian ; Lingala ; Lithuanian ; Macedonian ; Malay ; Malayalam ; Maltese ; Mandingo ; Marathi ; Nepali ; Norwegian ; Nuer ; Ojibway ; Oromo ; Pashto; Romani ; Rundi ; Sindhi ; Sinhala; Slovak ; Susu ; Swahili ; Telugu; Tibetan ; Tigrinya ; Tswana; Turkish ; Vietnamese ; Xhosa ; Yiddish ; Yoruba ; Zulu ; Turkmen; Sgaw Karen; Shilluk; Chinese (Min Dong); Kipsigis; Nandi; Uzbek – also Acholi; Dholuo; Dzongkha; Esan; Hmong-do; Jarai; Kachchi; Mongolian; Oshiwambo; Quechua; Sicilian; Tamazight; Tatar; Uyghur; Vlaams
Planned Parenthood Toronto. Health Services
Address: 36B Prince Arthur Ave Main Fl, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9
Location: Toronto North
Phone: 416-961-0113
Fax: 416-961-9856
Email: ppt@ppt.on.ca
Website: www.ppt.on.ca
Refugees and Immigrants Information Centre Toronto
Address: 560 Parliament St 2nd Fl, Toronto, ON M4X 1P8
Location: Toronto East
Phone: 416-961-7027
Fax: 416-961-9732
Languages: English; French – translation and interpretation for 30 languages including French, Sinhala, Spanish, Tamil
St Stephen’s Community House. Augusta Centre
Address: 260 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L9
Location: Toronto Central
Phone: 416-964-8747 ext 0
Fax: 416-966-2178
Email: 260admin@ststephenshouse.com
Website: www.sschto.ca
Languages: English; Spanish; Portuguese; Chinese (Mandarin); Chinese (Cantonese)
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto)
Address: 2445 Bloor St West, Toronto, ON M6S 1P7
Location: Toronto West
Phone: 416-763-4982
Fax: 416-763-3997
Email: toradmin@ucss.info
Website: www.tor.ucss.info
Languages: Ukrainian
Child and Family Programs
Child and Family Centres provide literacy-rich places for children from birth to 6 years of age to come play and learn with their parents or caregivers. Parents and caregivers can get answers to questions about child development; nutrition, parenting, pregnancy and can connect to a range of professionals and other services in their community.
Special Needs and Inclusion Competency Guidelines
The purpose of the Special Needs and Inclusion Competency Guidelines is to assist organizations to proactively, naturally and seamlessly welcome and integrate every child and family without exception.
OEYC Special Needs and Inclusion Guidelines
Let’s Get Started
An early learning program for children with extra support needs and their parent/caregiver. The Let’s Get Started program brings together health and social services to deliver an accessible 6 – 8 week parent-child social play group program that responds to a family’s immediate practical parenting and child development needs.
Let’s Get Started training videos
To find out more about the Let’s Get Started Program or to receive training call CITYKIDS at 416 920-6543 or at citykids@mothercraft.org
Including Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Child and Family Programs
This guide was developed to assist child and family programs (CFPs) to better serve children with special needs and their parents and caregivers. It is intended for any program that serves children from birth to six years of age. Originally published in 2001, it has been updated to reflect current thinking, research and practices within the field of early childhood education and care.
Source: Macaulay Child Development Centre
Including Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Child and Family Programs
Inclusion ~ Policy development guidelines for early learning and care programs
This guide provides an overview of how to develop and embed Inclusion within the policies of your child care program. It outlines the benefits of inclusive child care from both a practical and an ethical point of view.
Connected Kids
Connected Kids Audio-Visual Workshops were specifically designed to empower families and professionals to use strategies that will have a positive impact on child learning outcomes.
Giving Instructions
Play video
Kate Massey of K.I.D.S (Kids Included in Day Care and Early Childhood Services) shares some very practical strategies for helping your child to understand and follow through with requests.
Family Literacy 1
Play video
A workshop on building self-esteem as the foundation for literacy skills.
Playing to Learn
Play video
A workshop about using simple “play” to help develop and expand motor, language and social skills.
Visual Communications
Play video
A workshop to help parents and caregivers expand their communication through the use of simple but powerful visual tools.