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Brain Health-IDD Family Caregiver Course – Registration Now Open!

You are invited to take part in a research study titled, Promoting brain health: A national capacity building project for aging adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, family caregivers and service providers.

A group of researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are studying a virtual education program for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), family caregivers, and service providers from across Canada.

What participants are saying: “This brain health program taught me how to uncover the dynamic relationship between my lifestyle and my brain health. And how to understand the cognitive behaviour of the person I am taking care of.”

Who Should Attend?

  • Family caregivers aged 60 years and older caring for an adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability
  • Family caregivers (any age) caring for an adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability who is aged 40 years or older

Dates: Every Wednesday, February 26 to April 2, 2025 | 2:30-4:00pm Eastern time

Program Highlights:

  • Attend six weekly 90-minute interactive sessions
  • Receive a course workbook, with extensive resources
  • Complete 3 online questionnaires that take about 40-50 minutes each
    • Before the course, at the end of the course, and 14 weeks after the end of the course
  • Receive a gift card at the end of the study for participating

View our Flyer | Watch a Short Video about the Course | Register Now

Participation is completely voluntary and will not affect any present or future services provided by CAMH. Any information collected for this study will be confidential.

For more information or support, please contact the CAMH research staff by email BrainHealthIDD@camh.ca or by phone 437-328-6761.  

Developmental Disabilities, Autism, and Strategies for Navigating the Service Sector [webinar]

OCASI – The Accessibility Initiative invites you to an interactive webinar designed to enhance understanding and effectiveness in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and autism

Date: February 19th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Eastern time (EST)

Join us for this webinar to learn about;

  • A comprehensive overview of developmental disabilities and autism
  • Practical strategies to enhance service delivery
  • Identifying and addressing challenges/barriers in accessing services
  • Referrals and resources to support individuals and families

Why Attend?

  • Gain insights into the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and autism
  • Learn actionable strategies to improve accessibility and inclusion
  • Network with peers and learn how to access valuable resources

Facilitators:

Elizabeth Irwin

Elizabeth is a Community Network Facilitator and Technical Lead of the Options Adult program at Family Service Toronto and has been working in the developmental disability sector supporting children, youth, adults, and their families in various roles for 15 years. She has been with Family Service Toronto for 5 years and maintains a commitment to person-directed service. She is passionate about building community and facilitating the inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by working alongside clients to identify their strengths and interests.”

Laura Sandler

Laura is the Technical Lead and Case Manager for the Options Children program at Family Service Toronto working with children with developmental/intellectual disabilities. Laura has over 20 years of experience working in children’s developmental service sector. Through her work, she has supported clients, their loved ones and support network develop comprehensive goal plans, getting connected to services and funding, while advocating for effective, positive change across the sector and beyond. Over the last year, after identifying the need for increased resource sharing, Laura has designed and delivered several informational resource workshops for clients, service providers and members of the wider community.”

Register now

Vibrant Entertainment & Comedy Zoom [online]

For People with or without Disabilities over 18 yrs.

When: Friday February 28, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Vibrant Healthcare Alliance Zoom

Hosted by: Mentors of Vibrant Emerging Strong (MoVES) Peer Support group/events operate under the Independent Living Environment and is committed to providing safe, inclusive spaces. Events may contain controversial content and language.

Limited Space

To register contact Lucy: 416-486-8666 ext.226 lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca

See flyer for more details

Grief and Loss Support Group

A Safe Healing Journey within an Independent Living & Non-judgmental Environment for Individuals who are Dealing with the Death of a Loved One, Friend, Caregiver, Community Member, or Pet.

Time: 1 – 2:30 PM
Date: Tuesdays on February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 2025
Where: room 1 at 2398 Yonge St.
Fee: free

Limited spots.

MUST Complete Pre and Post Evaluations & Commit to all Sessions

To register, contact Lucy at 416 486 8666 ext. 226 lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca or Dong at 416 486 8666 ext. 227 dongy@vibranthealthcare.ca

See flyer for more details

Join L’Arche Toronto TIFS – An Exciting Opportunity!

L’Arche Toronto TIFS (Trying It On For Size) has an exciting opportunity for 3-4 new participants to join TIFS from March 2025 to February 2026! See the information booklet attached for more information to see if L’Arche Toronto TIFS might be a good fit for you or someone you support. 

Our intake normally happens in the summertime, with new participants starting the program in August, September, and October. This is your chance to get in early! 

Though many participants sign-up individually, if you have a possible future roommate in mind, we are also happy to coach a pair of potential roommates together to try the experience of sharing a living space before making the commitment.

If you’re interested in applying for one of our openings, the first step is to come and visit TIFS to learn more about the program, meet the team and some participants, ask questions, and discuss your goals. To arrange an appointment for your TIFS visit, please email alyssa@larchetoronto.org

Free Arts Training Workshop

Learn about utilizing your creativity as a form of self-care

This workshop is for parents and siblings of people living with developmental disabilities and for service providers in the field. Join us for a 3-day interactive, multi-disciplinary art workshop experience and learn how to relieve stress.

When: Thursdays – February 20, February 27, March 6 From 5pm to 7pm
Location: Room 224 – 40 Orchard View Boulevard Toronto
Cost: FREE

Register for your spot by emailing rayderamos@gmail.com.

Spots are limited so register now to secure you spot.

Art materials will be provided on site. If you have any questions please contact Raymond at rayderamos@gmail.com

Facilitated by Raymond De Ramos, Expressive Arts Therapist In Training

See flyer for more details

Cooking Class for Autistic Adults

Autism Ontario is offering autistic adults a lunchtime cooking program on February 20th at The Chef Upstairs: 11am-1:30pm.

Adults on the spectrum will enjoy a hands-on experience to learn new recipes, cuisines and techniques, in a social and welcoming environment. 

When: February 20th | 11:00am – 1:30pm
Location: The Chef Upstairs,516 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2M2
Cost: $20 per person. 

Register here

After- hours/ school respite & ASD Social Groups

Learn Life & Social Skills implemented through Interactive Leisure Activities, Receive Homework Help, Meet a friend, Engage in Social Communication and build new skills for the future tomorrow.

Hours: Monday – Friday 3pm – 7pm

Location: 1970 Ellesmere Road Unit 1
Phone: 416-289-2223
Email: sunflowerrcs@gmail.com

Book your intake today

See flyer for more details

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