Posts written by "Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region"

May 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail
May 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail

May 2026 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, As we enter the month of May, we invite you to join us in reflecting, celebrating, and learning through several important observances: MMIWG2S Awareness Day, Community Living Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian and South Asian Heritage Month, and National AccessAbility Week. May 5 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community

April 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail
April 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail

April 2026 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, As we step into April, we recognize several important Days of Significance that bring awareness, celebration, and reflection. This month, we highlight World Autism Awareness Day, Bengali New Year/Tamil New Year/Vaisakhi, Easter, and Earth Day. World Autism Awareness Day – April 2 World Autism Awareness Day is a time to build understanding, […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community

Honouring 16 Years of Bridges to Belonging’s Community Building thumbnail
Honouring 16 Years of Bridges to Belonging’s Community Building thumbnail

Honouring 16 Years of Bridges to Belonging’s Community Building

Dear Families, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region celebrates the community building work of Bridges to Belonging over the past 16 years since they were founded as Facile: Independent Facilitation Waterloo Region. We have been friends and allies from the beginning, providing Bridges to Belonging with administrative support in the early days and an office since 2020, while […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s 2026 DSP & Self-Advocacy Conference thumbnail
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s 2026 DSP & Self-Advocacy Conference thumbnail

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s 2026 DSP & Self-Advocacy Conference

Join us on June 5, 2026 for Voices at the Table: Advocacy in Everyday Spaces, a conference for self-advocates and direct support people, presented by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.   Event Overview: Advocacy happens in everyday moments — navigating healthcare, speaking up for your needs, or supporting others. It can be challenging to use your voice […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Adult, Advocacy, Blog, Community, Direct Support People

March 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail
March 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail

March 2026 Days of Significance

The month of March brings us four important observances: Disability Day of Mourning, International Women’s Day, Eid ul-Fitr, and World Down Syndrome Day. Below, you’ll find information on each, along with resources and community events to engage with. Disability Day of Mourning – March 1 On March 1st, we pause to honour the lives of disabled individuals who have […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community

February 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail
February 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail

February 2026 Days of Significance

As February begins, we are excited to highlight the meaningful Days of Significance we are observing for February: Black Heritage Month, Family Day, Lunar New Year, the beginning of Ramadan, and Ash Wednesday. These observances offer an opportunity for us to learn, reflect, and engage with the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences that enrich our workplace and community. Black Heritage […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community

Join us for our Better Together Speed Dating Event thumbnail
Join us for our Better Together Speed Dating Event thumbnail

Join us for our Better Together Speed Dating Event

Everyone deserves a great match Looking for a date? Join us for our Better Together Speed Dating Social, where you can meet potential romantic partners in an inclusive and fun setting. This event is open to all adults with a disability and inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations – all are welcome! When: Saturday, February […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Adult, Blog, Community, Events

A Call for Action on Developmental Services Supports thumbnail
A Call for Action on Developmental Services Supports thumbnail

A Call for Action on Developmental Services Supports

By: Allan Mills, Executive Director On January 20th, I had the opportunity to present to our provincial government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as part of their pre-budget consultation. My priorities were to represent a common message that has been honed by CLO (Community Living Ontario) and OASIS (Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Advocacy, Blog, Community

NOW AVAILABLE: 2026 Autism Direct Funding (ADF) Applications thumbnail
NOW AVAILABLE: 2026 Autism Direct Funding (ADF) Applications thumbnail

NOW AVAILABLE: 2026 Autism Direct Funding (ADF) Applications

NOTE: Funding is NOT available to individuals living outside of the Waterloo Region. Autism Direct Funding is granted through a joint initiative between Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) and Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR). Families residing in Waterloo Region who have a child under the age of 18 with an ASD diagnosis are eligible to apply […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Children, Youth