As we enter yet another wave of the pandemic it can be helpful on so many levels to connect with other families that may share some of the challenges you're experiencing.
Check out these seven different opportunities to connect with other families to get information, new ideas, have a great conversation or a little fun on Zoom.
CONNECT WITH OTHER FAMILIES
Family Alliance Ontario (FAO)
FAO regularly hosts information nights and virtual social gatherings for families supporting a child or adult with a disability. These social gatherings include family knowledge shares, special presentations and family engagement meetings.
Sibling Collaborative
The Sibling Collaborative hosts bi-weekly virtual meet-ups for adult siblings of person with a disability. These meetups include facilitated conversations to share experiences, learn from each other and gain new perspectives about the sibling journey
Community Living Toronto
Community Living Toronto's ConnectABILITY.ca lists a number of family support groups available in the Toronto area, including their own group, Family Link. Family Link is a parent directed support group for parents and caregivers of children with a disability. Each member can pose questions, vet concerns and share through this program.
Click here to visit the private Family Link Facebook group
Click here to visit the full list of Toronto-based Family Support Groups
Autism Ontario
Autism Ontario offers virtual support groups – Coffee chats - for parents and caregivers. Members are invited to share their stories and resources during these weekly groups.
Autism Ontario also offers facilitated support groups for families. The Service Navigators will facilitate theme-based, guided conversation on timely topics for group participants.
Caregivers On-line Support Group
Connect with others in an online caregiver support group and share your caregiving experience, challenges and solutions. Discussions will be driven by caregivers and facilitation will be done by an OCO staff member each Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and each Thursday between 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Click here to learn more
Young Caregivers Support Group
Connect with other young caregivers in an online support group and share your caregiving experience, challenges and solutions. For caregivers between the ages of 15-25. Discussions will be driven by young caregivers and facilitation will be done by an OCO staff member each Wednesday beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Click here to learn more
Ontario Independent Facilitation Network (OIFN)
OIFN offers the Reflective Practice Conversations, an opportunity for families, loved ones, independent facilitators and others to come together virtually to share ideas, experiences and stories.
Families for a Secure Future
Your invited to join our “Families Together Gatherings” the first Thursday of every month, beginning January 7th, February 4th and March 4th from 7:00 TO 8:00 pm. Please visit: https://www.familiesforasecurefuture.ca/ for more information.
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Partners for Planning
Offers a webcast series entitled the Fundamentals of Future Planning. As a follow-up to the regular webcast, families are invited to register for discussion groups with other families.
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