Transitioning to adulthood is a process that requires planning and preparation. This free two-part series from CHEO Foundational Family Services for teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and parents, covers a variety of topics related to preparing teens to become an adult.

• February 13, 2026 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Part 1 discusses concerns and challenges facing youth, and provides ideas on how to promote independence using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies.
• February 20, 2026 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Part 2 includes sharing tips for what makes for a good transition, including samples for completing paperwork, while also reviewing resources (apps, community and provincial resources, etc.) available for young adults with ASD and their families.

For more information, and to register, please visit the CHEO Foundational Family Services webpage.

The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) is now accepting applications for capacity-building grants to support Family Support Networks (FSNs) across Ontario.

Funding is available to new and existing FSNs, as well as organizations that support family-led networks, serving family members and unpaid caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities. These grants aim to strengthen and expand peer support, information sharing, and community connections for caregivers and families. Access the application guidelines for more information.

The deadline to submit your application form is Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Attend an optional virtual information session for new or returning applicants:

• Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 12 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6 p.m.

For any questions or inquiries, please contact grants@ontariocaregiver.ca

The program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).

Join the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) on Thursday, February 19 from 12 – 1 p.m. for a free webinar discussing healthy aging for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers.

Guest speakers Dr. Yona Lunsky (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)) and Sandy Stemp (Reena) will discuss brain health and resources that support healthy aging and dementia prevention for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and their caregivers.

To register, please visit the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) website.

Please note that this session is available in English only. Questions can be directed to info@ontariocaregiver.ca.

Join Developmental Services Ontario Housing Navigators and representatives from Canada Revenue Agency on Wednesday, February 25 from 1 – 2 p.m. for a free virtual presentation covering:

• The Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
• Benefits, credits, deductions, and programs that are dependent on a valid DTC certificate and those that are not
• The Ontario Caregiver Credit (OCC)
• The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
• Ways to do your taxes

Register here: Learn About Taxes & Benefits with Canada Revenue Agency

This event is open to people with a developmental disability, their family members, support networks, and professionals in Ontario. This event will not be recorded.

Questions can be directed to Martha Beach at mbeach@dsoser.com

Join Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Housing Navigators and representatives from Employment and Social Development Canada on Monday, March 2 from 1 – 2 p.m. for a free virtual presentation covering:

• The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
• The Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG)
• The Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB)

Register here: Learn About the Registered Disability Savings Plan and Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond

This event is open to people with a developmental disability, their family members, support networks, and professionals in Ontario. This event will not be recorded.

Questions can be directed to Martha Beach at mbeach@dsoser.com

Join Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Housing Navigators and representatives from Service Canada on Thursday, March 5 from 1 – 2 p.m. for a free virtual presentation about Service Canada’s programs and benefits.

Topics covered will include:

• The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
• The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
• Employment Insurance benefits (EI)
• Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security benefits (CPP/OAS)
• Apprenticeship grants and loans
• Services for persons with a disability

Register here: Learn about Service Canada Programs and Benefits

This event is open to people with a developmental disability, their family members, support networks, and professionals in Ontario. This event will not be recorded.

Questions can be directed to Martha Beach at mbeach@dsoer.com

Service Coordination Support (SCS) is accepting bookings for the next AccessOAP (Ontario Autism Program) session taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

During the one-hour session, families can receive help from an AccessOAP Care Coordinator to complete their AccessOAP registration, receive information about the program, or submit their invoices.

Children do not need to be registered with SCS to access this support, but must reach the following criteria:

• Be under the age of 18
• Currently live in Ontario
• Have a written diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional, which can include physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, or ministry-funded diagnostic hubs.

To book, visit the SCS Resource Room webpage. 

Note: Proof of age (birth certificate, proof of live birth, valid passport, or a valid permanent resident card), residency (school report card, primary caregiver’s driver’s license or identification card, or a piece of mail), and diagnosis is required at your first AccessOAP session.

Join Developmental Services Ontario Eastern Region (DSOER) Housing Navigators, as they facilitate a discussion on how freely available software and affordable technology can support daily living skills.

Speakers Nicholas and Philippe Cyr will discuss their experiences with leveraging affordable technology to reduce caregiver stress, and support greater independence over time.

This session will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at 1400 St. Laurent Blvd, Suite 103A, Ottawa, ON.

To register for this free event, please contact: dsohousing@dsoer.ca

Service Canada is hosting an upcoming Virtual Information Session on Federal Government Youth Initiatives.

This session will highlight programs, resources, and opportunities designed to empower young people across Canada to engage in public service, leadership, and community development.

Date: January 29, 2026

Time: 09:00 a.m. to 13:45 p.m.

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (links below for registration)

Choose the session(s) that interest you, and register using the links provided.

• 9 – 10 a.m. Service Canada and Official Languages Programs (OLP)
• 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Canada Learning Bond (CLB), Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), Canada Education Savings, and more!
• 12:45 -1:45 p.m. – Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), and Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

Note: All sessions will run concurrently in French. If you wish to participate in the French sessions, please contact Service Canada to be forwarded the French registration links.

Accessibility Notice: If you require assistance or accommodations to participate in these sessions, please contact Service Canada in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.