Category Archives: Community

FREE DSO Webinar: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Join Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Housing Navigators for this FREE webinar exploring how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), such as garden suites, basement apartments, and tiny homes, can create housing options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This virtual session will take place on Thursday, August 27 from 12 – 1:30 p.m.

To register, visit: Accessory Dwelling Units

Register Now for Less Stress, More Homework Success Workshop from CHEO Foundational Family Services

Registration is open for the FREE Less Stress, More Homework Success workshop, from CHEO Foundational Family Services.

Select from the following session dates:

  • Thursday, September 10 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. This session is offered in English.
  • Tuesday, October 6 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. This session is offered in French.
  • Tuesday, November 24 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. This session is offered in English.

Topics will include:

  • Strategies for structuring the environment,
  • Promoting motivation and independence
  • Addressing other common challenges that may arise during homework time.

This workshop is designed for caregivers and youth who wish to develop practical strategies to improve their homework experience at home.

Register here: Foundational Family Services – CHEO

Register for Autism Ontario’s Introduction to Special Education in Ontario Virtual Information Session

Registration is open for the FREE Introduction to Special Education in Ontario virtual information session from Autism Ontario, taking place on Thursday, August 6 from 12 – 1 p.m.

Participants will learn:

  • How special education works in Ontario schools
  • Important terms and processes (like IEP and IPRC)
  • The roles of families, schools, and school boards
  • Where to find helpful resources and support

This session is intended as an introduction to special education in Ontario for families, caregivers, and professionals supporting autistic children and youth.

Participants will receive a resource package with useful links and information.

Please note: This workshop is conducted in English.

Register here: Introduction to Special Education in Ontario- Virtual Information Session | Autism Ontario

Register for Autism Ontario’s Welcome to Kindergarten Virtual Workshop

Registration is open for the FREE Welcome to Kindergarten virtual workshop from Autism Ontario, taking place on Wednesday, August 5 from 12 – 1 p.m.

Participants will learn:

  • Strategies to build school readiness skills at home
  • Ways to work with community professionals
  • About school supports and special education resources

This workshop is for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting autistic children with the transition to school. Please note: This workshop is conducted in English.

Register here: Welcome to Kindergarten- Virtual Workshop | Autism Ontario

Register for New to School Workshop from CHEO Foundational Family Services

Registration is open for the FREE New to School workshop, from CHEO Foundational Family Services, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

This session will cover:

  • Important steps to help prepare your child’s transition into the world of school for the first time
  • How to support your child to be prepared for school entry through skill building at home
  • A 1:1 consultation is included with this workshop

Please note: This session is available in English only.

Register here: Foundational Family Services – CHEO

FREE DSO Webinar: Learn How to Recognize a Scam with Canada Revenue Agency

Join Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Housing Navigators, as they welcome representatives from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a FREE English virtual presentation on how to recognize a scam.  

Topics Include: 

  • Warning Signs 
  • Reasons CRA may contact you 
  • Who to contact to report a scam 
  • How to avoid scams 

This virtual session will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 1 – 2 p.m. This event will not be recorded.

This free online webinar will be facilitated by the DSO Housing Navigators from the South-East, East and Toronto Regions. It is open to people with a developmental disability, their
family members and/or support networks, and professionals in Ontario.

To register, visit: Learn How to Recognize a Scam with Canada Revenue Agency 

For any questions, please contact Martha Beach at mbeach@dsoser.ca 

Registration Now Open for Capital Fair Special Needs Day

On Tuesday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children with developmental and/or physical disabilities are invited to enjoy The Capital Fair in a supportive and accommodating environment on Special Needs Day.

Activities include:

  • Quieter and slower midway rides with assistance from volunteers
  • An included BBQ lunch and dessert
  • Live entertainment and a petting zoo

Registration is limited to the first 1,500 participants. Each family can bring a maximum of 6 immediate family members. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Register for Capital Fair Special Needs Day here!

Sign Up to Attend the OFSN Family Picnic

Ottawa Family Support Network (OFSN) is hosting a FREE family picnic at Silver Spring Studio (1705 Robertson Road, Ottawa, ON) on Sunday July 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy games, art, activities and plenty of time to connect with community members.

There will be refreshments and water available. Please feel free to bring your own lunch, lawn chair, or picnic blanket.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/hYW9btNmPWt4pAEN7.

Youth Aged 11-18 Can Ride for Free on OC Transpo This Summer!

This July and August, youth aged 11-18 can ride for free on OC Transpo buses, trains, and on Para Transpo.

You can purchase a Presto card for $4.00 at participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, and Real Canadian Superstore locations. Ensure your pass is set to a “Pre-Teen or Youth” pass when you purchase it.

Note: If you have a Student Transit Pass through your school, you will not need to purchase a new pass to access this offer.

Then, your card will allow you to ride for free when tapped on the fare gate or fare reader.

For more information, visit: Youth age 11-18 ride free all summer! | OC Transpo

Join OFSN’s “Safe & Secure” Book Club

Ottawa Family Support Nework (OFSN) invites you to join their FREE, guided book club series for families planning a secure future for loved ones with developmental disabilities, based on Safe and Secure: Seven Steps on the Path to a Good Life for People with a Disability (Ontario edition).

What to expect:

  • 9 sessions (2 in-person, 7 virtual)
  • Topics: Vision, friendships, housing, decision-making, finances, advocacy, future planning
  • Guided discussions and connecting with families

Reading is optional, and free books are available.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPMytkX7xH5h29mmdXRV9CTpNCy83auAxgha1frzH8p2O8Zg/viewform

Dates (All 6:30–8 PM unless noted):

  • June 20, 2026 (In Person, 10 AM–12 PM): Launch
  • July 21: Step 1
  • Aug. 18: Step 2
  • Sept. 16: Step 3
  • Oct. 20: Step 4
  • Nov. 17: Step 5
  • Dec. 8 or 15: Step 6
  • Jan. 12, 2027: Step 7
  • Feb. 28, 2027 (In Person, 3–5 PM): Closing