Unlocking Potential - Tools to Support ADHD & Executive Functioning
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Foothills Academy (Calgary), 745 37 St NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4T1, Canada
Is your student or child struggling to stay organized, focused, or motivated this school year? This practical, interactive workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers understand and support learners with ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
Led by expert ADHD coach & former educator Rhiannon Carter, this session offers insight, empathy, and actionable support.
Learn more & register here

Mindful Parenting
2025-09-25 09:30 - 2025-11-07 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Men’s Therapy Center, 301-3491 Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC, V8X 1W8, Canada
Learn to embrace the beautiful chaos of single parenthood with presence and self-compassion, nurturing both your child’s well-being and your own.

Supporting Your Teen’s Healthy Relationship to Food and Body
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM (Pacific Time)
This workshop covers:

How social, emotional, and environmental factors impact teen food choices and body image
Ways to model positive relationships with food and body
How to foster a supportive home food environment

Register for the workshop: Click here to sign up

Supporting Your Teen's Healthy Relationship to Food and Body
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This workshop will explore the diverse factors that impact teenagers’ food choices and body image, the importance of modeling positive food and body behaviour, and how to promote a positive food environment.

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
September is FASD Awareness Month, and International FASD Day is on September 9!
When we talk about FASD, the conversation often focuses on the challenges—but there’s so much more to the story. There are incredible strengths, talents, and successes worth celebrating.
Join us for an uplifting event where we shine a light on the achievements and unique abilities of individuals living with FASD. This is a chance to hear powerful stories from those with lived experience, as well as the people who support and love them.
Come be part of a joyful conversation—one that honours the gifts that come with FASD and invites you to share your own moments of pride and hope.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 pm
This Family Hangout takes place weekly.
Register Now

Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
2025-09-26 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Date: Sep 26, 2025
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm (PST)
CEU: 6 hours
Location: Virtual – Zoom session
Cost: $180
Registration Link

Audience:
This course is ideal for social workers and other professionals in healthcare and human services.
Description:
Neurodiversity-affirming care is not only about individual interactions; it is also a form of cultural competence embedded within professional practice. To be neurodiversity- and neurodivergent-affirming is to acknowledge that all brain types, including those that are different to what society considers the norm, are equal in value and valid in their right to exist without conforming. This means valuing an individual’s strengths, understanding and accommodating their challenges, and accepting differences in social interaction, communication, behaviour, and learning.
This 1-day course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to a neuro-affirming practice framework and tools for integrating its principles when working with individuals, families, and groups. The course will balance theoretical learning with interactive discussions, case scenarios, and guided practice.
Participants will learn about neuro-affirming care, including the neurodiversity movement; neurodivergent diversity; neurodivergence and gender; neurodivergence across the lifespan; neuronormativity and systemic ableism; domains of experience; masking/camouflaging; neurodivergence and mental health; and neurodivergent-affirming communication. This learning will then be applied through guided practice activities and debriefing.
This course is the first of a three-part series on neurodiversity-affirming care, and a recommended pre-requisite for the following two courses. In the event that a future certificate program in neurodiversity-affirming care is developed, these courses will count toward the required hours for the completion of that program.

FASD Together 'Unconference'
2025-09-27 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Thompson Rivers University, 805 Tru Way, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada
Learn and Network with the FASD Community.
The FASD Together ‘UnConference’ is taking place next month, during FASD Awareness Month, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. This event is free to parents and caregivers of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Register now for this opportunity to network and learn with other families!
Questions? Contact Jay at jgoddard@tru.ca or 250-852-7220
Location:
Thompson Rivers University
805 Tru Way
Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8
Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

More Than Luck - Cultivating a Resilient Mindset
2025-09-27 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Prospect Lake, 4633 Prospect Lake Rd., Victoria, BC, Canada
Why Register for this Workshop:

Because life is full of unexpected bumps!
Because it can help me support someone else in my life!
Because I do not have all the answers!
Because I could use a little support right now!
Because the topic of resiliency interests me, and I want to learn more!
Because I would like more resources to use in my professional practice!

By the end of the workshop, you will be equipped with a set of practical tools and strategies. These can be easily applied to your personal life and professional practice, empowering you to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
REGISTER HERE

three twenty-one Summit
2025-09-27 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Harris Barn, 4140 Arthur Dr., Delta, BC, Canada
This event is a one-of-it’s kind day celebrating and centering the Down syndrome community. At Down syndrome BC we aim to make our community events as accessible as possible, and are committed to making the cost to this wonderful day as low as we can. Your ticket includes morning snacks, coffee, tea and refreshments throughout the day, a beautiful lunch and a day packed full of information, connection and discovery. We will be offering a larger Market this year with more vendors, as well as a growing information center, giving you the opportunity to learn about supports and resources through out our province.
Ticket = $65 per person
Ticket with Attendant = $65 for one youth or adult with DS and caregiver (intended for youth (13+) and adults with Down syndrome attending with support)
Kids 12 and under = Free (please note, we are not able to provide child care and parents will be responsible for their child during the event. We will have a small area that is designed for kids to enjoy)
Please note, if the cost of a ticket is a barrier to attending, please contact us for subsidized tickets.
BUY TICKETS

Navigating Canada’s Evolving Labour Market: Labour Market Resilience in the Face of an Aging Population (CERIC)
2025-09-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Mature workers aged 55 and above now represent over 20% of all workers. Learn how to identify high-risk occupations and regions and explore strategies to support knowledge transfer, workforce adaptability, and inclusivity. Gain practical knowledge to support workforce planning and policy development.
Find more information and register on the CERIC website.

Family Leadership Series - Kootenays
2025-10-02 - 2025-10-03 | Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort, 209 Van Horne St, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 6R9, Canada
Stay tuned for registration details coming soon.
Families from the Kootenay region will gather for two days of learning and connecting. You will learn ways to strengthen your advocacy and access resources to help build a good life for your loved one with a disability. You will join other families in sharing knowledge and developing community support. Sessions will cover topics such as self-determination, advocacy, and future planning – session details will be released in the summer

Cost:
FREE – Financial support is available for travel, child care or other expenses
(see details and application after the program description)
When:
October 2 & 3, 2025
Where:
Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort
209 Van Horne St S, Cranbrook BC V1C 6R9
Who:
Families and caregivers living in the Kootenay region who support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Introduction to Individualized Funding for Families
2025-10-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Victoria Association for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hills Cross Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 2M7, Canada
Join us for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized Funding.
Registration will allow you to join the in-person session virtually.

Join Vela Canada, CLBC, The Family Support Institute and The Victoria Association for Community Living for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized funding: what it is and how it works, the different ways families can use it to support the unique needs of their family member and the resources and supports available.

If you live in Victoria and would like to attend the session in person, please register here.

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Mental Wellness - Y Mind Teen (13-18) & Youth (18-30)
2025-10-07 18:00 - 2025-11-25 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
Mental health challenges shouldn’t get in the way of doing what you love. Our programs help overcome barriers and get you on the right track to where you’d like to be.
Our free mental wellness programs, Y Mind and Mind Medicine, help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety (individuals experiencing severe anxiety and stress that significantly impacts their ability to perform daily activities likely require more support than what Y Mind is intended to provide). Our programs are evidence-based and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.
To participate, you may self-refer, you do not need a diagnosis of anxiety, and you do not need to be a Y member.
Y MIND TEEN – AGES 13-18
Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. This program supports teens ages 13 to 18 who are experiencing symptoms of stress and worry to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope with stress. Y Mind Teen is led by trained mental health professionals and educators and gives teens the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Registration Information:
The Y Mind Groups are being offered in person at the Westhills Y (Langford) and Downtown locations. If you are not able to attend these for any reason, both virtual and in person groups are available to those in other parts of BC and Vancouver Island. Please contact us at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca so we can support you in accessing a group (either in person or virtual) in your area.
The dates and times for our next information sessions and a registration link are below:
Westhills Y In Person Information Session:
Tuesday September 16th at 5:45 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA
or
Tuesday September 23rd at 5:45 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA

Westhills Y In Person Program Sessions:
Tuesdays October 7th – November 18th, 2025 at 6 pm -7:30 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA
OR
Downtown In Person Information Session:
Wednesday September 24th at 5:45 pm @ Location TBD
or
Wednesday October 1st at 5:45 pm @ Location TBD

Downtown In Person Program Sessions:
Wednesdays October 15th – November 26th, 2025 at 6 pm -7:30 pm @ Location TBD
The registration process for Y Mind Teen includes attendance at an Information Session (either online or in person, depending on the site) and a brief intake meeting with one of our facilitators to determine if the group is a best fit for the teen.
REGISTER ONLINE
*Expecting an email from the Y team… please ensure you check your junk email folders occasionally emails may be flagged as spam.

Y MIND YOUTH – AGES 18 – 30
The Y Mind Groups are being offered in person in Winter 2026 Location TBD. Please contact us at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca so we can support you in accessing a group (either in person or virtual) in your area.
*Note: With enough interest we can offer a Youth group this Fall 2025. Please register for an information session through the link below if you are interested and we will contact you.
All participants must register and attend one of our information sessions and a one-on-one intake to register for the program. The dates and times for our next Victoria information sessions and a registration link are below:
Downtown Y In Person Information Session:
Tuesday February 3rd 2026 at 5:45pm @ Location TBD
or
Tuesday February 10th 2026 at 5:45pm @ Location TBD
Downtown Y In Person Program Sessions:
Tuesdays Feb 17th – March 31st, 2026 6pm – 8:30pm @ Location TBD
Y Mind Youth is being offered in the Westshore by Pacific Centre Family Services at 324 Goldstream Ave. If you are interested in that group, please contact Julia at jleggett@pcfsa.org
REGISTER ONLINE

When Sensitivity Hurts: RSD and the Neurodivergent Mind
2025-10-14 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Montreal Center for Learning Disabilities presents “When Sensitivity Hurts: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.
Do you or someone you care about struggle with overwhelming emotional responses to perceived criticism or rejection?
Join ADHD coach and researcher Dr. Janina Maschke for a free webinar exploring Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). A powerful and often misunderstood experience common in neurodivergent individuals.
You’ll learn:

What RSD is and why it happens
How it impacts daily life, relationships, and mental health
Tools to manage emotional intensity with compassion
Practical strategies for building resilience and self-understanding

Led by a global expert with a Ph.D. in Psychology and extensive experience supporting neurodivergent minds.

ADHD & Autism Series - Free webinar
2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Adult ADHD Centre & The Adult Autism Centre are launching a free webinar series, “ADHD & Autism,” featuring Dr. Anita Parhar and Dr. Gurdeep Parhar.
The inaugural session, titled “I have been diagnosed with ADHD, could I also be Autistic?” takes place on October 15, 2025, from 4:00–5:00 PM PDT / 6:00–7:00 PM CDT / 7:00–8:00 PM EDT.
This interactive event is open to individuals, families, and professionals seeking expert insight on dual diagnoses, with opportunities for practical guidance and live Q&A.
Registration is free, and all are welcome to attend this informative session on the overlap between ADHD and autism.

PSS Parenting Workshop Registration
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This workshop will explore: how parenting has changed, when parenting styles collide, and how to find common ground.

Canada FASD Conference 2025
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Hilton Toronto, 145 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 2L2, Canada
The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research network, with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. It started as an alliance of seven jurisdictions and operated for seven years as the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network.
The Canada FASD Conference will return to Toronto, Ontario on October 21-23, 2025. The 2025 theme is Shaping the Future of FASD: From Evidence to Action.

“This conference is going to serve as a seminal moment in the evolution of FASD awareness. Considering the exponential growth in Canadian and global FASD research and programming in the past decade, this conference will enable the sharing of a greatest amount of FASD best practices and strategies ever seen…” says speaker, Robert More.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the movement toward FASD-informed change.

Register Here
Click here for Program Review

Children in Care - A Group for Parents and Caregivers
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A support group for those with kids in care, considering care, or feeling pressured to place their kids in care.
Only families who have experienced this unique journey truly understand the challenges it brings. Whether due to removal, a special needs agreement, or a voluntary care agreement, placing a child with extra support needs into the Ministry’s care is an incredibly difficult and emotional decision. Families often face feelings of guilt, judgment, and isolation during this process. You’re not alone. Join us for an open and heartfelt conversation with other families who share your experience. This is a space for parents and caregivers to connect, share, and support one another without fear of judgment.
Let’s come together to find hope, resilience, and connection.
** PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is reserved for families with a member with a disability and self advocates only ** Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability.
FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Mental Health First Aid Course
2025-10-22 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging and impactful full-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification Course, designed to equip you with essential skills to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or decline in well-being. Taking place in-person, this interactive training is scheduled from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and will provide you with hands-on techniques to recognize, support, and guide individuals toward recovery.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to:

Recognize early signs of mental health declines or crises
Encourage open discussions about mental health and well-being
Guide individuals to appropriate professional or community supports
Offer support in mental health or substance use crises
Use MHFA actions to maintain your own mental health

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Mental Health First Aid certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
Pre-Course Requirement:
Before attending the in-person training, participants must complete a self-directed online module (Module 1), which introduces key concepts and strategies to be explored in the live training (Modules 2 and 3). The online module takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and proof of completion is required prior to the start of the in-person modules. Completion of Module 1 is mandatory to participate in the in-person course. Failure to complete the online module by the specified deadline will make the participant ineligible for a refund or transfer of registration.
Important Note: A minimum of 8 participants is required for the training to proceed. If fewer than 8 participants are confirmed 48 hours prior to the session, the course will be rescheduled in accordance with MHCC’s group size policy.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be submitted via email (training@csshsa.ca) at least 5 business days before the scheduled course to receive a refund or reschedule.
Late cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

Early Years and School Age Navigation
2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Caring for little ones with extra support needs is marked by joy, fear, and overwhelm, usually all in the same day! Navigating the toddler and preschool years or if the school years are on the horizon, can be a uniquely challenging time. Join Cari Rawling, (ECE/parent), and Heather Beach (parent), for supportive sessions on Navigating the Early Years. We are here to listen, provide resources, and create a safe place to discuss the parenting experience of young children with diverse abilities.
Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
REGISTER HERE

Aging Caregivers
2025-10-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
We cannot slow the aging process in ourselves or in the people we care for! As we get older, our ability to care for our family member becomes more and more difficult. Planning our own future, and the future of our loved ones can be a terrifying process. Will we be able to provide the necessary care? Will they be well cared for in the future, after we are gone? What can we do to make the future easier? Connecting with other families in similar situations is the best way to problem solve and figure out what will work best for our specific situations. Join our call with other “mature” parents and caregivers and we can problem solve together!

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Community ASIST Workshop individual registration
2025-10-23 09:00 - 2025-10-24 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Need2 Office, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC, V8N 1V7, Canada
ASIST is a two-day workshop that provides suicide first aid training to participants. This training provides participants with the competencies needed to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.
You do not need to work in the health or mental health field to take ASIST. We need people in all roles in the community to be ASIST trained to create a suicide-safer community!
The cost of the workshop is $325. Student rate is available upon request.

The workshop will take place at the NEED2 office.
Lunch, coffee/tea and snacks will be provided

To register visit our website here
Questions; email communityeducation@need2.ca

Embracing Success Education Conference
2025-10-24 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC, Canada
This one-day conference is designed especially for educators including classroom teachers, resource teachers, education assistants, and other professionals who work in the school setting with an emphasis on providing knowledge and strategies that can be applied in the classroom and school setting to support students with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
This year’s conference focuses on foundational academic skills, featuring expert-led sessions on literacy and numeracy instruction specifically tailored for students with Down syndrome. Our presenters have developed practical, evidence-based approaches that educators can immediately implement in their classrooms and school settings. Join in person or take part virtually!

Find Your Path: Solutions in Action Insights Event
2025-10-25 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Courtyard Calgary Airport by Marriott, 2500 48 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 4V8, Canada
October is Learning Disabilities and ADHD Awareness Month! Boost your understanding and personal support toolkit at our one-day Insights Event on October 25, 2025 in Calgary.
Find Your Path: Solutions in Action is all about practical take-aways for those with Learning Disabilities or ADHD on mental health, career coaching, classroom supports, non-ADHD partner strategies, homework help, relationships and more!
If you are a parent, educate children or are an adult looking to strengthen your skill set, this conference is for you. Tickets are only $30 making this an opportunity that’s both affordable and high quality!
Learn more & register here

2025 Au-Some Conference
2025-10-25 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
About the event

Au-Some Conference 2025 – Featuring Inspiring Neurodivergent Voices
On October 25, 2025 from 10 AM – 3 PM EST, during Autism Acceptance Month, Autism Canada will host the 9th annual Au-Some Conference – the only Canadian event where every presentation is created and delivered by neurodivergent individuals. This powerful day of learning and connection will be presented virtually via Zoom and accessible on our YouTube channel, offering lived experience–led conversations that educate, empower, and inspire change.
Featured Presenters

Alex Watts – ADHD Speaker & AdvocateAn internationally recognized ADHD speaker, advocate, and creative entrepreneur, Alex blends lived experience, humour, and insight to break down neurodivergence in a relatable way. His energetic approach inspires acceptance, empowerment, and action. (Topic: Pathological Demand Avoidance)

Dani Bowman – Artist & EntrepreneurAn autistic animator, artist, and founder of DaniMation Studios, Dani has taught animation to over 3,000 students and premiered 14 short films at San Diego Comic-Con. She is also a cast member of Love on the Spectrum and a dedicated mentor for young creators. (Topic: Rethinking Autism and Employment in Creative Fields)

Charlotte Bergslien – Autistic & ADHD Content CreatorKnown as “The Spectrum Girl” to her 1.5M+ followers, Charlotte uses her platform to explore dating, friendships, travel, and self-esteem in the neurodivergent community. Her candid, uplifting content champions authenticity and inclusion. (Topic: Autism, Mental Health & the Power of Online Advocacy)

priyana – Singer & SongwriterA South-Asian, autistic, queer folk-indie artist from Toronto, priyana blends music and crochet to create safe, expressive spaces for her audience. Her latest album, Days I’ve Cried This Year, reflects her creative process and lived experience. (Topic: Music as a Space for Lived Experience, Rest, and Creativity)

Andreas Souvaliotis – Social EntrepreneurFounder of Carrot Rewards and Green Rewards, Andreas is a bestselling author and global leader in harnessing behavioural science for social good. He champions innovative approaches to public health, climate change, diversity, and citizenship. (Topic: Entrepreneurship and the Benefits of Being on the Spectrum)

Join us for a day that celebrates autistic voices, amplifies lived experiences, and brings together a nationwide community committed to inclusion and understanding.

Building Healthy Workplace Cultures
2025-10-27 - 2025-10-28 | The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC, V6G 2V4, Canada
Join us for two days of in-person inspiration, collaboration and learning!
Bottom Line 2025 is about advancing psychological health and safety in the workplace by building a sense of community. Together we’ll reveal the power of connection and compassion in creating workplaces that protect and support mental health for all.

Prevention Focus: Learn proactive strategies to prevent psychological harm.
Practical Solutions: Discover actionable steps to drive real change in your organization.
Expert Insights: Explore perspectives from workers and leaders across diverse sectors.

Learn from top workplace mental health experts as we take a deep dive into pressing issues, practical approaches, real experiences and lived expertise.

Get practical tools to enhance your workplace
Network with industry leaders and innovators
Join the movement for better mental health

Register Here
About the Conference
Since 2002, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Bottom Line Conference has brought together business leaders, workers, union representatives, policy makers, and researchers to share real experiences, successes, ideas, and expertise on improving mental health in Canadian workplaces. The event attracts over 350 delegates from across BC and beyond.
We respectfully acknowledge xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Lkwungen (Songhees) and Wyomilth (Esquimalt) peoples on whose traditional, unceded lands the conference will be held. ​

Engage at Every Age
2025-10-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
Engage at Every Age: When young and old connect, great things happen!
Join us for a free webinar presented by Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. In this session, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (Ottawa) will be sharing their insights and reflections acquired over the past few years, facilitating intergenerational programming between children ages 0 – 4 and diverse older adult populations in a variety of settings. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from their challenges and successes and ask questions about the early stages of developing an intergenerational program.
Intergenerational programming offers a powerful opportunity to foster meaningful, everyday connections between children and older adults. Both generations benefit from time spent together, enjoying shared interests and forming lasting friendships. Rather than limiting these moments to occasional, planned visits where seniors passively observe, we’re exploring what’s possible when interactions are naturally embedded into daily routines within an early learning and care setting.
Open to anyone developing or considering an intergenerational program with children up to 4 years of age.
Presented By:
Neeka Barnes – Director, Special Projects Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Neeka Barnes has worked in the early learning and care field for 46 years. She has a diverse background that includes roles as a consultant, life skills coach, and college professor. For the past several years, she has worked as the Director of Special Projects at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services.
José Alejandro Fernandez Cruz – Intergenerational Program Assistant, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cruz (RECE, Bach. Early Learning and Community Development) is the Intergenerational Program Coordinator with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. As part of the Engage At Every Age Intergenerational Child Care Project, he conducts research into the best practices of shared-space intergenerational programming and facilitates the involvement of older adults in the program.
Email: jfernandez@afchildrensservices.ca
REGISTER HERE

Advancing Inclusive Education: Global Perspectives
2025-10-28 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Last month, our global inclusion movement came together in person at Inclusion International’s World Congress in Sharjah, UAE — a powerful gathering of advocates and families driving inclusion forward worldwide from over 70 countries.
Join us as we reflect on what we heard in Sharjah and explore the current global landscape of inclusive education — what progress is being made, where challenges remain, and what lessons we can carry forward together.
