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World Autism Awareness Day on Monday April 4th. Check out activities for locations and

times for Flag Raising Ceremonies.

Things You Can Do For a Parent Whose Child Received a Diagnosis

Don’t Judge. You may not understand why your friend/family member is handling their child’s meltdown/insomnia/refusal to eat/need to line everything up in the way they want. Trust me, the parent knows better than anyone what to do, and they know their child best. Only offer suggestions if they ask for them. Offer to help and mean it. Parents may be so overwhelmed she might not even know where to start asking for help. Give them time. They may need you to go on a doctor’s visit with them, or watch their child while she takes siblings to another appointment. They may just need to get our of the house for a few hours and take a break. Whatever they need, try to be there for them, and be there multiple times. Initially, don’t send research. Trust me, they will be logging in a few million hours on the internet. Hold onto whatever you find until things have calmed down a bit and you feel they can be receptive to your help. Never compare their child to your second cousin’s neighbor’s high school sweetheart’s child with the same diagnosis. Diagnosis comes in many shapes and sizes. Just because somebody’s child talked at 7 does not mean your friend’s child will. Comparisons are odious. Don’t tell them that their child will grow out of it. It is for a lifetime. There are challenges and differences. Respect that. Make them a meal. Take the time to bring them dinner if you live nearby. Random acts of kindness cheers up the family. They can be bright spots in their day when facing meltdowns, sleeplessness and mounds of paperwork for early intervention and school placement. Make the effort. If you know of anyone with a special needs child who might be a positive support for your friend, hook them up. The key word here is “positive”. They may need someone to vent to, who may even have suggestions and referrals to services and people who can make their life easier. Just Listen. Just be there as a sounding board.

Points from an article on “The Mighty”

Workshops/

Webinars

Thursday March 24th

Time: 6:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m. (Webinar 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) Location: Community Living Huntsville, 99 West Road, Huntsville

Please note that this workshop is cancelled tonight due to weather!

Staying Strong, Sane & Resilient: Parenting and Special Needs Description: Staying strong, sane and resilient can be a challenge for any parent but can be especially difficult for parents of children with a disability. The list of challenges can be daunting from dealing with people who don't understand the benefits of inclusion, to trying to find time for yourself, to looking at how to cope in the future. Panel members Susan Beayni, Valerie Tih and Ted Kuntz will share strategies to help families build resilience and strength as they encounter these challenges while moving through the child rearing years and beyond. You will learn: how to deal with challenges—personalizing the issues; how to deal with resistance and the uninformed; finding ways to stay positive; the importance of taking care of yourself and a framework for the future.

Friday April 1st Time: 9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Location: Community Living Huntsville, 99 West Road, Huntsville

Linking Up Self Advocate Network—Bullying Crystal Silverthorne of Voices Unlimited has been an active advocate for six years. She has sat on numerous committees involving self advocacy, rights and other focuses. She has a particular passion for the topic of bullying and inclusion. One of her stories is a published book called “We Want You to Know” by Deb Ellis. She will share some of her stories, together with another committee member and OPP Officer, the topic will be discussed at length.

RSVP: Amber Gordon; [email protected] or 705-789-4543 x 245

Tuesday April 5, 2016 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Partners Hall, Algonquin Theatre, 37 Main Street West, Huntsville

This is My Life Premier Screening of a video series initiative by People First of Ontario. Don’t miss out on your chance to have a back stage pass and experience first hand the work of People First Huntsville and People First Ontario as they invite you to celebrate the gifts we all bring to community. People First is a national movement representing people who have been labelled with an intellectual disability. We are about rights—human rights, citizenship rights, accommodation rights, and language rights. We believe in the right to freedom, choice, and equality for all. The priorities of the work of People First Focus on the right to live in community, real jobs, inclusive education and legal capacity. This is a video series whose message is one of hope, inclusion an citizenship for all people. Come out to this premiere video screening, meet the members, and learn how you can promote inclusion in your community.

RSVP: [email protected] or 705-789-4543 x 245

Saturday April 16th Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Partners Hall, Algonquin Theatre, 37 Main Street West, Huntsville

Workshop Title: Our Words….The Real Message

Workshop Description:

Conversations about Differences, How Language Shape’s People’s Understanding of Self. When an individual receives a disability diagnosis, it holds massive implications for their life and outcomes. Research indicates that labels deeply impact how the world perceives, converses with and hold expectations of people with a disability. This workshop will help individuals reframe their own perspectives about disability and provide concrete strategies to have better conversations with individuals, their families and support team about disability and difference. Speaker: Shona Casola. Sponsored by: Muskoka Family Network, Autism Ontario, Community Living Huntsville, HANDS and One Kids Place.

RSVP this workshop to: Carla O’Neill, leave message at 705-789-4543 x 268 or Email: [email protected]

Workshops/

Webinars

Workshops/

Webinars

Tuesday April 26th Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Webinar 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)


Understanding Your Legal Rights People with disabilities have the right to make their own decisions about issues that affect their lives. However, there are many circumstances in which this right is challenged. Individuals may be found to lack capacity to manage their own money and property, make their own decisions about medical treatment or other personal care matters, bring forward a legal action, or retain and instruct a lawyer. There are different legal processes to challenge findings of incapacity and many of these processes can be complex. Many people are surprised to learn that when a child with a disability reaches the age of majority (18), their parents are no longer their legal guardians. So how can parents protect the legal rights of their adult children? Is adult guardianship a viable alternative? What is the state of supported care in Ontario? You will learn: an understanding of the law in Ontario as it pertains to a person with a developmental disability; Legal instruments families have at their disposal and current issues associated with legal capacity in Ontario.

RSVP: Carla O’Neill at [email protected] or 705-789-4543 x 268

Life After High School Event Date: Thursday April 28th

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Huntsville High School Cafeteria, 58 Brunel Road, Huntsville

Information on community supports, services and activities for youth adults. This is in partnership with Community Living Huntsville and Huntsville High School and is our 10th year. 5:30—6:00 p.m.: P4P Planning Network Presentation: The P4P Planning Network provides families with helpful tools, information and expertise on a range of topics relevant to creating a good life. Come and learn about what they have to offer. 6:00—7:30 p.m.: Information Fair: Participants in this information Fair will include: Development Services Ontario; Ontario Disability Supports Program; Income Employment Supports; Passport Funding Initiative; Community Living Huntsville; Adult Protective Services; HANDS; Huntsville High School Transition Planning; Employment North; People First of Huntsville; Post Secondary Opportunities; BMO—Registered Disability Savings Plan; Special Olympics; Muskoka Family Network; Addiction Outreach; The Door and many more….

Workshops/

Webinars

Transition Times Are Difficult & Exhausting

Getting from A to B...again and again...Do your children like going out to play, to Early Years, gymnastics, hiking, school, etc? Then why is it such a struggle to encourage them to get ready to go? Join Community Living Staff and Muskoka Family Focus Parent Educators as they offer some ideas and strategies to make those transition times a little easier. We will also talk about child development and temperaments. No registration is required and if child care is need talk to Ontario Early Years Staff to arrange free childcare. Join us at an Ontario Early Years Centre this Spring as follows: Friday April 8th: St. Thomas Anglican Church, Bracebridge Wednesday April 20: Port Severn Wednesday April 27: Riverside Public School, Huntsville Thursday April 28: Baysville Arena Wednesday May 4: Port Sydney Community Centre Monday May 9: Mactier Arena Thursday May 12: Bala Community Centre Thursday May 19: Huntsville Active Learning Centre Friday May 20: Port Carling Community Centre Thursday May 26: St. James Anglican Church, Gravenhurst

Ideas for Parents of Youth 12—16 Register for one, two or all three evenings at 705-645-3027 and if looking for transportation contact Ginny at 705-645-3027 x 202 or website: www.muskokafamilyfocus.com. These run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Raising Responsible Teenagers: Help your teen to be more responsible and involved in your family. Tuesday May 10th at Gravenhurst Public School. Raising Competent Teenagers: Help your teen to be more competent, self disciplined and able to solve problems. Tuesday May 17th at Huntsville Public School. Getting Teenagers Connected: Help your teen get connected by encouraging them to be confident, plan ahead and meet their commitments. Tuesday May 31st at Bracebridge Public School.

Workshops/

Webinars

Ideas for Parents of Children Aged 2—12 Register for one, two or all three evenings at 705-645-3027 and if looking for transportation contact Ginny at 705-645-3027 x 202 or website: www.muskokafamilyfocus.com. These run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Power of Positive Parenting: Learn about the 5 key principles of positive parenting. Thursday April 14th at Huntsville Public School. Raising Confident, Competent Children: Discuss the 6 building blocks your child needs to succeed. Tuesday April 19th at Bracebridge Public School. Raising Resilient Children: Help your children cope with everyday feelings and stressful situations/events. Tuesday May 3rd at Gravenhurst Public School.

Nurturing Children’s Emotional Resilience (Inside Inside Out (movie)) Tuesday April 26th

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Parents Forum) Location: Liberty North Event Facility, 100 Caplan Avenue, Barrie

RSVP: https://barrie.snapd.com/#/events/view/917554 Inspired by Disney Pixars latest animated film Inside Out, this educational event will explore how parents can nurture emotional intelligence in children and in themselves.

Orillia Parenting LGBTQ Youth Workshop Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session Part One: Thursday April 21st Session Part Two: Thursday April 28th

RSVP: Katie Mobbs at [email protected] or 705-722-6778 x 107 This two-session series will guide discussions around parents can better support their LGBTQ youth. These workshops go well beyond providing information; they challenge stigma and stereotypes, create networking opportunities, and feature parent and youth guest speakers to share their stories.

Friday June 24th Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


Linking Up Self Advocate Network: Respect & Dignity Kory Earle, self advocate and president of People First Canada, has “dedicated my life advocating on behalf of others, whether they have a disability or not, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.”

Community Groups

Monthly Connections—Muskoka Family Network 1st Monday of the Month—April 4, May 2 & June 6

Please note the April 4th Meeting is Cancelled Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: VK Greer Memorial Public School, Utterson, ON

PFLAG Canada—Muskoka, ON

2nd Wednesday of Each Month at 7:00 p.m. Contact [email protected] for meeting place

Tourette Syndrome Group—Muskoka, ON

Contact: Shawn Forth [email protected]

All Abilities Dance Troupe

2nd Friday of Each Month Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Trinity United Church, Huntsville, ON Contact: Andrea Johnston at [email protected]

Huntsville Peer Youth Tutoring Club

Contact: Pam Bibby at 705-224-0856

Tutoring Group—Bracebridge/Gravenhurst

Contact: 705-645-2412 x 308

Dads ‘n Kids of Muskoka

Last weekend of every month at the Gravenhurst YMCA For More Information: 705-687-9899

Or check out website: ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca

Sibshops

Date: Friday April 15th, Siblings age 8—13 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Bracebridge United Church, Basement Aud at 46 Dominion Street RSVP: Meghann Gould at 705-706-2142 or [email protected]

Sibshops are best described as a recreation based support group for SIBLINGS of children with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs can be both challenging and rewarding for siblings and Sibshops offers an opportunity for sharing and connecting with peers who “get it”. The Sibshop model intersperses information and discussion activities with games (designed to be unique, off beat, and appealing to a wide ability range), food and fun.

Saturday March 26th Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: Huntsville Public School, Huntsville

Sunday March 27th

Nutty Chocolatier Easter egg hunt Time:12:00 pm-1:00 pm

Location: Muskoka Heritage Place Free Admission

Saturday April 2nd Batman vs. Superman Movie

Sponsored by Autism Ontario - for families with children with ASD Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Norwood Theatre, Bracebridge, ON Register: http://batmansupermanbracebridge.eventbrite.ca

FYI: Andrea Armstrong at 706-929-9670 or [email protected]

Monday April 4th Autism Ontario—World Autism Awareness Day

Flag Raising Ceremonies Port Carling: 9:00 a.m.: 1 Bailey Street

Bracebridge: 10:00 a.m.: 1000 Taylor Court Gravenhurst: 11:00 a.m.: 5 Pineridge Court #3

Huntsville: 10:00 a.m.: 37 Main Street East Dwight: 1:00 p.m.: 1012 Dwight Beach Road

Parry Sound: 1:40 p.m.: 52 Seguin Street

Attend a flag raising ceremony to show support for individuals with autism and their families!

Dads ‘n Kids Muskoka Activities Lost World Reptiles: Meet and touch snakes, lizards, turtles and even an alligator! Saturday April 16th at 10:30—11:30 a.m. at Huntsville Public School, Huntsville Great Moose Adventures: Learning Through Adventure. Saturday April 23rd at 10:30—11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas, Bracebridge Nature Discovery Walks: Saturday May 7th at 10:30—11:30 a.m. at Riverside Public School; Saturday May 28th at 10:30—11:30 a.m. at Morrison Meadows, Bracebridge

Activities in our Community


March 14—April 23

Muskoka Maple Festival Trail Website: http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/muskoka-maple-festival

Saturday April 23 Muskoka Maple Festival Time: 9:00 am– 4:00 pm

Location: Downtown Huntsville All day pancake breakfast, arts and crafts. Vendors,

Live fiddler music, maple inspired cuisine, chainsaw carving, family activity zone

Saturday May 22nd Exploding Colour Run

Time: 1:30 pm registration 2:00 pm start time

BBQ: 4:00 pm– 5:00 pm Location: Camp Widjiitiwin, Port Sydney

Questions? Email: [email protected] (519) 479-0554

Also they are looking for volunteers at the color stations, they will need 4—6 people at each station to throw the color.

Great Moose Adventures Check out their website: www.greatmooseadventures.com

They are offering summer and residential camps; canoe trips; yoga classes and retreats; spring feat; on the trail; wilderness and remote first aid; nature preschool, in the kitchen;

next homeschool program and birthday parties

July 2016 YWCA Girlspace Camp for Girls age 12—16: Build your leadership skills. Share. Grow. Make a difference.

Opportunity to volunteer as a peer mentor in Girlz Unplugged Summer Programs. Dates: July 4—8 in Bracebridge; July 11—15 in Huntsville

YWCA Girlz Unplugged for Girls age 9—11: What makes you awesome? How do you achieve your dreams? How do you nurture your community? Join us as we explore and have fun together through crafts, games,

creative writing and outdoor activities. Dates: July 18—22 in Bracebridge; July 25—29 in Huntsville

Registration starts Monday April 4 at www.ywcamuskoka.com or 705-645-9827

August 2016 The Urban Slide – Huntsville

Saturday August 27th

Time: 10:00 am– 7:00 pm

Location: 37 Main Street East

Single slide- $10; Triple slide- $25; All day slide pass- $40 ; Family Pass 3 Slide $100; Family Pass All day $150

The Urban Slide is literally the best time ever! Proudly brought to you by 365 Sports, a 100% Canadian owned and operated company that focuses on fun and customer experience. Join us for 1000 feet of slippery

awesomeness this summer.

Online registration is discounted from the day of cost so registering now will save you some moulah! Kids 5 and up can participate in the event as long as they are 44" tall. We will have music, beer garden, food and bev available along with other fun activities and games. Parking is 10.00 so carpool if you can.

You can purchase custom designed Tubes, Surfboards and Towels to enhance your experience now and pick them up at the event when you check in. Less to carry and more to slide on:)

AVAILABLE TIME SLOTS ARE: 10am - 1 pm 1pm - 4pm 4pm - 7pm All Day Pass

Registration: https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/urban-slide---huntsville-huntsville-august-11803


Miscellaneous

Free Dental Program for Children: For more information go to Ontario.ca/healthysmiles.ca or 1-844-296-6306 YWCA Womens Programs and Getting Ahead, check out www.ywcamuskoka.ca FAST: Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics has partnered with Santa’s Village to give you 46% off your admission, simply go to www.santasvillage.ca/fast and enter the promo code fast2016. Muskoka Fresh Baskets: Veggie and Fruit Baskets for purchase. $20 individual or $25.00 family, delivered once per month. Check out http://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/community-and-social-services/Fresh-Food-Baskets.aspx for schedule. A New Start.ca: A New Start through education, check out the website at www.anewstart.ca for adults 19 and older. This is located in Huntsville and Gravenhurst. Table Food Soup Kitchen: Offer free and minimal cost cooking class. Check out their schedule on www.thetablesoupkitchen.com Muskoka Extended Transit: Call 1-844-440-6387 or online www.muskokacommunity.ca under “Key Initiatives” for more information. They travel from Dorset to Huntsville; Baysville to Huntsville; Severn Bridge to Gravenhurst; Glen Orchard to Gravenhurst; Vankoughnet to Bracebridge; Mactier to Bracebridge and Honey Harbour to Midland. Cost is Adults $3.00 one way, $5.00 return; Teens 13—18 $2.00; Children under 12 $1.00 and Preschoolers are free.

Our “Connections” Radio Show is on Hunters Bay Radio 88.7 FM or muskokaonline.com on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

March 30th: Guest is Shona Casola. For more information about this guest, go to workshop information on April 16th April 20th: Guest is Jill Klodnicki from Huntsville High School. Topic: Life After High School. For More information, go to Workshops information on April 28th May 11th: Guest is Shirley Sutton, Occupational Therapist. Topic: Sensory Processing Disorder June 1st: Guest is Steve White, Psychologist with HANDS The Family Help Network

Radio Show Schedule

Contact: Muskoka Family Network

Carla O’Neill

Email: [email protected]

Messages: 705-789-4543 x 268

Facebook Page: Muskoka Family Network

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