Parent Educational Workshop Series - Fall 2026
Navigating the Journey Together:
From diagnosis to empowerment — tools, knowledge, and community for every step
This workshop series is designed for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Whether you're navigating services for the first time, seeking to better understand your child's unique strengths or looking for ways to support your own wellness, this series offers practical guidance, expert insight and a compassionate space to connect. Our parent workshops
aim to
empower parents with knowledge, tools, and emotional support as they navigate diagnosis, services, and family life. Each session includes a 40–45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A. We can’t wait to see you there!
Dates:
Sept 21
Sept 22
Sept 23
Sept 24
Sept 25
Sept 28
Sept 29
Oct 1
Oct 2
Register
Registration is open until September 11th.
Topics are as follows:
Understanding Your Child on the Spectrum
September 21, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Ealu Li, OT Reg. (Ont.)., March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Autism education
This introductory workshop is designed for caregivers who want to build a strong, compassionate foundation for understanding and supporting their autistic child. We’ll explore common characteristics of autism to help you better understand how your child may experience the world. By learning to recognize these traits through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, you’ll gain insight into your child’s needs, strengths, and unique ways of connecting.
Key Topics:
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Sensory Processing Basics: What does it mean when a child is overwhelmed by sound, avoids touch, or seeks movement? Learn what sensory processing is and how sensory differences affect regulation and behaviour.
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Communication Styles: Explore the many ways children communicate – beyond spoken language – and how to encourage functional communication.
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Behaviour: Begin to reframe behavior not as something to “fix,” but as a meaningful form of communication. Understand what your child might be telling you through their actions.
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Supporting Your Child: Discover affirming strategies to meet your child where they are, foster connection, and create environments that feel safe and supportive.
Every Opportunity Counts- Meeting Your Child Where They Are At
September 22, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Danielle Baumann, OT Reg. (Ont.), March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Empathy and connection
This 60-minute virtual workshop empowers parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s behaviors through the lens of empathy and connection. Grounded in the principles of responsive caregiving, the session explores how small, intentional adjustments can make a big impact—especially during challenging moments.
Key Topics:
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Interpretation: Learn ways to interpret your child’s behaviors with empathy.
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Meeting Needs: Discover the benefits of meeting your child where they're at.
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Emotional Connection: Learn strategies to build and sustain emotional connection.
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Responsive Caregiving: Explore ways of practicing responsive caregiving, including a case example.
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Parenting Confidence: Reflect on how adjusting your “sails” can help navigate parenting with more confidence and care.
The Home Sensory Toolkit- Sensory Processing 101
September 23, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Sara Kurniadi, OT Reg. (Ont)., March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Sensory education
Join us for an informative workshop designed to help parents better understand sensory processing and how it impacts daily life. We will review the basics of sensory processing, explore how sensory needs may present in children, and discuss the benefits of having a dedicated sensory space at home. Participants will learn practical strategies for designing a sensory-friendly environment, including ideas for sensory tools, calming supports, movement opportunities, and ways to tailor a space to their child’s unique needs. Leave with simple, realistic ideas you can implement at home to support regulation, engagement, and well-being.
Key Topics:
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Sensory Basics: Learn the basics of sensory processing and how it influences children's daily experiences and behaviors.
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Sensory Presentation: Understand how sensory needs may present in children across different environments and activities.
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Sensory Spaces: Explore the benefits of creating a dedicated sensory space at home to support regulation and comfort.
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Designing Environments: Discover practical strategies for designing a sensory-friendly environment tailored to your child's needs.
Financial Supports and Disability- Related Benefits in Canada
September 24, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Amanda Mackenzie, National Director, Public Affairs, Advocacy and Strategic Communication, March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Financial literacy
Are you a parent or caregiver who is new to the world of disability supports and services in Canada? Join us for an informative and welcoming workshop designed to help families understand the financial resources available to support children with disabilities. This session will introduce key programs such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), Canada Child Benefit Disability Supplement (CCBDS) and other federal and provincial benefits that can help ease financial pressures and support your child’s future.
Key Topics:
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Eligibility: Who qualifies and how to determine eligibility.
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Application Process: Guidance on how to apply.
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Navigating Challenges: Tips for navigating paperwork and common challenges.
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Resource Maximization: Strategies to make the most of available resources.
This workshop is especially helpful for families who are just beginning their journey and may be feeling overwhelmed by the system. You’ll gain practical knowledge, helpful tools, and the confidence to take the next steps in securing financial support for your child. There will also be time for questions, discussion, and sharing experiences with other families who are on a similar path.
Your Child Has Been Diagnosed—What’s Next?
September 25, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Mary Rose Hackbart, OT Reg. (Ont)., Senior Manager- Skills Development and Employment, March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Service navigation
Receiving a new diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming, and understanding what comes next is often the most challenging part. This practical workshop is designed to support families who are just beginning their journey. Whether your child has received a diagnosis related to developmental, physical, or mental health needs, this session will help you take the first steps with confidence.
Key Topics:
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Accessing Services: Learn how to find and connect with local health, education, and community-based services across Ontario.
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Waitlists: Get clear information on how waitlists work, what to expect, and how to stay informed while you wait.
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Advocacy: Discover practical strategies for communicating with service providers, schools, and healthcare professionals to ensure your child’s needs are met.
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Systems Navigation: Gain insight into how Ontario’s health, education, and social systems intersect—and how to work within them effectively.
This session is ideal for parents and caregivers who are new to the world of diagnoses and looking for guidance, clarity, and connection. You’ll leave with tools, resources, and a better understanding of how to advocate for your child and access the supports they deserve.
Tech- Savvy Parenting: Supporting Youth in a Digital World- 3 Part Series
September 28, October 1, and October 2, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Samantha Del Greco, Juliana Pivaro, Bernice Karuza, March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Technology education for parents
This comprehensive 3-part series is designed to equip parents with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising children in today's digital world. Join specialists from March of Dimes Canada to learn practical strategies for fostering a safe, healthy, and positive digital environment at home.
Key Topics:
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Part 1: Ages + Stages, Screen Time, and Parental Controls (Sept 28): Learn the essentials of raising children, how technology needs change through developmental stages, healthy screen time habits, and how to use parental controls to support safe online experiences.
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Part 2: Cyberbullying, Grooming, and Sexting/Sharing (Oct 1): Gain the knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to online safety concerns, identify warning signs, have age-appropriate conversations, and promote healthy digital relationships built on trust and safety.
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Part 3: Gaming and Social Media (Oct 2): Discover how gaming and social media can positively influence children's lives while understanding the potential risks, exploring popular platforms, privacy settings, and digital citizenship.
AccessOAP- What you need to know!
September 29, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Ishanee Jahagirdar, Asma Mohamed, Jennifer Haynes, AccessOAP
Focus: Ontario Autism Program- Funding
Please join us to learn how AccessOAP can support children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families. During this workshop, you will learn more about AccessOAP, the independent intake organization for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). AccessOAP assists families by handling key functions like intake, registration, service navigation, and family support. AccessOAP also helps families explore service options and navigate support within the OAP and resources in their local community.
Introduction to Recreation Therapy: Supporting Children Through Meaningful Recreation
September 29, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Presenter: Vivian Lam, RT, March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Recreation Therapy for children with disabilities
Join us for an informative parent workshop introducing Recreation Therapy (RT) and its role in supporting growth, development, and well-being. Recreation Therapy uses play, leisure, recreation, and community-based activities to help children build skills, increase independence, and enhance their quality of life in a fun and engaging way.
During this workshop, caregivers will learn how Recreational Therapy can support children and youth with varying needs and abilities. We will explore how recreational therapy can help individuals develop social connections, communication skills, emotional regulation, self-confidence, life-long leisure skills, and community participation while fostering their unique strengths and interests.
This session will provide an overview of Recreation Therapy practices, practical examples of therapeutic recreation activities, and strategies that can be used to encourage meaningful leisure and play experiences. Caregivers will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how therapeutic recreation can be a powerful tool for helping children thrive, build resilience, and experience success in everyday life. In addition, caregivers will gain a deeper understanding of how Recreation Therapy differs from other therapeutic disciplines and how leisure can be intentionally used to support skill development, independence, participation, and overall well-being. Join us to discover how meaningful recreation can create opportunities for growth, connection, and lifelong enjoyment while supporting children and youth in reaching their fullest potential.
Advocacy 101 for Parents/Caregivers
October 1, 2026, 2:00pm - 3:00pm ET
Presenter: Gift Tshuma - Advocacy Specialist, March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Basics of Advocacy
This workshop introduces the foundations of advocacy, including how to identify the right decision-makers, share a compelling story, and make a clear, focused ask for change. Participants will learn practical strategies for preparing for meetings, communicating effectively, and following up in ways that help build momentum toward a more inclusive and barrier-free society. For parents, this workshop offers practical examples of how to advocate for their children or loved ones with disabilities, including how to navigate systems that they interact with every day; communicate needs clearly; build confidence when speaking with professionals; and support meaningful inclusion, accessibility, and self-advocacy over time.
Finding Balance and Building Resilience- Supporting Yourself While Supporting Your Child
October 1, 2026, 1:30pm - 2:30pm ET
Presenter: Sabrina Pacheco, Director, Skills Development and Employment, March of Dimes Canada
Focus: Parent wellness and resilience
This workshop is designed for parents who have recently learned that their child/youth has been diagnosed with autism and/or a dual diagnosis. It offers practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and finding balance while navigating the emotional and logistical challenges that often accompany a new diagnosis. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own needs, strengths, and support systems, while learning tools to care for themselves as they care for their child. The session fosters a sense of community and connection, creating space for shared experiences, mutual encouragement, and personal growth.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or seeking new ways to cope and thrive, this workshop provides a compassionate and empowering environment to support you every step of the way.
Register
Registration is open until September 11th.
