KidsAbility Centre for Child Development

03/21/2026

Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, we join the global community in celebrating the individuality, strengths, and contributions of people with Down Syndrome.

This year’s theme, “Together Against Loneliness,” highlights the importance of meaningful connection, belonging, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

At KidsAbility, we’re proud to support children and youth with services that help nurture communication, development, independence, and participation in ways that honour each person’s unique strengths.

Thank you to the families, caregivers, educators, and community members who help create spaces where everyone feels welcomed and included.

Learn more at: https://cdss.ca/

03/20/2026

Thank you to Rotary of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler, Rotary of Guelph Trillium, and Rotary of Fergus-Elora for Hosting KidsAbility this past month!

These community partnerships are ones that we continue to support and stay connected with.

Each opportunity to meet new members, remain connected with current members, and share upcoming centre initiatives, program developments, and exciting events is incredibly important for our team and organization.

We are proud of our history, our inception, and our local founders’ deep-hearted contributions that make our community stronger by coming together for kids.

A special thank you to all of our local clubs:
🔹 Kitchener Rotary
🔹 Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora
🔹 Rotary Waterloo
🔹 Rotaract Club of Waterloo Region
🔹 Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount
🔹 Rotary Club of Kitchener Grand River
🔹 Rotary Club of Guelph
🔹 Rotary Club of Guelph South
🔹 Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium
🔹 Rotaract Club of Guelph
🔹 Rotary Club of Cambridge (Preston & Hespeler)
🔹 Rotary Club of Kitchener Conestoga
🔹 Rotary Cambridge Sunrise
🔹 Rotary Club of Cambridge Sunset

Learn more about our history and the important contributions of our local Rotary clubs throughout the years by visiting: kidsability.ca/about-us/who-we-are/our-history

03/19/2026

Many children do their best when routines include shared control, clear options, and time to process. Offering two simple, meaningful choices can make everyday moments feel safer and more accessible, whether your child communicates with words, pictures, devices, or gestures.

This week’s Therapy Tip shows how choice‑making can:
💛 Reduce power struggles while honouring your child’s autonomy
💛 Support sensory, motor, and communication differences with visuals and extra time
💛 Keep expectations clear while giving your child a voice in how things happen

You’ll find gentle scripts and adaptable examples you can tailor to your child’s strengths, preferences, and comfort level.

Swipe to explore how small, supported choices can build confidence and make daily transitions more predictable.

03/19/2026

Understanding and Supporting Emotional Regulation 💙

Learn how to recognize signs of dysregulation and use that knowledge to proactively support your child back to a regulated state. Our team will also share strategies to help your child develop self-regulation skills, fostering independence in managing emotions.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: In-person- KidsAbility Kitchener - 4273 King St. E., Unit B, Kitchener

Register online to reserve your spot: https://ow.ly/zv4U50XLCOL

03/16/2026

KidsAbility is hosting a supportive and informative lunch‑and‑learn designed for caregivers who may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure how to prioritize their own well‑being. In collaboration with our social work team, this session explores compassionate self‑care and offers realistic strategies to help reduce burnout and support your emotional health while caring for a loved one with ASD.

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Virtual

To register for the workshop, please use the Teams Webinar Link: 0ba73eaa-d1fb-4436-8b3a-4ce6368da38d@e8b5d86f-23b0-4067-8922-2922044547cd" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0ba73eaa-d1fb-4436-8b3a-4ce6368da38d@e8b5d86f-23b0-4067-8922-2922044547cd

03/16/2026

This week, from March 16 to March 20, we’re recognizing Neurodiversity Celebration Week by acknowledging the many ways children and youth think, learn, and experience the world.

KidsAbility offers a range of supports for neurodivergent children and their families, including our Parent & Caregiver Resources Hub, the Resource Centre with over 6,000 borrowable tools and materials, and specialized programs..

To learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week and explore additional educational materials, activities, and stories, visit the official website at www.neurodiversityweek.com

We’re proud to support inclusive spaces where every child’s strengths are recognized and valued.

03/13/2026

Don’t miss your chance to attend the 15th annual Grand Taste event by Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora!

03/13/2026

These wrestlers have the biggest heart for KidsAbility! ❤️

Slamdemonium II is Saturday, May 23rd featuring talent that have competed in WWE, ECW, NWA, TNA, NXT, ROH and MLW. Rhino, Shannon Moore, Eric Young, Soultaker, Tyler Bateman, CW Anderson, Brock Anderson, Big Mama and all your favourite OTR talent (plus some new faces from OTR) all from the Dom Cardillo Arena at the Kitchener Auditorium.

More information in the coming days with ticket on sale dates, pricing and availability.

This is event is a fundraiser for KidsAbility Centre for Child Development . All net proceeds will be donated!

Be there for a historic night for OTR and Independent Wrestling.

Big thanks to our great sponsors!

Deryck West, Desjardins Insurance Agent Good Time Games Pixel Bell Graphix

03/13/2026

KidsAbility invites you to a practical and engaging workshop that explores mealtime challenges from a behavioral perspective. Learn strategies to support positive mealtime routines, introduce new foods, and understand how behavior plays a role at the table. A great session for parents, caregivers, and professionals looking to improve mealtime experiences.

📅 Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Virtual

To register for the workshop, please use the Teams Webinar Link: https://ow.ly/HHbY50YsjOA

03/12/2026

Some everyday tasks can feel overwhelming for children, especially when they involve several steps at once.

Breaking things down into smaller, clear actions gives children a starting point and helps them move through routines with more confidence.

This week we're sharing simple ways to create step‑by‑step guidance that supports independence, reduces stress, and celebrates progress in a way that honours each child’s pace.

Swipe for practical examples you can use at home ➡️

03/11/2026

Join us for our April–June 2026 Foundational Family Services (FFS) workshops! 🌟

From mealtime strategies and toileting readiness to building routines, understanding behaviour, and supporting caregiver well‑being, KidsAbility is here to help you strengthen skills, deepen understanding, and feel confident in your family’s journey. Whether you prefer virtual learning or in‑person connection, there’s something for every caregiver.

Registration priority will be given to families with an Ontario Autism Program (OAP) number.

Register for a workshop under “FFS Workshops”: https://linktr.ee/kidsability.