Windsor-Essex Family Network

11/22/2025

Educators and Early Learning Professionals - fill out our survey by November 24, 2025 to be entered in a draw for a $50 gift card https://forms.gle/XDc8aunJBg36KK239
Chasing Hazel Foundation
Community Living Windsor

11/19/2025

Wake Up Wednesday!

I'm Faith, The Inclusion and Social Justice Coordinator here at WEFN and today I'm so excited to discuss someone who consults with companies to advocate for people with disabilities to be thought of in the creation of certain products or campaigns.

Today, I'll be highlighting motivational speaker & disability advocate Bean Gill.

Bean became a part of the disability community when she was on a vacation with her friends, and suddenly, her whole world would shift to being paralyzed from the waist down and not being able to use her legs from an unknown virus.

Since her injury in 2012, Bean has used a wheelchair to travel and to advocate for disability

Personally, it was interesting for me to learn about Bean and her story because she is someone who went from believing stereotypes about people with disabilities to being someone who champions for disability inclusion and representation.

Through her motivational speaking, she has empowered other people to be more confident in themselves. She is visible representation of what can be possible for younger generations to feel seen and understood.

I hope that you enjoyed learning a little bit about Bean because I can promise you that this has showed only a quarter of who she is. Next week, I will be coming back to discuss a someone who uses her social media to advocate for visibility of disability in media.

11/18/2025

GivingTuesday is almost here, and we’re celebrating the spirit of generosity with an ! 💖

Show your support by sharing a picture! Tag it with , , and , then post it on social media to spread kindness and inspire others to give back. 🌍✨

Let’s make a difference together!

Every amount makes a difference. 💫 Make an impact! Donate at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/windsor-essex-family-network/

11/17/2025

🌟 IEPs Unpacked: What It Really Says & What You Can Ask For 🌟

Feeling overwhelmed by your child’s IEP? Wondering what all the language actually means — or what you can request to support your child’s success?

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Join us for a small, supportive discussion night designed specifically for families of students with IEPs or special education needs.
Together, we’ll break down real IEPs (yes, bring yours!), highlight what matters, and talk through how to advocate for meaningful supports.

💡 What you’ll get:
✔️ A clearer understanding of what’s in your child’s IEP
✔️ Language you can use when you’re unsure what to ask for
✔️ A safe space to ask questions
✔️ Connection with families navigating similar experiences

📅 Tuesday, November 18, 2025
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 7025 Enterprise Way, Windsor
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/56ePRQwSW8M39cU6A

Space is limited — grab your spot and feel more confident walking into your next school meeting.
✨ Bring your IEP and your highlighter!

11/17/2025

On Saturday November 8, 2025 - 16 youth (ages 14-29 years) participated in WEFN's first Youth Day - Lead the Change. Thanks to Nicole Canzoneri and Community Living Ontario for partnering with us and leading the learning about how to build inclusive spaces and how to become a good leader.

11/16/2025

Still a few spots left for parents/guardians who have children/youth with IEP's. Bring your students IEP, behaviour plans etc and as a small group we will talk about how you can bring feedback and suggestions back to the school team.

Join our small parent group - register at https://forms.gle/4886M7Bghpu24MdB9

11/12/2025

Wake Up Wednesday!

I'm Faith, The Inclusion and Social Justice Coordinator at WEFN and today I'll be talking about self advocate, author and pioneer for people with intellectual disabilities, Micah Fialka-Feldman.

Micah has used his own stories of what life has been like living with an intellectual disability to help find community and advocate for disability rights to be heard and validated.

Micah's family has always taught him that he has the right to be included. His family has raised him with the strong belief that Micah should advocate for himself to be included regardless of his disability.

In 2007, He would be most known for advocating for his rights as a student when he would be denied the chance to live in the dorms with the rest of his fellow classmates.

In 2009, Micha would eventually win his lawsuit against the University for violating his rights. Now, he is a teaching assistant at Syracuse University.

He wrote and published a book called, Opening Doors, which is a series of essays from his own life, and in his own words. His mother, Janice, has also written a book called What Matters-Reflections on Disability. (We have Janice's book incase you'd like to check it out).

I enjoyed learning more about Micah's story and hearing the family dynamics because it was very clear to me that he grew up in an incredible environment that wanted to encourage him to learn and try new things.

It was really helpful being able to learn more about Micah because I learned so much about his story and how he advocates for himself when being faced with discrimination. He has reminded me how important it is to advocate for ourselves and to use our voices to be included.

Next week, I'm excited to coming back and discuss a disability advocate who is someone that does public speaking engagements about disability. She also spends most of her time consulting with companies to figure out how they can be more inclusive and reach bigger audiences.

11/05/2025

Wake Up Wednesday! I'm Faith, The Inclusion and Social Justice Coordinator at WEFN and today I'll be discussing disability advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, Paul Young.

Paul has had a lot of experience first hand that come from being segregated in schools and he knew that he didn't want anyone else to feel excluded. It wasn't until he was 20 that he was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

He developed a passion for radio, and eventually, he would work for CBC before working at People First of Nova Scotia in 1998. This is where he realized his passion for motivational speaking and consulting on disability.

He once said, "You don't know if your touching people or not, but if you've touched one person in one presentation, you've been a success." This is something that speaks to me because it shows that he truly wanted to make a positive impact.

I'm excited to come back next week to discuss someone who has helped families and people outside of the disability community to have a better understanding about intellectual disabilities. He is someone who works to dismantle the stereotypes that are constantly put on adults with intellectual disabilities.

11/04/2025

This , we’re joining a global movement of generosity! Your support helps families and people with disabilities build everyday lives full of possibility. Every gift makes a difference. 💫 Make an impact! Donate at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/windsor-essex-family-network/

11/03/2025

🌈 Help Us Build Our “We All Belong” Inclusion Kits! 🌍

Are you an educator, early learning professional, or a community leader working with children and youth? We want your voice! 💬

With the help of , and Chasing Hazel Foundation - We’re creating Inclusion Kits to help make classrooms and community spaces more welcoming, and your input will help shape what’s inside.

📝 Fill out our quick questionnaire by November 24 and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card!

Let’s work together to ensure every child knows they belong. 💖

👉 https://forms.gle/A5znAgYuHN6yJ48n8 - English

https://forms.gle/Ph5j2hbhA6XzuKUZ7 - French

Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board
Greater Essex County District School Board