August 2026

 

News and Information

August Days of Significance

 

Calling all CTN Kids and Youth! Submit your video by August 31st to take part in a special land acknowledgement video

We’re creating a special land acknowledgement video that represents the diverse kids, youth and families we serve and advances our commitment to truth and reconciliation. Families are invited to record their child reading CTN’s Land Acknowledgement and submit their video.



We welcome kids of all abilities and communication styles! Communication devices, verbal speech, sign language or any kinds of communication are welcome. If a child prefers to submit a video of themselves enjoying a favourite activity that celebrates and connects them to the land where they live, learn and play, we would love to see it. Caregiver voices are welcome too! Learn more and submit your video by August 31, 2026, on our website.

 

Share your feedback and help create a vibrant community where all kids, youth and families belong

CTN is looking for family members of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, languages and abilities to help review training materials and share feedback.

 

If you are a family member of a child with a disability and/or developmental need, your perspective can help shape training that supports more equitable, inclusive and accessible services for kids, youth and families. Translation of training packages is available. No special knowledge is needed — just a willingness to share your perspectives.

 

What’s involved? Participation is flexible.

  • You can choose how many training packages to review from Sept. to Dec. 2026
  • Each package takes about 45 minutes to review
  • Complete a 10-minute survey after each review
  • Complete one 20-minute survey at the end of the project
  • Participants will receive an honorarium for their time.

Online Self-Regulation Parenting Course

Do you want to learn more about self-regulation in kids? This Shanker Self-Reg Parenting Course will provide a unique opportunity for parents and caregivers to consider the roots of behaviour, learning, motivation and social challenges in kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs. This online course is free of charge and will take place on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Course runs September 21st to October 26th.

 

Let's Make Music! Register for a Music Therapy Group Series this Summer

Join CTN for a new group music therapy series! Families will move, play, sing and explore sounds with your child in a fun and interactive setting. The series is led by our CTN Child and Family Wellness Program Coordinator and Music Therapist.


York Region Group


Simcoe County Group


Music therapy helps kids with their communication, motor, play and social skills. It supports your child’s emotion regulation in an engaging and inclusive way.

Upcoming Events and Webinars

basketball_wood_floor.jpg

Try-it Basketball in Woodbridge

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.


Kids and youth ages six to 16 can try basketball with ACO Basketball Collective. This event will introduce basketball drills and skills.

Introduction to Pickleball in Barrie

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.



Join CTN at Pickleplex for an introduction to Pickleball as part of our summer sport series. Two sessions available for kids ages 9 and up.

Sportball Try-it Day in Richmond Hill

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Come and learn about the sport of soccer and t-ball! Join an outdoor, non-competitive sport activity at the park for kids ages 4 to 12.

Sibshop Hang in Barrie: STEM Activities & Pizza

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026

from 5 to 7 p.m.


Meet new sibs and reunite with others! This Sibshop includes a STEM activity by RoboThink and some fun and sibling related discussions. Dinner is provided.

Lunch 'n' Learn: All About Education Plans Webinar

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 from 12 to 1 p.m.


Join CTN and YSSN for a webinar that provides families of kids with autism and/or developmental disabilities with information to support their child’s educational journey.

Family Webinar: All About Respite

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

from 12 to 1 p.m.


Join Family Peer Mentor, Cindy Hartman and Bridge Coordinator, Ariela Koldorf from YSSN for this impactful webinar about respite and caregiver burnout.

 

Attend a Wellness in the Woods Event!

Kids, youth and families can join us for accessible wellness walks in the woods! Each walk is about an hour with the option for families to stay after to connect and socialize with others. Come out to enjoy some time in nature as a family and meet others in the community! Families can contact CTN's Equipment Loan Program for accessible gear for their child during Wellness in the Woods or any time they are using trails.

Upcoming Wellness in the Woods Events

Simcoe County

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

at 1 p.m.

Scanlon Creek Conservation Area

(2450 9 Line, Bradford, ON)

York Region

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

at 10 a.m.

York Regional Forest North Tract, 17054 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

CTN's Network Calendar

Our network calendar features events hosted by CTN, our partner organizations and other local community agencies that may be of interest to your family. New workshops, programs and events are added each week. Visit the calendar on our website for more events!

Resources

 

CTN Caregiver Day at Sherwood Farm Retreat

On October 1st, join us for a day dedicated to caregivers! Take time to rest, reflect and recharge by connecting with other caregivers and focusing on your own well-being. Enjoy a light breakfast, creative expression through group art, lunch, guided meditation and reflective journaling alongside horses at the farm and a peaceful nature walk. Come as you are and leave feeling refreshed, connected and cared for.

 

New Video Series – Ready, Set, Go! Simple Speech Tips For Kids 

Watch Ready, Set, Go! Simple Speech Tips for Kids, a new video series that provides families and caregivers with tips and strategies to develop their child’s communication skills. The videos feature Speech-Language Pathologists and Communication Disorders Assistants from across CTN’s service providers who aim to build an understanding of positive communication development, bust common myths and help kids feel more confident when they talk. The series includes 24 short videos for families and caregivers to support speech development and therapy readiness at home, with ideas on how to use these strategies in everyday routines. 

FRESH Facebook Group

Our Family Resource, Education and Support Hub (FRESH) Facebook Group is a dedicated platform for parents, caregivers and guardians of all kids and youth accessing services and support through CTN. It creates an online community where families can connect. Read more on our website.

Caregiver Video Series

Our four-part Caring for the Caregiver video series provides caregivers with skills and strategies that can be used in their day-to-day lives. Videos can be watched at your own viewing pace, individually or as part of the series. Learn more and watch the videos on our website.

All About Respite Video

This video explores the challenges unpaid caregivers face and the power of taking a break through respite care. Hear real stories from caregivers and discover tools, supports and why taking a break is essential to your well-being. Watch the video on our website.

CTN supports kids, youth and families by focusing on CanChild's framework of the F-words for Child Development. Every child with varying abilities has the right to have fun, enjoy friends, function as they are, access fitness, plan for their future and join in on family activities.

Connect is a monthly newsletter for families of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and the service providers who support them. If you want to share feedback, have story ideas or want to volunteer to write an article, please email info@ctnsy.ca.

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Better Together: A vibrant community where all kids, youth and families belong.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Content may change without notice and we are not liable for any reliance on this information. While we strive to keep information current, we make no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy, completeness, quality, timeliness, or suitability and assume no obligation to update the content. The views expressed are those of the Children’s Treatment Network and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario.

 
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