Latest News – MB FASD Coalition

Posted: October 27, 2020 by Shannon Foster

Are you a parent of a child or youth with a disability?

The Manitoba Advocate, Daphne Penrose, is inviting parents and guardians of children and youth with disabilities to participate in a new survey. Responses will be collected online until November 8 and will be used to inform policy recommendations made to government in the year ahead. Since her mandate legally expanded to disability services in 2018, Penrose has heard several stories from families who are unsatisfied with both the quantity and quality of disability services available in Manitoba.

“For many children with disabilities, their parents and caregivers are their most active and vocal advocates and many have tried relentlessly and with much creativity to pull in services that will meet their child’s needs,” Penrose said. “I’m inviting all parents and caregivers to share their stories with me about what is working well and what must be changed so we can see systems improve and all children supported and flourishing.”

Our website also has additional information about the survey and our upcoming report: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/manitoba-advocate-launches-survey-for-parents-and-caregivers-of-children-and-youth-with-disabilities/#more-35340

Please feel free to share this information widely. I’ve attached a poster to this email that can be shared with parents via email and on your social media accounts. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions and follow us on social media for updates:

Twitter: @MB_Advocate

Instagram: @manitobaadvocate

Facebook: facebook.com/Ma nitob aAdvocate

YouTube: youtube .com/ManitobaAdvocate

Posted: October 23, 2020 by Shannon Foster

Take a Look!

The FASD Network of Saskatchewan is offering a safe group for queer or questioning youth and allies with FASD to meet new friends and have fun while discussing topics such as safer sex, gender identities, healthy relationships, sexuality and more!

Join them as they celebrate inclusivity and diversity in a safe and accepting environment! Every month on the Fourth Tuesday
Oct 27, 2020 05:00 PM
Nov 24, 2020 05:00 PM
Dec 22, 2020 05:00 PM
Jan 26, 2021 05:00 PM
Feb 23, 2021 05:00 PM

Simply use the Zoom Meeting link below!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87157346501

Last Updated: October 19, 2020 by MB FASD Coalition

Looking After Each Other Vitual Gathering Sept. 30th Draw Winners

Congratulations to the following Virtual Gathering attendees who will all receive a $50 Mastercard gift card for joining us for our first virtual Gathering: Cindy Buher, Devra Buher, Jennifer Burns, Nelson James, Robert Jeffrey, Stefanie Narvey, Cari-Ann Nickels, Sherisse Picklyk Dear, Emma Rafferty. Congratulations to all of you!

Join us for our second virtual Gathering this Wednesday, October 21st from 1 – 3 p.m. Please see the events page of our website for registration information.

Last Updated: October 13, 2020 by Shannon Foster

U of A researchers harness the power of artificial intelligence to help families living with neurodevelopmental disabilities

And you can help to make it helpful to Manitoba families!

A national group of researchers, community folks and family members are working to develop a Chatbot to help individuals living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families access trusted, reliable resources. A Chatbot uses artificial intelligence to answer people’s questions and direct them to resources available on the Web. Some of those resources will provide information about in-person services and how to access them.

These researchers are looking for information on Manitoba resources, and would be happy to hear about any online information and websites that should be included in the Chatbot or any online resources or organizations that members of the FASD community have found to be NOT helpful; such information will not be made public but the resource may not be included in the Chatbot.

If you’d like to share your knowledge please send an email to Susan.Heald@umr.umanitoba.ca

Last Updated: October 1, 2020 by Shannon Foster

Program Spotlight!

Manitoba Key Worker program: Making a Difference in the Interlake-Eastern Region

Established in 2014, the Manitoba Key Worker program has provided individualized resources and support for children and youth with FASD or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority for almost 7 years!

The Manitoba Key Workers have provided home visits and one-on-one support for families around the Selkirk and surrounding areas successfully helping to increase knowledge of FASD, decrease levels of stress for families and aided families to develop the ability to better advocate for their child in a variety of settings.

Take a look at this great infographic on the Manitoba Key Worker program!

MB FASD Coalition