KidsAbility Centre for Child Development

Want to join our Boo-Crew? 🎃👻

KidsAbility is looking for enthusiastic Volunteers to help bring our Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treating Events, Presented By Up & Down Lifting Solutions, to life! Across Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, and Cambridge!

Join us in creating a fun, welcoming, and inclusive Halloween experience for children and families in our community.

Volunteer Role: Boo-Crew Volunteer
Shift Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (light dinner provided)
Dress Code: Halloween costume or festive colours (nothing too scary, please!)

Trick-or-Treating Event Dates & Locations:

📍 Monday, October 26, 2026
KidsAbility Waterloo
500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo

📍 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
KidsAbility Kitchener
4273 King Street East, Kitchener

📍 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
KidsAbility Guelph
503 Imperial Road North, Unit 7, Guelph

📍 Thursday, October 29, 2026
KidsAbility Cambridge
887 Langs Drive, Cambridge

Whether you're helping hand out treats, decorating a trick-or-treat station, or spreading Halloween cheer, you'll play an important role in making these events memorable for local children and families.

Sign up through Better Impact: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/22e50c01-229b-4a18-850c-2e0611deb003/3

Questions? Email [email protected].

Upcoming Site Closure Announcement:

All KidsAbility sites will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026 for Thanksgiving Day.

We will reopen Tuesday, October 13 at 8:00 a.m. If you have an urgent issue during our closure, please email [email protected].



[Image description: A white graphic with colourful circle accents in green, red, and yellow. The KidsAbility logo appears at the top and bottom.]

KidsAbility is seeking volunteers to support our Launch Groups in Waterloo and Kitchener.

Launch Groups are early, play-based sessions that help children and their families access strategies and support before formal assessments take place.

As a volunteer, you will:
• Welcome families upon arrival
• Es**rt participants to program spaces
• Assist with transitions between activities
• Provide support to staff, children, and caregivers throughout the session

Locations & Dates:
📍 Waterloo Site
500 Hallmark Drive
Tuesdays, October 13, 2026 to December 1, 2026

📍 Kitchener Site
4273 King Street East, Unit B
Thursdays, October 8, 2026 to December 3, 2026

Volunteers must be available for the full program commitment.

To apply, sign up through Better Impact: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/22e50c01-229b-4a18-850c-2e0611deb003/3

For questions, contact [email protected].

Communication looks different for every child. During International Augmentative & Alternative Communication Awareness Month, we recognize the many ways children express their thoughts, needs, and ideas.

AAC can include tools such as picture boards, communication tablets, gestures, and other supports that help create meaningful connections and participation.

Learn more about AAC at KidsAbility: https://www.kidsability.ca/programs-services/augmentative-communication-services/

[Image description: A child is seated at a table using a tablet device that displays a grid of colourful symbols. One hand is reaching toward the screen. The KidsAbility logo appears near the bottom of the image. Text on the image reads, “International Augmentative & Alternative Communication Awareness Month” and “October.”]

We’re bringing back the Halloween fun!

KidsAbility’s Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treating Events, Presented by Up & Down Lifting Solutions, are back! We can’t wait to welcome children, youth, and their families to our Waterloo Region and Guelph sites for an inclusive, fun-filled Halloween experience designed with comfort, choice, and participation in mind.

Our Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treating event offers a fun Halloween experience with reduced sensory challenges and thoughtful supports for children of all abilities. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, opportunities for breaks, and the freedom for children to engage in the way that feels right for them.

Monday, October 26, 2026 | 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Waterloo Site: 500 Hallmark Drive
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJWMNNY

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Kitchener Site: 4273 King Street E.
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L6WBVD9

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Guelph Site: 503 Imperial Rd. N, Unit 7
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJXT23W

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Cambridge Site: 887 Langs Drive
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V5LVKXZ

Costumes, creativity, and community spirit are encouraged as we celebrate Halloween together in a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment. 🎃

Registration is required.

Special thanks to Up and Down Lifting Solutions for their support!

October is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the important role occupational therapists play in supporting children’s participation in everyday life. Occupational therapy focuses on skills related to play, learning, self‑care, and daily routines that are meaningful to each child and family.

At KidsAbility, occupational therapy services are designed to support children in building independence, confidence, and engagement through individualized and collaborative care.

Learn more about our occupational therapy services at: https://www.kidsability.ca/programs-services/occupational-therapy/

[Image description: A child and an adult are seated on the floor in a therapy space, facing each other and tossing a textured ball. Therapy equipment and mats are visible in the room. The KidsAbility logo appears near the top. Text on the image reads, “Occupational Therapy Month” and “October.”]

Hello, October! Check out these upcoming community events and fundraisers in support of KidsAbility: https://www.kidsability.ca/workshops-events/

🍦Four All Ice Cream Fall STEM Workshops in support of KidsAbility
📍 Four All Ice Cream DTK Shop, 97 King St W, Kitchener
📅October & November dates available
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💛Local Markets x KidsAbility: Sip & Shop Fall Market
📅Saturday October 3, 2026, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
📍 Farm League Brewing, 295 Ainslie Street S, Cambridge
🎟️ Admission: $5 per person, with all entry fees donated to KidsAbility
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🎵Musical Bingo, A Night of Elegance & Entertainment
📅October 22nd, 2026
📍Roseville Estate, 2283 Roseville Rd, Cambridge
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✨The Sounds of Christmas, A Musical Production
📅Dec 1-5, 8 & 9
📍 WMB Church, 245 Lexington Rd. Waterloo.

Shop our featured partners of KidsAbility's Shop & Support: https://www.kidsability.ca/get-involved-give/ways-to-give/shop-and-support/

After asking a question, children often need extra time to process what was said and think about their response. Pausing allows space for understanding without pressure.

Giving a few quiet seconds before repeating or rephrasing can support communication and help children feel more confident sharing their thoughts.

[Image description: On the right side, a circular photo shows an adult and a child seated closely together indoors, looking down at an open book. The adult’s head is angled toward the child, and both are positioned near the book on a flat surface. The KidsAbility logo appears at the bottom, with blue rounded shapes decorating the corners.]

Today we recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the children who did not return home from residential schools, the survivors, their families, and communities who continue to be impacted.

Wearing orange on September 30 is a visible way to show support and remember the experiences of Indigenous children and families. It is a time to reflect, listen, learn, and consider how understanding can support reconciliation now and into the future.

🧡

[Image description: A graphic illustration shows an orange circular background with birds flying above a winding river and floral elements. The KidsAbility logo appears in the top left corner. Text on the image reads, “National Day of Truth and Reconciliation” and “September 30.”]