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FREE WEBINAR SERIES

Aging Matters: Indigenous Perspectives

Presented by the Bi pi maadzing zaagidwin teg jichaaming (Circle of Life in the Spirit of Love Project)

Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer and more fulfilled lives, but what are the challenges of aging with a disability? Join us for a free webinar series as we delve into the effects of aging on Indigenous people living with IDD in Northern Ontario. 

Created by the Bi pi maadzing zaagidwin teg jichaaming (Circle of Life in the Spirit of Love Project), this webinar series brings Indigenous voices from Northern Ontario to the forefront. Featuring perspectives from professionals, caregivers and self-advocates, we will present the unique needs, challenges and strengths of Indigenous adults aging with IDD. Topics will include the role of professionals and caregivers as the person grows older and the value of engaging support teams from a variety of disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of the health care that will improve outcomes. 

The webinar topics complement one another and are designed to create a forum for learning, resource exchange and illumination of lived experiences. We encourage everyone to attend all three presentations. 

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Why Join?

Indigenous adults with IDD are at risk for poor health outcomes. There is a lack of culturally sensitive resources to understand IDD and the services needed during adulthood. We want to equip professionals, caregivers, self-advocates and the wider community with information to support Indigenous adults aging with IDD. 

The presentations will adapt the “First Nation Holistic Lifelong Learning Model”. It will reference the structure of a tree in relation to growth and learning throughout an individual’s lifespan and highlight individual learning and overall wellbeing. 

Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A and learn where to access resources. 

Webinar Series Details

ALL AGES

Water Droplets: Perspectives from Professionals

FEBRUARY 10, 2022 
12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. (EST)

FEATURING DR. VALERIE TEMPLE, JENNIFER LAU & DR. MARK LACHMANN

Understand the systemic barriers that remote and semi-remote communities face, strategies for better outcomes and key touchstones for supporting Indigenous adults with IDD in Northern Ontario. 

Facilitators: Kim S. Daniel, Dawn Brown, Louis Busch, Dorothy Elie

REGISTRATION CLOSED
ALL AGES

Trunk and Branches: Perspectives from Caregivers and Community Supports

FEBRUARY 17, 2022 
12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. (EST)

FEATURING LIZ ESQUERA, MARYBETH BARRETT, SARA DIAS, SHASHI GOYAL

Hear first hand accounts from paid caregivers and community support workers providing services to aging Indigenous adults with IDD. Conversations will focus on the strengths and challenges of small and/or remote communities in Northern Ontario including creative problem solving and the importance of relationship building and cultural competency when providing services.

Facilitators: Kim S. Daniel, Dawn Brown, Louis Busch, Dorothy Elie

REGISTRATION CLOSED
ALL AGES

Roots: Perspectives from Indigenous Families and Self-Advocates

February 24, 2022
12 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. (EST)

FEATURING GEORDIE AND ISABEL, JJ STRANG, LORNA K

Learn from experiences of families, unpaid caregivers and aging Indigenous adults with IDD in Northern Ontario. Hear stories of resilience from self-advocates and their caregivers’ stories on the joys and challenges of supporting their unique needs. Conversations will address a variety of subjects, including support navigation, systemic issues and planning for the future.  

Facilitators: Kim S. Daniel, Dawn Brown, Louis Busch, Dorothy Elie 

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Listen to the Storytellers

Developed by Surrey Place, the video series presents voices and perspectives from Indigenous caregivers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Northwestern Ontario. 

Joyce and Chris’ Story – A mother advocates for her son with autism in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, also known as Big Trout Lake, Ontario. 

Serena’s Story – Serena, an Inuk mother living in Winnipeg, discusses her son’s autism diagnosis and her disconnection from her Indigenous identity living away from her traditional land.

Panel Speakers

Marybeth Barrett

Marybeth Barrett is the Supervisor of Services from Wesway which is a respite program serving families in communities throughout the north including the James Bay and Hudson Bay areas. Marybeth has a Master’s of Social Work degree and has had the privilege of managing respite services for people across the lifespan. Through her work, Marybeth has travelled extensively to remote Indigenous communities and is interested in sharing some of her experiences and insights related to making meaningful connections during outreach efforts.

Sara Dias, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.

Sara is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association Kenora Branch and has completed a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Criminology and a Minor in Native Studies as well as a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work all form the University of Manitoba.  Sara was instrumental in initiating the Mental Health Court in Kenora and her thesis research was focused on reviewing the Mental Health Court in Kenora and if the court reduced individuals contact the criminal justice system and contact with hospital emergency rooms.  Sara Co-Chairs many leadership tables within the Northwest and in the province of Ontario including the Mental Health & Addictions Working group for the first Ontario Health Team in the Northwest, the All-Nations Health Partners and the Northern Mental Health and Addictions Covid-19 Recovery Task Force.

Liz Esquega

Liz Esquega works with Developmental Services Ontario Northern Region (DSONR) under the administration of Lutheran Community Care located in Thunder Bay as Cultural Consultant and Liaison, and works as the cultural resource to facilitate and promote cross-cultural understanding about Indigenous history, and culture and support people with developmental disabilities their families/caregivers. Liz is a member of Fort William First Nation where she grew up humbled by the surroundings of her maternal grandmother and mother before her. She is committed to grounding herself in Anishinabe teachings. While many gifts were bestowed upon Liz both personally and professionally, the gifts of the Anishinabe ways remains integral. In the words of one of her traditional knowledge keepers, “be kind, but be kind to yourself first”. Walk with humility. Chi-Miigwetch.

Dr. Shashi Goyal 

Dr. Shashi Goyal is a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist at Surrey Place. Dr. Goyal has provided assessment, intervention (Individual and Group), and consultation with adults with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers over 20 years. She has extensive experience working with a variety of cultural backgrounds, including the Northwestern Indigenous population in Ontario while working with the Mashkikiiwininiwag Mazinaatesijigan Wichiiwewin (MMW)  Video Conferencing Program at Surrey Place. Dr. Goyal  also has published research papers in scientific journals.

Dr. Mark Lackmann

Dr. Mark Lachmann is the Medical Lead of the Bridgepoint Site of the Sinai Health System. He is a geriatric psychiatrist working with patients in acute, rehabilitation, long-term care, and community settings. He is the Geriatric Psychiatry Director for the Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Office in Ontario. Dr. Lachmann also works as a Coroner in Ontario, and sits on the Geriatric and Long Term Care Death Review Committee of the Coroner’s Office. Prior to geriatric psychiatry, Dr. Lachmann worked as a family physician for ten years on James Bay and Baffin Island. Primary clinical and research interests are in community based seniors mental care in urban and rural settings. He served on the Board of Casey House for nine years, three of these as chair; and is currently Board Chair of the Bridgepoint Family Health Team. 

Jennifer Katherine Lau, M.S., BCBA

Jennifer Katherine Lau, M.S., BCBA began her career working with children with autism in 2008. She continued to work on developing her clinical skills by working with individuals across all ages in the field of intellectual disability and mental health. She has experience working as a Behaviour Therapist within the GTA, providing clinical behaviour therapy services to adults and children. Jennifer‘s concentration includes client assessment, intervention, consultation, groups, education and training. In 2016, Jennifer received her certification to practice as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Since then, she has been working with the Mashkikiiwininiwag Mazinaatesijigan Wichiiwewin (MMW) Video Conferencing Program at Surrey Place with an emphasis on the Indigenous populations of Northwestern Ontario.

Christina Sawanas

Christine Sawanas is a Clinical Regional Access Coordinator for the MMW Video Conferencing Program in partnership with Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority where she plays a vital role in the coordination and delivery of clinical services to individuals with disabilities in 31 northern communities. Christine’s ability to provide outreach to families and support them in accessing the system is greatly enhanced by her fluency with the Oji-cree language. Christine has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for the past 31 years, and prior to joining the MMW team, she worked in various roles at Community Living Sioux Lookout for 16 years. Christine has been involved in research regarding assessment and supports for individuals in Ontario First Nation communities and has coauthored two peer reviewed papers. 

Dr. Valerie Temple 

Dr. Valerie Temple (PhD. C. Psych.), Clinical Psychologist and Professional Practice Leader, works with individuals and families in Toronto, as well as those living in remote communities in northwestern Ontario through Surrey Place’s MMW Video conferencing program. Dr. Temple has published research papers and book chapters on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Down Syndrome, and Autism. She is a member of CanFASD, a national collaborative network of researchers focused on FASD, and FASD-ONE an Ontario network of professionals involved in FASD support.

Facilitators 

Dawn Brown – Manager, Mashkikiiwininiwag Mazinaatesijigan Wichiiwewin (MMW) Video Conferencing Program /Parent Enhancement Program (PEP), Surrey Place

Dawn Brown is the Clinical Manager of the Mashkikiiwininiwag Mazinaatesijigan Wichiiwewin Video Conferencing Program at Surrey Place in Toronto, Ontario. Dawn has worked in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for over 35 years.  For over 15 years Dawn has been fortunate to have worked with the MMW Program. The MMW Program was one of the first programs in Canada to provide clinical services to Adults with IDD via telehealth.

Louis Busch – Community Support Specialist, Skaabe Makwa, CAMH

Louis Busch (Wâwâhtêwi Mistatim, ᐋᐧᐋᐧᐦᑌᐃᐧ  ᒥᐢᑕᑎᒼ) is Bear Clan Member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and a Community Support Specialist with Shkaabe Makwa at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Louis has a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Adult Education Work and Learning, is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, and is currently engaged in doctoral studies in adult education and community development at the University of Toronto. Louis hopes to contribute to positive social change by advancing behavioural health services and educational initiatives that promote the recovery and empowerment of marginalized peoples.

Kim S. Daniel, M.Ed., Ph.D. – Director of Community Partnerships and Innovation, Surrey Place

Kim S. Daniel, M.Ed., PhD., received her Ph.D. from McGill University in an APA/CPA accredited Counselling Psychology program where she developed her skills in research and clinical work. She completed her residency at Surrey Place, working with individuals with different developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She also completed a postdoctoral clinical fellowship at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, working in the Pediatric Clinical/Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine Division with both in-patients and out-patients.  

Currently, Kim is the Director of Community Partnerships and Innovation, focusing on designing and developing innovative clinical and educational programs and building collaborative partnerships. She previously served as a Mental Health Consultant, where she provided therapy to the Indigenous population up North. She also engages in ongoing research and offers consultative work in the GTA community.

Dorothy Elie (nee Gingras) – Elder and Knowledge Keeper

Knowledge Keeper and grandmother, Dorothy Elie (nee Gingras) was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, grew up in Toronto, only to return home to raise her family in Batchawana Bay, Ontario, Obadjiwan Reserve, where she now resides, along the shores of Lake Superior (Gichigamiing) with her partner of 38 years Rodney Elie. Together they raised 5 children, whom are all grown now and who gifted them 16 grandchildren. She is a proud member of Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways, a 60’s Scoop Survivor, a University Graduate, A proud mother, very proud grandmother, who presently works full-time in the Child Welfare System, and who provides many services to many communities and organizations. Dorothy attributes her success to knowing who she is, a very proud Anishnaabe Kwe (Nookimis). Dorothy has dedicated her life to the revitalization of Anishnaabe Culture & Knowledge, teaching others the importance of a Spirit’s Journey.

Partners and Supporters

AIDE Canada – Lead Sponsor 

The Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE) Canada is a tool to connect members of our community to the information and resources they need. They deliver credible, reliable, and evidence-informed resources in an unbiased and accessible way.

Contact Information

Defne Inceoglu – Program Development Coordinator 
Phone: 416-571-7627  
Email: defne.inceoglu@surreyplace.ca 

By 2 months

Has your baby had their hearing screened? YES NO

By 6 months

Does the child?

Startle in response to loud noises? YES NO
Turn to where a sound is coming from? YES NO
Make different cries for different needs (hungry, tired)? YES NO
Watch your face as you talk? YES NO
Smile/laugh in response to your smiles and laughs? YES NO
Imitate coughs or other sounds such as ah, eh, buh YES NO

By 9 months

Does the child?

Respond to their name? YES NO
Respond to the telephone ringing or a knock at the door? YES NO
Understand being told no? YES NO
Get what they want through using gestures (reaching to be picked up)? YES NO
Play social games with you (Peek-a-Boo)? YES NO
Enjoy being around people? YES NO
Babble and repeat sounds such as babababa or duhduhduh? YES NO

By 12 months

Does the child?

Follow simple one-step directions (sit down)? YES NO
Look across the room to a toy when adult points at it? YES NO
Consistently use three to five words? YES NO
Use gestures to communicate (waves hi/bye, shakes head for no)? YES NO
Get your attention using sounds, gestures and pointing while looking at your eyes? YES NO
Bring you toys to show you? YES NO
Perform for social attention and praise? YES NO
Combine lots of sounds together as though talking (abada baduh abee)? YES NO
Show an interest in simple picture books? YES NO

By 18 months

Does the child?

Understand the meaning of in and out, off and on? YES NO
Point to more than 2 body parts when asked? YES NO
Use at least 20 words consistently? YES NO
Respond with words or gestures to simple questions (Where's teddy? What's that?)? YES NO
Demonstrate some pretend play with toys (gives teddy bear a drink, pretends a bowl is a hat)? YES NO
Make at least four different consonant sounds (p ,b, m, n, d, g, w, h)? YES NO
Enjoy being read to and sharing simple books with you? YES NO
Point to pictures using one finger? YES NO

By 2 years

Does the child?

Follow two-step directions (Go find your teddy bear and show it to Grandma.)? YES NO
Use 100 to 150 words? YES NO
Use at least two pronouns (you, me, mine)? YES NO
Consistently combine two to four words in short phrases (Daddy hat. Truck go down.)? YES NO
Enjoy being around other children? YES NO
Begin to offer toys to other children and imitate other children's actions and words? YES NO
Use words that are understood by others 50 to 60 per cent of the time? YES NO
Form words or sounds easily and without effort? YES NO
Hold books the right way up and turn the pages? YES NO
Read to stuffed animals or toys? YES NO
Scribble with crayons? YES NO

By 30 months

Does the child?

Understand the concepts of size (big/little) and quantity (a little/a lot, more)? YES NO
Use some adult grammar (two cookies, bird flying, I jumped)? YES NO
Use over 350 words? YES NO
Use action words such as run, spill, fall? YES NO
Participate in some turn-taking activities with peers, using both words and toys? YES NO
Demonstrate concern when another child is hurt or sad? YES NO
Combine several actions in play (puts blocks in the train and drives the train, drops the blocks off.)? YES NO
Put sounds at the beginning of most words? YES NO
Use words with two or more syllables or beats (ba-na-na, com-pu-ter, a-pple)? YES NO
Recognize familiar logos and signs involving print (Stop sign)? YES NO
Remember and understand familiar stories? YES NO

By 3 years

Does the child?

Understand who, what, where and why questions? YES NO
Create long sentences using five to eight words? YES NO
Talk about past events (trip to grandparents house, day at child care)? YES NO
Tell simple stories? YES NO
Show affection for favourite playmates? YES NO
Engage in multi-step pretend play (pretending to cook a meal, repair a car)? YES NO
Talk in a way that most people outside of the family understand what she/he is saying most of the time? YES NO
Have an understanding of the function of print (menus, lists, signs)? YES NO
Show interest in, and awareness of, rhyming words? YES NO
Read to stuffed animals or toys? YES NO
Scribble with crayons? YES NO

By 4 years

Does the child?

Follow directions involving three or more steps (First get some paper, then draw a picture and give it to Mommy)? YES NO
Use adult type grammar? YES NO
Tell stories with a beginning, middle and end? YES NO
Talk to try and solve problems with adults and with other children? YES NO
Show increasingly complex imaginary play? YES NO
Talk in a way that is understood by strangers almost all the time? YES NO
Generate simple rhymes (cat-bat)? YES NO
Match some letters with their sounds (letter b says buh, letter t says tuh)? YES NO