Windsor-Essex Family Network

06/02/2026

For this AccessAbility week, it is important to recognise that the disability community is one of many different disabilities.

The disability community is filled with people who have disabilities that are visible and invisible. We must acknowledge all different experiences for true Inclusion to happen. When everyone is included, our community is stronger.

We are stronger together.

06/01/2026

WEFN was created by families helping families.

We're looking for a few new people to join our Board of Directors.

You do not need previous board experience. We are looking for people with different life experiences, skills, and perspectives who want to help make Windsor-Essex a more welcoming place for people with disabilities and their families.

Maybe that's you. Maybe it's someone you know.

Take a look below and see if it might be a good fit. 👇

06/01/2026

Help us reach 200 Members by the end of 2026!

05/31/2026

National AccessAbility Week: Did you know that curb cuts were originally designed for wheelchair users, but now help strollers and bikes?

Did you know that audiobooks were originally meant for people in the blind/vision impairment communities? Now, everyone can and usually does listen to a podcast and/or audiobooks.

Accessibility helps everyone, with or without disability. The disability community is a creative community that uses different ways to exist in a world that wasn't built for us to thrive in.

Accessibility is a way for EVERYONE to be included. Accessibility from the beginning is a way for EVERYONE to feel valued.

Accessibility can help build community and encourage friendships with others.

05/29/2026

ATTENTION: From May 31-June 6th, 2026, It is National AccessAbility Week. The theme for this year is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada." We will celebrate and highlight the removal of barriers for Canadians with disabilities.

I'm Faith, the Inclusion and Social Justice Coordinator for WEFN, and today I wanted to reiterate how important Universal Design is because that's one gigantic step towards Inclusion and All-Access.

To ensure a truly inclusive society, we need to continue to advocate for Canadians with disabilities. These everyday barriers continue to exclude people from fully participating in their community and society. In my own experience, these barriers can affect how we go about our everyday lives and how we connect.

To learn more about the impact of removing barriers please visit this site:
Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html

To learn more about AccessAbility Week, please visit this site:
Easter Seals: https://easterseals.ca/en/redshirtday/

To learn more about the impact of removing barriers, please visit this site:

05/26/2026

🎬 CASTING & CREW CALL 🎬

Help create a REAL TV show with Cogeco YourTV!

This project is being led by youth with disabilities, but ALL Windsor-Essex youth ages 14–29 are welcome to apply.

This is NOT adults creating a project and having youth “help.”

Youth will be learning and then actively RUNNING the show themselves including:
🎥 camera work
🎤 interviewing
🖥 graphics & audio
🎬 filming
✍ writing ideas/scripts
📺 on-camera roles
🎧 behind-the-scenes production

Adults and industry professionals will provide training and support, but youth will be the ones creating and leading the series.

No experience needed.

Because of TV scheduling timelines, applications are moving FAST.

⏰ Applications Due:
Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM Go to our website to read more &/or to apply https://windsoressexfamnet.ca/youth-tv-project-with-yourtv-cogeco/

05/21/2026

Windsor-Essex — please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. By sharing what matters to you in our community and the needs of families supporting a loved one with a disability, you help shape future funding, services, and community initiatives.
If families do not have opportunities to share their experiences and priorities, it becomes much harder for decision-makers to understand what is truly needed in Windsor-Essex and where support should be focused.

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is inviting all residents to share their views on life in Windsor Essex by taking part in the 2026 Vital Signs® Survey!

05/20/2026

Hey, let’s talk about Self Advocacy…

What is Self Advocacy?

“Self-advocacy is the practice of understanding and expressing your own needs, rights, and desires effectively, and taking steps to ensure they are respected. It’s a vital skill that applies to education, work, health, and personal relationships.” - Google definition

Self-advocacy is a way to recognise your own boundaries and your goals in life.

Self-advocacy is trial and error. Here are some links to have a better understanding of what Self-advocacy is:

March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/aboutus/govtrelations/dan/Pages/Self-Advocacy-Toolkit.aspx

ThriveWorks: https://thriveworks.com/help-with/communication/self-advocacy/

W.R.A.P.: Wellness Recovery Action Plan: https://www.wellnessrecoveryactionplan.com/ten-steps-to-being-an-effective-self-advocate/

Did you know that when you advocate for yourself, you avoid miscommunication and unnecessary stress in your life?

This ultimately leads to a healthier mental and emotional state.

Self-advocacy is an important skill for people with or without disabilities.

05/14/2026

We would love to support relaxed performances/events of any kind here in Windsor-Essex. If you are thinking of hosting an event/performance, WEFN can help you adapt just one show/performance as a trial - please reach out and lets collaborate.

These shows make live music and theatre more available to people with disabilities, but they’re not the only ones who benefit

05/12/2026