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Learn from experienced speakers on topics including the Business of Adaptive Recreation, Inclusion Tools and Resources, Activity Modification, Volunteer Recruitment and so much more! Share ideas and problem solve with other front line staff and managers during open space sessions 

 

Our Speaker line up includes Meg Shirley (KidsAbility), Janet Greener (Track3 Skiing), Asifa Rahim (KW Gymnastics), Lisa Jarvis (Wilfrid Laurier University), Teagan Fitch (Spectrum Gymnastics) and many other local adaptive recreation experts!

Follow @kwgymclub on instagram for more updates on speakers and session topics leading up to the event. 

When?

  • April 14th-16th

 

Where?

  • ​Breithaupt Centre  (April 14th & 15th)

    •  350 Margaret Ave, Kitchener, ON N2H 6S5​

  • Stanley Park Community Center  (April 16th)

    • 505 Franklin St N, Kitchener, ON N2A 4K7​

 

Cost?

  • Participant Cost: $75.00

      *Registration includes access to all three conference days, Saturday Lunch          and Sunday Dinner.

 

Registering multiple participants?

  • Register 5 participants and get the 6th participant for only $45

Introducing the ARC Speakers

Janet Greener

 

Founder & Principal of Beechwood Brainery Inc.

 

Board Member & Chair of Volunteer/Student Development - Waterloo Region Track 3

 

Ski School

 

Governance Board Member - Waterloo Region Family Network

Fostering an environment of belonging is weaved into my DNA. I have two sisters, Leslie (older) is my protector and guide, Beth (younger) has Down Syndrome and is my motivator and educator. I am beyond fortunate, my parents raised us all to be individuals with the strength and resilience to live and model belonging. My role as mom to three very unique children continues to widen my perspective and experience, daily. There is value and a future for every single human on this earth, no matter their path to where they are now or desire to be. Joining the journeys of others as a support, a resource, a confidant, a mediator, a teacher, a guide, and a friend is the greatest gift I can give back to society.

 

Through the years I have experienced the resistance to growth and the ignorance of misunderstanding and strive daily to break down barriers. My diverse education and experience allows me to provide support that is flexible and progressive. I actively work to spread knowledge to others through trainings, conferences, course development and through the Brainery’s programs. Collaboration is key in my mission to learn and spread knowledge, I wouldn’t be on this path without every client, family, educator or service provider that I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Tegan Fitch

Owner of Spectrum Gymnastics

She is 25 years old and opened her gym just over two years ago. She may be young but she comes with years of real life experience creating adaptive programming in various settings and ensuring it's successful wherever she goes. Teagan has a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation & Leisure Studies with a Minor in Child & Youth Studies from Brock University, and also a Post-Graduate Certificate in Autism & Behavioural Science from Niagara College. Her entire life she has been combining her two passions; gymnastics & working with kiddos with special needs. 

 

The Business of Adaptive Programming:

Are you looking to start including adaptive programming in your business and don't know where to start? You've come to the right place! We'll be talking about how to start & implement these programs and everything you'll need to ensure the programs are successful.

Ashley Biddiscombe 

Adaptive Athlete Parent

Ashley is from Kitchener. Her and her wife have two children with complex disabilities that they adopted from the foster care system in 2016. 

 

She has been a therapeutic riding coach with Pride Stables, coaching people with disabilities on and off for the last 18 years. She also is an advocate for neglected and abused race horses with New Start Standardbreds. 

 

In 2021, Ashley joined the Board of Directors and Client Experience Committee with KidsAbility as a parent advocate. She also runs a local parent support group once a month for parents in the community who have children with a diagnosis. 

 

Ashley is the author of a new memoir, Only the Strong Survive, which gives an open and honest look into infertility, adoption and parenting children with disabilities. In her spare time she creates art to sell in local galleries and spends time with her own rescue horse. 

Lisa Jarvis

Community Service Learning Placement Coordinator Wilfrid Laurier University

Lisa is the coordinator for Volunteers, community-service learning, kinesiology leadership hours, practicum placements and co-op at Laurier. She works with community partners to engage young people in organizations. Lisa is here to share tips for navigating universities and colleges to post your opportunities or connect with the right faculty champions can be confusing.  She will share about our structures within Experiential Learning & Career Development at Laurier that will help make it easier to know who to contact and when you are looking for post-secondary students to support your work in different ways.  

Asifa Rahim

Adaptive Gymnastics Coordinator KW Gymnastics 

Equestrian Canada Coach

Asifa was first introduced to working with children with various limitations over 25 years ago when coaching a recreational gymnastics class. This sparked a passion for helping children with special needs to achieve success that has grown to include gymnastics and equestrian programs. With over 20 years of experience in hospitals, schools, residential facilities and recreational programs, she is excited to combine and share her knowledge and passion with the community.

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