The "HUB"for disability-related information and supports specific to the needs of Manitoba families and the community at large, that have a connection to a Child with a Disability. We dream about a world where parents, care providers, teachers medical professionals and community members have access to knowledge that would be optimal to enable all concerned to make the best choices for our children.

Today's technology can make this possible......... and this site is being designed as a tool that will allow us to join forces and create a better quality of life for our children and their participation in society This is an ever-growing, interactive site designed to empower persons across the province to share, discover and connect with one another.

The Child Parent Disability NetWorks project is coordinated by as small group of representatives in partnership with the Provincial Community Connections Initiative and a belief that "Knowledge Empowers Individuals And Strengthens Communities"  The vision is to develop a "hub" to assist families, teachers, medical professionals, care providers and the many that are engaged, when a child with a disability enters their life.

Whether you have just found out a person in your family has a disability;  your family member is entering into a new phase of life such as: going to school, young adulthood, retirement; or you just need some general family resources or would like to join a support group, the right kind of encouragement or resource can help ease the transition or stress, and provide you with the tools you need.

Child Parent Disability Networks is focused on:
• Encouraging participation from the community to contribute to the development and ongoing growth of this site by adding resources, making suggestions and becoming involved.  (This project is a community effort and is being lead by volunteers)  
• Increasing families' knowledge and understanding of a wide range of family supports so they access the services they need by developing a listing of resources by region for Manitoba (Resources by Region) and (Resources by Specialty - eg. respite, medical supplies, therapies, doctors, advocacy recreation, employment, housing options, assistive technology )
• Providing a vehicle where new ideas, research, best practices and ongoing and new projects can be shared  (Making Change Happen -  eg. sharing and questions forum, new & ongoing projects, disability awareness)
• Providing a central location where individual support groups in Manitoba can connect with one another and share information (Parent to Parent)
• Knowing that our children are receiving the optimal supports suited to their needs (School  Years - eg.  IEP's, paraprofessionals, post secondary education, transitioning )
• Providing a service to meet the needs of the community
    (Feedback  - Surveys, suggestions/comments)
• Providing a vehicle to learn about conferences, support group meetings, and special events specific to the needs of our community.  Community members are encouraged to send in events to be added to the calendar. (Calendar of Events)

In more recent years things have changed significantly for people with disabilities and their families. Only through the active involvement of people who advocate for themselves and those they care about have we seen significant changes in attitudes, laws, programs, and services in all areas of life. "Creating change" means getting involved at whatever level - and in whatever way -- you are comfortable with. It also means learning more about issues that are important to you, networking with other people and organizations that share your concerns and vision, and building your advocacy skills so that your comfort level, degree of involvement and effectiveness as an advocate increase. You never have to be alone in your quest for the change you seek.

GETTING INVOLVED
We value your feedback, encourage you to submit additional resources for the site and welcome your participation in the development of this site…….

To submit an organization/ resource or to provide your ideas and comments we invite you to click on the "CONTACT CPDN" icon

For more information or to get involved... contact:
Gloria Woloshyn at 204-694-6039 or email: gwoloshyn@mts.net