WIMS….. "Walking in My Shoes" is a "Parents Helping Parents" support group for parents /guardians of children with developmental delays/disabilities.

The first meeting was held on October 20, 2009.

The goals of the group are:

• To provide parents access to a group of parents who have similar concerns and feelings related to their child's special needs
• To provide parents with information/resources from other parents, facilitator and guest speakers
• To provide parents opportunity to share in a supportive and non judgemental setting
• To provide the opportunity for parents to develop a support network
• To provide parents an opportunity to collectively advocate for services/funding issues
• To provide the opportunity for parents to plan parent/child/family group activities

During these meetings parents will have the opportunity to connect with other parents who are experiencing similar feelings and concerns related to their child's special needs. It is hoped that parents will identify topics of interest which could be lead by the facilitator or through guest speakers. Group members will be encouraged to take ownership in some capacity by planning family activities which all family members can participate in.(ie: Picnic in the park, Family swim etc).

During the meetings there will be time for discussion/or guest speaker followed by a social time.

Guest speakers or Special events will be planned in accordance with group's wishes. Please check this website periodically for any announcements.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Janet Robinson has worked with young children with special needs and their families for over 30 years. In her career she supported families through home visits as well as in group settings.

For the past 18 years as a part time outreach worker she worked in partnership with many community agencies in Ottawa to develop programs to educate and support parents and enhance existing programs. Janet developed a model of Specialized Groups where parents were supported in their interactions with their child with special needs. Parents not only had an enriched environment for their child but also were able to develop a mutual support network with other parents. She also developed a similar model for parents with infants with special needs. She has delivered workshops to parents and professionals at various conferences. In May 2009 Janet received a "Making a Difference" award from Success By 6.

Janet retired in June 2009 and has made a commitment to continue to support parents with children with special needs through volunteering her time to develop and facilitate the WIMS..."Walking in My Shoes" group.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Ralph Waldo Emerson