Last updated: October 22, 2020
KW Habilitation is closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 in our community.
We are committed to regular communications that will keep you aware of what KW Habilitation will be doing throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. At KW Habilitation, our priority is the health and safety of the people we support and our employees. This webpage is dedicated to providing up to date information regarding programs and services offered at KW Habilitation during the global pandemic. If you’d like to see a bit of what we’ve been up to, please feel free to follow us on social media. Despite this being a stressful and unpredictable time, our innovative team continues to find new and exciting opportunities to provide a good life for the people we support.
Emergency Action Plan
Our Emergency Action Plan has implemented total physical distancing, self-isolation and education in all areas including maintaining a clean, germ-free environment. We are providing all sites with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), conducting ongoing inventory, and have made over 7000 Red-Cross approved fabric masks and more than 200 gowns for staff to provide, yet another layer of protection.
Although restrictions are changing regularly, we are continuing to take the lead from our Local Health Authority, community partners and MCCSS. Our commitment to clear and frequent communication continues to be a priority.
Visitors and Visiting Inclusive Living Homes at KW Habilitation
In March, we closed all of our locations to visitors, which included visits from family, friends, contractors and all other non-essential services. That was particularly hard for families and the people we support but following the directives from Waterloo Region Public Health and the Province of Ontario has been an important step in ensuring the health and safety of the people we support and the team members at KW Hab. At the end of August, we were so pleased to announce that we were able to relax some of the visitor restrictions and begin temporary “short stay” absences. Resuming activities outside the home and participating and engaging in community activities has had positive effects on the mental health and well-being of the people we support.
The Visitor and Temporary “Short Stay” Absences Policy was updated on September 2, 2020.
More- Please note: This policy might be required to change with little notice
- Click the link for the MCCSS visitor guidelines: Visitor Guidelines Congregate Living
- Click the link for: Visitor guidelines.
- Click the link for the MCCSS guidelines: Re-opening Short Stay Overnight Stays
IN-PERSON Day Programs and Online Classes
On Monday, March 16, 2020, all of our IN-PERSON Day options (ex. The Vibe, The Studio, ADS, LEG Up!, Y.E.P. etc.) closed to all participants. In the months that followed, free and fee for service activities were available online through Zoom. Sing-along’s have been running three times a week since mid-March, LEG Up! has been providing daily classes, we’ve hosted virtual dance parties and other fun activities online.
In addition, many of our team members have been regularly reaching out to the people we support to ensure that if they had an interest in accessing these activities that they could. Currently, the Vibe is offering FREE and fee for service classes, click here for more information and LEG Up!, our fee for service learning and skill-building program for is offering daily online classes. Click here for more information and to access the schedule.
Beginning November 2, 2020, some IN-PERSON options are available. Please click here to read the letter sent to the people we support and their families.
The offices at 99 Ottawa Street South
In March, the offices at 99 Ottawa Street South were closed to all staff and visitors. We opened a food hub, where all groceries for our inclusive living homes were sorted and delivered safely. All meetings and events were cancelled or rescheduled so that they could happen virtually. The building opened in September to staff, but outside visitors are still meeting with our team members online.
KW Career Compass
As much as possible, KW Career Compass has been supporting people with barriers to employment, both in navigating the pandemic, but also in helping find new and exciting employment opportunities.
Early Learning, Child Care and Family Resources
Our Early Learning Program has never stopped providing supports to children and families. When child care centres closed down, the RECE’s on our team connected virtually with families and provided supports while everyone was at home. Now, visits to child care centres have resumed both in person and virtually and our team has found new ways to communicate with parents and educators so that consistent supports are available and children and youth in Waterloo Region can thrive in licensed child care programs.
Our Farm
Our Farm was not able to hold the Wednesday market this summer, but still managed to provide amazing and healthy vegetables to the people we support. In June, the trails at Our Farm began construction and we were pleased to cut the ribbon this September. The trail is a great activity for the people we support, as they are accessible, wheelchair friendly, and physical distancing is achievable.
EMAIL UPDATES:
April 2020: An update to our email subscribers
May 12, 2020: A letter to all families and people supported at KW Habilitation
September 16, 2020: A letter to families and people supported at KW Habilitation
October 2020: A Letter to the people we support and their families
Region of Waterloo COVID-19 Information