SSCY Family Resource Centre (FRC)

Overview

The SSCY Family Resource Centre is a family-friendly space, with couches, computer access and a kids’ table. The Resource Centre is committed to being an information hub for families, and providing guidance to the different resources that are available.

Anyone can sign up for a SSCY Family Resource Centre borrowing card, which grants access to all of the loan collections, including books, toys, specialized recreational equipment and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) adapted books. Come by the Family Resource Centre to fill out a borrowing form. Resources can also be mailed to clients who live outside of Winnipeg.

Books

Our book collection has been specially selected to support and augment the services families receive at the SSCY Centre.

Subject areas include:

• General parenting
• Books for siblings of children with disabilities
• Specific disabilities and conditions (e.g. Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury)
• Education
• Etc.

The Resource Centre also has a growing collection of children’s books featuring many diverse characters, including children with disabilities.

Take-Out Toy Service (TOTS)

The TOTS program provides a wide range of toys for loan, including simple toys (e.g. puzzles, stacking toys, blocks), musical instruments, and electronic toys. The Resource Centre has a growing collection of toys that have been specifically designed for children with disabilities including activity centres, cause-and-effect toys and switch-operated toys.

Specialized toys for children with disabilities may be costly, so the loan program allows families to try different toys before deciding to purchase.

The TOTS program operates out of the SSCY Family Resource Centre.

Therapeutic Recreation Equipment Loans

Our Therapeutic Recreation Equipment Loan program supports active living and a healthy lifestyle by providing access to adapted recreation equipment. We have a variety of equipment that families can borrow to help their child be more active.

Available equipment includes:

• Adapted and specialized bikes and trikes
• Beach wheelchairs
• Skating and sledge equipment
• Chill-Out chairs
• Swim equipment
• Cooking equipment
• Boccia and bowling equipment
• Gym games
• More!

The Therapeutic Recreation Equipment Loans are co-organized by the LIFE Program and Family Resource Coordinator.

Therapeutic Recreation Equipment Loans are open to all families and professionals connected to The Rehabilitation Centre for Children. Some items may require a physiotherapy or occupational therapy recommendation. Connect with us to learn more.

Adapted Books

The Specialized Communication Resources for Children (SCRC) Library is a collection of children’s books that have been adapted to include picture communication symbols, which help with learning and comprehension.

The SCRC library has a wide selection of books, most of them directed towards the preschool years; these books have been adapted using AAC symbols, to promote and develop language skills in functionally non-speaking children. These adapted storybooks are made for children and youth who utilize picture-to-speech communication apps on iPads to communicate, ensuring accessibility and engagement for them.

In addition to adapted books, the SCRC Library also provides picture-based learning activities; these help to improve language comprehension, and are a fun way to practice using pictures as a means of communication.

Contact Information

The Family Resource Centre is located on the first floor of the SSCY Centre, on the west side of the main lobby. Library hours may vary, so it’s advisable to call in advance to schedule an appointment or verify the current operating hours. Generally, you may drop in on Mondays and Wednesdays to Fridays from 10:00 AM-4:30 PM.

The Family Resource Coordinator is available to help with any questions you might have; they can be reached at (431) 276-9972 or resource@rccinc.ca.