For Educational Opportunities at the High School level, visit our Beyond Barriers page!

Kids on the Block

        Since 1983, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region has been warming the hearts and opening the minds of children throughout Waterloo Region with its immensely popular Kids on the Block puppet shows!

        The Kids on the Block are a tightly-knit group of loveable puppets who have been entertaining and educating young audiences for almost 30 years.  The crew, comprised of puppets with and without disabilities, offer kids the opportunity to learn both about specific disabilities and also broader themes of friendship, community-building, and the importance of expressing feelings and celebrating difference. 

        The shows also encourage children to ask questions about disabilities that they might be afraid to ask someone they meet in public.  Don’t let their age fool you—the Kids on the Block are very knowledgeable!  Plus, through our Pen Pal program, audience members who do not have the chance to ask questions at the show can have their questions answered by mail! 

These 45 minute performances are offered to children in schools, places of worship and community groups, and are most effective with group sizes of up to 75 people.  However, no group is too large or too small!  Groups of any size can be easily accommodated.

The presentations are most ideal for children ages 8-11, but we have frequently received positive responses for specific topics from younger children.

        This program is free of charge; however, it relies solely on generous donations from audiences and community members.  A financial gift in any amount enables us to continue to create awareness in the community for children with disabilities.

          For more on the Kids on the Block program:

©The Kids on the Block, Inc. All puppets and program materials are protected by United States and other copyright laws. Unauthorized use is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

Speakers’ Bureau

          The Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region’s Speakers’ Bureau provides wonderful educational opportunities, either through standalone presentations or as companion pieces to the Kids on the Block performances. 

The Bureau is made up of a growing list of talented individuals who are enthusiastic about sharing their lived experiences as people with disabilities.  Our speakers use humour and storytelling to provide insight into “looking beyond the disability,” and teach children the value of difference.

Bureau members are always happy to answer questions from younger audiences, and can even present along with one of the Kids on the Block puppets to make presentations more casual and conversational.

For a list of speakers, contact our Kids on the Block Coordinator (angelika@ilcwr.org).