The information provided in this newsletter is for reference only. It is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of organizations, news sources, policies or political parties, or as a comprehensive resource list. Past newsletters and COVID-19 specific tipsheets can be accessed here.
Holland Bloorview
Events | Workshops | New Resources
- Parent Support Network: Newcomer Support & Connection - July 12: Parent Support Network (PSN) is a monthly support and discussion event for families. This session aims to offer support and resources to parent/caregivers with lived experience as immigrants, refugees or newcomers to Canada.
- Upcoming vaccine clinic at Holland Bloorview - July 22: Please check the events calendar closer to the date.
- Kid2Kid Advice Project videos: A workshop series that enabled the Kid Creators (clients & siblings ages 8 -13yrs) to develop and share their stories of growing up with a disability.
- Transition Pop-Up Events (Holland Bloorview clients only): Register for group events that help clients and/or families prepare for the transition to-adulthood. The events are about different topics. They are co-hosted by Holland Bloorview and an adult agency, for gradual introductions to new service providers. Not a Holland Bloorview client? Please e-mail resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca for other resources.
- BLOOM June 2022
Holland Bloorview resources
- ASD FEED-Ed is an education platform designed for the purpose of educating children, youth, parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals about feeding in autistic children.
- ‘All About Me' Infographic (recorded) can help you advocate and make it easier to explain what it is you or your child need. A series of learning modules and resources have been created to help you and/or your child create your infographic. Free ‘All About Me’ template available from Piktochart
- HB Podcasts Podcasts on a variety of themes and topics to support and connect with children, youth and families living with disabilities.
- HB Info Line helps children, youth and families learn about and get connected to the many programs and services at Holland Bloorview.
- Post-secondary education & career virtual workshop series (recorded). Register and/or watch recorded sessions (Scroll to bottom "Workshop Series").
- Parent Voices@Holland Bloorview Facebook & BLOOM@BLOOMHollandbloorview Facebook
Virtual clinic | COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics | COVID-19 Testing
Cover Health
Virtual Walk-In Clinic: A digital clinic that's free for Ontarians. Talk to doctors online from home. Open 7 days a week.
Testing
- SickKids COVID-19 Testing Centre online booking system: For children with medical complexities (CMC) who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 PCR test. Use the online booking link to book the COVID-19 PCR test appointment at the SickKids COVID Testing Centre located at 555 University Ave
- At thecity immunization clinics, you can ask for accommodation - scroll down to tab that says “Accommodations at City Run Clinics”
Vaccinations
- Third, fourth and fifth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled through theGovernment of Ontario website.
- parent homework.ca: Medical experts from top hospitals including Sick Kids, Kids Health Alliance and Holland Bloorview answer top COVID-19 questions asked by parents about children’s vaccine
Summer recreation
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Virtual Program offerings: Free programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Includes children and youth groups, employment workshops, tech sessions or book clubs.
City of Toronto
Toronto History Museums – Free general admission to all 10 Toronto History Museums.
Toronto Public Library
Summer Wonder - There are wonder-fullvirtual workshops, author visits, STEM-basedcreativity challenges, French programs and theTD Summer Reading Club designed to keep kids ages 6-12 engaged in reading and learning. Kids can tell us what they're wondering about by posting a question on ourWonder Wall. They can also read what other kids have wondered about and discover new and interesting facts about the world.
Lumenus
Enrollment for summer programs open (children and youth): Offering three convenient programs this summer: individualized; communication & social skills based small groups; and skills for life. Call or email at 416-744-7650 ext. 4262 or feeforservice@lumenus.ca with any questions you may have or for assistance in selecting and registering for specific programs.
Sunflower Developmental Services
Summer camp (all ages): spots available for July and August. Email sunflowerrcs@gmail.com or call 416-289-2223 for more information.
Transitions | Youth resources
Canadian Down Syndrome Society
Mind and Body: Answers to your questions: A guide to help young people with Down Syndrome and developmental disabilities learn about their body, being around other people, healthy relationships, and safety. This book uses activities and pictures to help you learn about yourself.
Dori Zener and Associates
Chilling on the Spectrum (ages 18 - 29) is an autistic-led support and social group that aims to connect and empower young adults on the spectrum. This weekly 8-session online group will offer peer support and social opportunities for young adults on the spectrum ages 18-29.
Access Travel Club
Access Travel Club (ATC): A community-based membership organization which provides clients social, recreational and travel opportunities and experiences. The club consists of a group of travel enthusiasts and consultants who are dedicated to helping members plan and experience your trip of a lifetime.
Meta Centre
July 2022 virtual activities and programs (youth/young adults)
For more information please contact Danielle Adams - Richmond Hill Day Program Supervisor, dadams@metacentre.ca, 905-771-6843 ext 502 or Nicole Corasaniti, Respite Services Supervisor, ncorasaniti@metacentre.ca, 416-736-0199 EXT 337
Caregiver Supports
Surrey Place
The Ontario Caregiver Association
Discover the Healing Power of Journal Writing - July 21: In this webinar, learn how journaling can be a path to healing by using writing to rediscover oneself. To register,please click here.
Vibrant Healthcare Alliance
A Creative Path to Your Dreams 6-Week Series(July 15 through August 19): For Women, Girls, Trans, Two Spirit, Non Binary Peoples and Other Gender Marginalized Individuals with and without Disabilities. To register please call or email Lucy at 416-486-8666 ext.226 lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca. You MUST Complete Pre and Post Evaluations & commit to all sessions
AIDE Canada (The Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network)
AIDE Canada provides toolkits, webinars, articles, and infographics regarding disability rights and many other topics you may find helpful. Includes:
- Borrow free books, audiobooks, ebooks and more from the AIDE Canada Library. The library is open to everyone in Canada.
- Disability Rights Collection. AIDE Canada and partners have created resources regarding disability rights, and how to use them.
Research
Bloorview Research Institute
Evaluation of a toolkit on workplace disability disclosure discussions for youth: Are you a youth or young adult with a disability who is currently employed or looking for work? Consider participating in a study about evaluating an evidence-based toolkit to enhance disability disclosure discussions with potential employers.We are looking for:
- Youth with a disability, aged 15-29
- Able to read/write in English
- Are currently employed, enrolled in training, or seeking employment
If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Sharmigaa Ragunathan at trail@hollandbloorview.ca / 416-425-6220 ext. 3635. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.
Research study: Kids, Virtual care and the COVID-19 pandemic: Learning from our experiences [Client Youth and Parent/Caregiver] | Holland Bloorview: Are you a client youth or parent/caregiver of a client who has received virtual care? Are you interested in sharing your virtual care experiences?
- We are looking for: Holland Bloorview clients (up to 21 years old) OR Parents/caregivers of clients who have received any type of virtual care (ex. assessment, consultation or intervention service) at Holland Bloorview or satellite/community school sites since March 2020.
If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Sharmigaa Ragunathan at trail@hollandbloorview.ca / 416-425-6220 ext. 3635. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.
Return to a new normal: Experiences of working, volunteering and unemployment during Covid-19 pandemic among youth and young adults: Are you a youth or young adult who is currently employed, volunteering, or looking for work during the Covid-19 pandemic? Consider participating in a study to share your experiences.
- We are looking for: Youth with or without a disability, aged 15-30; Able to communicate in English; Are currently employed, volunteering or looking for work
If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Kristina Fuentes, kfuentesaiello@hollandbloorview.ca or 416-425-6220 x3237. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.
For more events for caregivers, children, youth and young adults, you may want to explore the following resources : Autism Ontario; Children’s Treatment Network; Connectability.ca; Community Access Learning Centre; Epilepsy Toronto; Family Service Toronto; Kerry’s Place Autism Services; My Community Hub;Meta Centre; Sunflower Developmental Services; Surrey Place - Wellness Services
Holland Bloorview’s Grocery Foundation Family Resource Centre is a place where you can find information and resources on childhood disability that are helpful to you and your family. We have information on: respite, recreation, housing, funding, education, parenting and more. All Holland Bloorview workshops and events are listed on www.hollandbloorview.ca/familyevents Questions? Please e-mail resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca