Print
small white wavewhite wavelarge white wave

E-newsletter for COVID-19 July 9, 2021

E-newsletter for Covid-19 July 9, 2021

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 Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

NEW  

Bloorview Research Institute

Understanding the Caregiving Experiences of Parents from Racialized Backgrounds that Care for Children Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Holland Bloorview is doing a study to understand the caregiving experiences of parents who identify as coming from a racialized background and care for a child with autism. If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact the following individuals with your interest or click here for more information

Holland Bloorview resources and supports

COVID-19 testing for overnight camp

If your child is going to an overnight summer camp this year, they do not have to pay for a COVID test.  This is being covered by OHIP at participating pharmacies and labs.  This is outlined in the The Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance Update - see page 5, section 3 Targeted testing groups, item # 9 Pre-camp testing for campers (not all campers are children) and staff attending overnight summer camps 2021    

Find a testing location here You will have to contact the location, confirm and make an appointment.  

Summer activities - for all ages

City of Toronto

Adapted Camp TO a creative camp experience that offers outdoor modified active and quiet games, arts and crafts, and nature-based activities for individuals with a special need or a disability. Participants must have a current Adaptive and Inclusive Service membership to register for this program. If you have never used adapted and inclusive services before, contact the hotline at 416-395-6128.

Epilepsy Toronto

Summer Nights programming for Teens

Join Epilepsy Toronto this summer for 4 nights of fun teen programming, via Zoom. Open to high-school aged youth living with epilepsy. Workshops will be led by Epilepsy Toronto staff, who will be joined by guest facilitators.Click here to sign up, or email katie@epilepsytoronto.org for more information. Free event.

Meta Centre

July 2021 virtual classes calendar

Recreational Respite

Virtual summer camps

Sunflower Developmental Services

Summer 2021 programming

Community Access Learning Centre

Weekend respite programs for children, youth and adults (opening July 10)

Vibrant Healthcare Alliance & Women Disability Action Awareness Group (WDAAG)

  • Peer Support Session - For Women, Girls & Other Marginalized Genders who are 16 + with disabilities (July 21)
  • WEN-DO Women’s self-defence for Women, Girls & Other Marginalized Genders with Disabilities 16 + (starts August 3, pre-registration and intake required, limited attendant and childcare provided on request)

For more information and to register,  contact: Lucy, 416-486-8666 ext. 226; lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca, www.vibranthealthcare.ca

Caregiver support

Autism Ontario

  • Workshop: Fostering Positive Sibling Engagement - July 15 The workshop will include topics such as how to explain Autism to siblings, siblings and their source of stress, how to help children build a positive relationship with each other and how to ensure siblings don’t feel left out.
  • Provincial - Black Caregiver Check in and Chat - July 26  A virtual check in and chat guided by a Black mental health professional. These monthly sessions are an opportunity for Black Caregivers supporting an individual on the autism spectrum to share and discuss their unique experiences in a welcoming and compassionate environment.
  • Dad’s Group - Jul 27 Fathers and male caregivers are invited to join this casual session and socialize with others. Autism Ontario staff will facilitate group activities.

Other places that host or provide information and supports for caregivers

Children’s Treatment Network; Connectability.ca; Family Service Toronto; Kerry’s Place Autism Services; My Community Hub; Surrey Place - Wellness Services

Future planning

Partners for Planning (P4P)

Fall 2021 webcast schedule  Free online webcasts include workshops on RDSPs and creating financial security for your loved one.

Plan Institute for Caring Citizenship

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Webinars  Learn all you need to know about this Canada-wide matched savings plan specifically for people with disabilities.

Vaccine information

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities for Children and Youth in the community List of vaccination centres that have vaccination opportunities for children and youth. If you have questions about a specific opportunity please contact the vaccination centres directly.   *Please note that we will do our best to keep this list current. However, with demand being high and spots filling up rapidly, you may find that some opportunities are booked up.

Ontario Community Support Association

Accessible Rides to your COVID-10 vaccination The Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines program provides door-to-door rides to vaccination sites for people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, who face challenges accessing safe transportation.

Children’s COVID-19 Vaccine Table & Children’s Health Coalition

Kids Health First - a resource to help youth, parents and caregivers make an informed decision about vaccinations for those aged 12-17.

Vaccine resources

Anti-racist education, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility

Bystander Intervention Resources How to do your part to protect your neighbours and co-workers when bias and harassment collide in front of you (Hollaback!)

Spirit Bears Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada  Child friendly version of Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada)

Podcast: Race, Health & Happiness Join Dr. O, a Public Health Physician Specialist in Toronto, as she interviews guests who are overcoming the obstacles of overt and institutionalized racism to achieve their professional goals while creating healthy and fulfilling lives. If you'd like to learn about thriving in the face of adversity while staying well, this is the podcast for you.

Disability: Read Up On It!  Children’s books with positive disability representation, from picture books to novels and information books (Toronto Public Library)

Diverse Abilities Great reads for youth that explore a broad spectrum of Deaf and disability experiences (Toronto Public Library)

Advocacy

AODA Alliance (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Alliance)

Video that Explains the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee’s Report and How to Give Feedback

This public consultation is the first time in a generation that the Ontario Government has taken a good look at Ontario’s school system from the perspective of students with disabilities. The AODA Alliance wants to help you have your say.  This video will be helpful for you if you are: a student with disabilities; a family member of students with disabilities; a teacher or other education staff; connected with a disability community organization.

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

pdf-iconCOVID-19 Family Resource Centre e-letter, July 9, 2021