Alert

Holiday closures: our outpatient programs will be closed from Dec. 25, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025. Regular services resume January 2, 2024. Day program will be closed from Dec. 23 to Dec. 27, 2024 inclusive, and will be closed on Jan. 1, 2025. Orthotics and prosthetics will be available for urgent care.

#009900
Print
small white wavewhite wavelarge white wave

Growing up with a disability is no piece of cake

Get the facts to close the gap.

A teenage boy, who uses a wheelchair, sitting at a table in front of a birthday cake with lit ‘18’ candles.

Turning 18 isn't so sweet: The critical gaps in health care for young adults with disabilities

Turning 18 should be a celebration, but for youth with disabilities, it signals “aging out” of the pediatric health-care system and it’s no piece of cake. Holland Bloorview’s Turning 18 isn’t so sweet report (PDF) provides an analysis of survey results highlighting the experience of youth with disabilities as they transition to the adult health-care system in Ontario. 

The survey, conducted by Leger and commissioned by Holland Bloorview, was completed by 802 young adults with disabilities and caregivers from across Ontario. Questions and analysis were developed in partnership with clients and families and Holland Bloorview’s transitions teams. 

Results from the survey reveal critical gaps in the adult health-care system, with a staggering majority of respondents reporting unmet medical needs. The most alarming finding: young adults with disabilities are being left behind.  

To view an accessible version, please download the summary (PDF).

 

Graphic of dark blue text on a light blue background. Text reads: ‘Challenges in the adult health care system. 2/3 of young adults with disabilities report their health-care needs are not being met’

Graphic of dark green text on a light green background. Text reads: ‘Barriers to access. 77% of young adults with disabilities face one or more barriers when accessing health care’

Graphic of dark purple text on a light purple background. Text reads: ‘Financial implications. 70% of young adults with disabilities faced increased medical costs when transitioning to adult care’

Graphic of orange text on a light orange background. Text reads: ‘64% of young adults’ participation in life is limited by their health-care needs’

False
‘Turning 18 isn’t so sweet’ report cover superimposed onto a plain purple background. Report cover features a photo of a teenage boy, who uses a wheelchair, sitting at a table in front of a birthday cake with lit ‘18’ candle
Read the report (PDF)
Learn how young adults and caregivers describe the current state of medical transitions and our vision for a timely, coordinated, and accessible health-care system for all.
Two pages of text and graphics, positioned side-by-side, slightly overlapping, superimposed onto a plain blue background
Download the summary (PDF)
Get the facts to close the gaps. This two-page summary gives you everything you need to advocate for inclusive, coordinated, accessible care for all.
Two teenagers, both of whom use wheelchairs, high fiving in a gym
Promote awareness
Share the results across your networks. Help shine a light on the need for systemic reform in the health-care system.
False
A young adult, who has a bandage on their neck, standing in a library, smiling
Sign up
Learn more about how Holland Bloorview helps youth with disabilities.
How Holland Bloorview supports transitions
Play VideoA young woman, who uses a wheelchair, sitting at a desk in front of some library bookshelves
Importance of starting early
Discover resources, programs and supports as early as age 14
Click here to learn more
Play VideoA teenager who uses wheelchair holding a basketball in their lap and smiling. In front of them is a basketball hoop
LIFEspan Clinic
A specialized clinic helping youth prepare for adulthood
Click here to learn more
Play VideoA young man sitting at a desk in front of a computer, looking towards the camera and smiling
Personalized transition planning
We created a comprehensive planner to transition to adulthood
Click here to learn more
Play VideoTwo young adults having a conversation in a kitchen, standing in front of some cabinets
Tip Sheets
Tip sheets to help navigate adult services
Click here to learn more
Play VideoThree young adults, one of whom uses a wheelchair, sitting at a table, talking and laughing
Transitions pop-ups
Workshops and peer mentoring to support youth
Click here to learn more