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Effective Nov. 1, 2023, clients and families, visitors, vendors and staff are required to wear a mask while moving throughout the hospital, including while in elevators, in spaces where clients receive care or participate in research. A medical grade mask will be available upon entry.

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HB Alumni Network

Important Announcement: Closing of the HB Alumni Network

After much consideration, reflection, and feedback, Holland Bloorview has made the difficult decision to close the HB Alumni Network as of April 1, 2022. We are grateful to all users who participated in bringing the Holland Bloorview community closer together.

Since launching in March 2020, the HB Alumni Network has been a dedicated virtual space where current clients, families, caregivers, and alumni connect with and learn from each other, access the latest resources, and share common lived experiences. With over 170 users, 10,000 likes, 300 resource and events posts, and 36,000 page views, the HB Alumni Network truly reflects meaningful engagement and connection within our Holland Bloorview community.

While these interactions were greatly valued by those engaged in the network, there has not been the volume of engagement as first envisioned and our ability to grow it was significantly and adversely impacted by the pandemic. These factors, combined with the substantial financial and people resources needed to maintain the network, necessitated the network’s closure so we can redirect our efforts to other existing ways of engaging alumni. Innovative engagement programs such as transitions-based virtual friendship and belonging events, youth engagement, family leadership, family workshops, and peer support events have continued to support our community’s desire to connect based on similar lived experiences.

While the HB Alumni Network had a short yet exciting journey, the program clearly revealed the importance and value of integrating alumni needs and voices into our programs and services at Holland Bloorview. We are grateful to all who were part of the journey and will continue to draw from the learnings of this experience.

We are immensely grateful for the HB Alumni Network staff team and the Foundations team who supported our 2-year run of the program. We are particularly grateful for the generosity of the Bank of America for their commitment to nurturing community engagement.

We will continue to collaborate with our clients, families, and alumni to explore ongoing opportunities to engage alumni community. Our team has compiled a list of key resources and communities available to our HB Alumni Network members and others interested in staying connected:

Holland Bloorview Resources and Services

HB Info Line & Welcome Desk: A service to help kids, youth and families learn about and get connected to the many programs and services at Holland Bloorview. Call: 416-400-8876

Online Family Resource Centre: Access online family resources such as helpful tips, information, and stories for caregivers and parents of children and youth with disabilities.

Family Workshops & Events +Join the Family Resource Centre mailing list at the bottom of the page

Transitions, Recreation, and Life Skills: A hub of information, programs, and practical support for the transition to adulthood.

External Community Resources and Services

Connectability’s Community Hub: Register for activities, programs, classes, workshops, camps, and respite across Ontario.

Ability Online: A free, monitored, online community where young people with disabilities and their parents can meet others like them, make friends, find mentors, and feel like they belong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does closing the network mean?

Before April 1, 2022, the website (https://hbalumninetwork.ca) will still be accessible, but no new users will be accepted.

After April 1, 2022, the URL will no longer be accessible to users.

What happens to all of the data on the network?

Holland Bloorview will collect anonymized and aggregated user data for statistical purposes.

Program Manager
Clara Ho
416-425-6220
Ext.
6420
Mailing address


Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Road,
Toronto, ON M4G 1R8