Who we are
The team consists of a social worker, life skills facilitator, pro bono lawyer, family as faculty and advanced placement social work students.
Who we serve
Holland Bloorview’s Bridging to Adulthood Team supports youth with disabilities – and their families – who need help planning meaningful goals for adulthood when pediatric care ends at age 18.
What we do
Our Bridging to Adulthood Team focuses on engaging youth and families to prepare for anticipated changes to funding, legal rights, social/life skills development, mental health, and new pathways to medical care before the transition out of pediatric programs/services.
Holland Bloorview’s Bridging to Adulthood Team supports youth and their families, who need personalized guidance and warm handover to promote the transition into a meaningful adult life. The team consists of a social worker, life skills facilitator, pro bono lawyer, family as faculty and advanced placement social work students.
| Heather Keating |
| Halla Fahmi, MSW
|
| Kyle Smith, MPH
|
Just beginning your transition into adulthood?
Join the Bridging to Adulthood team and a Family Leader at this virtual small group session for an introduction to various community supports and resources that can help you through your journey into adulthood.
Join this virtual session, last Wednesday of every month, from 4:30pm - 5:30pm.
We will provide a brief overview of:
- Funding supports
- Legal considerations
- Employment
- Recreation & life skills
- Pathways to find primary care
- Post-secondary
- Independent living
- and more...
Next available dates (click on the date for more information/to register):
Need a personal meeting with our team?
Here we can:
- Directly answer your transition to adulthood questions
- Discuss and help set your goals
- Co-create personalized transition to adulthood plans
- Receive support completing applications
- Explore various hospital and community resources
- Drop-In appointments can be virtual, over the phone, or in-person at Holland Bloorview.
These appointments are offered weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at various times.
Please see monthly calendars below to sign up for a date of your choice.
Want to learn about a specific transition topic?
Pop-Up workshops
Pop-Ups are group events that helps clients and/or families prepare for the transition to adulthood. These events are tailored workshops or webinars on different topics. They are often co-hosted by Holland Bloorview staff and an adult agency, for gradual introductions to new service providers. Learn about a specific topic of interest, learn from others who have been there before, check something off your list.
Click on a topic of interest below, and a date for more learn more and register.
If you cannot attend a Pop-Up, please sign-up for a Drop-In appointment where we can discuss the topic you'd like to know more about.
Connecting with Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Meet ODSP staff, peer family mentors, and learn information about the funding source. Get 1:1 assistance with filling out your online ODSP application. This Pop-Up occurs every month.
Next available dates
Connecting with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
Meet DSO staff, peer family mentors, and learn more about this access point for adult developmental services and supports. We'll discuss what programs and services DSO can connect you to, Passport Funding, how to apply and eligibility criteria. Our team can also support you with an application as well, at a later date. This Pop-Up occurs twice a year.
Next available dates
Legal considerations for the transition to adulthood Pop-Up
Meet with Holland Bloorview’s pro bono lawyer and peer mentors to learn about legal considerations for the transition to adulthood. Schedule a 1:1 appointment with the pro bono lawyer for personalized consultation. This Pop-Up occurs 4 times a year.
Next available dates
June 3 (6-7:30pm)
Pathways to Adult Primary Care
Learn how to best find a Primary Care provider (i.e. a Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner etc.). Explore different potential options and receive 1:1 support taking steps towards finding a provider. Our team can also provide on-the-spot submission of health records request. Leave with a package of your relevant medical records organized in a personalized format that suits your needs.
Please attend any Drop-In appointment to learn more about pathways to adult primary care
Meet Vibrant Community Health
Learn about the Family Health Team's options for Adult Primary Healthcare Providers and Wellness Programs in Toronto. Meet with Vibrant staff to learn more about the medical transition from pediatric healthcare to adulthood healthcare.
We are currently planning our next Workshop, updates coming soon. Click HERE to share your interest in this event.
Supports for Parents & Caregivers
This Pop-Up designed specifically for parents. As your child begins their journey into adulthood, it’s common to focus entirely on their needs — but this session offers a safe, supportive space to also start thinking about your needs as a caregiver. Hear from Family Leaders with lived experience who have been through this transition, Learn about free supports, programs, and resources available through the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO).
We are currently planning this event for Fall 2026, updates coming soon. Click HERE to share your interest in this event.
Sexuality, Relationships and Parenting with a Disability
Learn how to navigate puberty, healthy behaviours and meet various community organizations that are out there to support you and your needs. Hear from members in the community and get connected to resources that are accessible and may work for you.
Our next sexual health Pop-Up is being planned for Fall 2026, updates coming soon.
Please also visit Holland Bloorview's Disability & Sexuality Resource Hub - Explore various resources to support your learning and questions.
Life after high school
Join the Employment Pathways Team to discuss and explore:
- Accessing employment supports and resources
- Other learning options and programs
- Related online community resources
- Hearing from staff, families and partners
We are currently planning this event for Fall 2026, updates coming soon. Click HERE to share your interest in this event.
Finding day programs
Wondering how to find day programs for life after high school? Connect with our Transition to Adulthood Team to receive coaching around how to find day programs near you.
Please attend our Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Workshop. You can also attend any Drop-In appointment.
May 13
Tip sheets
Are you looking for help with thinking about, planning and organizing your transition to adulthood? Would you like help finding personalized resources that link to your future vision and current needs? If so, please download the personalized transition plan!
Please note that the plan was designed for youth with disabilities age 14 years and older, and their caregivers. Many of the resources are specific to Ontario, Canada.
Community organizations & resources
Resources for professionals
Designed to help service providers, organizations, and system leaders, this guide shares key tenets and tangible examples of how to support holistic transitions to adult life for children, youth, and families.
Evidence to Care partnered with the Transitions Strategy team to create the transitions guide. In this companion resource, the approach and steps taken in co-designing the guide are presented.
Click here to download a brief summary of what the transitions guide offers including a description of each key tenet.
