Friendship & belonging: virtual hangouts
Great opportunity to meet new youth and try out a virtual social recreation experience. Games are easy and fun. Participate in whatever way is most comfortable for you. Program access is via Zoom.

Virtual Hangouts in-person group celebration,successful implementation since Spring 2020!
Client and family testimonials:
What did you enjoy about the HIVE?
- Connecting with friends
- Finding similar interests with peers and having a place to chat
Why is this program meaningful to you?
- I've noticed good times where there was a lot of inclusivity, collaboration, celebrating the differences
- Not being judged for the condition or differences you have, there is NO judgement
- During covid we were all at home so having the virtual thing was really good it gave us something to do
- For those who live a little further it give you opportunity to participate even though you live far.
Parent Feedback:
- My child… “loves the discussions and it helps my child improve their vocabulary and confidence in speaking up.”
- My child… “is more confident to express her ideas and can express herself using new words during conversations.”
See flyers below for our current offerings.


Additional resources
Examples of other Holland Bloorview programs and resources that focus on interaction and belonging among children and youth with disabilities.
- Adapted Sports and Recreation
- Autism Programs
- Brain Computer Interface: Recreation Program
- Children’s Advisory Council
- Life Skills Development Groups
- Family Workshops and Resources
- Igniting Fitness Possibilities
- Music and the Arts
- Robotics
- Social Skills Video for parents and caregivers
- Spiral Garden
- Story: Being Friends with Kids with Disabilities
- Youth Engagement
Examples of inclusive resources to promote friendship and belonging among children, youth, and young adults in the community.
- Ability Online (various ages)
- About Face (children ages 6-17 with facial differences)
- Autism Youth for Community Engagement & Socialization (AYCES) (12-18 years)
- Befriendingfrom March of Dimes (18 years +)
- Best Buddies Canada (various ages)
- Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough Program (all ages)
- CHEO Autism Foundational Family Services(social skills groups, 3-18 years)
- CNIB Children and Youth Programs (blind and low vision, 0-21 years)
- CNIB Adult Programs (various social groups ages 18+)
- Connect4: Youth Mentorship Group (12-25 years)
- Connect and Share from March of Dimes (18 years +)
- Extend-a-Family(all ages)
- Friendly Connections from Connectability.ca (all ages)
- Friendship Circle (various ages)
- Friendship Circle (various ages)
- Geneva Centre (various groups, all ages)
- Hand Over Hand (various ages)
- Holland Bloorview’s Toronto Recreation Guide(all ages)
- Jays Care Challenger Baseball (all ages)
- Kerry’s Place (various groups and hangouts, all ages)
- Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto Programs (all ages)
- National Ballet & Holland Bloorview Adaptive Dance (ages 6-9)
- Rumball Early on and Family Centre (hearing loss, 0-6 years)
- Special Olympics Ontario (all ages)
- Socializing and Gaming: Miles Nadal JCC (ages 16-35)
- Variety Village (all ages)