LIFEspan (Living Independently Fully Engaged)

Who we are

The LIFEspan clinic was developed jointly by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the University Health Network-Toronto Rehab. It is designed to help youth and young adults with childhood-onset disabilities successfully transition from pediatric to adult health care systems. The LIFEspan clinic is led by a nurse practitioner and also includes a social worker, a youth facilitator, an occupational therapist and a pro bono lawyer.

What we do

The LIFEspan Clinic focuses on engaging youth and families to prepare for anticipated changes to health care, funding, academics and community resources in adulthood. Topics of discussion include: health care providers involved, school/academics, funding, respite, community participation, community resources and health care knowledge.

Who we serve

In order to be eligible for this clinic, a referral form from your team member at Holland Bloorview is required. Eligibility criteria includes:

At least 14 years of age or older at the time of referral
Diagnosis of cerebral palsy or neuromotor challenge
Acquired brain injury
Require service from at least two clinical team members
Clients residing in the province of Ontario

Meet our team

	Andrea Lauzon Nurse Practitioner First point of contact for health concerns for those being followed medically Assesses and treats concerns affecting physical and mental health while working with primary medical providers Consults with internal and external healthcare providers to support healthcare needs
	Nadia Niles-Campbell Occupational Therapist Assists in exploring and navigating college/university pathways Provides information about supports connections at post-secondary level Supports post-secondary transitions in relation to accommodations, personal care, self-management, funding etc.
	Cooper Dupre Social Worker Connects clients with community supports and services Supports clients through the transition from pediatric to adult funding and resources Provides emotional supports related to transition to adult services
	Melissa Thorne Youth Facilitator Shares lived experience transitioning to adulthood with a disability Offers personal tips for navigating growing up, independence and life as an adult Discusses Holland Bloorview and community programming options
	Rosemary Masemann Pro Bono Lawyer Supports transition related legal needs Provides guidance on substitute decision making for health and property Answers questions about finances, guardianship, housing etc
	Whillette Warren Clinic Coordinator First point of contact for all LIFEspan administrative, client and family questions Manages clinic flow of client/family appointments on clinic days
	Heather Keating Clinical Operations Manager Provides oversight for clinic operations Supports integration of cross-team/department communications and processes Navigates client and family relations with respect to clinic services Establishes and maintains a working relationship with UHN-TR LIFEspan Partners
	Lyndsay Tchegus-Veiga Senior Director Provides clinic oversight in collaboration with Clinical Operations Management Provides strategic oversight and leadership to Client and Family Integrated Care, Transitions and Community Partnerships portfolio

We look forward to partnering with you and making your transition into adulthood as smooth as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clinic appointments virtual or in-person?

Our clinic offers both onsite in-person appointments as well as virtual appointments (Zoom Healthcare). Clients followed medically by our nurse practitioner will be asked to attend in-person (some exceptions may apply).

What kind of topics are covered in the clinic?

Transition topics that we discuss during appointments include:

Your best hopes for your upcoming appointments
Potential changes to your healthcare team
Increasing your knowledge of your disability
Current funding and assistance with transitioning to adult resources and funding
Accessing community supports
Your participation in school and the community
Academics/school planning including post-secondary education
Life skills and independence
Options for adult rehabilitation
Future planning

How often are clinic appointments scheduled?

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled 6-12 months based on your transition goals and important transition markers.