An annual award that recognizes an individual or a team whose outstanding contributions to rehabilitation through research, service, or product development/adaptation have improved the quality of life of children and youth with disabilities. This award was established by family and friends of Dr. John Whittaker to commemorate his dedication to improving the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.
Award
Recipient (individual or team) receive a commemorative plaque and a cash award of $1,000 CAD in recognition of their contributions to pediatric rehabilitation. The plaque is presented at the annual Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) Symposium.
2026 Award Cycle
For the 2026 award cycle, the recipient will be recognized at the 21st annual BRI Symposium taking place November 5th – 6th, 2026.
This year, we particularly encourage nominations of service-oriented individuals or teams whose contributions have been underrepresented despite their meaningful impact on the lives of children and youth with disabilities.
Nomination Criteria
The Dr. John Whittaker Memorial Award is open to individuals and teams affiliated with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and/or the BRI, including researchers, clinicians, trainees, staff, family leaders, and administrators.
Eligible nominees must demonstrate excellence in one of the following areas:
Service: Made exceptional and sustained contributions through service delivery, leadership, advocacy, education, quality improvement, innovation in practice, and/or the implementation of a device, adaptation, program, or service that has improved the health, well-being, participation, inclusion, or quality of life of children and youth with disabilities.
OR
- Research: Conducted innovative and impactful research and/or developed a novel device, adaptation, intervention, tool, technology, or scientific approach that has advanced evidence-informed practice, enhanced rehabilitation, or improved the quality of life of children and youth with disabilities.
Nomination Process
Individuals and teams may self-nominate or nominate another individual or team whose efforts align with the award criteria. To submit a nomination, please complete the nomination form and submit a letter of support. Supporting documentation may also be included to strengthen the nomination package.
- Click here (PDF) to download Nomination Form
- Letter of Support (maximum 2 pages): Clearly describe how the nominee meets the criteria for the selected area and provide specific examples of their contributions, impact, leadership, innovation, and/or implementation.
- Supporting Documentation (optional, maximum 10 pages): Relevant to the nominee's role and the nature of their contributions. It may include publications, reports, presentations, program evaluations, quality improvement outcomes, awards, testimonials, letters of recognition, evidence of impact, and/or other relevant materials that demonstrate the nominee's contributions to Research Excellence or Service Excellence. For Research Excellence nominees, a biosketch (maximum 2 pages) may be included instead of CVs.
Note: Re-nominations are encouraged and accepted. Self-nominations must include a letter of support from another individual familiar with the nominee’s contributions.
Submission Process and Deadline
This is an open call for nominations, and submissions are accepted year-round. Nominations received by the annual fall deadline will be reviewed during the fall adjudication cycle, before the BRI Symposium. Nominations received after the deadline will be held for consideration in the next cycle.
To be considered for the fall 2026 adjudication cycle, please submit the completed nomination package by email to Donna Yee (dyee@hollandbloorview.ca) and Ushani Ambalavanar (uambalavanar@hollandbloorview.ca) by Monday, September 28, 2026, with the subject line: "Dr. John Whittaker Memorial Award Nomination – [Nominee Name]".
A completed nomination package must include:
- A completed Nomination Form
- Letter of Support (maximum 2 pages)
- (Optional) Supporting documentation (maximum 10 pages)
Adjudication
All eligible nominations will be reviewed each fall by an adjudication committee at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. The committee will evaluate nominees across both areas and select one recipient (individual or team) to receive the award.
Contact
For more information about the Dr. John Whittaker Memorial Award, please contact:
Donna Yee, Manager, Grants and Awards Development
Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Road Toronto, Ontario M4G 1R8
E-mail: dyee@hollandbloorview.ca
