Online Family Resources Centre

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Helps navigate community programs and services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages in Ontario

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Abilities Canada

Canada’s Lifestyle Magazine for people with disabilities

Ability Online

Social media technology platform for young people with disabilities to connect with each other and the world around them

About Kids Health

A health education website for children, youth and their caregivers

About Kids Health: Pain

Learning hub has information on acute and chronic pain, including signs and symptoms, methods of assessment and the 3P approach to pain management

Access Now

Search, rate and filter for specific locations with the accessibility features you require, featuring an interactive map

Access TO

List of accessible restaurants and spaces in Toronto

Access to Travel

Provides information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada.

Access2Entertainment

Receive either free admission or a discount for their support person at member movie theatres and attractions across Canada

Adapted recreation equipment loan program

Holland Bloorview offers adapted recreation equipment for clients and families to borrow for up to two weeks for free.

Adult services

Holland Bloorview offers some services for adults.

Appointment services

Here you will register for your first appointment and be directed to where you need to go.

Aquatic Swim Programs and Registration

Aquatics and swim programs are offered 7 days a week to the general community serving infants to seniors.

Arch Disability Law Centre

A legal clinic that practices exclusively in disability rights law and advancing the equality rights, entitlements, fundamental freedoms and inclusion of persons with disabilities with low income in Ontario.

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

Provides financial support for low- to moderate-income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

Provides financial help to people with long-term physical disabilities for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids, and may cover the cost of specialized supplies

Augmentative and alternative communication

The augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) stream serves children and youth whose speech does not meet their daily communication needs, and who require tools and strategies to support their face-to-face and written communication.

Autism Ontario

Provides information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism (ASD) community

Autism, communication, learning and behaviour

As a teaching hospital, Holland Bloorview has an interdisciplinary team of autism experts in the areas of research, clinical care and teaching.

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Battling the hospital blues

Bioethics

Holland Bloorview’s Bioethics Service is dedicated to helping client and family well-being and organizational integrity. The service provides specialized help with clinical and organizational questions and concerns.

Bob Rumball

Offers a range of specialized services to those within the Deaf Community that require support, including include seniors’, those with developmental, physical, health, or mental health issues, infants and young children, and newcomers to Canada

Brain injury rehab

The brain injury rehab team serves clients aged 3 months to 18 years who require rehabilitation following an acquired brain injury.

Bully Free World

Tool kit for parents, teachers and students dealing with bullying and children with special needs.

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Can I use Wheel-Trans?

TTC Wheel-Trans provides a safe and reliable transit option for persons with disabilities to travel with freedom and dignity.

Canadian Mental Health Association

Facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness

Centralized equipment pool

The Centralized equipment pool provides speech–generating devices, writing aids and related equipment to individuals with physical disabilities across Ontario.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages and families, with Access CAMH as your centralized point of contact.

Centre for Independent Living Toronto (CILT)

A community-based resource organization run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities, and includes programs and services that support empowerment and independence

Child development program

The child development program provides outpatient services to children with diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, cleft lip and palate, along with autism and complex medical conditions and syndromes.

City of Toronto: Service and Benefit Finder

Get a personalized list of services that might be available to you, like child care, employment support, housing support, money to pay for costs of daily living

CityKids

A network of agencies working together to provide single point access, coordinated intake and service delivery to children with special needs and their families.

Cleft lip and palate and craniofacial services

Our team serves children and youth with communication difficulties and psychosocial/emotional challenges related to cleft lip and palate/craniofacial anomalies.

Clinical seating services

When equipment is prescribed for a client, the professional assists the client and their family to research the various funding options available to them and also assists with the completion of any necessary applications and supporting documentation.

Communication and writing aids service

The communication and writing aids service is provided in two streams: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and Writing aids

Community based child development services

As part of the Child Development Program, we provide community-based child development services.

Community Living Ontario

An association assisting people who have an intellectual disability and their families to lead the way in advancing inclusion in their own lives and in their communities.

Community Living: Inspiring Possibilities - Estate Planning Guide

A tax, benefits, trusts, and wills toolkit for Ontarians with disabilities

Community Living: Student Links

An opportunity for students who have an intellectual disability to explore ideas for their future after high school, through mentorship

Community programs

List of community programs at Holland Bloorview

Community respite opportunities

Complex Continuing Care

The Complex Continuing Care unit serves children and youth from birth to age 18 with complex medical needs or who have multi-system diseases.

Concussion centre

This centre provides clinical services, education and resources, community outreach, and research focused on concussion in children and youth.

ConnectABILITY

A virtual community dedicated to support for people who have an intellectual disability, their families and support networks that features accessible, self-directed access to valuable information and tools, and organized by age group

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Dental services

Holland Bloorview’s dental specialists provide services to children and young adults with complex medical needs in two areas: the cleft lip and palate/craniofacial dental program and pediatric dentistry.

Developmental Services Ontario

The access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ontario, which helps families with funding and connecting to services

Disability Representation in Media

Written by Lexin Zhang, for the Family Resource Centre.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

A non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay

Disability Travel Card

Identification that allows adult attendants to travel with people that have permanent disabilities at no cost on participating Canadian coach operators or Via Rail

Discover My Route

Toronto transit training to teach people 18 years of age and older with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability how to use public transit independently

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E-newsletter for COVID-19 on April 9, 2020

E-newsletter for COVID-19 on June 18, 2020

COVID-19 e-letter June 18, 2020

Early Learning and Development

Nursery schools and infant development services. Check out our community outreach services.

Early Learning and Development - Community Outreach Service

The community outreach service comprises a team of early childhood education resource educators.

Early Learning and Development - Infant Development Program

Infant development consultants support families in being active participants in their children’s care. Through an interprofessional approach, we provide opportunities for the optimal development of each child and family.

Early Learning and Development - Nursery Schools

In the early years, building a strong foundation is the first step to ensuring that all children fulfill their individual potential.

Easter Seals

Provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario, including funding, camps, and parenting information

Easter Seals Kids at School

A place where parents of children with physical disabilities can find information on school-related issues

Emily's House

Delivers respite and palliative care services to children and their families who are living with a life-limiting illness.

Empowered Kids Ontario

Ontario’s publicly-funded child development and rehabilitation sector that include children's treatment centres across the province

Extend-A-Family

Partner with families and communities to foster a life of belonging for children and youth with developmental disabilities, building meaningful relationships and valued roles.

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eMentalHealth.ca

Helps to navigate mental health services, health and support in your community

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Family Service Toronto

helps people face a wide variety of life challengesthrough counselling, community development, advocacy and public education programs.

Family Service Toronto

Counselling, community development, advocacy and public education programs

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Autism Resources for Families in the Community

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Blogs by People with Disabilities

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Create an ‘All About Me’ Resource

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Emergency funding sources and access to basic necessities

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Explaining COVID-19 and Coronavirus to children

The information provided in this tipsheet is for reference only. It is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of organizations, news sources, policies or political parties, or as a comprehensive resource list.

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Family, Parent and Caregiver Groups in the Community

This list was last updated by a Family Support Specialist in April 2018

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Fun and budget-friendly stay-at-home activities

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Funding Checklist

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Holland Bloorview & community services that you can access online

FAMILY TIPSHEET: How to be involved in your IEP

The process of creating an IEP (Individual Education Plan) is quite complicated, and it is sometimes hard to tell where and when to start being effectively involved.

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Interests and Hobbies Checklist

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Mental Health and Wellness Supports During the COVID-19 and Coronavirus Outbreak

Mental Health and Wellness Supports During the COVID-19 and Coronavirus Outbreak

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Respite

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Sample Daily Learning Schedule

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Speaking Up

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Supporting Siblings During the COVID-19 and Coronavirus Outbreak

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Tips for Creating a Learning Schedule at Home

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Understanding School Supports

FAMILY TIPSHEET: What do they do?

FAMILY TIPSHEET: Your legal rights during COVID-19

The information provided in this tipsheet is for reference only. It is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of organizations, news sources, policies or political parties, or as a comprehensive resource list. This tipsheet does not contain legal

Feeding services

The Holland Bloorview feeding clinic serves children and youth with feeding and swallowing issues.

Funding & Financial Supports Guide for families who have children with disabilities

Government funding programs, charitable organizations, recreation and housing funding sources and other financial resources that may be helpful to families.

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Geneva Centre for Autism

Supports individuals, families, community agencies and professionals to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder realize opportunities for successful community inclusion

Get Up and Go (Persistent pediatric pain service)

This service is a rehabilitation program aimed at helping your child regain function and return to usual activities.

Griffin Centre

Mental health agency providing flexible and accessible services to youth, adults and their families

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IBBY Collection of Books for Young People with Disabilities

A large international selection of books for and about young people with disabilities.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

A written plan that describes special education programs and/or services for a student

Indoor Walking Route

DISTANCE: 2.0km | Time: approximately 30-40 minutes

Inpatient care

Inpatient services at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital are a component of the Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care Program.

Integrated education and therapy

The Integrated Education and Therapy Program is a partnership between Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the Bloorview School Authority.

Interpreter services

Clients and families have access to professional interpreter services at no cost when attending appointments at Holland Bloorview.

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Jooay

A free app that helps children with disabilities and their families to locate leisure opportunities that are close to where they are and accessible

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Kerry's Place Autism Services

Supports individuals, families, community agencies and professionals to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder realize opportunities for successful community inclusion

Kids Health: Kid-Friendly Medical Dictionary

A virtual glossary for lots of easy-to-read definitions

Kids Help Phone

A 24/7, national support service that offers professional counselling, information/referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French - via phone, mobile app or website

Kindercircle Day Care

Kindercircle is a licensed daycare dedicated to serving children aged three to 30 months, offering a rich learning experience in a safe, warm and loving environment.

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Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto

Provides specialized programs designed for people of all ages living with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD

LIFEspan

The LIFEspan Service provides support and education to achieve optimal health and wellness.

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Managing medications at home

Medication resources for families

March of Dimes

Provides a wide range of services to people with physical disabilities throughout Canada, including services, education , employment programs, and funding

MedlinePlus

Read about symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention for over 1000 diseases, illnesses, health conditions and wellness issues

Museum and Arts Pass

Sign out a MAP Pass with your adult library card, and you and your family can get free admission to many Toronto museums and other cultural attractions.

Music and arts

Music and Arts programs at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital offer a wide range of year-round art and music programs for children and youth with disabilities and their siblings, up to the age of 21 years.

My Community Hub

A centralized, online registration space for activities, classes, programs, workshops, respite and camps offered across Ontario

My Direct Plan

Online tool to manage SSAH and Passport funding

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Nanny Angel Network

Provides free, professional relief and childcare for children 16 and under, for GTA-area mothers with cancer.

Neighbourhood Handbook For visiting families

This handbook provides general information to help you navigate our neighbourhood during your stay with us!

Neuromotor services

This Child Development team works with children who have neuromotor disorders.

Neuromuscular services

The Holland Bloorview neuromuscular team provides care for clients with neuromuscular conditions.

Nursing

Our nursing is composed of registered nurses, registered practical nurses and nurse practitioners.

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OHIP Health Card Medical Exemption Request

A form for individuals who, for medical reasons, cannot go to a ServiceOntario centre to have their photo or signature captured.

Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD)

Parent fact sheets for school and education

Ontario Camps Association

The OCA Annual Camps Guide is your directory to Accredited Camps in Ontario

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Provides income supports (financial assistance provided each month to help with the costs of basic needs) and employment supports (supports to help clients with disabilities find and keep a job)

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP)

A non profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting people with cerebral palsy (CP) in Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Education: Special Education Policies

Government policies about a child's rights at school, in special education

Ontario Special Needs Roadmap for School

Interactive school roadmap to help parents navigate the system, explaining what the different processes mean and what they mean for your child.

Orthotics and prosthetics (incl. myoelectrics)

Orthotics and prosthetics provides a full range of services ranging from artificial limbs, orthopeadic devices, innovative electronic solutions and mechanical adaptations.

Outpatient services

Most children are seen on an outpatient basis.

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PARENT TIPSHEET: Connecting with community resources

PARENT TIPSHEET: Planning an Outing

PARENT TIPSHEET: Supporting Siblings

PARENT TIPSHEET: Transitioning from paediatric to adult services

PARENT TIPSHEET: Writing a Funding Letter

Parentbooks

Offers the most comprehensive selection of resources available anywhere — from planning a family to everyday parenting issues to special needs of all kinds.

Partners for Planning Network

Provides people with disabilities and their families with free resources and webinars to create meaningful lives and secure futures

People for Education: Multilingual Tips for Parents

Tips for parents about public education in up to 15 languages, including special education

Pharmacy

Our Pharmacy is responsible for the safe and effective use of medications.

Preparing for a Meeting Tool

Prevnet

Canadian research on bullying

Psychopharmacology clinic

This clinic serves clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders and complex medical and/or developmental disorders including epilepsy.

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Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

A savings plan that is intended to help parents and others save for the long term financial security of a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit

Respite

Respite Choices

Respite Choices provides care to children, youth, and adults who live at home with their parent or caregiver.

RespiteServices.com

Provides families, individuals and professionals with information and links to respite services in local communities across Ontario

Robotics

Designed to inspire young minds with imaginative play and encourage skill-building

Ronald McDonald Playroom

It is a drop-in childcare space where Holland Bloorview outpatients, day patients, and siblings can come before, after, or in between appointments.

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Safe Haven

Provides respite care for children with complex care needs while their family takes well-deserved time to recharge.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) program

The SDR Program includes an assessment clinic, surgery and post-operative rehabilitation.

Service Ontario: Accessible Parking Permit

Permits that are issued to a person or business in order to park in an accessible parking space

SibKit

The SibKit is a booklet filled with just-right, interactive tools and tips for brothers and sisters of kids who have pediatric acquired brain injuries (ABI).

Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health

Provides accessible free programs for infants, children, youth, caregivers and community professionals that focus on enhancing children’s social skills and supporting their emotional needs

Snoezelen

Snoezelen rooms are artificially engineered spaces that use music, lighting, gentle vibrations, tactile sensations and aromatherapy. Users can relax and choose activities at their own pace.

Social work

Providing care for the social, emotional and service needs of children, teens, young adults and their families.

Special Needs Planning Group

A website which will provide basic information to understand and implement plans for the future of afamily member with a disability, including trusts, government funding and tax tips.

Special Needs Summer Camps

List of special needs camps in Ontario

Special Services at Home (SSAH)

Helps families pay for services in or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program, such as respite and supports for personal growth and development

Specialized orthopedic and developmental rehab (SODR)

The specialized orthopedic and developmental rehab (SODR) team provides care to clients from birth to age 18 with a variety of musculoskeletal, developmental or neuromotor conditions.

Spina bifida and spinal cord services

The spina bifida/spinal cord team uses a multidisciplinary, family-centred approach.

Spinal Cord Injury

Delivers service, support and advocacy for and with people with spinal cord injury, and helps clients connect with community resources all across Ontario

Spinal Cord Injury Inpatient Program

The spinal cord injury (SCI) inpatient program cares for children 0-18 years of age who have sustained either traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Spiral garden

Spiral Garden is an integrated outdoor art, garden and play program.

Spiritual care

Spiritual Care focuses on the needs and priorities of what gives the most meaning and value to the individual human spirit in times of hardship.

Surrey Place: Community Resource Directory

The Directory was created to assist children and adults with ASD as well as their families, schools and professionals in navigating the often complex system of service delivery for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

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The Darling Home for Kids

Provides respite care for medically fragile children which provides a break to families facing the daily challenges of caring for a child with complex medical needs.

The George Hull Centre: Child and Youth Mental Health Services

Support to children and their families facing mental health issues.

The Identification, Placement, and Review Committee

The IPRC decides whether the student is an exceptional pupil and, if so, what type of educational placement is appropriate

The KIT: Keeping It Together

A tool for organizing your child's information

The Mighty

A safe, supportive community for people facing health challenges and the people who care for them, featuring stories and articles of lived experiences

Therapeutic clown program

The Therapeutic Clown Program at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital was established in 2005. The therapeutic clowns provide warmth and laughter to clients, families and staff.

Tips for Inpatient Families, By Inpatient Families!

A list of tips for inpatient families compiled from experience of previous inpatient families.

Tips for Inpatient Siblings

Some tips on how to make the most of your experience when your sibling is an inpatient

Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network

The LHIN is responsible for delivering home care services to citizens across the city, including health or personal support at home, at school and in the community

Toronto District School Board: Intensive Support Programs

Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) at all grade levels are designed to support communities of exceptional (special needs) students who have similar behavioural, communication, intellectual, or physical needs.

Toronto District School Board: Policies and Procedures for Special Education

Board Procedures that are related to Special Education, including 'Management Process for Risk-Of-Injury Behaviours', and 'Access to Schools by Third Party Professionals'

Toronto Public Library

Search for programs and classes at your local library branch for children, youth and families

Toronto Public Library: Services for People with Disabilities

Accessibility information at the local libraries, including sign language interpretation, home library services, fine exemptions, and equipment to access books and content

Toronto Recreation Guide for Families who have Children with Disabilities

This is a list of some sports, activities, hobbies, social groups and leisure programs that may be helpful to families.

Toronto Recreation Guides

Information on Parks and Recreation programs, accessibility, low cost progamming

Transitions, recreation and life skills community services

TRLS offers a continuum of evidence-informed community integrated services for children and youth designated to enhance quality of life and support optimal transition across the lifespan.

Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

A parenting and family support strategy. It aims to prevent severe behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children by improving the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents.

TTC Support Person Assistance Card

A support person accompanying a person with a disability is not required to pay a fare when travelling on the TTC, with this card

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Ultimate Health Rights Survival Guide

Information about health rights for youth and activities that guide you through the processes related to your health rights.

Understood

A resource website, for caregivers of children aged 3–20 who have learning and attention needs

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Variety Village

Health & fitness centre facilities with over 100 programs for all ages and abilities

VIA Rail Support Person card

Passengers who cannot travel alone without a Support Person may travel with a companion capable of providing the required assistance.

Vibrant Healthcare Alliance

Hosts Parent Support Initiatives to foster the organization and empowerment of the rare disease community

Virtual programs and services

To serve our clients and families better, we are now offering an expanded number of virtual programs and services.

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What's Up Walk In Clinics

Free walk-in mental health counselling for children, youth, young adults and their families

WheelTrans

A transportation option for persons with disabilities to travel throughout Toronto, as part of the TTC

WoodGreen Community Services

Provides programs for childcare, after-school programs, tax clinics, newcomers, homeless and marginalized people, and job-seekers

Writing aids service

Serves children who are able to speak, but cannot write with a pen or pencil and require technology to support their written communication.

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Young Carers Program

A program for siblings and young caregivers

Youth employment programs

We help youth with disabilities connect with early work opportunities

Youth engagement

The youth engagement strategy provides youth leadership opportunities for current and former clients.

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Zach's List

An online community that gives parents and caregivers easy access to used pediatric disability equipment.

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