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E-newsletter for COVID-19 on May 13, 2021

The information provided in this newsletter 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. Past newsletters and COVID-19 specific tipsheets can be accessed here. 

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

New

Bloorview Research Institute

New

Adapting Anxiety Intervention for Youth with Autism for Rapid Response to COVID-19: A Research Project to Provide and Evaluate Virtual Mental Health Care  This study is for children and youth between 8-13 years of age with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and experiencing a heightened level of anxiety.

  • The goal of the study is to see if a virtual delivery of a group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program, “Facing Your Fears” (FYF), is helpful in improving anxiety symptoms for children and youth with ASD and anxiety.
  • If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Kristina Hyunjee Lee at 416-425-6220 ex 3297 or klee@hollandbloorview.ca

Researchers from the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital are seeking researchers, trainees, and clients and families living with childhood disability or acquired injury to help test training modules (also known as simulations) for research teams and clients and families to learn how to support each other through challenging situations associated with client and family engagement in research.

  • This study involves working in groups of eight to ten participants for two, 2-hour online workshops, completing an online survey before and after the training, and participating in an online focus group approximately 1-2 weeks after the training.
  • If interested in participating in this study, contact Samantha at smicsinszki@hollandbloorview.ca

Holland Bloorview resources and supports

Funding

Find out about available funding for your family

Plan ahead for the next tax year

Need to file taxes and speak to with someone who knows disability law?  Need free assistance with your taxes?  Here are some resources

  • Planning Network has an interactive map and a list of professionals that include financial advisors and accountants who have expertise with the disability community: 
  • Graeme Treeby and the Special Needs Planning Group act as a resource to provide a starting point for income tax preparation and planning for people with a disability and their families.
  • Bright Futures Ability Network assist with developing a strategy for your loved one’s ongoing care and financial support.
  • Pooran Law is a law firm that works with another team that specializes in taxes

Parents Engaged in Education

Family Service Centre  Education Bank supports low-income families with learning resources/materials and a technology hub. Offers curbside pickup which will allow families to select materials for pickup at the Family Service Centre.  If you would like to pick up items, please complete the following Google Form

Vaccine information

City of Toronto Accessibility Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccines & Toronto Public Health

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy

  • COVID 19 Vaccine Support Fund Application Form:The purpose of this fund is to provide one time assistance to help members cover additional expenses related to costs associated with receiving the vaccine. These eligible expenses include but are but not limited to transportation costs, attendant services, parking, or other related costs.

Vaccine resources

Racism

Resources

  • Bystander Intervention Resources: How to do your part to protect your neighbors and co-workers when bias and harassment collide in front of you (Hollaback!)
  • Racism Affects me too: This workshop will focus on how Anti-Black Racism impacts individuals living with mild to moderate Intellectual/ Development Disability (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will engage in weekly lessons, activities, and group discussions.

Future planning

Family Service Toronto

Partners for Planning (P4P)

Plan Institute for Caring Citizenship

Family Service Toronto

  • Planning for a Caregiver in Crisis (recording): Are you the primary caregiver for someone with a disability? Do you have a plan in case something happens and you’re not able to provide care? Preparing an emergency plan will give you peace of mind that the person you care for will be safe. Download the presentation here

Caregiver support

Other

Please check the following events calendars for additional supports for caregivers and ongoing social/recreational events for children, youth and young adults.

Transitions (16 +)

Bloorview School Authority Post Secondary Scholarships

Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO)

  • Scholarship Program: Now open for post-secondary education at college, university, Indigenous Institutes, or at a career training program. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2021.

Geneva Centre

Developmental Services Ontario

Holland Bloorview’s Grocery Foundation Family Resource Centre is a place where you can find information and resources on childhood disability that are helpful to you and your family.  We have information on: respite, recreation, housing, funding, education, parenting and more.  All Holland Bloorview workshops and events are listed on www.hollandbloorview.ca/familyevents Questions?  Please e-mail resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca

pdf-iconCOVID-19 Family Resource Centre e-letter, May 17, 2021