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
Upcoming events
- Youth work experience participation programs: Information & Application Session - Nov 30 Many teens with disabilities want to participate in the world of work. Do you have questions about how to get started or are you looking for support? Join us to learn more at one of our Information & Application Sessions.
- Housing Pop-Up Workshop: Family Navigation Hub workshop series - Dec 1 The presenter will share information to help families understand the City of Toronto’s new My-Access-to-Housing application process as well as other housing supports.
- Family Workshop: RDSP, Wills and Estates - Dec 2 This workshop will provide families in the disability community with information on the RDSP, wills and estates.
- Coffee Chat - virtual support group - Dec 2 (Autism Ontario & Holland Bloorview Social Workers)
- Holland Bloorview’s Sibling Support Program “Movie night” - Dec 8 The program gives siblings, ages 7-18, the opportunity to relax, unwind, and meet peers who might share lived experiences. It will provide a safe space to talk about what it’s like to be a sibling of someone with a disability.
- Transitions Pop-up: Connect with HB Alumni - Dec 9 Learn about the HB Alumni Network from it’s coordinator and a family leader.
- Virtual Outpatient Santa & Holiday Event - Dec 11 Virtual Holiday Program (Songs, stories, crafts and visit with Santa & Elfie).
- BLOOM Newsletter October 2021 | BLOOM Newsletter November 2021
Resources to support families
- ASD FEED-Ed is an education platform designed for the purpose of educating children, youth, parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals about feeding in autistic children.
- ‘All About Me' Infographic (recorded) can help you advocate and make it easier to explain what it is you or your child need. A series of learning modules and resources have been created to help you and/or your child create your infographic. Free ‘All About Me’ template available from Piktochart.
- HB Podcasts Podcasts on a variety of themes and topics to support and connect with children, youth and families living with disabilities.
- The Harmony OnTrack Virtual Music Therapy Clinic offers virtual music therapy services for parents and caregivers within the Holland Bloorview community at no cost. For more information, please email SLEclinic@wlu.ca
- Family Events Brochure for October 2021 - February 2022
Want to learn more about Holland Bloorview?
- HB Info Line helps children, youth and families learn about and get connected to the many programs and services at Holland Bloorview.
How to remain connected
- HB Alumni Network An alumni network for clients (13+), families and caregivers to connect, share experiences and help us improve care and services.
- Parent Voices@Holland Bloorview Facebook
- BLOOM@BLOOMHollandbloorview Facebook
- ASD Dads drop-in on Friday nightTo learn more about the group, e-mail Peter Welsh at ASD.Fathers.meetup@gmail.com
Sign up for the BLOOM e-letter and you could win a prize!*
Our BLOOM monthly e-letter combines family stories and expert advice on raising children with disabilities; candid interviews with activists, clinicians and researchers; disability news and new books. *Sign up https://bit.ly/3xfj4jc and you’ll be entered in a draw for 3 framed Stephimals by Toronto autistic artist Steph Coveart; 3 Indigo gift cards; 3 Dear Everybody t-shirts; and 3 Craig’s Cookies boxes.
Bloorview Research Institute
Left in the waiting room: A pilot study of a digital intervention for siblings of children with disabilities If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Hiba Hakeem at thenovellab@hollandbloorview.ca
Not really sure about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Sick Kids Hospital
COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service: The SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service is a by-appointment phone service that provides a safe, judgement-free space to have an open conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth. It is available in multiple languages, using over-the-phone language interpretation.
Scarborough Health Network (SHN)
VaxFacts: Talk to qualified SHN doctors who understand you may have questions or concerns, or just want to learn more . You can book an appointment to do a call with one of our expert doctors. They are ready to talk, listen and help you get the most accurate information.
Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre
Call 1-833-943-3900 (includes different languages)
COVID-19 Transition
Proof of vaccination & ID cards
- How to get your COVID-19 vaccine certificate
- Ontario Photo card | Application for Ontario Photo Card - Ontario Residents Only | How to get an Ontario Photo Identification card
Future Planning
Pooran Law
November is Make a Will month. Attend this free webinar to learn why you need one and why it should be done with the help of a lawyer. This event is for families of people with a child or sibling who has a disability and people who have a disability
Partners for Planning - P4P
Creative Options for Home: Exploring Individualized Housing Models (Dec 7)
Many families have found creative and innovative ways to support their loved one in having a home of their own and one of their own choosing. Tune in to learn more about innovative housing options that could support you and your loved one in taking that next step toward “home.”
For more events for caregivers as well as children, youth and young adults, please consider checking
Autism Ontario;Children’s Treatment Network;Connectability.ca;Family Service Toronto;Kerry’s Place Autism Services;My Community Hub;Surrey Place - Wellness Services
Mental Health and Wellness | Caregiver Support
Autism Ontario
Provincial - Black Caregiver Check in and Chat (Nov 25) An opportunity for Black Caregivers supporting an individual on the autism spectrum to share and discuss their unique experiences in a welcoming and compassionate environment.
ASE Community foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities
AYA warrior group is a virtual, biweekly drop in session open to Black people with disabilities to connect with one another during this COVID-19 transition, share resources, and talk about the experience of living at the intersection of disability and Blackness. Registration is required. If you have any questions/concerns, please email us at connect@asecommunityfoundation.com
Community Living Toronto & Relationship Group
Virtual support group for Moms (Monday and Thursday - Sept 20 - Dec 16, 2021)
Surrey Place
December Wellness Program Guide
The Lighthouse Beacon Podcast
Podcast: Diverse Expressions of Grief in Children with Complex Care at Emily’s House
Presenters share their experiences, wisdom, stories regarding anticipatory loss, and post death grief support of children with complex care needs, and their families.
Toronto District School Board
tdsbHUB.ca Locate virtual events from across the TDSB intended for parents/caregivers and the community. Find meetings, trainings, events and initiatives to support you, your child and your community.
- Dec 8 Virtual office hours for Students with Complex Needs
- Dec 1 Eritrean Parents/Caregivers Meet and Greet
- Dec 13 Mental Health and Well Being - Parents as Partners
- Dec 17 Group for Somali Parents - Shah and Sheeko (Tea and Chat)
Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Vibrant Healthcare Alliance
Boundaries Enhancing Individual Growth Toolkit provides women, girls, trans, Two Spirit, nonbinary and other gender-marginalized individuals living with disabilities and their allies information, tools and support to respond to violence.
Across Boundaries
Rainbow Health Ontario
LGBT2SQ Health and Social Service Provider Directory
Transitions
Developmental Services Ontario
DSO Housing Toolkit Housing resources put together by DSO staff, to help you create a housing plan.
Ontario Independent Facilitation Network (OIFN)
Building Capacity in Independent Facilitation OIFN Shared Learning Events 2021-2022
Shared Learning events for people living with disabilities, family members, loved ones, and aspiring, new, and experienced facilitators. Passport funding can be used for reimbursement of course fees.
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
