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 and new resources
- FAMILY TIPSHEET: Emergency funding sources and access to basic necessities This tipsheet provides a list of governmental and non-governmental emergency funds and supports for families, in situations where they may need help urgently to pay for or find basic necessities.
- Social Story: Getting a Vaccine
- SSAH & ACSD Funding workshop for families - Jan 13 The workshops will focus on understanding SSAH and ACSD provincial funding programs, how to apply, My Direct Plan and Enhanced Respite, turning 18 and moving out of SSAH and ACSD.
- Transitioning to college and university: Parents/caregivers as transition coaches - Jan 13 For parents/caregivers of students planning on going to college or university who are in grade 10, 11, 12; are receiving accommodations through an IEP and working towards a Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Youth work experience participation programs: Information & application session - Jan 25 For teens with disabilities who want to participate in the world of work. Join us to learn more at one of our Information & Application Sessions.
- The Journey to Kindergarten: Transitions-based tips and resources for parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities - Jan 26, 1 PM and 7 PM sessions. We will share suggestions, lived experiences and resources for your home and community that can support your family’s upcoming transition to kindergarten (Holland Bloorview and the Toronto District School Board).
- Holland Bloorview's 8th Annual Virtual Recreation, Respite & Life Skills Fair - Jan 29 Learn about recreation, respite and life skills programs across the GTA. Drop in and ask questions about recreation, respite and life skills programs across the GTA and meet representatives. No registration required, zoom links will be available day of event.
- BLOOM Newsletter December 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; BLOOM Newsletter November 2021
- ASD Dads drop-in on Friday nightTo learn more about the group, e-mail Peter Welsh at ASD.Fathers.meetup@gmail.com
Vaccine resources
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.
Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada
Learn all about the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Regularly updated to make sure it has the best, up-to-date information.
How to book a vaccine appointment
Book your appointment through the provincial vaccine portal and Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). Appointments can also be booked through pharmacies. The City of Toronto also has a list of locations where vaccinations will be available.
SickKids is available to help coordinate COVID-19 vaccination appointments and offer specialized services including drive-through vaccination and the availability of child life specialists and pediatric vaccinators.
Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre
Five important actions we can take to stay safe right now.Read the Blog Post here.
How to use the take-home rapid response antigen screening kit
Please see this Youtube video on how to administer the test.
Funding
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP)
Applications for funding for OFCP Life Enriching Activity Fund (LEAF) will start on Monday, January 17, 2022 and for OFCP Assistive Devices Funding Program (ADFP) on Monday, January 31, 2022. Note: this information is not yet available so please check website regularly for updated application details.
Fido
Accessibility Discount on Cell Phone Plans: New and existing Fido Mobile customers with accessibility needs are eligible for a $10 monthly discount on all in-market postpaid mobile plans.
Bell
For those who have Bell mobility Connect Everything or Unlimited Smartphone rate plans, there is a $20/month accessibility discount available.
Mental Health and Wellness | Caregiver Support
Surrey Place
January 2022 Wellness Program Guide
Community Living Toronto
Grief and Loss Support Group - starts Jan 17
A 10-week confidential, safe, and caring Support group for families who have experienced the death of a loved one who had a disability. The group is not limited to how recent or distant the loss was experienced. Register by January 10.
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.
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. Registration is required. If you have any questions/concerns, please email us at connect@asecommunityfoundation.com
Connectability.ca
Friendly Connections is an interactive social service for individuals of all ages with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities run by ConnectABILITY. We want to connect with individuals across Canada through phone calls, video calls, emailing, messenger chats and good old fashion mail. We mail letters, postcards, colouring sheets, activity sheets, stickers and other fun goodies!
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.
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
Transitions
Developmental Services Ontario
Bricks and Mortar: Exploring Your Home Ownership Options - January 27
Join DSO Housing Navigators for a free virtual presentation on various types of home ownership options and resources.
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
