TORONTO, ON (May 14, 2018) – Dr. Tom Chau, vice president of research and senior scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview) was today announced as one of the recipients of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards. The Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate Canadians who contribute to the country’s success and future, and inspire the next generation. Chau was nominated by MaRS Discovery District.
“As a nominating partner, MaRS is honoured to play a role in highlighting and celebrating Canada’s most talented and creative innovators,” says Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery District. “These awards provide an important platform for recognizing their outstanding contributions to Canada and the world. Congratulations Tom and thank you for your work in transforming the lives of children, youth and families living with disabilities in this country and across the globe.”
Chau has received several high-profile awards in recent months. In January 2018, Chau received the highest honour in the province, the Order of Ontario. In late 2017, he was among a team of scientists from Holland Bloorview to receive the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Decorations for his work in developing the Virtual Music Instrument to help individuals with complex disabilities express themselves and experience the benefits of music therapy.
“It is incredibly fitting for Tom to be recognized as one of Canada’s most innovative leaders and for contributing to building an inclusive and compassionate society, as he truly is one of the most gifted and bold thinkers of our time,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO of Holland Bloorview. “Tom’s work is making a global impact on the lives of kids, youth and families. In our quest to transform childhood disability research through the growth of our research institute, we are proud to have Tom at the helm to drive discovery forward.”
For a decade, Chau held the Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation Engineering, Tier II, and is currently the Chang Family Foundation Chair in Access Innovations. In 2017, Chau received the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) for his work on the Virtual Music Instrument and has received over 31 international, national and local awards for the impact of his research and leadership. In 2011, he was named by the Globe and Mail as one of 25 Transformational Canadians.
“It’s exciting that innovations in the field of childhood disability are being recognized by the Governor General as important to Canada’s success and future,” says Chau. “Indeed, this award affirms our vision of no boundaries for children and youth living with disabilities and their families, and the value of their voices in Canadian society.”
About Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital creates a world of possibility by supporting children and youth living with disability, medical complexity, illness and injury. Holland Bloorview is a top 40 Canadian research hospital that is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and serves 7,500 families annually. Providing both inpatient and outpatient services, Holland Bloorview is renowned for its expertise in partnering with clients and families to provide exceptional care. Holland Bloorview is the only organization to ever achieve 100 per cent in two successive quality surveys by Accreditation Canada. For more information or to donate, please visit www.hollandbloorview.ca.
Media contact:
Sasha Babakhanova
Communications Associate, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
(416) 425-6220 ext. 6263
ababakhanova@hollandbloorview.ca
