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
- June 2021 BLOOM e-letter
- Paperwork Party: Support with Completing Funding Applications Q&A Tuesday (July 13) Mandarin Interpreter available
- The Harmony OnTrack Virtual Music Therapy Clinicoffers virtual music therapy services for parents and caregivers within the Holland Bloorview community at no cost. For more information, please email SLEclinic@wlu.ca Registration can be donehere
Bloorview Research Institute
Holland Bloorview is doing a study to understand the caregiving experiences of parents who identify as coming from a racialized background and care for a child with autism. If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact the following individuals with your interest or click here for more information
- Dr. Fiona Moola - fmoola@hollandbloorview.ca
- Nivatha Moothathamby - nmoothathamby@hollandbloorview.ca
- Methuna Naganathan - mnaganathan@hollandbloorview.ca
Holland Bloorview resources and supports
- Sibling Support group. For more information contact Victoria Rombos vrombos@hollandbloorview.ca
- ASD-Engage weekly podcast For parents and families of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including those who are on the waitlist for an ASD assessment to those who have just received a diagnosis.
- 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’s blog on parenting children with disabilities To subscribe to BLOOM’s monthly e-letter, go to the link and scroll down to the blue banner to input your e-mail.
- Follow us on BLOOM Facebook to read the latest BLOOM stories about parenting children with disabilities and check out mainstream news stories on disability.
- HB Info Line helps children, youth and families learn about and get connected to the many programs and services at Holland Bloorview.
- Funding and Financial Support Guide for Families who have children with disabilities (revised Jan 2021)
COVID-19 testing for overnight camp
If your child is going to an overnight summer camp this year, they do not have to pay for a COVID test. This is being covered by OHIP at participating pharmacies and labs. This is outlined in the The Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance Update - see page 5, section 3 Targeted testing groups, item # 9 Pre-camp testing for campers (not all campers are children) and staff attending overnight summer camps 2021
Find a testing location here You will have to contact the location, confirm and make an appointment.
Summer activities - for all ages
City of Toronto
Adapted Camp TO a creative camp experience that offers outdoor modified active and quiet games, arts and crafts, and nature-based activities for individuals with a special need or a disability. Participants must have a current Adaptive and Inclusive Service membership to register for this program. If you have never used adapted and inclusive services before, contact the hotline at 416-395-6128.
Epilepsy Toronto
Summer Nights programming for Teens
Join Epilepsy Toronto this summer for 4 nights of fun teen programming, via Zoom. Open to high-school aged youth living with epilepsy. Workshops will be led by Epilepsy Toronto staff, who will be joined by guest facilitators.Click here to sign up, or email katie@epilepsytoronto.org for more information. Free event.
Meta Centre
July 2021 virtual classes calendar
Recreational Respite
Sunflower Developmental Services
Community Access Learning Centre
Weekend respite programs for children, youth and adults (opening July 10)
Vibrant Healthcare Alliance & Women Disability Action Awareness Group (WDAAG)
- Peer Support Session - For Women, Girls & Other Marginalized Genders who are 16 + with disabilities (July 21)
- WEN-DO Women’s self-defence for Women, Girls & Other Marginalized Genders with Disabilities 16 + (starts August 3, pre-registration and intake required, limited attendant and childcare provided on request)
For more information and to register, contact: Lucy, 416-486-8666 ext. 226; lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca, www.vibranthealthcare.ca
Caregiver support
Autism Ontario
- Workshop: Fostering Positive Sibling Engagement - July 15 The workshop will include topics such as how to explain Autism to siblings, siblings and their source of stress, how to help children build a positive relationship with each other and how to ensure siblings don’t feel left out.
- Provincial - Black Caregiver Check in and Chat - July 26 A virtual check in and chat guided by a Black mental health professional. These monthly sessions are 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.
- Dad’s Group - Jul 27 Fathers and male caregivers are invited to join this casual session and socialize with others. Autism Ontario staff will facilitate group activities.
Other places that host or provide information and supports for caregivers
Children’s Treatment Network; Connectability.ca; Family Service Toronto; Kerry’s Place Autism Services; My Community Hub; Surrey Place - Wellness Services
Future planning
Partners for Planning (P4P)
Fall 2021 webcast schedule Free online webcasts include workshops on RDSPs and creating financial security for your loved one.
Plan Institute for Caring Citizenship
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Webinars Learn all you need to know about this Canada-wide matched savings plan specifically for people with disabilities.
Vaccine information
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities for Children and Youth in the community List of vaccination centres that have vaccination opportunities for children and youth. If you have questions about a specific opportunity please contact the vaccination centres directly. *Please note that we will do our best to keep this list current. However, with demand being high and spots filling up rapidly, you may find that some opportunities are booked up.
Ontario Community Support Association
Accessible Rides to your COVID-10 vaccination The Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines program provides door-to-door rides to vaccination sites for people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, who face challenges accessing safe transportation.
Children’s COVID-19 Vaccine Table & Children’s Health Coalition
Kids Health First - a resource to help youth, parents and caregivers make an informed decision about vaccinations for those aged 12-17.
Vaccine resources
- COVID-19 vaccine resources in different languages (City of Toronto)
- Easy read information about the COVID-19 vaccine; Questions and answers about the COVID-19 vaccine (Surrey Place)
- Watch a video about what to expect when you get your vaccine(Partners for Planning and Community Living Toronto
Anti-racist education, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
Bystander Intervention Resources How to do your part to protect your neighbours and co-workers when bias and harassment collide in front of you (Hollaback!)
Spirit Bears Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Child friendly version of Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada)
Podcast: Race, Health & Happiness Join Dr. O, a Public Health Physician Specialist in Toronto, as she interviews guests who are overcoming the obstacles of overt and institutionalized racism to achieve their professional goals while creating healthy and fulfilling lives. If you'd like to learn about thriving in the face of adversity while staying well, this is the podcast for you.
Disability: Read Up On It! Children’s books with positive disability representation, from picture books to novels and information books (Toronto Public Library)
Diverse Abilities Great reads for youth that explore a broad spectrum of Deaf and disability experiences (Toronto Public Library)
Advocacy
AODA Alliance (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Alliance)
This public consultation is the first time in a generation that the Ontario Government has taken a good look at Ontario’s school system from the perspective of students with disabilities. The AODA Alliance wants to help you have your say. This video will be helpful for you if you are: a student with disabilities; a family member of students with disabilities; a teacher or other education staff; connected with a disability community organization.
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
