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Growing up with a disability is no piece of cake

Get the facts to close the gap.

A teenage boy, who uses a wheelchair, sitting at a table in front of a birthday cake with lit ‘18’ candles.

Turning 18 isn't so sweet: The critical gaps in health care for young adults with disabilities

Turning 18 should be a celebration, but for youth with disabilities, it signals “aging out” of the pediatric health-care system and it’s no piece of cake. Holland Bloorview’s Turning 18 isn’t so sweet report (PDF) provides an analysis of survey results highlighting the experience of youth with disabilities as they transition to the adult health-care system in Ontario. 

The survey, conducted by Leger and commissioned by Holland Bloorview, was completed by 802 young adults with disabilities and caregivers from across Ontario. Questions and analysis were developed in partnership with clients and families and Holland Bloorview’s transitions teams. 

Results from the survey reveal critical gaps in the adult health-care system, with a staggering majority of respondents reporting unmet medical needs. The most alarming finding: young adults with disabilities are being left behind.  

To view an accessible version, please download the summary (PDF).

 

Graphic of dark blue text on a light blue background. Text reads: ‘Challenges in the adult health care system. 2/3 of young adults with disabilities report their health-care needs are not being met’

Graphic of dark green text on a light green background. Text reads: ‘Barriers to access. 77% of young adults with disabilities face one or more barriers when accessing health care’

Graphic of dark purple text on a light purple background. Text reads: ‘Financial implications. 70% of young adults with disabilities faced increased medical costs when transitioning to adult care’

Graphic of orange text on a light orange background. Text reads: ‘64% of young adults’ participation in life is limited by their health-care needs’

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‘Turning 18 isn’t so sweet’ report cover superimposed onto a plain purple background. Report cover features a photo of a teenage boy, who uses a wheelchair, sitting at a table in front of a birthday cake with lit ‘18’ candle
Read the report (PDF)
Learn how young adults and caregivers describe the current state of medical transitions and our vision for a timely, coordinated, and accessible health-care system for all.
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Download the summary (PDF)
Get the facts to close the gaps. This two-page summary gives you everything you need to advocate for inclusive, coordinated, accessible care for all.
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Share the results across your networks. Help shine a light on the need for systemic reform in the health-care system.
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Learn more about how Holland Bloorview helps youth with disabilities.
How Holland Bloorview supports transitions
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Importance of starting early
Discover resources, programs and supports as early as age 14
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LIFEspan Clinic
A specialized clinic helping youth prepare for adulthood
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Personalized transition planning
We created a comprehensive planner to transition to adulthood
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Tip Sheets
Tip sheets to help navigate adult services
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Workshops and peer mentoring to support youth
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