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 (Jan 25 and Feb 15): 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.
- Transitioning to college and university: Parents/caregivers as transition coaches(Jan 25) This workshop is parents/caregivers of students planning on going to college or university, are in grade 10, 11, 12, have an IEP; and are working towards a Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Holland Bloorview & Toronto District Catholic School Board)
- The Journey to Kindergarten: Transitions-based tips and resources for parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities (Jan 26). 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 & Toronto District School Board).
- Holland Bloorview's 8th Annual Virtual Recreation, Respite & Life Skills Fair (Jan 29) No registration required, zoom links available day of event:
- Event opens with an overview of Funding Resources where Holland Bloorview family support specialists will be available to answer questions
- Families can view exhibitor videos/profiles ahead of time and contact exhibitors directly if they choose to do so.
- Families can log into the sessions to virtually meet staff, exhibitors and to connect with other families.
- Where possible, each session will be staffed by a family leader and youth leader to provide peer-to-peer connection.
- Transition Pop-up ‘Connect with the HB Alumni Network’ (Feb 1): For Holland Bloorview youth and alumni 13 years and older and their families to learn about the HB Alumni Network to ask questions and register to the network.
- Respite Care Workshop (Feb 2): An introductory workshop about respite care services for children and youth with disabilities offered by the Holland Bloorview Family Navigation Hub and Respiteservices.com.
New & updated resources
- FAMILY TIPSHEET: Your Legal Rights During COVID-19 and Coronavirus Outbreak: This tipsheet provides information on legal rights and benefits you may be entitled to during the pandemic (updated January 2022)
- 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 (updated January 2022)
- January 19 E-newsletter for COVID-19: This newsletter focuses on vaccination opportunities and vaccine specific resources for families.
Holland Bloorview family supports
- 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
- 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
Funding
Autism Ontario
March Break Reimbursement Fund (deadline to apply is January 24, 2022)
- The 2022 March Break Reimbursement Fund is available to Ontario families of children or youth with ASD who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker OR who have paid for their child to attend a 2022 March Break camp or program, but not both.
- A random selection will be made from all eligible applicants who apply between December 20, 2021 and January 24, 2022. Maximum reimbursements of $350 per child or youth (up to 18th birthday) will be made to subsidize services purchased between March 14-18, 2022.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP)
Now open: application forms for OFCP Funding Programs 2022. This funding is for OFCP members only. To become a member and be eligible for future funding, fill out the application form.
- Member group emergency fund: One-time amount up to $5,000 to assist with the costs associated with COVID-19 (open now)
- Life Emergency Action Fund: One time assistance up to $500 to help members access financial assistance to enrich, enhance or augment an activity the member currently participates in or is interested in. OFCP will try and accommodate each request as it pertains to the COVID-19 emergency situation (opens Jan 17, 2022)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Support Fund: One time assistance up to $200 to help members cover additional expenses with receiving the vaccine (opens January 17, 2022)
- Assistive Devices Funding Program: Funding to access life-changing assistive devices and equipment up to $2000 (opens January 31, 2022)
Canadian Revenue Agency
Get ready for the 2021 tax year: If you need a quick answer to a question, there is an online chat function on the CRA homepage
- You can also view filing your income tax and benefit return on paper page for specific information.
- You can go to Get ready to do your taxes page.
Mental Health and Wellness | Caregiver Support
Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) & Ann Douglas
Parenting Survival Guide with tips and resources: In Ontario as many as 1 in 5 children and youth will experience some form of mental health problem. Many parents find it challenging to get the help they need – it can feel difficult to find help and wait lists can be painfully long. This guide offers tips and helpful information.
The Sibling Collaborative
Siblings Collaborative: The Sibling Collaborative welcomes adults who have a sibling who identifies as having a disability. Our relationships with our brothers and sisters with a disability evolve, especially if our parents are the main source of care. During those times, many of us find that we must take on new roles and responsibilities that we may not be ready or prepared for.
Community Living Toronto and Woodgreen Community Services
ParentShare: A support group for caregivers of people with Developmental Disabilities (Feb 3 & 17, Mar 3 & 24) RSVP to Community Living Toronto Sarah Winter swinter@cltoronto.ca 647-968-6214 Woodgreen Community Services Bonnie Heath bheath@woodgreen.org 416-645-6000 X 1311.
Sawubona – Africentric Circle of Support
Are you raising/caring for someone with special needs? Join this unique support group for Black Caregivers. Meetings held monthly every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month. See flyer for more information.
For more events for caregivers as well as children, youth and young adults, please consider checkingAutism Ontario;Children’s Treatment Network;Connectability.ca; Community Access Learning Centre; Family Service Toronto;Kerry’s Place Autism Services;My Community Hub;Meta Centre; Surrey Place - Wellness Services
Family Workshops/Events
Toronto District School Board
Virtual Community Fair (Jan 26)
For parents/caregivers of children, youth and young adults with special needs. Talk with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Passport about preparing for adulthood and planning for life after graduation from high school.
Extend-a-Family
The Power and Potency of Social Capital (Jan 27)
You will walk away with a better understanding of the impact of friendships in our lives, or “social capital” and what our relationships do for us. You will begin to think about how friendships can be better developed over time, and in turn build a more inclusive community.
Developmental Services Ontario
Bricks and Mortar: Exploring Your Home Ownership Options (Feb 10)
Join DSO Housing Navigators for a free virtual presentation on various types of home ownership options and resources.
Partners for Planning (P4P)
- Winter 2022 webcast schedule: Includes webinars for ODSP, the Disability Tax Credit, Future Planning with Siblings in Mind.
- Interested in learning about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a made-in-Canada, long-term savings vehicle designed specifically for individuals with disabilities? Then register for one of the upcoming Intro to the RDSP webcasts. Thursday, February 10; Wednesday, March 9; Thursday, April 21
Toronto District School Board
tdsbHUB.ca Locate virtual events from across the TDSB intended for parents/caregivers and the community. Find meetings, events and initiatives to support you, your child and your community.
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
