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Family Resource Newsletter, July 5, 2022

Three people; one wearing a mask, a woman standing with a young boy with a walker

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 

Events | Workshops | New Resources

  • Parent Support Network: Newcomer Support & Connection - July 12: Parent Support Network (PSN) is a monthly support and discussion event for families. This session aims to offer support and resources to parent/caregivers with lived experience as immigrants, refugees or newcomers to Canada.
  • Upcoming vaccine clinic at Holland Bloorview - July 22:  Please check the events calendar closer to the date.   
  • Kid2Kid Advice Project videos: A workshop series that enabled the Kid Creators (clients & siblings ages 8 -13yrs) to develop and share their stories of growing up with a disability.
  • Transition Pop-Up Events (Holland Bloorview clients only): Register for group events that help clients and/or families prepare for the transition to-adulthood. The events are about different topics. They are co-hosted by Holland Bloorview and an adult agency, for gradual introductions to new service providers.   Not a Holland Bloorview client? Please e-mail resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca for other resources. 
  • BLOOM June 2022

Holland Bloorview resources

Virtual clinic | COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics | COVID-19 Testing

Cover Health

Virtual Walk-In Clinic: A digital clinic that's free for Ontarians.  Talk to doctors online from home. Open 7 days a week.

Testing

Vaccinations

  • Third, fourth and fifth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled through theGovernment of Ontario website.  
  • parent homework.ca: Medical experts from top hospitals including Sick Kids, Kids Health Alliance and Holland Bloorview answer top COVID-19 questions asked by parents about children’s vaccine

Summer recreation

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)

Virtual Program offerings: Free programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Includes children and youth groups, employment workshops, tech sessions or book clubs.

City of Toronto

Toronto History Museums – Free general admission to all 10 Toronto History Museums.

Toronto Public Library

Summer Wonder - There are wonder-fullvirtual workshops, author visits, STEM-basedcreativity challenges, French programs and theTD Summer Reading Club designed to keep kids ages 6-12 engaged in reading and learning. Kids can tell us what they're wondering about by posting a question on ourWonder Wall. They can also read what other kids have wondered about and discover new and interesting facts about the world.

Lumenus

Enrollment for summer programs open (children and youth): Offering three convenient programs this summer: individualized; communication & social skills based small groups; and skills for life. Call or email at 416-744-7650 ext. 4262 or feeforservice@lumenus.ca  with any questions you may have or for assistance in selecting and registering for specific programs.

Sunflower Developmental Services

Summer camp (all ages): spots available for July and August. Email sunflowerrcs@gmail.com  or call 416-289-2223 for more information.

Transitions | Youth resources

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

Mind and Body: Answers to your questions: A guide to help young people with Down Syndrome and developmental disabilities learn about their body, being around other people, healthy relationships, and safety. This book uses activities and pictures to help you learn about yourself.

Dori Zener and Associates

Chilling on the Spectrum (ages 18 - 29) is an autistic-led support and social group that aims to connect and empower young adults on the spectrum. This weekly 8-session online group will offer peer support and social opportunities for young adults on the spectrum ages 18-29.

Access Travel Club

Access Travel Club (ATC):  A community-based membership organization which provides clients social, recreational and travel opportunities and experiences. The club consists of a group of travel enthusiasts and consultants who are dedicated to helping members plan and experience your trip of a lifetime.

Meta Centre 

July 2022 virtual activities and programs (youth/young adults)

For more information please contact Danielle Adams - Richmond Hill Day Program Supervisor, dadams@metacentre.ca,  905-771-6843 ext  502 or Nicole Corasaniti, Respite Services Supervisor,  ncorasaniti@metacentre.ca, 416-736-0199 EXT 337

Caregiver Supports

Surrey Place

July 2022 Wellness Calendar

The Ontario Caregiver Association

Discover the Healing Power of Journal Writing -  July 21: In this webinar, learn how journaling can be a path to healing by using writing to rediscover oneself. To register,please click here. 

Vibrant Healthcare Alliance

A Creative Path to Your Dreams 6-Week Series(July 15 through August 19): For Women, Girls, Trans, Two Spirit, Non Binary Peoples and Other Gender Marginalized Individuals with and without Disabilities.  To register please call or email Lucy at 416-486-8666 ext.226 lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca. You MUST Complete Pre and Post Evaluations & commit to all sessions

AIDE Canada (The Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network)

AIDE Canada provides toolkits, webinars, articles, and infographics regarding disability rights and many other topics you may find helpful. Includes:

Research

Bloorview Research Institute

Evaluation of a toolkit on workplace disability disclosure discussions for youth: Are you a youth or young adult with a disability who is currently employed or looking for work? Consider participating in a study about evaluating an evidence-based toolkit to enhance disability disclosure discussions with potential employers.We are looking for:

  • Youth with a disability, aged 15-29
  • Able to read/write in English
  • Are currently employed, enrolled in training, or seeking employment

If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Sharmigaa Ragunathan at trail@hollandbloorview.ca / 416-425-6220 ext. 3635. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.

Research study: Kids, Virtual care and the COVID-19 pandemic: Learning from our experiences [Client Youth and Parent/Caregiver] | Holland Bloorview: Are you a client youth or parent/caregiver of a client who has received virtual care? Are you interested in sharing your virtual care experiences? 

  • We are looking for: Holland Bloorview clients (up to 21 years old) OR Parents/caregivers of clients who have received any type of virtual care (ex. assessment, consultation or intervention service) at Holland Bloorview or satellite/community school sites since March 2020.

If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Sharmigaa Ragunathan at trail@hollandbloorview.ca / 416-425-6220 ext. 3635. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.

Return to a new normal: Experiences of working, volunteering and unemployment during Covid-19 pandemic among youth and young adults: Are you a youth or young adult who is currently employed, volunteering, or looking for work during the Covid-19 pandemic? Consider participating in a study to share your experiences.  

  • We are looking for: Youth with or without a disability, aged 15-30; Able to communicate in English; Are currently employed, volunteering or looking for work

If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Kristina Fuentes, kfuentesaiello@hollandbloorview.ca  or 416-425-6220 x3237. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.

 

For more events for caregivers, children, youth and young adults, you may want to explore the following resources : Autism Ontario; Children’s Treatment Network; Connectability.ca; Community Access Learning Centre; Epilepsy Toronto; Family Service Toronto; Kerry’s Place Autism Services; My Community Hub;Meta Centre; Sunflower Developmental Services; Surrey Place - Wellness Services

 

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