With Alumni Network, youth connect with adults 'who have been there'

By Louise Kinross

When Luiza Lamaj was a teen, she remembers struggling with feeling different from her able-bodied peers, and wishing she could fit in. "It's challenging," says Luiza, who has cerebral palsy and is a registered practical nurse. "Teens may feel like they don't belong as a result of their disability. I know when I was a teen, I wished there was someone who understood."

Luiza, who is now studying biomedical sciences at Ryerson in hopes of becoming a doctor, is sharing her experiences on Holland Bloorview's new Alumni Network as a volunteer moderator. The platform allows Holland Bloorview teens, former clients and their families and caregivers to connect online, ask questions, and share insights and resources.

"It's a safe space in which you can build peer connections...engage with the Holland Bloorview community, and stay connected with a variety of programs at Holland Bloorview," Luiza says. "I wanted to be able to share my insights from navigating [children's] and now adult services, as well as being on the other side of the table working in health care." While a student nurse, Luiza did a rotation on Holland Bloorview's complex, continuing-care unit, and now works at a long-term care facility.

The Alumni Network is a great place to share practical information and emotional support, Luiza says. "You're able to get information from others who have been there, as compared to hearing it from someone who may not have that lived experience with a disability."

Youth and adults can join an Alumni Buddy program to get specific advice from past clients, and learn about what graduates of Holland Bloorview are doing through a newsletter and speaker series. There are specific online groups for parents and caregivers and a no-parent group for youth and siblings. 

"We want to ensure our connection doesn't end after clients have been discharged from our hospital," says Abimbola Saka, project lead for the Alumni Network. "We developed an alumni network so clients aged 13 and up, families and caregivers can connect, share experiences and help us improve care and services based on their wisdom."

The Alumni Network is supported by Holland Bloorview's foundation.

"Don't be afraid to sign up," Luiza says. "I know it's hard to maybe break out of your shell and put yourself out there. But your experiences and insight can be what another individual is looking for."

Go to the Alumni Network and click on Join now. Once you fill out your form, the Alumni Network will be back in touch to approve it. Hope to see you there!