For 30 years, the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has played a significant role in shaping how the organization partners with youth – co-designing programs, centring lived experience and ensuring youth voices guide its work. 

Established in 1996, YAC has advanced meaningful youth engagement at Holland Bloorview. From influencing research to shaping employment pathways and organizational strategy, YAC has ensured that youth with lived experience have a meaningful voice in decisions impacting care, programs and services. As the Council marks its 30th anniversary, that original vision continues to grow stronger.

YAC brings together current and former Holland Bloorview clients aged 14 to 29, offering a formal and consistent way for them to partner with staff, learners, scientists, families and leaders across the organization. Members meet regularly throughout the year and have the opportunity to build advocacy and leadership skills that extend far beyond the hospital.

“The Youth Advisory Council has been a national leader in partnership and co-design, and a powerful example of what’s possible when we truly listen to and authentically partner with youth. Their lived experiences, insights and leadership continue to shape Holland Bloorview in meaningful ways –strengthening our programs, influencing research and helping us build a more inclusive and responsive system of care for future generations. “Happy Birthday YAC!”– Bruce Squires, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview.

For many youth clients, joining YAC is a turning point – embraced as an opportunity to discover their voice and realize its power. 

YAC voices

“I want to use my experience with injury and recovery to offer feedback, perspective and mentorship to others who may be navigating something similar, and to help inform broader change. I hope that my successes, struggles and personal challenges can make someone else’s journey a little smoother, easier, or less isolating. I decided to attend YAC because it was described to me as a good way to build skills and confidence. I was also looking for a way to stay connected as I was beginning to think of what the transition out of Holland Bloorview would be like. Holland Bloorview was an important place for me as I grew up and I liked to have an opportunity to give back to the hospital that gave me so much.”  - Zoe G., YAC chair 2025-26

“YAC’s 30th anniversary is meaningful to me because it is a celebration of a space and people that I have learned so much from. It means that other clients will be able to join, give back to Holland Bloorview and find community within this council.” – Sam A., former YAC member

Arts-based projects 

Since 2018, YAC members have engaged in six arts-based projects exploring a range of topics including the transition to adulthood, experiences of disabled youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues of identity, resilience and diversity of voice. The most recent of these projects is a short story collection, “As I Live and Breathe,” which highlights the reality that disability is both a deeply personal experience, with commonalities amongst youth with disability.

YAC is celebrating this milestone anniversary throughout the year with a series of youth‑led creative and storytelling initiatives. This includes the production of four DIY-style zines developed through facilitated workshops. The zines will feature original artwork, reflections and peer interviews with individuals who have shaped YAC’s history.

Celebrations

An in‑person celebration in May, called "Youth Summit: Pathways to Partnership" will bring together current and former YAC members, youth and staff from children’s treatment centres for workshops, reflection and community‑building. Additional events and installations are planned leading up to the main celebration on International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December.

“Holland Bloorview’s Youth Advisory Council has been a space for youth to build skills, take on leadership roles and create a network. YAC is for youth, run by youth. The structure focuses on giving youth the responsibility to run meetings, facilitate member participation and practice time management. I am so excited to be a part of celebrating all that has been accomplished and I look forward to a future that continues to be shaped by our youth leaders.” - Dolly Menna-Dack, manager, bioethics & spiritual care and youth engagement

Today, YAC continues to provide a sounding board for staff, students, clients and families to develop and evaluate Holland Bloorview programs and services. At the same time, it offers youth meaningful opportunities to build advocacy skills and help create possibilities for the next generation of Holland Bloorview clients.

Youth can join YAC at any time during the year! Learn more.

By Terry Mutuku