Since 1992, this international day of observance proclaimed by the United Nations has been recognized worldwide to promote the understanding of disability issues and to mobilize a groundswell of support to ensure that all individuals living with disabilities and developmental differences can live their lives to the fullest with respect and dignity. 

“For the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year, we are highlighting Holland Bloorview’s commitment to creating and promoting inclusive environments and spaces, with inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and antiracism at the centre of everything we do” says Stewart Wong, vice president, communications, strategy and sustainability, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. “We strongly believe that one of the ways to support the most meaningful and healthy futures for children and youth is to co-design solutions that pave the way for a more inclusive, accessible and socially accountable world.”

Creating inclusive environments for all

Today we are sharing some of the ways Holland Bloorview advocates for more accessible spaces from playgrounds and transit, to schools and workplaces. 

Holland Bloorview has built an accessible playground designed for students attending the Bloorview School Authority and Kindercircle Daycare as well as its clients to explore and have fun. Co-designed by clients and families, clinicians, staff and volunteers, the playground provides an inclusive space where children can express their creativity, create their own music or play on fully accessible playground equipment. 

Dr. Timothy Ross, a scientist at the Bloorview Research Institute and lead of the EPIC Lab who studies inclusive spaces for children, says playgrounds are important spaces that offer children opportunities to play freely and to learn and develop through peer interactions. Ross’s research team co-created a comprehensive report titled, “Creating Inclusive Playgrounds: A Playbook of Considerations and Strategies.” The playbook offers municipalities, schools, community groups, practitioners, and families living with disability a comprehensive resource for creating accessible and inclusive playgrounds.

“This playground has been thoughtfully designed to be inclusive in so many ways,” says Ross, who provided his insights into the playground’s build. “As a result, it will enable children with disabilities to feel welcome and give them ample opportunity to engage in play. It sets a high standard that I hope will inspire more inclusive playgrounds designs across our parks, schoolyards and neighbourhoods.”

Advocating for inclusive school environments

This fall, Holland Bloorview lunched its Inclusion Resolution anti-stigma campaign for kids and youth with disabilities and developmental differences, challenging Canadians to make a resolution by thinking of at least one meaningful action or change in order to help everybody feel welcome and included at school. 

“For many children and youth, schools are their spaces for meaningful social interaction – a chance to build friendships; a chance to learn, apply and share new skills; a chance to belong and a chance to contribute to their communities in ways that matter to them,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview. “Let’s not deny this opportunity for our children and create classrooms and playgrounds where kids of all abilities can safely and creatively express themselves.”

Meeting urgent transit needs for clients and families

To address urgent transit needs and reduce financial barriers to timely and safe transportation to Holland Bloorview for clients and families, the hospital will re-launch its Emergency Transit Fund. 

The re-vamped fund aims to address the current barriers that significantly impede accessibility for our clients and their families’ including poor access to public transportation, characterized by limited routes and coverage, creating a substantial challenge for individuals to reach essential services. “The long and arduous wait times associated with the TTC WheelTrans program further exacerbates the problem, leaving many without timely access to specialized transportation services. Further, the high costs associated with vehicle operation and unexpected transfers from medical facilities create financial burdens that hinder individuals from securing reliable transportation. These barriers not only limit daily activities but also isolate individuals from crucial resources like healthcare.” says Adva Budin-Mercer, client and family funding coordinator. 

A reliable and accessible source of transportation is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities, ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone has the freedom to connect, thrive, and access the medical care they need.

Transforming access to employment

Holland Bloorview actively advocates to improving access to employment for youth with disabilities through its programs, education, research, and formal advocacy efforts, including Project SEARCH and the Employer Resource Hub. Teams work directly with youth and families, local employers, and community employment agencies to create evidence-based programs that support them in building essential employment skills. In addition, staff connect youth and families with employment supports in the community, facilitate opportunities for youth to gain paid work in local companies, and provide education and support for local businesses seeking to become more inclusive. 

In October this year, Holland Bloorview launched its Ready to Work anti-stigma campaign in support of youth and young adults with disabilities and developmental differences who want to find meaningful employment. 

“Work is important to personal growth, fulfillment and economic well-being,” says Carolyn McDougall, manager, employment pathways, Holland Bloorview. “Work experiences during adolescence and young adulthood are crucial. With the Ready to Work campaign, we hope to dispel the stigma associated with disability and build employer awareness about the benefits of having a workforce that include young workers with disabilities.” 

Mobilizing support for persons with disabilities

Lorraine Thomas, manager, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Accessibility and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) at Holland Bloorview reiterates the significance of commemorating this day: “The observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. As Canada’s largest pediatric rehabilitation and academic health science centre, it is important for us to recognize that we play an important role in advocating for and creating social accountability for children, youth and families living with disabilities, as well as ensuring that staff, volunteers and students receive the necessary accommodations to participate and contribute to their fullest potential.”

As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by highlighting these initiatives, we invite the community to join in our efforts to raise more awareness, and to work together with us to co-create more initiatives and build a more inclusive and accessible world where every child's potential is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.

We also encourage you to share our statement via social media @HBKidsHospital and tag #IDPWD

For more information about Holland Bloorview initiatives, please visit our website.