At Holland Bloorview, our inclusion programs are dedicated to fostering an environment where every child and youth, regardless of ability, can engage in meaningful and joyful experiences. These programs break down barriers to participation, providing access to fun, enriching and customised opportunities for clients and their families.
From therapeutic recreation to robotics, the inclusion programs go beyond care to help children explore their passions and achieve a sense of belonging. Participation in these programs can contribute to the best possible care and outcomes for children with disabilities and developmental differences.
The inclusion portfolio recently underwent a change in leadership, welcoming Kathryn Decker as the new senior director and Robyn Sanford as the operations manager for inclusion programs. We spoke to Robyn who shares her insights into how these programs bring smiles, joy and creativity to all clients and families.
What is the overall mission of Holland Bloorview’s inclusion programs? Can you list what the programs are?
The inclusion programs collaborate broadly to improve quality of life and bring joy to children and youth with disabilities and their families. We do this by removing barriers to access fun, enriching and diverse activities for all children and youth. We create inclusive, innovative and meaningful programs and experiences that let kids be kids.
The inclusion programs consist of the inpatient therapeutic recreation service, therapeutic clowns, music therapy and art programs, respite services and robotics. We offer daily programming to inpatients and weekly programming to ambulatory clients throughout the school year. We also offer camps every March break and summer, providing inclusive programming and environments to support each child and youth explore, create and succeed in their areas of interest, and foster a sense of belonging here at Holland Bloorview and in their communities.
Can you share a little about your professional journey at Holland Bloorview? What does your current role as manager of inclusion programs entail?
After several years of working in both municipal and provincial recreation service industries, I returned to the workforce where I landed at Holland Bloorview in the finance department and have been here for 21 years now. My skills and experience in recreational programming led me to the participation and inclusion department where I eventually took on a team lead role with the inpatient therapeutic recreation team, therapeutic clowns and respite services.
During the COVID years I had the opportunity to fill in for an inpatient unit manager where I led a diverse group of clinicians while supporting clients and families in their rehab journey. This experience led me to obtain a Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership where I honed my leadership and coaching skills specific to the ever-changing healthcare environment. Also, I recently retired from a lengthy career as a hockey coach where I developed skills in mentorship, guidance and the ability to create an environment for success. I am excited to utilize these skills as I lead the new inclusion portfolio and bring together this uniquely talented group of clinicians, therapists, artists and clowns with the aim to provide streamlined, accessible, quality life enriching programming to the children, youth and families we serve.
Can you describe what a typical day looks like as a member of the inpatient therapeutic recreation team?
The in-patient therapeutic recreation team is an enthusiastic team of people who strive every day to provide clients and families with opportunities for overall enjoyment! We provide clients with meaningful opportunities to explore leisure interests and socialize with peers for the purpose of having fun! Our therapeutic recreation specialists (TRS) and therapeutic recreation assistants (TRAs) work tirelessly to ensure our clients feel supported through each step of their journey.
A typical day for a member of the inpatient therapeutic recreation team involves leading three programs a day. These three programs, offered by the TRSs and TRAs focus on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Within each program, we ensure clients have opportunities to make leisure choices and support them to advocate for their needs.
During the winter holidays, march break, and summer, we implement theme weeks on which to base regular therapeutic recreation (TR) programs on. We create special events that go above and beyond to give clients exciting, immersive experiences. These events include movie nights with pizza and drinks, outings to a Blue Jays game or a TFC game, having exotic animals visit on-site, celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics, hosting STEM events and so on. The TR team recognizes that collaboration is essential and we work with the volunteer resources team who recruit the volunteers needed to help support regular programs and special events.
Therapeutic recreation specialists meet clients and families typically on their first day to obtain consent to participate in these programs. We share the program calendar to help them begin to understand that there are “fun things to do!” We also attend rounds, family team meetings, team only meetings to help ensure we understand as much as we can so we can best support our clients. We work with clients and their families to determine the goals that they want to work towards during their admission.
Therapeutic recreation assistants work tirelessly to create new, fun, exciting programs. They ensure that choice is incorporated into each program. They offer bedside, 1:1 sessions, skill-specific groups, and group therapeutic recreation programs. They also create birthday and discharge banners for the whole team to sign, with special birthday and discharge gifts for each in-patient.
The TR team collaborates with aquatics, music & the arts, robotics, volunteer resources, and others to offer recreation swim, weekly open night art studio programs, and on-site pet visiting programs (1:1 and group). When the TR team isn’t developing programs, implementing programs, evaluating programs, we’re reading charts, documenting, doing statistics, attending meetings, and … who knows – a typical day is always a different day! It’s full of fun, with laughs and smiles on clients’ faces!
Name one thing you think people don’t know about Holland Bloorview’s FIRST® Robotics program.
What people might not realize about our FIRST® robotics program is how it fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork among participants, volunteers, and staff. In a supportive environment, children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in such activities can collaborate, share ideas, and solve problems together. The program goes beyond robotics; it’s about building confidence and forming lifelong friendships. Many families choose to stay with us for years, participating in everything from science club, coding to robotics, because they trust that we are dedicated to setting their children up for success.
Can you share a proud moment on the job?
One of my proudest moments was seeing a child, who had initially been hesitant to participate due to previous challenges, light up with excitement when their robot successfully completed its first challenge. The pure joy on their face was unforgettable. It was a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to provide opportunities that allow every child to shine in their own unique way.
Reflections from Inclusion programs team members
Lynn Simmons (artist), music and arts team
What makes our music and arts programs unlike any others offered in the city?
I have worked in programs outside of Holland Bloorview and the theme in practice in our music and arts programs is, 'process-oriented art and music expression.’ These are based on ideas and concepts the artists hold lightly. This presents the participants with an opportunity to find their own way of moving and shaping their artwork and or musical concepts while at play and developing friendships.
This form of safe adaptation that the art staff practice in partnership with the care team prioritizes the participants’ needs and their style of communication. The team works together to modify the art according to each need so that participants feel immersed in the art with the opportunity to express themselves uniquely. The team will keep in mind; the nature/natural world materials, sensory play, friendship building, the physical space by adapting the room for safe engagement and guidance. This type of adaptation ensures that the child/youth can express themselves uniquely, with the gentle encouragement and guidance of the artists & care team working together for the safety of playing together.
Christina Weldon (Music Therapist), music and therapy team
“It is fabulous how unique and diverse the music and arts programs we provide are. We seem to offer something for every child and youth, regardless of age or ability. Our highly specialized staff offer programming that is creative and fun, yet really meets the individual needs and goals of each participant. We also have access to fabulous music and art tools, equipment and technology, that I do not see being offered anywhere else in the GTA”.
