Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

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Programs & Services

Transitions Conference 5

Youth as Leaders banner

Youth as Leaders

The power to change your world is within reach.  Preparing for life as an adult can be tricky.  Equipping yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge will make the transition much smoother.  If you want to be ready for the future, create positive change in your life and participate actively in your community, the Youth as Leaders workshop is for you!
Along with gaining skills, exploring social issues and learning the real benefits of being prepared for adult life, you’ll create friendships, have some laughs and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

By participating in Youth as Leaders, you will:

  • Share your story and experiences
  • Learn from others about the experience of growing up with a disability
  • Develop a game plan for a successful future

Who: Youth between the ages 16 – 29
Where: Bloorview Kids Rehab
When: Monday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Monday, May 31:

9 a.m.

Mix & Mingle
Grab a java and casually ease your way into the forum

10 a.m.

D2A & Life Stages
Dawn Lunan & Antonia Hammer, Ontario March of Dimes
Door2Adulthood is an online resource for youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood. In this interactive session, a demonstration of the website will show how it supports transition by providing information about services, resources and events. You will have the opportunity to network and share ideas.

11 a.m.

Creative Arts
Spiral Garden Artists, Bloorview Kids Rehab
Spiral Garden, an art and nature program, creates an environment where everyone’s imagination and abilities are showcased.  Artists will lead you through an hour of creativity, imagination and exploration using traditional and non-traditional art materials.  You will have the chance to think outside the box and explore the Spiral Garden.

12 p.m. LUNCH


1 p.m.

Finding a Job & Keeping It
Mazemaster Youth@bilities
Learn more about how to prepare for the workforce and successfully find employment to suit your needs.

OR

Get Involved! Volunteer!
Ontario March of Dimes
Learning new skills while having fun!  Find meaningful ways to get involved in your community. Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, gain new skills and contribute to your community. This workshop will help you understand how to find opportunities that suit your needs and interests.

2 p.m.

So, you want to go to College or University? 
Nadia Niles Campbell & Sara Diederich, Bloorview Kids Rehab
Come and find out how to research and access academic and physical supports available on campus.  A panel of post-secondary transitions experts will offer a brief presentation on preparing for post-secondary education, and will be on hand to answer your questions.

OR

Top Tips for Well-being
Amy McPherson, Bloorview Kids Rehab 
Find out how to feel good and stay well.  What does being “healthy” mean to different people?  In this session, you will develop strategies for keeping mind and body in first-class condition through the years ahead.


3 p.m.

Sexuality and Self-Esteem
Linda Roy, Sexability
We are all sexual beings.  This workshop will explore the impact of our sense of self and self-esteem on our relationships and our sexuality.  Myths and stereotypes will be examined; body image and sexual identity will be discussed.

OR

Professional Boundaries
Maria McDonald, Ethicist, Bloorview Kids Rehab
The relationships you have with your health care team are important.  Sure, they are friendly, but are they your friends?  Explore professional boundary issues through the use of scenarios in this interactive workshop.

Tuesday, June 1:

9 a.m.

Mix & Mingle
Grab a java and casually ease your way into the forum

10 a.m.

Moving Out
Elaine Gunaratne & Hazel Self, GAGE Transition to Independent Living, West Park Hospital 
This session will give you a chance to talk to young adults who have moved out into different types of independent living housing options.  They will share their experiences and answer your questions about preparing for independent living.

OR

Sexuality and Sexual Health
Linda Roy, Sexability 
What your parents haven’t told you yet and what your peers don’t know.  This interactive workshop will provide you with the opportunity to talk about important sexual health information and have your questions on sex and sexuality answered.

11 a.m.

I Need a Family Doctor
Andrea Lauzon, Nurse Practioner, Bloorview Kids Rehab
Do you have a primary health care provider?  What is a primary health care provider? And how can I find one?  This workshop will answer these questions and provide ideas on how to find a family physician or a nurse practitioner to support your physical and medical health.

OR

The Online Social Scene
Do you use the internet to chat and keep in touch with friends? This session will explore online networking sites and tools highlighting the benefits and risks of the web world.

11:30 a.m.

Join Transition Conference 5 delegates for Lunch at the CNIB. 

Speaker:  Spencer West talks about overcoming obstacles with humour and humility.


2:45 p.m.

Let’s Get Active
Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association & ParaSport Ontario
There are adapted sport opportunities available for every age and every ability level.  This is your chance to try out adapted sports including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair curling, athletics racing, boccia ball and roller sledge hockey.  We’re down in the gym for this interactive session that is sure to get everybody active for life!

4:45 p.m.

Forum Farewell!

 

  • Family Corner
  • Youth Corner
  • Kids Corner

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