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Alert

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will happen between 2:00 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. Do not look directly at the sun. Families at the hospital during the eclipse are invited to stay inside for its duration.

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The information provided in this newsletter is for reference only. It is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of organizations, news sources, policies or political parties, or as a comprehensive resource list.  Past newsletters and COVID-19 specific tipsheets can be accessedhere

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

 

Understanding Motor Learning Challenges in Children and Youth – Optimizing Success (Jan 28)

This free virtual workshop provides:

  • information about motor planning challenges and Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • coping techniques and strategies
  • tools and resources for families
  • information about supports available in the community

Registration required by Thursday January 21st, 2021. To register or for more information, please contact Leah Wong, lwong@hollandbloorview.ca

How should healthcare providers talk about sexuality with children and youth with disabilities?

We’re looking for young adults aged 18-25 years with a disability, parents of children and youth with disabilities and healthcare providers to tell us their thoughts. If you’re interested in learning more, please email Madison Giles at mgiles@hollandbloorview.ca

COVID-19 testing service

In partnership with SickKids, Holland Bloorview now has a COVID-19 testing service for children with medical complexity and children with developmental conditions who cannot be served in their community and up to two (2) family members, such as family caregivers and/or siblings.

  • An appointment is required to access the service and can be made by calling 416-419-4623. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, staffed by Holland Bloorview and SickKids staff.
  • Appointments are available at SickKids during daytime hours (Monday to Friday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or at Holland Bloorview during some evening hours (Monday and Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The testing swab can be taken inside a vehicle or tent outside (SickKids) or in an indoor setting (Holland Bloorview).

Holland Bloorview Family Support Fund re-opens (as of January 1, 2021)  

Please note that due to an increase in applications, only Holland Bloorview clients and families that have received less than $1500 from the Family Support Fund between April 1st, 2020 and January 1st, 2021 can access the Fund. For important details and the application form, click here. Not a Holland Bloorview client? Please consider attending one of our Paperwork parties to find out more about funding resources.

Other

  • HB Info Line helps children, youth and families learn about and get connected to the many programs and services at Holland Bloorview.

Bloorview School Authority (BSA) 

The BSA is now accepting referrals for the Integrated Education and Therapy (IET) Program for September 2021. For more information, click here

Covid-19 vaccine information

Funding

Autism Ontario

2021 March Break Reimbursement Fund (deadline Jan 22, 2021)

  • Available to Ontario families of autistic children and youth who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker OR who have paid for their child to attend a 2021 March Break camp or program. For more information and to register click here.

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy

Updated application form and guidelines will be available on January 5, 2021 for the:

  • Life Emergency Action Fund (opens January 15) and the OFCP Assistive Devices Funding Program (opens January 29) Call 416 244 9686, ext. 221 or toll free 1-877-244-9686, ext. 221 with any questions.  For more information click here.

Government of Ontario

Apply for Support for Learners funding

Parents and guardians will receive a one-time payment of $200 for each child up to age 12, or $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs. Deadline February 8, 2021

NOTE: The Support for Learners program will be expanded to students ages 13 to grade 12, including students who are in secondary school that are over 18.   Applications will open on January 11, 2021. Details on eligibility and how to apply will be posted on the government of Ontario website.

Caregiver webinars

Check out Children’s Treatment Network  Surrey Placeand Family Service Toronto January calendars for events that support caregivers and social groups for children and youth.

Autism Ontario

Webinar: Ask the Doctor: Autism & Mental Health: A Focus on Caregivers (Jan 14)

Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, CAMH

  • Mental health for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities during COVID: A virtual six week course for family caregivers.   Registration closes Jan 19, 2020. For more information and to register, click here
  • Mindfulness for Autistic Adults group: Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mindfulness for Caregivers of Autistic  Adults group: Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26.  For more information and to register, contact mindfulness.research@camh.ca

Partners for Planning

Creative Options for Home: Exploring Individualized Housing Models (Jan 19)

The Conference Board of Canada

Mental Health and COVID-19 series (recorded webinars)  

Holland Bloorview’s Grocery Foundation Family Resource Centre is a place where you can find information and resources on childhood disability that are helpful to you and your family.  We have information on: respite, recreation, housing, funding, education, parenting and more.  All Holland Bloorview workshops and events are listed on www.hollandbloorview.ca/familyevents Questions?  Please e-mail resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca