Empowered Kids Ontario
150 Kilgour Ave M4G 1R8 Toronto, ON, Canada

Disadvantaged groups become doubly disadvantaged when an emergency comes about. This has been shown to be the case for people with disabilities and COVID, especially in terms of employment, financial security and health care access. -Mary Ann McColl, academic lead of the Canadian Disability Policy Alliance, a group of academics, policy makers and advocates who aim to improve policies that affect disabled Canadians. Read the full article via The Globe and Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com//article-disabled-canadia/

70 million+ people around the world live with #autism #ASD. The 2021 United Nations World Autism Awareness Day theme is Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges & Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World. Join the free event on April 8 by visiting: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day #WorldAutismDay #EmpoweredKids

Ontario’s budget investment directly supports kids like Kaedin. Thank you Ontario Government and Ontario Community and Social Services for investing in children, youth and families at FIREFLY. @GregRickfordPC @EmpoweredKidsON #empoweredkids #onpoli #OntarioBudget2021

"This is something we’ve been working toward formally for five years, to build the new centre, and it’s been 14 years since we’ve had this vision of being able to get kids off the waiting list and provide them with the services so desperately needed and deserved." The Children's Treatment Centre and Foundation of Chatham-Kent will receive $24 million in capital funding to support construction on a new buildinglearn more in this Chatham Voice story: https://chathamvoice.com//childrens-treatment-centre-has-/

Help test a new app about healthcare transitions! Dr. Jan Willem Gorter of CHILD-BRIGHT Network CanChild is looking for youth aged 15-17 with #Autism, #CerebralPalsy, #Epilepsy, #FASD or #SpinaBifida to test the new applearn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhvWtNvqheE #DisabilityTwitter #Ontario

Ontario’s budget investment directly supports kids like Carter. Thank you Ontario Government and Ontario Community and Social Services for investing in children, youth and families at KidsAbility Centre for Child Development. Empowered Kids Ontario #EmpoweredKidsON

"But the effort to reduce ableist language should also include rethinking more commonly-used and traditionally-accepted disability words and expressions that while not always offensive, tend to reinforce ableist thinking." Andrew Pulrang talks language, ableism, research and more in his must-share Forbes column. Content note: This article mentions/discusses offensive words related to people with disabilities ... https://www.forbes.com//its-time-to-stop-even-casually-m/ See more

The Ontario budget directly supports Grandview Kids like 17-year old, Andrew. Thank you Ontario Government and the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for investing in children, youth and families. #onpoli #ONbudget

ICYMI: Congratulations to three #Ontario paediatricians honoured with the American Academy of Pediatrics Special Achievement Awards, including Dr. Nicola Jones-Stokreefa @PONDAnetwork founding member, past president & past-Chair; and Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York developmental paediatrician. Read more about her achievements and the two other award recipients: https://www.newswire.ca//three-ontario-pediatricians-honou

What I find is with diversity in higher ed, it’s all very selectively inclusive, said Syreeta Nolan, a senior at UC San Diego and co-founder of Disability in Higher Ed. If diversity actually valued disability, I could have people to look up to as a disabled undergraduate. There would be such a world change if diversity included disability enough that there was more than 3.6% of tenured faculty that consider themselves disabled. Colleges and universities are making progress on efforts to serve disabled students, but some advocates and scholars say higher ed has been slow to recognize disability as an identity group or include it in programming around diversity and inclusion. Read more on this important conversation via Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com//could-disability-be-furthe

Researchers at UConn are studying the experiences of family caregivers of kids with disabilities during #COVID19. What are they finding?Significantly more stress, anxiety, depression and caregiver burden. Children don’t come with how-to manuals. Even if they did, they would all require a manual of their own, tailored to their unique make and model. That’s why caregiving can be rewarding, as well as puzzling and demanding particularly for family caregivers of children with disabilities. Although these caregivers often report that the role gives them a sense of purpose, it usually comes with physical, emotional and financial strains. COVID-19 has added major hurdles to accessing, delivering and evaluating special education services. Read more via The Conversation Canada: https://theconversation.com/covid-19-means-a-lot-more-work-

We're proud to announce FIREFLY - Physical, Emotional, Developmental & Community Services as an EKO member! Our members align to transform the policy and practice landscape so kids with disabilitiesand their familiescan live their best lives. Expanding the Empowered Kids Ontario membership strengthens the voice of Ontario’s #ChildDev sector: http://bitly.com/EKO-ExpandingMembership Ontario Government Ontario Community and Social Services

#Downsyndrome is beautifulthat's the message from 23-year-old Julia Slater of Toronto who's a dancing sensation on TikTok. Julia's been dancing since she was 5 years old and recently got verified on the popular social media platform. Learn more about her: https://www.iheartradio.ca//toronto-dancer-with-down-syndr Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) Down Syndrome Association of Ontario - DSAO ViBE Dance & Fitness Studio

Tammy Martin has spent more than a decade helping young students with special needs learn to read a skill that she, too, would struggle with if not for a state-of-the-art device that allows her to clearly see the words on the page. The educational assistant from Truro, N.S., is one of the many Canadians with a disability requiring the use of life-changing, but often prohibitively priced, assistive technology that advocates say needs to be more accessible. Learn more about how disability advocates are working towards solutions to bring assistive tech to more people who need them: https://www.cbc.ca//essential-worker-pandemic-disabilities

Stephanie is a Venezuelan jeweller now in Ecuador and set out to restart her successful jewellery business that she ran in her home country. After losing her right arm in an accident a decade prior, she learned to use her left hand masterfullyread on via UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency: https://www.unhcr.org//venezuelan-jeweller-defies-disabili

This support group for black parents of kids with #disabilities is crucialacross #Ontario and well beyond. Sherron & Clovis Grant of Toronto discuss their son, who has #autism, and their work in the disability community: https://www.ctvnews.ca//obviously-touching-a-nerve-ont-cou CTV News Autism Ontario #Scarborough

The "Single & Different Size Shoes Program" Zappos.com is growing due to overwhelming demandthe program allows customers to buy just one shoe or purchase a pair of shoes that includes two different sizes! Read more on the program via Disability Scoop: https://www.disabilityscoop.com//zappos-doubles-sho/29119/

The Ontario Government announced they'll be increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. There are 2.6 million people in #Ontario with a disabilityand most disabilities are invisible. More on the announcement here: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-increasing-employment-opp #COVID19 #OnPoli Rick Hansen Foundation

Bryson Bolianatz has Cerebral Palsy, uses a wheelchair, and is reclaiming a disability symbol with his clothing brand: Best Legs Supply Co. Learn more about the 19-year-old Saskatoon native: https://thestarphoenix.com//saskatoon-wheelchair-user-crea Bryson's company is live via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestlegssupplyco... Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy Canada Network See more

More kids television shows are introducing characters with disabilities, and we know this representation is a great way to begin teaching kids about inclusion from a young age. But parents and caregivers must also ensure kids are aware of what disabilities are, and be ready and willing to engage in open dialogue: https://newzhook.com//inclusive-cartoons-with-disabilitie/

Novelist Amanda Leduc, Author's "Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space" peels back narratives behind popular fairy tales to reveal the limitations and oft-damaging effects of the happy-ending trope. Read more about Leduc's newest noveland why it's one of Quill & Quire's "2020 Books of the Year" here. Plus, check out the other great books that made the list (and prepare for those winter nights with a good read... or 20!): https://quillandquire.com//books-of-the-year-2020-editors/

The causes of #CerebralPalsy are often attributed to in-utero infections, premature birth, or brain injury to a baby near or during delivery from lack of oxygen. But many kids have not experienced these events. New research via Washington University in St. Louis, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and Yale University indicates that many of the mutations occur randomly and are not inherited from a child's parents. The research is part of the International Cerebral Palsy Genomics Consortium, a global effort to understand genetic causes of cerebral palsy. The new knowledge could help improve the diagnosis of cerebral palsy and lead to future therapies.: https://www.technologynetworks.com//could-genetics-play-a- #EmpoweredKids Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy CerebralPalsy.org Cerebral Palsy Foundation

New research via The Lancet shows that people with Down syndrome may be teaching a quiet lesson to the rest of the population during #COVID19. Persistencyspecifically in grooming and hygieneshown by those with #Downsyndrome helps them learn and adopt recommended protective measures against the virus: https://www.thelancet.com//PIIS1474-4422(20)30401/fulltext Down Syndrome Association of Ontario - DSAO Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT)

It’s a form of discrimination that’s rooted...in a society designed around the needs of able-bodied people. The needs of persons with disabilities and their access to social assistance have been ignored, devalued and relegated to a second-class status. In Nova Scotia, a battle over housing rights for people with intellectual disabilities is now in courtread on and hear from the lawyers bringing the case before the court: https://globalnews.ca//intellectual-disability-housing-ns/

"The first priority is to participate in the Paralympics which has been my dream since I was in third-grade." Powerlifter Eri Yamamoto, born with spina bifida, began swimming at age 9 and hopes to represent Japan in Tokyo 2020: https://www.insidethegames.biz//yamamoto-aims-to-compete-a @Paralympics #Tokyo2020

"I think it means a lot to have a campaign acknowledge an artist like Rick." An artist with #Downsyndrome, a tote bag & Joe Biden: How one man’s work led to a Zoom meeting with the man he calls his heroand why #disability representation matters: https://www.forbes.com//an-artist-with-down-syndrome-a-t/ SAGE Studio Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) Down Syndrome Association of Ontario - DSAO

Today is #NationalChildDay and health care leaders in #Ontario have issued a warningand express deep concernabout new #COVID19 modelling data. Read our full response: https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/newsroom?newsid=2160 #OnPoli #MentalHealth #NCD2020 #KidsInCrisis National Child Day Ontario Government SickKids Hospital Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital CHEO Children's Mental Health Ontario McMaster Children's Hospital RNAO

Our Board of Directors is a dedicated team of community leaders committed to #Ontario kids with disabilities and their families living their best lives. Learn about the three new Board members appointed at our Annual General Meeting: http://bitly.com/EKO-2020BoardMembers #EmpoweredKids

As we move into the weekend, let's visit this The New York Times list of 28 movies, books, TV shows, comedians & artists who explore #disability culture. We know everyone deserves to be seen and heard, and hope you'll find something from this list that resonates with you and that you can explore this weekend! https://www.nytimes.com//a/disability-movies-books-tv.html

RT! We’re calling on #Ontario families and caregivers of kids with #disabilities to share their experiences with usyour input helps our association influence Ontario Government decisions and policy that matter to you and your family. The survey is anonymous open until Tuesday, November 17we look forward to your feedback! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EKOFamilies #EmpoweredKids #OnPoli ErinoakKids Lansdowne Children's Centre Children's Treatment Centre and Foundation of C...hatham-Kent McMaster Children's Hospital FIREFLY - Physical, Emotional, Developmental & Community Services KidsInclusive Thames Valley Children's Centre One Kids Place Grandview Children's Centre CHEO Five Counties Children's Centre Niagara Children's Centre Pathways Health Centre for Children Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York George Jeffrey Children's Foundation Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital KidsAbility Centre for Child Development John McGivney Children's Centre See more

This impactful OpEd written by Dr. Peter Rosenbaum of McMaster Children's Hospital, McMaster University and CanChild is not to be missed. Now, more than ever, we must ensure we promote childhood and family health. Read a snippet below and click to read the full article. "Traditionally, we have thought about child health in terms of sudden-onset problems in young people. Parents bring their kids to the doctor or childrens hospital emergency room, where the child is the focu...s of attention, as they should be. We provide services to treat and to fix these problems. Indeed, we usually do an excellent job with conditions like appendicitis, croup, or a broken arm. What is less recognized are the huge numbers of child and youth health issues that cannot be fixed, but can have a significant impact on the growth and developmentin fact the whole life courseof young people. These conditions, affecting perhaps 15% of the child and youth population of Canada, include medical problems like diabetes and Crohns disease; brain-related conditions like cerebral palsy and autism; and mental health challenges like anorexia, anxiety and depression. How are these conditions being thought about in 2020?" Read the full story: https://www.thespec.com//pulling-together-to-improve-the-h #EmpoweredKids Ontario Government

Lina's disabilities challenged her socially, academically & athleticallybut she was unstoppableand represented Canada at the gymnastics world championships. Shes currently a student in Ryerson University Media Production program and will be using her Empowered Kids Ontario scholarship funds towards her degree program. Her #EmpoweredKids scholarship story: http://bitly.com/EKO-Scholars-Lina #Ontario #BrantfordBrant Ontario Government Lansdowne Children's Centre Will Bouma Phil McColeman

Tomorrow, well be alongside other members of the Childrens Health Coalition for a Virtual Town Hall discussion on Ontarios crisis in childrens healthcare. Parents in Ontarioand across the countryare already witnessing the repercussions of #COVID19 on our childrens mental health, development and physical wellbeing. Ontarios leading childrens healthcare providers are warning the Ontario Government that a generation of lives is at stake if we dont act now and we hope y...oull join us for the conversation: bitly.com/EKO-KidsInCrisis "We cannot afford for young people in our province to be collateral damage, especially since #COVID-19 will be with us for some time. We need to organize health services around their reality. Alex Munter, President and CEO, CHEO #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Childrens Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Childrens Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Childrens Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Childrens Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

We're proud to announce the recipients of our 10th annual #EmpoweredKids Ontario scholarship award. This is a milestone year for the EKO Scholarship Program. 2020 is the 10th year EKO is awarding scholarships to deserving youth from across Ontario. This year we received a record number of applications, making the selection process especially competitive. The EKO Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors thanks every student who applied for these awards. We applaud thei...r accomplishments. -EKO Chair Penny Smiley. We'll introduce one recipient per day (starting today!) and collectively celebrate these accomplished leaders, scholars, athletes, and #Ontario community membersread on: http://bitly.com/EKO-Scholars-2020 Ontario Government Ontario Community and Social Services ErinoakKids Lansdowne Children's Centre Grandview Children's Centre CHEO

Two-year old Rachel loved seeing her therapists at the Childrens Treatment Centre and Foundation of Chatham-Kent . She still loves seeing themjust now, its mostly on a screen from home. Resourceful Rachel quickly learned to wave and interact with her therapists as they provide virtual carephysical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. Her family, including twin sister Sadie, all get in on the actionwatching Rachels exercise regimen and replicating it on the living room floor. Her equipment required an update to keep up with her growth so CTC-CK staffwearing PPEmake porch visits to Rachels home to adjust the fit. Rachel now gets to see her therapists virtually and sometimes at homethats the new normal. Read more: https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/newsroom?newsid=1160 #EmpoweredKids #COVID19

In Canada, 22% of the population lives with a #disability, but that number isn't reflected in advertisements, films, television, books or radio. Disability belongs in your newsfeed and on your screeneverybody deserves to be seen! We encourage the public to sign the Dear Everybody Agreement and join us in demanding inclusive and diverse representation. We're a proud partner of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital's #DearEverybody campaign: https://deareverybody.hollandbloorview.ca

The Childrens Health Coalition is hosting a Virtual Town Hall on September 17 and we hope youll be alongside us as change-makers for kids who urgently need supports in the areas of mental health, development and physical wellbeing. "Without proper care, the deterioration of our childrens mental health can be a matter of life or death. 28,000 kids were waiting prior to COVID-19, with an expected uptick in demand, the wait lists will grow exponentially. Kimberly Moran, CE...O, Childrens Mental Health Ontario #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Childrens Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Childrens Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Childrens Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Childrens Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

Most people are familiar with the Rogers Centre in #Toronto. Right now its estimated that 1.5-1.6-million people in Canada have #FASD. So that means that would potentially fill the Rogers Centre up to 30 times. Lianne Guenette is the FASD worker at the Cochrane-Temiskaming Childrens Treatment Centre. She says exposure to alcohol in the womb can lead to brain or body difficulties. Its a lifelong disability. Its not going away and it can cause challenges in their lives d...aily. Guenette says 4% of the population are on the spectrumcombine the number of people with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Tourettes, and its fewer than the number with FASD. Read more: https://www.mytimminsnow.com//ninth-day-of-ninth-month-re/ Canada FASD Research Network #Timmins #Ontario

Our Virtual Town Hall: Kids in Crisis, is happening tonight at 7 p.m. and you can register by following the link here: bitly.com/EKO-KidsInCrisis Nothing should stand in the way of caring for children and families even during these unusual times. The importance of treating childhood illness and disease, and developmental and behavioural issues cannot be understated. If we wait any longer, we know that we will miss the window of opportunity for some children. Bruce Squires,... President, Mcmaster Childrens Hospital #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

Anyone can be a hero or royal character now that shopDisney released its first-ever line of adaptive costumes! First up: 2 wheelchair wraps + 3 adaptive costumes with magical designs that will allow fans to transform into some of their fav characters: https://themighty.com//08/disney-adaptive-costumes-disabil #EmpoweredKids #Disability #Inclusion

Tomorrow, we'll be alongside other members of the Childrens Health Coalition for a Virtual Town Hall discussion on Ontario's crisis in children's healthcare. Parents in Ontarioand across the countryare already witnessing the repercussions of #COVID19 on our childrens mental health, development and physical wellbeing. Ontarios leading childrens healthcare providers are warning the Ontario Government that a generation of lives is at stake if we dont act now and we hope y...ou'll join us for the conversation: bitly.com/EKO-KidsInCrisis "We cannot afford for young people in our province to be collateral damage, especially since #COVID-19 will be with us for some time. We need to organize health services around their reality. Alex Munter, President and CEO, CHEO #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

Two-year old Rachel loved seeing her therapists at the Children's Treatment Centre and Foundation of Chatham-Kent . She still loves seeing themjust now, it's mostly on a screen from home. Resourceful Rachel quickly learned to wave and interact with her therapists as they provide virtual carephysical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. Her family, including twin sister Sadie, all get in on the actionwatching Rachels exercise regimen and replicating it on the living room floor. Her equipment required an update to keep up with her growth so CTC-CK staffwearing PPEmake porch visits to Rachels home to adjust the fit. Rachel now gets to see her therapists virtually and sometimes at homethats the new normal. Read more: https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/newsroom?newsid=1160 #EmpoweredKids #COVID19

The Childrens Health Coalition is hosting a Virtual Town Hall on September 17 and we hope you'll be alongside us as change-makers for kids who urgently need supports in the areas of mental health, development and physical wellbeing. "Without proper care, the deterioration of our childrens mental health can be a matter of life or death. 28,000 kids were waiting prior to COVID-19, with an expected uptick in demand, the wait lists will grow exponentially. Kimberly Moran, CE...O, Children's Mental Health Ontario #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

More than 160,000 children and families in Ontario are desperately waiting for mental health treatment, hospital surgeries and procedures, child development and rehabilitation services, and paediatric home care services. Empowered Kids Ontario, alongside the other Childrens Health Coalition members, are calling on the Ontario Government to take swift action. And we're asking you, toojoin us virtually on September 17 for a Town Hall to discuss these urgent issues: https://...bitly.com/EKO-KidsInCrisis #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (#FASD) is becoming one of the leading known causes of developmental disability in Canada. #EmpoweredKids members help support kids with FASD. Learn more about FASD from the Ontario Government website, launched last year: https://fasdinfotsaf.ca @CanFASD #FASDay

As a member of the Childrens Health Coalitiona growing collective of childrens health organizations and frontline workerslike the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, we know the Ontario Government can do better for kids and their families. That's why we're calling on the province to immediately make substantive investments$375 Millionin childrens health care to alleviate the suffering of more than 160,000 children and families who are desperately waiting for men...tal health treatment, hospital surgeries and procedures, child development and rehabilitation services, and paediatric home care services. Be a part of the discussionjoin our Virtual Town Hall on September 17: https://bitly.com/EKO-KidsInCrisis #onpoli #kidsincrisis cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

Ontarios leading childrens healthcare providers are warning the Ontario Government that a generation of lives is at stake if we dont act now. We hope you'll join us alongside other members of the Childrens Health Coalition on September 17 for a Virtual Town Hall: https://bitly.com/EKO-KidsInCrisis Sickkids Hospital SickKids Foundation #onpoli #kidsincrisis... cc: CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network CHILD-BRIGHT Network

NEWS + VIRTUAL TOWN HALL ON SEPTEMBER 17: We are a proud member of the Childrens Health Coalition, a growing collective of childrens health organizations, including Children's Mental Health Ontario, Sick Kids Hospital, CHEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, McMaster Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Children's Health Foundation & RNAO. Our members are calling for the Ontario Government to invest $375 Million in childrens health and s...ocial care. Parents across the country are already witnessing the repercussions of the pandemic on our childrens mental health, development and physical wellbeing; such as: * When the pandemic began, there were already 28,000 kids in Ontario were on waiting lists for mental health services and 80,000 kids were on waitlists for child development and rehabilitation services, some languishing for years without support. * More than 30,000 paediatric procedures and appointments at childrens hospitals have been cancelled. Some kids are waiting with no end in sight because of the pandemic. * There are kids with complex needs who need home care and it is not being provided Kids are facing waits of up to 2.5 years for surgeryfar beyond what would be considered clinically acceptable. * An Ipsos survey commissioned by (ADD TAG) Childrens Mental Health Ontario, says that since COVID-19 began, nearly 60% of parents noted behavioural changes in their children, ranging from outbursts or extreme irritability to drastic changes in mood, behaviour or personality, altered sleeping patterns, persistent sadness and more. Significant changes like these can be signs of mental illness. Its time to sound the alarm on a childrens healthcare system at its breaking point. Behind these numbers are real children and families. Without urgent action, these health and social challenges will follow children into adulthood, reducing their quality of life, driving up health care system costs and further straining our health and social care systems. To register for Kids in Crisis Town Hall, and support childrens health and social care, visit: http://bit.ly/KidsinCrisisTownHall #onpoli #kidsincrisis PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy CHILD-BRIGHT Network Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Canada FASD Research Network

Join us, and other members of The Childrens Health Coalition, as we call on the Ontario Government to immediately make substantive investments in childrens health care. Follow this link to learn more and register for the Kids in Crisis Town Hall on Thursday, September 17: https://vekeo.com/event/childrenshealthcoalition-61250/ #onpoli #kidsincrisis CHEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Children's Mental Health Ontario RNAO Sickkids Hospital McMaster Children's... Hospital Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Children's Health Foundation Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Children's Healthcare Canada PONDA - Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Community Living Ontario CanChild The Ontario Brain Institute Ontario FASD Action Network See more

In Canada, the average household spends nearly $3,500 per year on clothing and accessories, with a key part of the shopping experience tied to stores displaying clothes on mannequins. For people with disabilities, this can often be a reminder of exclusion. Sheldon Crocker's first memory of shopping for clothes included asking his mother why the mannequins didn't look like himexperiences like that continue to affect his self-esteem. "I used to feel excluded, feel out of place. It played a big part [in] my growing up and even a little today," said Crocker, who has arthrogryposis, which is characterized by joint contracture, causing muscle shortening. Read Sheldon & Abigayle's story: https://www.cbc.ca//ne/mannequins-representation-1.5678451

Wheelchair fit is key for comfort and propulsion biomechanics, and can truly boost a childs confidenceso getting it right is really important. When it became clear that life was not going to return to normal any time soon, staff at the Children's Treatment Centre and Foundation of Chatham-Kent decided two-and-a-half-year-old Oakley couldnt wait for the pandemic to come to an end, so they delivered her new chair to her at home. They fit her right thereprotected by PPE, of... courseand let her take a spin. Oakley and her family cant believe the difference the new chair makes in her everyday life at home! Roll, err, read on: https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/newsroom?newsid=1160 #EmpoweredKids #SpinaBifida

The City of Timmins has proclaimed September 9 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (#FASD) Awareness Day. The City notes an estimated 4% of people in Canada have FASD, which is "recognized as one of the leading known causes of developmental disability." https://www.timminstoday.com//proclamation-raises-awarenes #EmpoweredKids Canada FASD Research Network

A new Statistics Canada study shows the impact of #COVID19 on Canadian families who have kids, and those who have kids with #disabilites. While many parent participants are concerned about their kidsa higher proportion of parents of kids with disabilities are "very or extremely concerned." About 7 in 10 participants were very or extremely concerned about their childrens opportunities to socialize with friends regardless if a child with disabilities was in the household. How...ever, notable differences were observed for other concerns. For example, about 7 in 10 parents of children with disabilities were very or extremely concerned about the amount of screen time their children were engaging in compared with 6 in 10 parents of children without disabilities. About 6 in 10 parents of children with disabilities were very or extremely concerned about loneliness or isolation for their children compared with about 5 in 10 parents of children without disabilities. The largest difference among participants was observed for school year and academic success: while 58% of parents of children with disabilities were very or extremely concerned for their childrens school year and academic success, the figure was at 36% for parents of children without disabilities (see Reid & Greenlee, 2020 for additional results on supporting learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic). Finally, a greater proportion of parents of children with disabilities reported to be very or extremely concerned for their childrens mental health compared with parents of children without disabilities (60% vs. 43%). Read more: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca//2020001/article/00066-eng.htm

Today is International #FASD Awareness Daydevoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to improve prevention, diagnosis and support. Events are held across Canada in recognition of FASD Day and we'll highlight stories on FASD this monthlearn more by visiting Canada FASD Research Network #FASDay

The most important thing we can learn from the past is the consistency of care. By analyzing DNA preserved in a skeleton, geneticist Daniel Bradley Trinity College Dublin and his team of scientists discovered that a baby buried nearly 5,500 years ago had the extra chromosome causing #Downsyndrome. Researchers say this finding is the oldest confirmed case: https://www.npr.org//ancient-bones-offer-clues-to-how-long Down Syndrome Association of Ontario - DSAO Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT)

Chime InstituteS Schwarzenegger Community is the outgrowth of an effort at California State University, Northridge to find better ways of supporting K- 8 kids students with #disabilities. While it started as a program to find early interventions for preschoolers, as the kids grew their families wanted a school where kids with disabilities were alongside typically developing kids and gifted kidsand were all full participants of the community. From furniture to lesson plans, everything is designed to enable students of all capacities to thrive in the same classroom! Read more: http://laschoolreport.com/all-in-a-southern-california-sch/ #EmpoweredKids CHIME Institute

As a developmental paediatrician, Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo treats children with a variety of disabilitieschronic disorders that affect movement such as cerebral palsy; cognitive disabilities such as autism; learning disabilities, and speech deficiencies. Dr. Olaf (as he's known) is an associate professor of paediatrics at McMaster University in Hamilton, #Ontario and discusses how kids with special needs are struggling to receive good care during the pandemic. "The burden o...f stress on the families of children with disabilities is significant, and even more so during the pandemic when the supports typically available are not accessible, and interaction with extended family and friends is not possible." More: https://consumer.healthday.com//kids-with-special-needs-st #EmpoweredKids McMaster Children's Hospital

A new study from QUT (Queensland University of Technology) & ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical & Statistical Frontiers unlocks personal interventions for kids with #disabilities. Published in PLOS One, the study looks at 350 developmental milestones in birth to age 3 and provide new statistical methods to better identify where kids are at developmentally, and how to get support when kids needs it: https://medicalxpress.com//2020-06-personalised-interventi #EmpoweredKids

Must-read, er, listen! Since 2007, Krip Hop Nation World-Wide has released mixtapes showcasing a worldwide network of hip-hop artists with #disabilities. Here are 5 songs addressing otherizing media depictions, challenges and perseverance over the yearsstory via The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com//mus/krip-hop-nation-playlist.html

"We should be asking ourselves why disability continues to even be a factor. Im honored to be one of the first to reach this level, but the number of layers of systematic stereotypes I had to climb to get here should be concerning." -Jillian Mercado, Model, activist & actor Mercado is working both in front of, and behind, the camera. She launched an online database called Black Disabled Creatives (online here: https://blackdisabledcreatives.com/) to help match companies wit...h artists who are looking for work or want to showcase their talents. Hear more from Jillian and others on what its like to be BIPOC with a disability in America: https://www.refinery29.com//black-poc-disability-photos-ji

"If theres a silver lining to this pandemic and the restrictions imposed on our personal liberties, its that I am learning what involuntary loneliness feels like. Its a lesson that my son Carter, who was born with #Downsyndrome, has always understood. Isolation and social distancing are experiences he faces in his everyday life. Unexpectedly, COVID-19 has provided me an opportunity to understand his vast capacity for resiliency." Read more on this story via Maclean's: https://www.macleans.ca//what-the-pandemic-taught-me-abou/ #EmpoweredKids Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) Southwestern Ontario Down Syndrome Community Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough

"By recognising characters like themselves in the pages of a book, they may see that their lived experiences matter, are valued and are shared to differing extents with others: they are part of a community rather than on their own." -Anna Purkis, researcher in representation of disability in childrens literature We are all beautifully differentso it's critical for kids to see themselves and others portrayed positively on the pages of picture books. The UKs Anna Purkiss, a ...researcher in representation of disability in childrens literature, says "Although representations of disabled characters in childrens literature are increasing, they are still relatively scarce in comparison to non-disabled characters, which highlights the need for children with disabilities to see themselves reflected in the books that they read." Read more: https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk//picturebooks-part-6-mirror See more

Chime Institute'S Schwarzenegger Community is the outgrowth of an effort at California State University, Northridge to find better ways of supporting K- 8 kids students with #disabilities. While it started as a program to find early interventions for preschoolers, as the kids grew their families wanted a school where kids with disabilities were alongside typically developing kids and gifted kidsand were all full participants of the community. From furniture to lesson plans, everything is designed to enable students of all capacities to thrive in the same classroom! Read more: http://laschoolreport.com/all-in-a-southern-california-sch/ #EmpoweredKids CHIME Institute

A 2019 report from the UK found including disabled characters in kids shows can help lead to more disability inclusion in real life. According to the same study 50% of characters with #disabilities in kids shows were villains or presented in a tokenizing way. Members of the disability community suggest tuning in to these 11 TV shows for kids that feature characters with #disabilities Its a start and we agree there should be even more representation of disability in kids shows across the board! Read on: https://www.yahoo.com//11-tv-shows-kids-featuring-04212218

A U.K.-based organization that supports artists with Down syndrome has released a new film exploring the lives of artists during #COVID19. In times of stress, we often turn to creativity. The short film, #ArtistsinLockdown by filmmaker Chris Kenward, tells the story of 15 artists with #Downsyndrome representing 7 countries who've adapted their work and are thriving during #COVID19. Read on: https://themighty.com//artists-in-lockdown-film-down-synd/

20-year-old India Atkinson has Symbrachydactyly, a congenital hand defect, and educates people about her disability @tiktok_uk. She says theres stigma attached to #disability & she wants others to better understand and feel comfortable. Watch India discuss her disability via BBC News NI: https://www.bbc.com//india-atkinson-tiktok-disability-educ

#Autism gets superhero treatment in AJ Gadgets on Hero Elementarya new PBS KIDS animated series The show follows a diverse group of budding superheroes who solve problems and work to make the world a better place. The show encourages kids to think like scientists while also touching on social issues like kindness and empathy: https://www.disabilityscoop.com//pbs-show-features-/28412/

We know that when you look at the response (to #COVID19) and the (exclusion) of certain populations people with disabilities is one of those populations. -Meenu Sikand, executive lead of equity, diversity and inclusion at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital While there isnt any Canadian data available yet, its logical that people with disabilities and autism are disproportionately affected by the virus. People with disabilities face significant challenges every day. Those barriers are exacerbated during the pandemic. Read more on this story Global Toronto and Y108 Rocks!: https://y108.ca//711/coronavirus-disability-autism-deaths/

Must-read: This essay from Margot Harris on her visual-spatial disabilityand how she challenged her insecurities with jewelry-makingis honest, vulnerable and empowering. "Weeks later, a specialist delivered the test results in a 20-page report: I had a learning disability that impaired my visual-spatial reasoning. According to some poorly-photocopied handouts, the condition had no name, but it had plenty of consequences. I might "become easily lost in unfamiliar environment...s" and struggle to interpret graphs, charts, and maps. The disability might also affect my sense of direction and my ability to correctly estimate how long tasks would take. I could also expect to live with visual figure-ground weakness, which, I learned, meant I might not even be able to find things on a messy desk." Story via Insider: https://www.insider.com/jewelry-helped-me-cope-with-my-lear #EmpoweredKids

An Indian Institute of Science (IISc) research team designed a robotic arm that can be manipulated by eye movement using a computer interface, to help people with Severe Speech and Motor Impairment (SSMI). This interface is non-invasive, only using a webcam + computer, unlike other eye gaze-tracking devices that use head-mounted systems. One of the main applications is rehabilitation of young adults through tasks like fabric printing: http://www.asianage.com//new-robotic-arm-helps-people-with #EmpoweredKids Cerebral Palsy Foundation CerebralPalsy.org Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy

Kids with developmental #disabilities or who dont meet growth milestones may be 2x as likely to be diagnosed with asthma compared with kids without those disabilities or delays, according to UTHealth School of Public Health JAMA Network Open study. The risk varied: hearing loss was associated with a more than tripled risk of asthma; kids with ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, or learning disabilities had a more than doubled asthma risk. Asthma and developmental disabilities and delays are each common in just under 10% of all U.S. childrenand are both more prevalent in minority populations. Read on: https://www.hcplive.com//developmental-disabilities-pediat #EmpoweredKids Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy Foundation

"We should be asking ourselves why disability continues to even be a factor. I'm honored to be one of the first to reach this level, but the number of layers of systematic stereotypes I had to climb to get here should be concerning." -Jillian Mercado, Model, activist & actor Mercado is working both in front of, and behind, the camera. She launched an online database called Black Disabled Creatives (online here: https://blackdisabledcreatives.com/) to help match companies wit...h artists who are looking for work or want to showcase their talents. Hear more from Jillian and others on what it's like to be BIPOC with a disability in America: https://www.refinery29.com//black-poc-disability-photos-ji

"My needs arent special. Framing them as special needs makes them seem like privileges. It makes it appear that youre doing something special for somebody when youre not, youre just giving them access." -Dorian Taylor When the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 30 years ago, it was the culmination of decades of activism, sacrifice & struggle to protect long-denied basic rights. Today, disability justice activists rethink what true equity looks like: https://www.seattletimes.com//the-americans-with-disabili/

Congratulations on a terrific visit by the Premier to your centre! What a photo - total thumbs up for the empowered kids, families and staff of Chatham-Kent!

"I would first ask: Is it accessible? Can you get in & out of it? Followed by: Is it medically safe? Will it harm your body? And finally, the most important question: Do you love it?" Learn how Stephanie Thomas, founder of Cur8able, curates adaptive clothing that checks all the boxes for disability needs and uses her Disability Fashion Styling system to consult with brands about the countless financial, social, and ethical reasons for including customers with disabilitie...s in their work: https://www.refinery29.com//adaptive-clothing-fashion-step More from Cur8able via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cur8able/

Many people in Newfoundland and Labrador enjoy sailingand Able Sail NL is making sure everyone is able to experience it! The nonprofit group was created in 2018 to make sailing accessible to those with physical or mental disabilities: https://www.cbc.ca//able-sail-nl-accessible-sailing-1.5670 #EmpoweredKids AbleSail Network InclusionNL