FEBRUARY 2023

People are at the centre of what we do and CTN is proud to support Black History Month in February by celebrating Black culture, highlighting Black disability advocates and sharing challenges, stories and resources related to Black kids, youth and their families in the communities we serve. Our recognition of Black History Month aligns with CTN’s mission of creating a vibrant community where all kids, youth and families belong as well as with two of our “core values” inclusion and responsibility. Our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity and accessibility (EDIIA) extends well beyond a particular day or month of awareness or significance and we know there is a lot more work to be done. But we are committed to the long journey of learning ahead of us as an organization. We will always look to create learning opportunities that embed the practice of identifying and removing barriers to equity by implementing diversity and inclusion focus broadly.li
NEWS & STORIES
CTN is now one of 22 SmartStart Hubs across the province providing a one-stop point of entry to help families find the support their child or youth may need.  
 
As part of the SmartStart Hub model, we will now be shifting to the use of one number 1-866-377-0286 that parents can reach out to if they are concerned or have questions about their child/youth’s development or day-to-day functioning. ick e
Do you know a student who received services at an Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO) member organization? If they will be studying at a college, university, Indigenous institute or career training program in the fall, EKO wants to support their education and career goals! They are offering six scholarships of $2,500 each, including an exclusive award for self-identified Indigenous, First Nations and Métis students.
On Thursday, February 23, join Children's Healthcare Canada and ScienceUpFirst, as well as many other participating child health organizations, in promoting the uptake of safe and effective vaccines for kids. Healthcare leaders and experts from across disciplines join a "Town Hall" to help move the needle (pun intended) and promote vaccine confidence for Canada’s children.
Rare Disease Day is observed every year on the 28 of February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year. Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global and diverse– but united in its purpose of raising awareness and advocacy.
EVENTS
Join us this month for inclusive fun for kids and youth with disabilities and their families.
The CTN Community and Family Coordinators (CFCs) have planned a very busy March Break for kids, youth and their families. Choose from art, STEM, movie mornings and more! Sign up for one or more of these amazing events for a chance to connect with new friends!
The Relaxed Performance of Cinderella Act II takes place on March 14 at 2 p.m. The National Ballet of Canada invites the disability community, families with young children, and individuals who find access to the arts limited to enjoy the magic of live ballet in a relaxed environment. This special performance will be 45 minutes long. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
Our network calendar features events hosted by CTN, our partner organizations and other local community agencies that may be of interest to your family. New workshops, programs and events are added each week.
RESOURCES
CTN supports kids, youth and families by focusing on CanChild's framework of the F-words for Child Development. Every child with varying abilities has the right to have fun, enjoy friends, function as they are, access fitness, plan for their future and join in on family activities.
Connect is a monthly newsletter for families of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and the service providers who support them.
If you want to share feedback, have story ideas or want to volunteer to
write an article, please email info@ctnsy.ca.
If you have any questions about your child's development or want to learn about
the services available in the communities we serve, please call 1-866-377-0286.
Disclaimer
This newsletter is not intended as advice to meet the specific needs of an individual, as individual situations will differ. Newsletter readers should not act or rely on newsletter information without seeking specific advice on matters of concern. We will not purposefully present inaccurate information in this newsletter, however information is supplied "as is" and may contain errors. We do not guarantee or warrant the quality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, appropriateness or suitability of the newsletter content. Reliance on any information appearing on the newsletter is at your own risk. We expressly disclaim all warranties, representations and conditions regarding use of this newsletter and its content.
Better Together