I recognize that it is challenging to set aside time to reflect on your growth at the end of each year, but I challenge you to do the same. By doing so, I am confident you will remember moments (big and small) worth celebrating. You deserve to honour the progress you have made as we look ahead to a new year of incredible possibilities in 2026.

Although we are drawing closer to the end of the year, we are still as busy as ever at Grandview Kids. Between making strides in our delivery of School-Based Rehabilitation speech therapy services, seeking participants for the IDEA Study and planning many engaging workshops and events for our clients and families, December is shaping up to be another month of high activity! You can learn more about all these initiatives below.

As we close out 2025 and head into the holiday season, I am privileged to share that Grandview Kids launched its 2025 holiday campaign this December, featuring our Ambassador, Scarlett, and her loving parents, Krystle and Chris.

Through microarray genetic testing, Scarlett was found to have an ultra-rare deletion of the third chromosome. She is the 14th documented case worldwide with that specific deletion. Her journey at Grandview Kids began after receiving a diagnosis at six months old, when she was welcomed by our expert clinicians, providing her and her family with dedicated support to navigate everything from mobility and communication to feeding strategies and equipment needs.

Grandview Kids Ambassador, Scarlett

I urge you to read Scarlett’s deeply moving story below and watch our 2025 holiday campaign video, which further shines a light on her family’s journey at Grandview Kids.



I also want to take this opportunity to thank Grandview Kids’ generous donors who continue to support our organization and help us power our potential to support children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs and their families. You are changemakers in our community, and we are so grateful for you.

As I wrap up my final message to you in 2025, I want to remind you that Grandview Kids sites will be closed on Thursday, December 4, as Team Grandview gathers for our annual winter staff recognition event. We will also be closed from noon on Wednesday, December 24, and will re-open at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5. Phone lines are shut down during this period. Please speak to your Grandview Kids clinician or our Scheduling Team at 905-728-1673 (toll-free at 1-800-304-6180) if you need to make changes to your appointments.

Gather will be paused for January, with our next issue released in February 2026. I look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.



I wish you and your loved ones a safe, warm and joyous holiday season. 

Tom McHugh

CEO, Grandview Kids

Scarlett sparkles with hope in every step: Grandview Kids 2025 Holiday Campaign

Grandview Kids celebrates the remarkable journey of Scarlett, a three-year-old with a rare genetic condition, who has overcome complex medical and developmental challenges to embrace childhood with curiosity, humour and joy. With the support of her dedicated clinicians, her family and the Grandview Kids community, she has made remarkable progress in mobility, communication and independence. As this year’s Holiday Campaign Ambassador Family, Scarlett and her parents Krystle and Chris hope their story inspires support and action for children and youth with disabilities.

Read more on our blog >

From the search for support to finding a village: Celebrating Giving Tuesday

In celebration of Giving Tuesday 2025, Grandview Kids shares the inspiring story of Amber and her family’s journey toward support, connection and belonging. Through the experiences of Amber, her husband Zain and their son Kaysan, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the story shows how access to therapy, community programs and advocacy can help children and youth grow in confidence, communication and independence. It is a heartfelt reminder that every inchstone is a stride toward a world where all children and youth can reach their full potential.

Read more on our blog >

“Grandview Kids became my life raft” - International Day for People with Disabilities

In recognition of International Day for People with Disabilities, Grandview Kids parents Dana and Peter share their son Leo’s journey from early challenges to growing independence as he navigates life with autism. With support from Grandview Kids, adaptive parenting and a close-knit family network, Leo has developed confidence, humour and a love of learning and sports. Their story highlights the importance of understanding, patience and community in helping children with disabilities thrive.

Read more on our blog >

Project spotlight: School-Based Rehabilitation speech therapy services 

In 2023, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services introduced a new approach for all Children’s Treatment Centres, including Grandview Kids. These rules indicate that we should focus on supporting children early, shortening wait times and offering different levels of support (known as “Tiered Intervention”). 

The province also introduced changes to the timing of children's discharge from the Preschool Speech and Language Program. Now, children leave that program when they start school. 

Because of this change, we knew we had to try something new at Grandview Kids. Our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) reviewed research, spoke with colleagues at other Children’s Treatment Centres and listened to families to learn what support would help most. 

From all this work, we created the Kindergarten Pathway, which started in September 2024. The Kindergarten Pathway helps children in Junior and Senior Kindergarten. It includes group sessions and coaching with SLPs and Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) at Grandview Kids. Through the coaching sessions in this pathway, our clinicians work with parents and caregivers to help them practice skills at home, school and in the community. The Kindergarten Pathway ensures families are part of the process every step of the way and that children receive the early help they need to develop their speech skills.

Children in Junior and Senior Kindergarten can join this program. They come to a Grandview Kids location with a parent or caregiver. They take part in small group sessions with a CDA, or sometimes one-on-one sessions with a CDA or SLP if needed. 



Since we started the Kindergarten Pathway, families and Team Grandview have shared lots of positive feedback! See what they had to say below. 

Please continue to read upcoming editions of Gather and stay connected with your Grandview Kids clinician, as we share more details about our School-Based Rehabilitation speech service pathways. 

Project spotlight: What is AAC? | Speech-Language Pathology at Grandview Kids

Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) refers to tools and strategies that help individuals who have difficulty using verbal speech. These challenges can result from developmental or acquired conditions that affect motor planning, physical abilities or communication skills. When speech alone does not meet a person’s needs, AAC can provide an alternative way to communicate or offer added support to help them express themselves and understand others.



In the video below, Grandview Kids speech-language pathologist Alishia C. explains the purpose of AAC and why children and youth may use it. She demonstrates the different types of AAC, including light-tech, mid-tech and high-tech options, and explains how each can be used to support communication. Alishia also offers practical tips to help families support children who use AAC in their daily lives.

Development at Grandview Kids

This holiday season, we need you.

Grandview Kids is an independently operated not-for-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our community to deliver life-changing programs and services to children, youth and their families with physical, communication and developmental needs.

In the video above, Scarlett’s parents, Krystle and Chris, sat down with Grandview Kids to share their family’s journey. Jessica T., Grandview Kids physiotherapist, also shares her “why” and the incredible impact your donations have on the children and youth she supports, including Scarlett.

Grandview Kids remains committed to supporting every child and youth with physical, communication and development needs across Durham Region to live at their full potential. 

We believe in their future. Now all we need is you.

Upcoming programs, workshops and events

Family Engagement

Join Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team for many engaging events in December. If you have any questions about the events shared below, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca for more information.

Join the Family Engagement Team for their Annual Holiday Get-Together! 

Please join the Family Engagement Team for their Annual Holiday Get-Together at the Kids Safety Village in Whitby! 



Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 

Time: Doors open at 4 p.m. for a relaxed visit until 6 p.m. 

Location: Kids Safety Village, 1129 Athol St, Whitby, ON L1N 4A6

This is a private event for Grandview Kids families and staff. Registrations are not required. You must be a Grandview Kids family to attend. 

Don't forget to dress warmly, as this is an outdoor event!

Join us for an evening of joy at the Frosted Friends Fun & Dance



Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun, dancing and creativity at our Adolescent Transition Youth Dance! This event is all about celebrating, joy, connections and self-expression.  

In addition to music and laughter on the dance floor, our “Makey Makey invention kit” (a hands-on, interactive experience) will make another appearance, along with many other surprises, to welcome the winter season. Whether you're moving to the beat or experimenting with your own musical creations, this night promises endless smiles, innovation and memories made together. 

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025  

Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 

Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building – Grandview Kids’ Ajax HQ, 1461 Harwood Ave. N., Ajax, ON, L1T 0R3 

Join the IDEA Study! 

Help us understand access, inclusivity and barriers in paediatric rehabilitation 

At Grandview Kids, we believe every child and youth deserves the chance to reach their full potential. The IDEA Study (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) explores how race and disability intersect in accessing paediatric rehabilitation services. 

What is the IDEA study about? 

The IDEA Study asks two key questions: 

1. Who is currently accessing or waiting for Grandview Kids’ services? 
2. How do caregivers rate inclusivity, belonging, access, quality, wait times and service range?

Why participate in the study? 

• By identifying barriers and disparities, this study helps us improve equitable care for all families. 
• Enter a draw for one of 20 $100 Visa gift cards (held quarterly). 
• Receive a summary of findings by email or through Grandview Kids’ Gather newsletter. 

How can I join? 

• Eligible families will receive an email or a mailed letter with a unique code or QR link to the survey.  
• Participation is voluntary — you can skip questions or withdraw your participation in the study at any time.  

To learn more about the IDEA Study or to access the survey, visit Grandview Kids’

Research page. 

Community Corner

Ajax Public Library

Ajax Public Library

In December, Ajax Public Library will deliver many engaging activities, including:

• Beyond Barriers Art Show, In recognition of December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, The Library and the Town of Ajax are proud to host the Beyond Barriers Art Show, celebrating creativity, resilience, and diverse perspectives. The formal Art Show and Reception will take place on Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. 
• Sensory Storytime on Thursday, December 4, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., at the Main Branch. Connect with other families in an inclusive environment to enjoy fun themes, songs and stories. All are welcome at this drop-in event! 
• Winter Wonderland Holiday events: 
• Letter to Santa: Until Saturday, December 6, write a letter to Santa, drop it off at any branch, and we will make sure he gets it! 
• Christmas Family Storytime with Catholic Women’s Guild—St. Bernadette: Drop in at the Main Branch between 10 and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, to discover the true meaning of Christmas during this Christian Heritage Month celebration! Join us for a celebration featuring the Nativity Story, carol singing, Nativity “wheel” craft and a Christmas-themed photo booth—come dressed in your favourite Christmas outfit. 
• Chanukah 2025: On Wednesday, December 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., join the Town of Ajax at Ajax Town Hall, Council Chambers, for a special Chanukah celebration! Come together for an evening of entertainment, kosher refreshments and a menorah lighting ceremony. This family-friendly event is open to everyone in the community.
• COMING SOON: Ajax Public Library is teaming up with Grandview Kids to launch new "Play and Learn Kits" for families to practice skills shared by Grandview Kids clinicians in the comfort of their own home. More information about these kits will be shared later in December online and at upcoming workshops in 2026. Stay tuned to Ajax Public Library and Grandview Kids' social media and websites throughout December for more details! 

For a complete listing of Ajax Public Library-hosted programs and services in December, visit: https://ajaxlibrary.ca. 

December Dates of Significance

Every month, members of Team Grandview’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee research and share blog posts about holidays, cultural celebrations, awareness days and other dates of significance that are meaningful to staff, clients, caregivers, partners and the community. 

In December, we acknowledge the International Day for People with Disabilities, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Bodhi Day, Human Rights Day, Hanukkah, Shab-e-Yalda, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Read more on our blog > 

How did you like this issue of Gather ?

Share your feedback and suggestions via this survey to help us make the newsletter better

for everyone.

Content in Gather is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor. Views expressed in posts and resources listed do not signify endorsement by Grandview Kids.