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One of those milestones is featured in this month’s Project Spotlight. Near the end of 2025, Team Grandview completed our Accreditation Canada survey and achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, earning a perfect score, the highest possible designation. This achievement reflects hundreds of standards met across care delivery, safety, governance, and leadership and speaks directly to the commitment of our staff and the voices of the families we serve. Accreditation is not a finish line; it is a reflection of our ongoing promise to deliver safe, family-centred, evidence-based care.
You will also find meaningful clinician-led content throughout this edition. In our Strategies from Grandview Kids clinicians' section, Grandview Kids physiotherapist Jessica shares practical guidance on the importance of “tummy time.” Simple, actionable strategies families can use at home to support early motor development. Our Program Spotlight highlights Therapeutic Recreation at Grandview Kids, showcasing how purposeful play and recreation support participation, confidence and connection for children and youth at every stage of their journey.
Also, at the start of February, our Development Department will launch a Family Day fundraising campaign shared across Durham Radio stations CKDO, KX96 New Country FM and 94.9 The Rock. The campaign aims to raise funds for vital programs that support Grandview Kids families, including our Family Engagement Program and the Grandview Kids Family Support Fund. These donor-funded programs help ensure families feel supported, inspire meaningful connections and offer empowerment when they need it most. I am deeply grateful to our donors and partners, including Elexicon, whose generosity makes this work possible.
As always, Gather centres the stories that ground the awe-inspiring growth of our clients and families and the impactful work of Team Grandview. This month includes client stories connected to Black History Month, Rare Disease Day, Cochlear Implant Awareness Day and Feeding Tube Awareness Week. These stories put lived experience at the heart of awareness and remind us that every child, youth and family’s journey matters.
Thank you for beginning 2026 with us. Your trust, partnership and engagement continue to shape a community built on compassion, learning and shared progress. I hope this edition of Gather offers both useful information and a sense of connection as we move forward together into the year ahead.

Warm regards,
Tom McHugh
CEO, Grandview Kids
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Celebrating Ahaana: Finding sound, strength and community on Cochlear Implant Day
Ahaana’s story is a symphony of courage. Born with profound hearing loss, her family navigated uncertainty, grief and learning curves before a successful bilateral cochlear implant opened her world. With early intervention, speech therapy and the Grandview Kids community by their side, she’s now humming, dancing and connecting, reminding us that technology paired with love and support can rewrite what’s possible.
Read more on our blog >
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Jack’s resilience shines through every step: Rare Disease Day
Jack’s journey is a masterclass in grit. After a viral illness and metabolic stroke left him with a rare condition that could have been life-ending, he fought—first for survival, then for every inchstone and milestone: sitting, crawling, walking and communicating. Supported by Grandview Kids therapies and a devoted care network, Jack pushes forward one powerful step at a time, teaching his family and community about patience, strength and unwavering hope.
Read more on our blog >
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Navigating the intersection of disability and race as a caregiver: Honouring Black History Month
This article, written by Grandview Kids parent Danielle, explores how race and disability intersect in the caregiving experience, lifting up voices, perspectives and resilience within Black families.
It illuminates systemic barriers while honouring triumphs and community strength, reminding us all that caregiving isn’t a solo journey; culture, identity and support networks matter deeply.
Read more on our blog >
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Embracing hope through every challenge: Brock’s Journey
Meet Brock, a nearly-13-year-old navigating a constellation of complex medical needs with joy and tenacity. What began with a life-altering fall and the need for a feeding tube became a story of growth, ingenuity and family teamwork. With support from Grandview Kids' services, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy and dietitian care, Brock isn’t defined by his challenges and is thriving despite them.
Read more on our blog >
| | Project spotlight: Team Grandview achieves Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, receiving a perfect score! | | Near the end of 2025, Team Grandview completed our Accreditation Canada survey, and we are thrilled to share that Grandview Kids earned a perfect score, achieving “Accreditation with Exemplary Standing,” the highest possible designation! To put this into context, Grandview Kids was evaluated on hundreds of criteria, including 77 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs), meeting every single one.  | | Members of Team Grandview pose with Accreditation Canada surveyors after completing the survey. | | |
Accreditation Canada is an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards of excellence for quality and safety in healthcare organizations across Canada.
Grandview Kids participates in accreditation on a four-year cycle and is assessed against standards that examine Governance, Leadership, Infection Prevention and Control, Medication Management, and care provision practices for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. This process helps Grandview Kids critically evaluate its services and care, ensuring they are delivered to the highest standards.

Some areas the surveyors commended Grandview Kids for include its dedication to maintaining a robust Family Engagement program, its strong emphasis on client safety and continuous quality improvement, its strong network of partnerships and its commitment to embedding the client and family voices throughout the organization.
| | Watch as Grandview Kids’ Chief Executive Officer, Tom McHugh, shares his reflections on this outstanding achievement. We are so proud of our team for demonstrating our commitment to excellence in care for the children, youth and families we serve. | | |
Strategies from Grandview Kids clinicians:
The importance of “tummy time”
Written by Grandview Kids Physiotherapist, Jessica T.
| | Image source: Pathways.org | “Tummy Time” | | |
Tummy time is an important practice that starts from birth, with a few minutes at a time, and gradually increases as the baby grows. Placing babies on their tummies, while awake and supervised, helps them grow stronger and develop the skills they need to move.
Why is tummy time important?
It is important because it helps develop essential muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core, supporting improved mobility.
| | Tummy time also helps prevent flat spots on the head that can develop when babies spend too much time on their backs. In addition, it supports sensory and visual development by allowing babies to explore their surroundings from a new perspective. They practice focusing, tracking objects and coordinating their eyes with their movements. | | |
How can I implement tummy time
at home?
You can start tummy time from birth by doing short, frequent sessions throughout the day. As a general guideline, we encourage just a couple of minutes at a time for newborns, gradually building to 20-30 minutes a day by 2-3 months and about an hour total by 4-5 months. You can make tummy time easier and more enjoyable by placing your baby on your chest or across your lap, or use a rolled towel under their chest for extra support.
Getting down on the floor with them, talking or singing, and using toys or a mirror can keep them engaged. It is best to try when your baby is alert, such as after a nap or diaper change, and to keep sessions short and positive, stopping when they get fussy and trying again later. Overall, tummy time plays a key role in healthy physical and motor development during infancy and is a great bonding and play experience for you and your baby.
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  Image source: Pathways.org | “Tummy Time” | | |
Looking for more information?
Click here to access some great tummy time resources and videos from Pathways.org!
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Please share your experience with our Peer Navigation Team!
In this brief, anonymous survey, we aim to collect caregiver feedback on the Peer Navigation Team at Grandview Kids. Your input helps evaluate how peer navigators support families and improve family-centred care. Thank you for sharing your experience to help strengthen supports for other families.
Share your feedback with us >
| | | Program Spotlight: Therapeutic Recreation at Grandview Kids | | |
February is Therapeutic Recreation Month, recognizing the role of therapeutic recreation in supporting health, wellness and participation in meaningful activities. At Grandview Kids, Therapeutic Recreation helps children and youth build independence, confidence and life skills while reducing barriers to leisure participation. Recreation therapists use activity-based interventions to support the development of social, play and leisure skills and work closely with families to create individualized treatment plans based on each client’s needs, abilities and interests. Participation in the program supports increased independence, self-esteem and engagement in recreation and leisure activities at home, school and in the community.
Watch as Grandview Kids Recreation Therapists Maddy S., Rachel G. and Caitlin E. demonstrate turn-taking through play using “Pop the Pig®!” They highlight the importance of visuals, patience and shared play while modelling how to take turns and introducing other games that can be used to teach these skills.
| | Development at Grandview Kids | | Give to Durham Region families this Family Day | | |
Grandview Kids’ Development Department is excited to share that a family-themed fundraising campaign will take place across three Durham Radio stations, 94.9 The Rock, KX96 New Country FM and CKDO, from Monday, February 2 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
This campaign will raise critical funds to support our Family Engagement Program and the newly launched Grandview Kids Family Support Fund, which provides short-term, needs-based financial assistance to families of clients who are actively receiving services at Grandview Kids. These two programs are completely donor-funded and play an important role in ensuring families feel connected, supported and empowered throughout their journeys at Grandview Kids. The Grandview Kids Family Support Fund has been established thanks to an initial gift from the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation.
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Running until Family Day, this fundraiser is about families supporting families. Through the voices of our special ambassadors, we will highlight the many ways Grandview Kids walks alongside children, youth and caregivers at every stage of their journey. Family means different things to different people: the family you are born into, and the family you build along the way. This campaign celebrates both. 
Starting February 2, be sure to tune in to 94.9 The Rock, KX96 New Country FM and CKDO to take part in this family-focused campaign as we hear stories from Grandview Kids clients, grads, caregivers and siblings who underscore the transformative impact of your support in their lives.
This fundraiser would not be possible without the generous support of our longtime donor and partner, Elexicon. Their commitment to Grandview Kids helps ensure families across Durham Region continue to receive the care, connection, and support they need. We are deeply grateful to Elexicon Energy for making this powerful fundraiser possible.
To learn more about how donations support families at Grandview Kids, or how you can get involved in this campaign, please visit our website or email development@grandviewkids.ca.
| | Upcoming programs, workshops and events | |
Did you know?
The calendar on Grandview Kids’ website is your one-stop for all events, workshops and purchased services we offer each month. You can hover over each event to learn more and click a link to register (if required).
Check this page regularly to stay on top of all our exciting activities at Grandview Kids!
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"Make your heart glow" youth fun and dance night!
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.
Whether you're moving to the beat or experimenting with your own musical creations, this night promises endless smiles, innovation and memories made together. Ages 15+.
To register, sign up here!
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Date: February 9, 2026
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Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
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Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Join the Family Engagement Team for Siblings by Siblings!
Please join the Family Engagement Team for "Siblings by Siblings," a program designed for the siblings of Grandview Kids clients to connect with others who truly get it. Led by Peer Navigators who are siblings themselves, this evening offers a fun, supportive space to build community—sibling-style!
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building, Room 1003 (1461 Harwood Avenue N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
This program is for siblings of Grandview Kids clients ages 10 to 18. Registration is required and space is limited.
We can’t wait to connect, share and spend time together! 💙
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Join the Family Engagement Team for their February Caregiver Cafe
Caregiver Café is an informal gathering for parents and caregivers to meet, connect and feel supported. It’s a chance to share everyday wins and challenges with others who understand.
Hosted by the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Team, the session includes practical tips, resources and family-focused support aligned with our mission to help children and youth thrive.
Please register in advance so we can reserve your spot and plan a comfortable, welcoming space.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Caregiver workshop: Goal-setting 101
Grandview Kids invites caregivers to a workshop designed to support them in their child’s unique journey. The session will share practical goal-setting techniques, stories and expert insights to help enhance each child’s growth and development. Register here!
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
| | The Grandview Kids IDEA Study: Understanding the Experiences of Racialized Parents Who Have Children or Youth with Disabilities | | |
Families who have children with disabilities can sometimes have a hard time getting the care and support they need. These challenges can be even greater for racialized families who have children with disabilities.
The goal of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) case studies was to learn more about the experiences of these families at Grandview Kids and how race may affect access to care.
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We spoke with three racialized mothers about their journeys raising a child with a disability and their perspectives accessing services as a racialized parent. Parents shared that getting a diagnosis for their child often took a long time. Some parents also felt they faced judgement from their communities about their child’s disability.
Parents talked about difficulties with long program waitlists and feeling they were sometimes treated differently from other families. They also faced challenges finding programs once their children grew older and aged out of services. Parents shared they wanted access to service providers from diverse backgrounds to help them feel more comfortable and represented. They also said that cultural support groups were important so they could connect with other families who have similar experiences, not just disability specific support groups.
These results highlight how both race and disability can affect how racialized families access care. This information can help improve services and programs to make them more inclusive and accessible to all.
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Community Corner
Ajax Public Library
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In February, Ajax Public Library will deliver many engaging activities, including:
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Sensory Storytime on Thursdays, February 5 and 19, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Grandview Kids Express Branch. Connect with other families in an inclusive environment to enjoy fun themes, songs and stories. All are welcome at the drop-in event!
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Family Storytime on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grandview Kids Express Branch. Celebrate your family with stories, songs, games and crafts at this drop-in event!
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19th Annual Black History Month Celebration presented by Cultural Expressions for CHANGE on Sunday, February 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate. This year’s theme is The Next Ten: Our Village, celebrating the second International Decade for People of African Descent. For more information and to register, visit ce4c.ca. Advanced registration is required.
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Winterfest on Monday, February 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Audley Recreation Centre. Celebrate the snowy season with your family! Enjoy winter-themed indoor and outdoor activities, shows and fun for the whole family with the Town of Ajax. The Audley Branch will be open, so step inside for crafting fun. Click here to learn more.
For a complete listing of Ajax Public Library-hosted programs and services in February, visit: https://ajaxlibrary.ca.
| | February 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 February, we acknowledge White Cane Awareness Week, The Missing Women's Memorial March, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Pink Shirt Day and more. Read more on our blog > | |
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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.
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