We recognize the significant impact these delays have on clients, students, families and staff. However, our decision aligns with our guiding principles of safety and family-centredness. Delaying the moves means we are able to welcome students, clients, families and staff into a much more finished space, with fewer disruptions to classrooms and clinical services due to ongoing construction needs. Grandview families impacted by these delays and scheduling changes will be notified directly in the coming weeks.
While we were disheartened to be pushing back such a huge milestone for Grandview Kids, we remain focused on the opportunities ahead in our new, state-of-the-art headquarters. It will absolutely be worth the wait. This building means so much to so many, demonstrated by feedback included in this issue of Gather, with quotes from members of our 2014 “Parent Task Force.”

The Parent Task Force was assembled a decade ago to advocate for a new Grandview Kids – a place that would meet the growing needs of its community. The passionate parents rallied support and awareness for our Centre, helping secure funding for the new building… a building that has become a reality… a building that will support more clients and families like them for years to come. Reading their moving reflections, I was once again reminded why this all matters.
| | A selection of photos depicting the progress at Grandview Kids' new Ajax-based headquarters. | |
Amidst the significant work being done to get us ready for the move, many of our support teams are working “behind the scenes” to enable Team Grandview to be able to deliver the high-quality client and family care for which we are known. Our Human Resources, People and Culture Team is one of these high-impact teams and is featured as our “Program Spotlight” this month. I hope this spotlight provides a warm introduction to a vital team at Grandview Kids that you may not have had the pleasure to interact with before.
October also marks the return of our much-loved and anticipated Accessible Trick-or-Treating event, hosted by the Family Engagement Team and Youth Advisory Council at the Kids Safety Village in Whitby. You will find all the details for this event below. I cannot wait to see all the incredibly intricate and spooky costumes you bring to the Safety Village at this not-to-be-missed event.

With a busy month ahead, I want to express my gratitude to our Grandview client and family community. You are why we do this work. It’s our commitment to your children and their futures that propel us forward.
Sincerely,

Tom McHugh
CEO, Grandview Kids
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World OT Month
October is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month in Canada! OT month is about celebrating and raising awareness about Occupational Therapy, a very diverse profession with one main goal: helping people live their best lives. In honour of OT Month and World OT Day, we asked staff what OT means to them and why they chose to pursue the profession.
Celebrate OT Month with
Grandview Kids >
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Invisible Disabilities Week
Lindsey, a parent to 10-year-old Grandview Kid, Zayla, shares how her family has learned to understand and support her daughter, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the unique challenges that come with a disability with invisible symptoms.
Read Zayla’s story and learn more about invisible disabilities >
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Canadian Down Syndrome Awareness Week
“We received the very unexpected news that Ariana was born with Down Syndrome and had a hole in her heart. Having so much information thrown at us all at once was indescribable... To say the first three months of Ariana’s life were overwhelming is a complete understatement,” says Ariana’s mother.
On our blog, Ariana’s mother details her experience as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome and how members of Team Grandview have been integral partners in her journey.
Read Ariana’s story >
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World Cerebral Palsy
(CP) Day
There are more than 17 million people in the world living with CP, and it is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting the most vulnerable among us — children. At Grandview Kids, clinicians across disciplines work closely to support children living with CP and their families. October 6 marks World CP Day, and many choose to wear green on this day to show their support.
Read heartfelt quotes from Grandview mom, Stacey, and former Grandview client and current Team Grandview member, Brad, on how CP has impacted their lives >
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Upcoming programs and workshops | |
Grandview Kids Accessible Trick-or-Treat event
Grandview Kids' Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is thrilled to host their Accessible Trick-or-Treating in-person again this year at the Kids Safety Village in Whitby!
Registration is now open! Visit https://bit.ly/3XAxIPC for event details and to register. You must register to attend.
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time: 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. (entry times vary based on the ticket you select)
Location: Kids Safety Village (1129 Athol St, Whitby, ON)
All Trick-or-Treaters will require a ticket. Tickets will determine what time you may start trick-or-treating and if you require edible or non-edible treats. Please bring a small treat bag or bucket to collect your goodies along the way!
Note: Parents and caregivers do not need a ticket to attend. The time on your ticket is the earliest that you can arrive. The event will end promptly at 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Happy Trick-or-Treating!
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Grandview Kids Pumpkin Palooza, presented by TD Bank Group
Join the Family Engagement Team for a fun fall day at Willowtree Farms in Port Perry!
Click here to secure a ticket* for the event.
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Willowtree Farms (975 Regional Rd. 21, Port Perry, ON)
*Tickets are $12.00 per person, with the fee to be paid on-site the day of the event. Securing a ticket at the link above is required to receive the Grandview Kids admission rate of $12.00. Each ticket includes free admission for one caregiver per family. Children under two are free.
We visited the farm, and the grass terrain is relatively wheelchair accessible. However, it could be difficult in wet or rainy weather.
Each ticket includes:
- admission to the pumpkin patch
- a wagon ride around the farm
- a “straw jump” activity
- mini pumpkin games
- access to a mini corn maze for the littles
- access to a masterful corn maze to test your skills
- a walk through our “Spooky Story Forest"
- photo-op spots
Pumpkins, baked goods and pumpkin canons are available for an additional charge on-site. These items are not included in your admission fee.
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LEGO® Club
Program dates: Every Wednesday from October 16 to December 4 for children ages 5 to 12
LEGO® Club is a fun, structured social skill opportunity designed for children with developmental disabilities, including Autism, who enjoy creating with standard LEGO® bricks. A variety of LEGO® products and other media will foster social communication skills and promote turn-taking and collaboration in a fun and social environment.
Benefits of this program include: advocating for oneself, such as asking for help; conversation initiation with others; learning to take accountability for one's actions and; developing creativity and curiosity.
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Fun, Friends and Fitness
Program dates: Every Monday from October 21 to December 9 for children ages 5 to 12
This program is for children with developmental needs, including Autism. Try basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey and racket sports in a safe and fun environment. Staffed by our Physical Literacy Coordinator and Recreation Therapy Assistants, this program promotes physical activity, physical literacy and socialization through group participation.
Through Fun, Fitness and Friends, your child will develop improved: fundamental motor skills; object control skills; balance and; coordination.
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An update on Grandview Kids' new headquarters | |
A big part of what we do at Grandview Kids is play. In constructing our new headquarters, we wanted to include three distinct and whimsical outdoor spaces throughout the property: a Sensory Trail, arrival playground and Therapy Terrace. The Sensory Trail is a 330-metre-long, fully accessible path that loops through an existing natural habitat. It includes a serene outdoor classroom featuring varied and engaging terrains for visitors to experience. The arrival playground – open to anyone who visits us – is fully accessible and built on foundational knowledge of inclusive play and adaptive physical activity. Finally, our outdoor Therapy Terrace, located on our third floor, can be used by staff or clients supervised by our staff. It enables us to bring therapy outdoors and even features a two-storey slide, which will open in 2025. These outdoor spaces offer a whole new backdrop to the expert clinical care we provide. | |
Looking ahead, staff across many of our sites are also working diligently to organize our supplies and belongings for the move to our new headquarters, and this is no small feat. With over three decades worth of materials and memories to be packed neatly into tote bags and boxes at our Oshawa Main Site alone, we require support from all members of Team Grandview to make this move possible. It's truly a team effort! | |
What does the New Grandview mean to you? | |
Thoughts and emotions shared by Grandview’s Parent Task Force | |
We asked parents of Grandview clients what opening this building means to them. These individuals were part of the Parent Task Force, the community-led advocacy group that partnered with Grandview Kids over a decade ago to campaign for a new paediatric rehabilitation facility in Durham Region. The Task Force’s advocacy was the launching point for this long-awaited project that will transform lives for generations to come. Here's what they said... | |
What this move signifies to former client and current member of Team Grandview, Brad, and his brother, Blake | |
After attending the final Park Playdate hosted at Grandview Kids’ Oshawa Main Site this summer, Family Engagement Peer Navigator and former client Brad, and his brother, Blake, were flooded with memories of how much of their own personal histories and growth is tied to our current headquarters, which has been situated in Oshawa since the 1980s. Below, read Brad and Blake’s heartfelt recollections of their challenges and achievements and the love they have felt over three decades within the walls of our Oshawa headquarters. The brothers also detail all the incredible things they look forward to accomplishing at our new Ajax-based headquarters this Fall and beyond. | |
 
Brad taking his first steps. | |
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Brad (left) with his brother, Blake (right). | |
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Meet our volunteers
This month, we want to introduce you to Kerry–one of Grandview Kids’ incredible volunteers!
Our caring, committed team of volunteers is comprised of students, retirees, and working professionals who, through their devotion to their time and expertise, add a little sparkle to our organization.
Let's meet Kerry!
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Did you know?
Grandview Kids is actively recruiting volunteers to support us at our new Ajax-based headquarters and Oshawa-Dwyer site, starting this fall.
If you or someone you know is interested in our available opportunities and would like to apply, please visit our website to learn more.
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Program Spotlight: Human Resources, People
and Culture
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Grandview Kids recognizes that an effective Human Resources, People and Culture program is essential to support the delivery of high-quality services to the clients and families that we serve. The Human Resources, People and Culture Team comprises dedicated professionals who support the organization's staff and set best practices for caring for our clients and their families. They lead recruitment, compensation, policy development, infection prevention and control, safety and emergency responses and learning and development.
The main functions of the Human Resources, People and Culture portfolio include:
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Staffing Grandview Kids with a competent, professional, qualified workforce aligning with our vision, mission and values, strategic plan, policies and operating budget,
- Ensuring members of Team Grandview are treated fairly and equitably,
- Aiding in Grandview Kids’ goal to recruit and retain qualified staff, and
- Supporting the delivery of high-quality and safe services to the clients and families we serve.
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Where you can find us
In the past few months, the Human Resources, People and Culture Team has participated in various career panels and job fairs at educational institutions and regional “Welcome Centre Job Fairs.” At these events, the team continues their search for qualified and enthusiastic clinicians to build upon the exceptional clinical practice Grandview Kids is known to offer.
The team looks forward to attending their next event, hosting a booth at the “Career & Further Education Fair” at Queen’s University on October 2. Be sure to follow “@GrandviewKids” on LinkedIn to stay updated on all the future career panels and fairs we plan to attend and review all our active career opportunities!
By supporting Team Grandview and ensuring our practices remain robust, the Human Resources, People and Culture Team looks forward to upholding the services that make a significant difference in the lives of the clients and families we serve in Durham Region.
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Project Spotlight: IDEA Study
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Earlier this year, Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University announced they would co-lead a new research study called “Building knowledge and understanding of the intersection of race and disability in accessing pediatric rehabilitation services.” The study is also called the “IDEA Study.” The letters in the acronym “IDEA” stand for “Inclusivity, Equity, Diversity and Accessibility.”
In July 2024, invitations to participate in the IDEA Study were distributed to parents and caregivers of children or youth who access or are waiting to access Grandview Kids programs and services. The study investigates the intersection of race and disability and how this intersection affects access to paediatric rehabilitation and developmental services. On Monday, September 23, a reminder email was distributed to all eligible families–those waiting for services and those who have accessed services since January 2024.
What is the IDEA Study about?
This study aims to investigate two key questions:
- What are the population demographics of clients and caregivers accessing and/or waiting to access Grandview Kids programs and services?
- How do caregivers of clients accessing and/or waiting to access Grandview Kids programs and services rate the inclusivity/sense of belonging, access, quality, wait time, location and range of services provided by Grandview Kids?
Why are Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University conducting the IDEA Study?
We are interested in understanding the Grandview Kids community to be able to address barriers and gaps and to support our team members in delivering culturally-safe care.
Research shows that some groups experience more barriers when accessing care than other groups. For example, research highlights that different racial groups experience more discrimination or less access to health care in Canada. There is also research that suggests that race and disability intersect, and there are even more barriers.
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Examining the IDEA Study logo
A logo (pictured on the right) has been created to help identify the IDEA Study, which can be found on all materials related to the study. Starting with the inner circle of the logo, it has the words “IDEA Study” in the centre. This comes from the fact that Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University are approaching this study through the lens of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. As mentioned above, if put together, these words form the acronym “IDEA,” which is how the study is known outside of its official name, “Building knowledge and understanding of the intersection of race and disability in accessing paediatric rehabilitation services.”
Read the full article explaining the meaning of the IDEA Study logo>
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Get involved in research!
The Grandview Kids Research and Innovation Committee is proud to support the emerging field of paediatric rehabilitation.
Find out how you and your child can participate in research, including the IDEA Study, by visiting our website.
Get involved in research at Grandview Kids >
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Ajax Public Library
Ajax Library invites you to attend the following events in October:
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Sensory Storytime: Thursdays, Oct. 10 and 24, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Main Branch. Available for children ages 2-6. Connect with other families and enjoy fun themes, songs and stories at this inclusive storytime where all are welcome. Presented in partnership with Grandview Kids.
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PA Day: Craft & Movie: Fridays, Oct. 11 (IF) and Nov. 1 (The Lego Movie), from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Available for kids and families.
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Town of Ajax Pumpkinville: Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Greenwood Conservation Area. Drop by the Library’s booth for spooky crafts and activities!
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Homeschool Club: Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Audley Branch. Available for children ages 6 to 12. Explore fun and informative STEAM activities, plus connect with other homeschool learners at this monthly meet-up!
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Islamic Heritage Month Storytime: Saturday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Main Branch. Available for kids and families. Celebrate Islamic Heritage Month by learning about the contributions of Muslims to the arts and sciences. Enjoy reading, colouring, crafts and henna! Presented in partnership with the Muslim Women of Durham Region.
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Sundays are for Makers: Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Makerspace at the McLean Branch. Available for children ages 5. Explore fun projects in the Makerspace, tackle challenges or DIY something new!
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Dyslexia Awareness Month: Check out the Library’s decodable book collection supported by the International Dyslexia Association of Ontario.
Remember to check out titles, reading lists and sensory kits on the Ajax Public Library’s Grandview Kids Resources page.
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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 October, we acknowledge Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, International Augmentative and Alternative Communication Month, Women’s History Month, Stuttering Awareness Day, World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Day and more. Read more on our blog >
We also acknowledge many holidays and celebrations this month, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. Read more on our blog >
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Join the Grandview Kids Foundation on November 21, 2024, for the Dream Big, Dream Brighter: Making the Future a Brighter Place awards gala! | |
The third annual Dream Big, Dream Brighter: Making the Future a Brighter Place awards gala is taking place on November 21, 2024! The Grandview Kids Foundation extends an invitation to clients, families, caregivers and the public to join us for an incredible evening of celebration and philanthropy. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets here!
If you choose to join us for this remarkable event, here are some highlights of the evening:
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Honour two exceptional Grandview Kids clients with the Spirit of Grandview Kids awards to recognize their strength, kindness and values.
- Listen to an inspiring speech from Anthony Lue, an entrepreneur who is building a career in the field of accessibility following an industrial accident in 2009 that left him with a severe spinal cord injury.
- Indulge in delicious appetizers and a delightful three-course fine dining experience with like-minded and passionate individuals.
- Participate in a wine auction to take home a remarkable bottle of wine or win one of our fantastic raffle prizes gifted to the Foundation by community organizations and businesses.
The Grandview Kids Foundation is looking forward to another incredible evening celebrating the accomplishments and stories of our awards winners. If you wish to learn more about purchasing tickets or sponsoring the event, click on the button below!
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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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