In October, our Family Engagement Team has put together a lovely lineup of events designed to bring families joy and connection – everything from cozy playdates to skill-building workshops (see more below).

I want to call special attention to everyone’s favourite: Grandview Kids’ Accessible Trick-or-Treating event at the Kids Safety Village on Sunday, October 26! We have designed this event to be calm, safe and inclusive, featuring staggered entry times and a variety of edible and non-edible treat options, allowing families to enjoy an evening of spooky fun together. Costumes are optional but highly encouraged. If you plan to attend, please ensure you register here, as it is required. We look forward to seeing all the costumes you bring to the event, as I know firsthand how creative the Grandview Kids community is! 



We also need your honest voice. If Grandview Kids has supported your family, please take five minutes to complete our Client and Caregiver survey. Your feedback is anonymous, confidential and essential as it directly informs our programs and services to meet your needs. The short time it takes to complete the survey returns enormous value to our community. 

Inside this edition, you will also find important stories shared by Grandview Kids’ clinical experts, as well as a video tour of The Jerry Coughlan Building, which helps families feel more prepared before their next visit to our Ajax-based headquarters. We also continue to add clinician strategies and resources to our “Resources for Parents and Caregivers” page, providing practical tools you can use at home. We will keep bringing this content to you at the start of every month. 

Thank you to our Grandview Kids clients, families, and partners for continuing to choose Gather as a source of knowledge, connection and support. We are committed to ensuring Gather remains a high-quality resource that our clients and families look forward to reading each month. To help us create content and share updates that you want to see, I kindly ask that you share your valuable feedback with us through this form. 

Before I sign off, I want to express how appreciative I am of you for trusting Grandview Kids with your family’s care and for being part of our community that learns, supports and celebrates together.

Warm regards, 

Tom McHugh 

CEO, Grandview Kids 

Mya’s voice shines through in every smile, laugh and glance:

Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

With the support of her family and Grandview Kids, Mya continues to thrive, attend school and live a meaningful life filled with laughter, music and love. At just 15 months, Mya was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that predominantly affects girls and disrupts nearly every area of development. Despite her physical limitations, Mya’s vibrant personality shines in many ways.

Visit our blog to read more >

Seeing the unseen: Kaleb’s story

For Invisible Disabilities Week, Kaleb’s story reminds us to look beyond what is visible and to lead with compassion. Diagnosed with several invisible disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, OCD and PTSD, Kaleb’s mother, Erika, shares the importance of resilience, strength and unwavering family support. Invisible does not mean insignificant, and behind every child facing unseen challenges is a community that sees, supports and never stops advocating.

Visit our blog to read more >

Redefining life with cerebral palsy: World Cerebral Palsy Day 2025

Living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) does not define Suhana, but it is part of her journey. At just 15 years old, Suhana is breaking barriers as an artist, dancer, future lifeguard, leader and, most importantly, a passionate advocate for inclusion. Her journey is only beginning, but she is already inspiring meaningful change. She reminds us that awareness is not just about understanding what CP is, it is also about creating a world that makes space for all bodies, all abilities and all kinds of strength.

Visit our blog to read more >

Charlie's AAC journey

October is International Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role AAC plays in helping people express themselves and connect with others. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and facing early developmental challenges, Charlie struggled to express her needs until she began using an AAC device, unlocking a new way to communicate, play and share her personality. With support from her family and Grandview Kids, Charlie now uses her device to interact with others, request her favourite foods and confidently prepare for junior kindergarten in a mainstream classroom.

Visit our blog to read more >

Understanding Our Quality Improvement Framework

At Grandview Kids, we believe that every child, youth and their family deserves the highest quality care. Our Quality Improvement Framework is built around five key dimensions: Client Experience, Access, Efficiency, Staff Engagement and Safe and Effective Care. These areas guide how we improve services, measure progress and ensure safety. Through teamwork, feedback and continuous learning, we work together with families to make care better every day.

Share your feedback with Grandview Kids!

At Grandview Kids, we greatly respect the feedback we receive from our clients' caregivers. We would like to hear about your experience with the programs and services your child or youth received at Grandview Kids. The feedback you share will help us plan programs and services that best serve Grandview Kids' clients. 

Please share your feedback at the link below. It should take no more than five minutes to complete, and your answers are anonymous.* 

*We will not ask for your name or your child's name. No one will know what you have said. We will keep everything confidential. We will share only the overall results with members of Team Grandview, our Board of Directors and in our annual report. 

If you have questions about this survey, please contact us by email at communications@grandviewkids.ca.

WATCH: Tour The Jerry Coughlan Building - Grandview Kids’ new Ajax-based headquarters 

Navigating a new space can be challenging, especially when you're unsure of what to expect. To help clients and families feel more comfortable during their first visit to Grandview Kids’ Ajax headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building, we created a virtual tour. This resource is designed to show what to expect and make the experience as easy and welcoming as possible. 

Located at 1461 Harwood Ave. N. in Ajax, this state-of-the-art facility supports children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs and their families. The tour features accessible spaces across three floors, including a therapy pool, gymnasium, Grandview School, multi-purpose therapy rooms and more. Each floor was thoughtfully designed to foster inclusive and coordinated care amongst our clients, families, clinicians and community partners. 

Watch the official tour on the Grandview Kids website here! 

Upcoming programs, workshops and events

Family Engagement

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

Grandview Kids’ Accessible Trick-or-Treating 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!

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025  

Time: 5 to 7 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 indicates the earliest time that you can arrive. The event will end promptly at 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required.  

Registration is now open and required! Click here for event details and to register.  

Happy Trick-or-Treating!

Grandview Kids’ Pumpkin Palooza! 

Join us for a fun Fall day at Willowtree Farms! 

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 

Time: 10 a.m. to noon 

Location: Willowtree Farms, 975 Regional Rd. 21, Port Perry, ON L9L1B5 

Admission is $12 per person, with one complimentary caregiver admission per family. Tickets are purchased on-site. Children under two are free. 

 Your ticket will include: 

• Admission to the Pumpkin Patch 
• A wagon ride around the farm 
• Straw jump activity 
• Mini pumpkin games 
• Mini corn maze access for the littles 
• 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.  

Important notes: 

• We have visited the farm, and the grass terrain is relatively wheelchair accessible. However, it could be difficult in wet or rainy weather.
• Tickets are required to receive the special Grandview Kids admission rate of $12. 

Registration is required! Click here to register. 

Adolescent Transition Fall Fun Dance Party 

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 fall 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. Youth are welcome to dress up as their favourite character or a fun outfit of their choice.  

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 

Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 

Ages: 15+ 

Location: Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building, Boardroom – Room 1003, 1461 Harwood Avenue North, Ajax, ON, L1T 4T9  

Registration is required! Click here to register. 

AAC 101 - Understanding and Supporting AAC Users 

Hosted in partnership with the Ajax Public Library

Join Grandview Kids' Speech-Language Pathologist, Carla M., as we learn about AAC tools and how we can support AAC users in our community. 

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 

Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Location: Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building, Boardroom – Room 1003, 1461 Harwood Avenue North, Ajax, ON, L1T 4T9 

Click here to register! 

Indoor Park Playdate

Join us for a fun-filled indoor park playdate at the YWCA Durham! Children and youth can jump into exciting active play with plenty of space to run, move and explore, while also taking a break to challenge their friends to a giant game of Connect 4.

It’s the perfect mix of movement and brain-boosting fun, all in a safe and welcoming space. Come laugh, play and make new friends.

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Time: Drop-in anytime between 5 and 6:30 p.m. 

Location: YWCA Durham, 1 Mcgrigor St, Oshawa, ON L1H 1X8

No advance registration is required. Please note that this special park playdate is taking place at the YWCA Durham in Oshawa, not at The Jerry Coughlan Building. Click the link above to access this month's park playdate location on Google Maps.

October Caregiver Café 

Join us for a relaxing and uplifting evening, specifically designed for caregivers. Take some well-deserved time for yourself to indulge in light refreshments, connect with fellow caregivers and enjoy a special craft led by our Peer Navigators. This month, we are headed east in hopes of connecting with even more caregivers. 

Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 

Time: Drop-in anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. 

Location: St. Paul's United Church, 178 Church Street, Bowmanville, L1C 1T9 

No advance registration is required. Please note that this special Caregiver Café is taking place at St. Paul's United Church in Bowmanville, not at The Jerry Coughlan Building. Click the link above to access this month's park playdate location on Google Maps.

CP-NET Science and Family Day Watch Party – hosted by Grandview Kids’ Research and Innovation Team 

Grandview Kids is excited to host a Watch Party for the 2025 CP-NET Science and Family Day!

This year’s event, presented by the Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET) in collaboration with the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI), will explore the theme of physical activity in the context of cerebral palsy and childhood disability.  

This year's line-up will include insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions featuring researchers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experiences sharing diverse perspectives and advancing understanding in this important field.  

Questions? Contact Shantel Mangroo, Program Manager – Research, Innovation, Knowledge Mobilization, at shantel.mangroo@grandviewkids.ca for more information.  

Date: Monday, October 6, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Grandview Kids (1461 Harwood Avenue North, Ajax)

Parent and caregiver coaching at Grandview Kids

Written by members of the Preschool Speech-Language team: Carla M., Tiffany A., Janicka A. and Melany C.

At Grandview Kids, we strive to empower parents and caregivers as partners in supporting their child’s physical, developmental, communication, and interaction skills. Coaching is a powerful way to help parents and caregivers build on their knowledge and lived experience to help children towards their goals. Here are some reasons why coaching is a powerful clinical tool to help caregivers actively participate in their child’s care.

1. Daily practice supports skill growth 

• Parents and caregivers spend more time with their child than a therapist ever could. 
• Children whose caregivers work with them at home receive more hours of intervention than they would with traditional weekly services.¹
• With supportive coaching, you can build practice towards your child’s goals into daily routines that you are already doing at home.²

2. Connection supports development 

• The powerful connection you have with your child is the base for their learning and growth. 
• You understand your child’s interests, wants, and needs better than anyone and can use this information to guide their therapy. 
• Coaching can teach you to build on this powerful relationship to target your child’s development at home. 

3. Practicing in different environments strengthens skills 

• Practicing goals in many different places (e.g., playground, home, grocery store, etc.) helps to make these skills stronger.  
• Practicing with many different people allows your child to deepen their newly. learned skills. Caregivers that have been coached to target goals can use these skills to help their child practice with different people in their child’s life. 
• Children need to be exposed to words (spoken or picture-based systems) many times, in different contexts to fully understand them. This means that learning words outside of the therapy room is important. 
• Building communication skills in natural environments makes it easier to communicate in new situations.³

4. The benefits of coaching are supported by research 

• Coaching empowers caregivers to play a larger role in their child’s therapy experience.⁴ 
• Research has shown that when parents and caregivers are trained to use therapeutic language strategies with children: 
• Their child’s language skills improve.⁵
• Skill gains occur for children with a variety of different diagnoses.⁴
• Parents and caregivers who are confident in their ability to support their child’s development report increased happiness and satisfaction.³

At Grandview Kids, caregivers are coached in many ways to learn and use skills to target their child’s goals. Families may be invited to workshops to receive information, actively use strategies in a one-on-one coaching session or practice with a clinician in a group coaching session with other families. Coaching allows families to customize their care based on the needs of their child through different settings in their lives, supporting every child and youth to live at their full potential.  

References 

1. Sone, B. J. Lee, J., & Roberts, M. Y. (2021). Comparing Instructional Approaches in Caregiver-Implemented Intervention: An Interdisciplinary Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Early Intervention, 43(4), 339–360. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053815121989807 
2. Rush, D.D. and Shelden, M.L. (2005). Evidence-Based Definition of Coaching Practices. CASEinPoint, 1(6), 1-6. 
3. Hanen Power of Parents: https://hanen.org/information-tips/power-of-parents 
4. Roberts, M., & Kaiser, A. (2011). The Effectiveness of Parent-Implemented Language Intervention: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20, 180–199. 
5. Rakap, S. & Rakap, S. (2014). Parent-implemented naturalistic language interventions for young children with disabilities: A systematic review of single-subject experimental designs. Educational Research Review, 13, 35-51. 

Fall Purchased Services Programming

Fall 2025 Beyond the Walls module: Mental Health, Fitness and Wellness

The upcoming Beyond the Walls module will focus on Mental Health, Fitness and Wellness. This module explores the importance of how both physical and mental health combine to create an overall well-being. Participants will receive an overview of fitness, hygiene, nutrition, routines, coping strategies, mental health and an understanding of how these areas interconnect. During sessions, participants will have opportunities to practice the skills reviewed through various hands-on activities and discussions. Workshop development and program supervision are overseen by Grandview Kids staff. 

Community Corner

Ajax Public Library

The Family Resource Centre at The Jerry Coughlan Building is home to

the Ajax Public Library's Grandview Kids Express Branch.

The Ajax Public Library invites you to attend the following events in October and into the fall:

Calling all Ajax artists!

Design a bookmark contest! 

Ajax kids in JK to Grade 8 can showcase their love of reading by designing an original bookmark.

Date: September 8 to October 3, 2025

Contest deadline: October 3, 2025 

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. Ajax artists of all ages who identify as persons with disabilities are invited to submit their artwork for display in this special exhibition. To enter, download an entry form (or pick one up at any branch) and return the completed form with your entry on one of the drop-off days. 

Art on Display Dates: December 1 to 19 

Location: Ajax Main Branch, Rotary Room 

Beyond Barriers Art Show and Reception 

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Location: Ajax Main Branch 

Library Card Registration Days 

Register for an Ajax Public Library card and learn about the upcoming fall programs at Grandview Kids!

Dates: Saturdays – October 25 and November 22 

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Location: Grandview Kids Express Branch

Registration is not required. Click here to learn more! 

Drop-in Sensory Storytime 

Connect with other families through inclusive storytime featuring fun themes, songs and stories. All are welcome.

Main Branch: Thursdays – October 9, November 6 and December 4 

Grandview Kids Express Branch: Thursdays – September 25, October 23 and November 20 

Time: 10 to 10:30 a.m. 

Ages: 2 to 6 

Location: Main Branch

Registration is not required. Click here to learn more! 

PA Day Craft and Movie: Lilo & Stitch 

Create a cool craft based on the movie, then stay to enjoy the show!

Date: Monday, October 20 

Location: Grandview Kids Express Branch 

Time: 1:30 to 4 p.m. 

• Craft: 1:30 to 2 p.m.  
• Movie: 2 to 4 p.m. 

Film Summary: Lilo & Stitch (Rated PG) – A lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to mend her fragmented family. 

Click here to register. Advanced registration is required! 

Parent Café - Infant and Toddler Sleep Clinic

Learn about safe sleep practices and nap schedules, plus get tips for healthy sleep habits. Presented by a Certified Child Sleep Consultant.

Date: Thursday, October 23 

Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Location: Audley Branch, Drop in 

Registration is not required. Click here to learn more! 

Family Storytime

Drop-in and engage in hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) literacy activities that promote creativity and collaboration. 

Dates: Saturday, October 25 

Time: 10 a.m. to noon 

Ages: 3 to 12 years

Location: Grandview Kids Express Branch 

Theme: Cast a Spell! – Dress up for a spooky Halloween-themed celebration. 

Registration is not required. Click here to learn more! 

1000 Colourful Stories  

Drop-in for a storytime and to join this preschool reading club! 

Dates: Saturdays, October 25, November 22 

Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon

Ages: Birth to 4 years

Location: Audley Branch, Drop in

Registration is not required. Click here to learn more! 

For more Ajax Public Library events and collection information, visit: www.ajaxlibrary.ca. 

October 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 Occupational Therapy Month, International AAC Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, Learning Disabilities Awareness Month and others. Read more on our blog > 

We also acknowledge many holidays and celebrations in October, including Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Diwali and Halloween. 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.