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This month's Coffee Chat will feature guest speaker Mitchell Daniels, Grandview Kids' Ability Acceptance Presenter. See the "Upcoming programs, workshops and events" section below for details.
Speaking of our Ability Acceptance Presenter, Mitchell, we are spotlighting our Ability Acceptance Program in this issue of Gather. If you are looking to make your school or workplace more accessible, I highly recommend requesting one of our Ability or Autism Acceptance presentations. The goal of these presentations is to enhance the understanding and acceptance of all abilities and promote inclusive practices. Mitchell uses his lived experience as a person with Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and Autism to teach folks how to become "inclusion allies" and create more inclusive spaces for all. Learn more about our Ability Acceptance Program below.
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Mitchell delivering an
Ability Acceptance Presentation
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In celebration of Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month in April, I am pleased to share that this issue features two heartwarming and inspiring client and family stories. One story shares how a Grandview Kids family raising three autistic children learned to navigate diagnosis and belonging. The second introduces Grandview kid, Jack. In Jack's story, we are offered an intimate look at autism through his eyes, illustrating how family-centred care can turn uncertainty into understanding and help a child thrive. Together, these stories deepen awareness while reinforcing a message of acceptance: every child, youth and family's journey is their own, and with the right support, all can live at their full potential.
Our April Program Spotlight is on Grandview Kids' engaging "Siblings by Siblings" program. Siblings by Siblings is a peer-led support program dedicated to siblings of Grandview Kids clients. Below, you will learn how the program creates a safe and welcoming space for participants. The program has received a lot of positive feedback. Grandview Kids siblings describe feelings of inclusion, connection and joy. Many say they value the space to talk openly and be themselves among those who understand their journey. This program demonstrates how dedicated support for siblings strengthens confidence, well-being and a deeper sense of belonging within the Grandview Kids community.
Before I sign off, I also want to mention that Grandview Kids is hosting its last two of four 50/50 Lotteries with the Oshawa Firewolves on Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 25! This exciting initiative raises funds to support the children, youth and families we serve, while giving participants the chance to win half the jackpot. Our 50/50 Lottery is open to Ontario residents aged 18 years or older. All tickets are sold online, and you do not need to attend the game to win. Watch our social media pages for announcements of the upcoming entry links.
I wish you and your family a fantastic start to spring! We look forward to welcoming you to our sites for another month of connection and celebration. Thank you for all your support.
Warm regards,
Tom McHugh
CEO, Grandview Kids
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Understanding Autism through Jack’s eyes
Jack’s story invites readers into the world of autism through his lived experience and his family's. It sheds light on sensory sensitivities, communication differences and how everyday environments can feel overwhelming.
Read more on our blog >
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A family’s journey of growth, advocacy and belonging
Autism does not look the same for everyone, even within the same family. For Brett and Celine, raising three children on the autism spectrum meant learning to celebrate differences, advocate fiercely and find strength in community.
Read more on our blog >
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Adaline’s journey with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
Living with a rare genetic condition, Adaline surpasses expectations through determination, family support and specialized care.
We celebrate Adaline's inchstones and milestones and her family's deep love for her. Adaline's potential is on full display. Read as her family reframes what “progress” looks like and reminds us that every child and youth's path is uniquely powerful.
Read more on our blog >
| | Upcoming programs, workshops and events | | |
“Hop and Pop” Dance Night
Join us for a “hopping fun” night this April for our Adolescent Transition Youth Dance! There will be music and a whole lot of dancing. You do not want to miss out on this night, which promises loads of fun and laughter!
Click here to register >
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Caregiver Café
The Caregiver Café is a chance to connect with other caregivers, hear real-life experiences, and gather practical tips and support from others who understand the journey. Light refreshments will be available.
Click here to register >
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Sips and Tips: Adolescent Transition Program Coffee Chat
“Sips and Tips” is a relaxed, fun gathering designed to give caregivers a well-deserved break and a chance to recharge! It’s a two-hour event where you can kick back, sip some coffee or tea, meet others who “get it." You may even pick up some helpful tips to make caregiving a little easier. Whether you're looking for a friendly chat or some solid advice, this event is all about connection, support and a little bit of fun!
Our April event will feature guest speaker Mitchell Daniels, Ability Acceptance Presenter and Archivist at Grandview Kids. Mitchell will share insights on his lived experience as a person with Hydrocephalus and Autism, and on ability acceptance.
Registration is required. Click here to register >
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Grandview Kids is now accepting registrations for our new Beyond the Walls program module: Friendships and Dating!
This program promotes the development of social relationship skills in friendships and dating relationships. Participants will get an overview of conversation topics, humour and sarcasm, cyber skills in friendships, self-regulation in relationships and an introduction to dating. During sessions, participants will have opportunities to practice the skills reviewed in a role-playing scenario.
| | | Looking to make your school or workplace more accessible? Consider an Ability or Autism Acceptance Presentation. | | Watch as Mitchell shares information about the Grandview Kids Ability Acceptance Program. | | |
At Grandview Kids, we aim to actively contribute to a community that is inclusive and accepting of all abilities. Our Ability Acceptance Program is available to local businesses, schools, licensed child care centres and community groups.
The goal is to enhance the understanding and acceptance of all abilities and promote inclusive practices. People with physical, communication and developmental needs often face stereotyping, stigma and discrimination in daily life. Much of the disabled community faces exclusion from parts of society that other people take for granted. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.
Grandview Kids grad Mitchell Daniels is our Ability Acceptance Presenter and Archivist. He was born with Hydrocephalus and Autism. He uses his lived experience and scientific research to inspire audiences and help develop and promote inclusive allyship. Grandview Kids offers Ability Acceptance presentations to schools and community organizations throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
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We currently offer two presentations through the Ability Acceptance Program: the standard Ability Acceptance Presentation, which discusses various disabilities, and our Autism Acceptance Presentation, which focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Both presentations discuss strategies to increase accessibility and inclusion in our schools, workplaces and communities! The presentations also build upon learnings from Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) training and best practices.
What is the structure of the presentations?
Each presentation is 45 minutes and includes time for questions and discussion.
Can you deliver a presentation virtually?
Yes. The Ability and Autism Acceptance Presentations can be delivered in person and virtually.
How much does a presentation cost?
Presentations are currently available free of charge.
| | Program spotlight: Siblings by Siblings | | |
National Siblings Day is celebrated each year on April 10. To honour this, we are proud to feature Grandview Kids’ “Siblings by Siblings” program!
Siblings by Siblings is a peer-led support program created specifically for siblings of children with disabilities or medical complexities. The program provides a safe, welcoming space where siblings can connect with others who understand their lived experiences. Through interactive discussions, games and creative activities, participants build friendships, strengthen coping strategies and recognize one another for their unique roles within their families.
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Where did the idea for the program come from?
Siblings often carry a complex mix of emotions, such as pride, protectiveness, responsibility, frustration and love. While they play an important role within their families, they may not always have a dedicated space to process their own experiences. Siblings by Siblings was developed to ensure siblings of Grandview Kids clients feel seen, heard and valued as individuals. The program emphasizes building resilience, confidence and peer connection.
What happens in the Siblings by Siblings program?
The Siblings by Siblings Team includes Peer Navigators, Ella and Fizza, and volunteer Isabella. The Siblings by Siblings Team hosts evening events throughout the year at our Ajax headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building. At each event, the team organizes a variety of activities, which have included discussions on burnout, decorating cupcakes (for themselves and their siblings), self-care trivia, card games and creating self-care booklets and loot bags.
The program is open to siblings ages 10 to 18 and is positively impacting those who participate. When asked about their favourite Siblings by Siblings activities, participants shared, “My favourite activity is playing with my peers and connecting with them,” and “Making cupcakes — it was so much fun and calming. I just had fun!” When asked about the most inclusive activities, attendees said, “Talking about my experiences with my siblings,” and “Playing Uno — I felt so included.”
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Siblings by Siblings continues to grow as a meaningful and anticipated offering within Family Engagement programming. National Siblings Day provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate siblings and spotlight the importance of investing in spaces designed for them and by them.

To register for an upcoming “Siblings by Siblings” event, follow Grandview Kids on Instagram and Facebook or speak to a member of the Family Engagement Team! To learn more about Siblings by Siblings, visit our website.
| | Development at Grandview Kids | |
50/50 Lottery: Support Grandview Kids and win big with the Oshawa FireWolves!
Grandview Kids is partnering with the Oshawa FireWolves for two 50/50 lotteries at upcoming National Lacrosse League home games at the Tribute Communities Centre.
Games will take place on Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18 at 7:05 p.m.
This initiative raises funds to support the children, youth and families served by Grandview Kids, while giving participants the chance to win half the jackpot. The 50/50 Lottery is open to Ontario residents aged 18 years or older. Tickets are sold online, and participants do not need to attend the game to win.
Two draws will be held on April 11 and April 18. Each draw offers a separate chance to win. Every ticket purchased directly supports Grandview Kids programs and services. Watch our Instagram and Facebook profiles for more details on how to purchase tickets.
Upcoming game nights include:
- Saturday, April 11: TNA Wrestling Night
- Saturday, April 18: Tucker Out Lymphoma & Box Out Cancer Night
Game tickets are available through the Oshawa FireWolves website.
| | Join us for the 30th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic! | | Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax | | We are excited to celebrate a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic! This year’s tournament will be our most memorable yet, featuring expanded sponsorship opportunities, new on-course demonstrations, engaging competitions and a full day of connection and fun on a beautiful championship course. | | |
Explore sponsorship opportunities or purchase your foursome today. Whether you are an avid golfer or brand new to the sport, our tournament welcomes players of all abilities and skill levels.
Why your support matters
By joining us as a participant or sponsor, you play a vital role in empowering children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Funds raised directly support our Research and Innovation portfolio and Family Engagement program, as well as the newly launched Grandview Kids Family Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to families. Your involvement helps build brighter futures for families across Durham Region.
A premier networking event in our community
Each year, more than 160 golfers, including local business leaders, partners and community champions, come together for this signature event. It is a unique opportunity to connect, entertain clients, build relationships and celebrate the life-changing work happening right here at Grandview Kids.
For more information, please contact the Development Department at development@grandviewkids.ca or by phone at 905-9728-1673, Option 6.
| | At Grandview Kids, we are proud to advance two exciting research projects focused on improving how children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop essential hand and arm skills for everyday life. | | The first project, “Virtual Hand-Arm Assessments for Children with CP,” explores how virtual assessments compare to traditional in-person visits. This study aims to determine whether virtual options can deliver reliable results while making therapy more accessible and convenient for families. | | | |
Your child may be eligible to participate if they:
- Are between 6 and 17 years of age
- Have a diagnosis of CP
- Can handle objects:
- easily (with or without some limitations)
- mostly, but with some difficulty, or
- with noticeable difficulty
These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to making therapy more accessible, practical and engaging while keeping families at the centre of care.
To learn more about our research initiatives, visit the Grandview Kids website or contact Shantel Mangroo, Program Manager of Research and Innovation, at research@grandviewkids.ca.
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Discover inclusive recreation opportunities at
The Jerry Coughlan Building on Saturday, April 25!
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The Physical Activity, Connections and Knowledge Sharing (PACKS) Initiative will take place at The Jerry Coughlan Building on Saturday, April 25!
Are you interested in learning more about and trying inclusive recreational physical activity opportunities in Durham Region? Join CP-Net and the Ontario Brain Institute, in collaboration with non-profit organizations in our community, for an interactive showcase. This interactive showcase will enable you to explore inclusive programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including physical and behavioural support needs.
This event is relevant to individuals and families with any developmental disabilities, as well as service providers and community organizations interested in inclusive recreation opportunities.
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
Who should attend?
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Families and caregivers
- Service providers
- Community organizations interested in inclusive recreation
For more information, please contact Dayle McCauley at dmccaul@mcmaster.ca. More information about this event will be shared on Grandview Kids' social media pages in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
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Grandview Kids Memorial Service 2026
On Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at The Jerry Coughlan Building, Grandview Kids will hold its second annual Memorial Service to honour the cherished lives of Grandview Kids clients who are no longer with us. Each child left a deep and lasting impact on our community. Team Grandview continues to hold heartfelt memories of the moments they shared. We invite families to join us, in person or virtually, as we come together to remember, reflect and celebrate the lives that touched us all so deeply.
Click here to learn more and register >
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Community Corner
Fundraisers supporting Grandview Kids
Community fundraisers build awareness and foster a shared sense of purpose. By organizing or supporting a Grandview Kids fundraiser, you make a meaningful difference in the lives of Durham Region families.
Fundraisers supporting Grandview Kids in April:
Interested in these community events or planning one of your own? Contact the Development Department for more information by email development@grandviewkids.ca or by phone at 905-9728-1673, Option 6.
Ajax Public Library
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In April, Ajax Public Library plan many engaging activities, including:
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Sensory Storytimes on Thursdays, April 2, 16 and 30, 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, April 11, 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!
For a complete listing of Ajax Public Library-hosted programs and services in April, visit: ajaxlibrary.ca.
| | April 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 April, we acknowledge Passover, International Children’s Book Day, Easter Sunday, Vaisakhi, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Awareness Day, Ridvan 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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