The family voice drives decision-making across the organization, as we strive to ensure that client and caregiver experiences and feedback are captured to help us improve programming for all families. Your voice can be part of that, too! The Grandview Kids Family Advisory Council (FAC) is looking for new members who want to share their experience supporting a child or youth with communication, physical or developmental needs. This is a meaningful opportunity to influence positive change for Grandview Kids and the good of all families we serve. If you are interested in volunteering as a FAC member, we encourage you to apply. More information is included below. 

Caregivers are often their child’s voice until they can find their own, a truth reflected in Zoey’s story for Stroke Awareness Month. With care, family support and love, Zoey continues to grow and enjoy a vibrant childhood. Her story shows how important advocacy is in creating a more inclusive world for every child and youth, and how families play a key role in helping children thrive.

Grandview Kid's GAP Clinic team

May was an exciting month for Grandview Kids as we launched the Grandview Anesthesia Procedure (GAP) Clinic, alongside Lakeridge Health. Located at The Jerry Coughlan Building, the clinic is the first-of-its-kind in Canada, with hospital supports located within a Children’s Treatment Centre. We are proud of this pioneering partnership to deliver safe, more comfortable care to clients. The Clinic supports Grandview clients who receive Botox injections to treat spasticity or dystonia caused by cerebral palsy and similar disorders. With your support, we look forward to continuing to grow this innovative space and improve care for clients and families. 

Last month, we also celebrated the 30th Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic. It was a wonderful day of fun, connection and celebration. It was a privilege to connect with so many donors, volunteers and supporters throughout the tournament. With more than 200 golfers taking part this year, we celebrated three decades of community impact while raising $140,183, which will go to support our Family Engagement Program, Family Support Fund and Research and Innovation activities.  

As we reflect on the past year, I invite you to join us for our 2025-26 Annual Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, June 18, at 5 p.m. at The Jerry Coughlan Building. The evening will highlight Team Grandview’s achievements and feature keynote speaker Mitchell Daniels. He will talk about championing inclusivity in the community through ability acceptance. Grandview Kids former clients, parents and siblings will also share their lived experiences as panelists to demonstrate the value of becoming Inclusion Allies.  

I look forward to seeing you there! Click here to register. 

This June, we will also recognize several holidays and observances shared by our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee, including Pride Month, National Indigenous History Month and Father’s Day. As a father to children with developmental disabilities myself, Paul’s story touched me as he reflected on parenting a child with Autism. His story offers an honest look at acceptance while learning to embrace the unknown.  

Before I go, I thought I’d let you know that Gather will be issuing one summer edition, combining updates for July and August. Regular monthly issues will return in September, refreshed and ready to jump into a new season. 

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you for another month of connection and community. 

Warm regards, 

Tom McHugh

CEO, Grandview Kids

The life that never was: grieving the fatherhood I thought I'd have

Parenthood can unfold in ways we never expect. Paul reflects on the grief of letting go of the life he once imagined for his family while learning to embrace a different path.

Through the challenges of parenting a child with autism, he has discovered resilience, deeper compassion and a greater appreciation for small but meaningful victories.

Read more on our blog >

Becoming her own advocate: Zoey's story

After experiencing two strokes before birth, Zoey was later diagnosed with right-sided hemiplegia cerebral palsy at 18 months old. Now 11, she enjoys pickleball, basketball, art, baking and time with her siblings, Miles and Quinn, with cerebral palsy being just one part of her life.

Her journey shows how early support, family advocacy and a caring community can build confidence, independence and resilience.

Read more on our blog >

Seeking new Family Advisory Council members 

• Do you want to share your experience as a caregiver (parent, grandparent, guardian) to a child or youth with communication, physical or developmental needs? 
• Do you want to affect positive change for the paediatric health care system? 
• Do you want to drive decision-making for Grandview Kids to better serve all clients and families? 
• Are you passionate about advocacy? 

If so, we have the role for you! We are currently seeking volunteers to join our Family Advisory Council (FAC) beginning in Fall 2026.  

Grandview Kids is proud to be a leader in client and family engagement. One way we capture the voices of caregivers and clients to drive decision-making for the organization is through our FAC. The FAC is made up of volunteer parents or caregivers to Grandview Kids.  



The FAC meets quarterly to discuss systems-level topics – problems that all families may encounter, regardless of their child’s age or diagnosis. The group pulls from their lived experiences to provide recommendations to Grandview Kids, participating in the design and decision-making processes for programs and services. 

Who can apply: 

• Adult parents, caregivers and guardians to Grandview Kids clients. 
• Someone with the ability to meet four times a year for two hours (virtually). 
• Someone who is able to share their lived experience to provide feedback for the good of all Grandview families.  

What happens next: 

• Applications will be reviewed by the Family Engagement Team.  
• Individuals may be invited to interview for the positions.  
• Recruitment considerations will be made to ensure the FAC reflects the diversity of children, youth, caregivers, programs and communities served by the organization. 



If you have questions about the FAC, application process or eligibility, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca. 

Upcoming programs, workshops and events

Family Engagement

Join Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team, comprised of peers with lived experience, for engaging events in May. If you have any questions about the events shared below, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca for more information. See our Events page for more.

Year-End Celebration Fun and Dance (ATP) 

Join us for music, dancing, Makey Makey, and lots of fun and laughter as we come together to celebrate the magic of friendship and the end of an amazing school year! This event is for youth aged 15+.

Click here to register >

Date: Monday, June 15, 2026  

Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 

Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)

Siblings by Siblings

Led by Peer Navigators who are siblings themselves, this event offers a fun, supportive space to share, connect and build community, sibling-style. The evening is all about connection, laughter and being surrounded by people who understand the unique experience of growing up as a sibling of a Grandview Kids client.

Click here to register >

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026  

Time: 5 to 7 p.m. 

Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)

New Diagnosis Chat

A relaxed, caregiver-led session focused on navigating a new autism diagnosis. This is a safe, judgment-free space to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others on a similar journey. Together, we will explore helpful resources, funding options and next steps to support your family.

Click here to register >

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026  

Time: 5 to 6 p.m. 

Location: Virtual

Goal-Setting Workshop

Join us for a supportive and engaging virtual workshop designed to help caregivers set meaningful goals for their child. Learn practical strategies, hear real-life experiences and gain tools you can use right away to support your child’s growth and development. Come connect, reflect and feel empowered with tools you can use right away.

Click here to register >

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026  

Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Location: Virtual

Online Youth Hangout

A fun evening of connection, conversation, games and laughter as youth in the Adolescent Transition Program come together virtually to socialize and have fun from the comfort of home.



Spaces are limited to 15 participants.

Click here to register >

Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2026  

Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Virtual

Park Playdates

Join us for outdoor fun, games, social connection and laughter as youth come together each week to enjoy time outdoors, build friendships and connect in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Registration is not required.

Date: Every Thursday beginning June 25

Time: 5 to 7 p.m

Location: Grandview School (1461 Harwood Ave. N., Ajax, ON L1T 4T9)

Promotion: Annual Celebration of Excellence 

Join us for our 2025-26 Annual Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m. It will be an evening of reflection and celebration, as we honour Team Grandview's achievements from the last fiscal year and share our Annual Report video. 

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 

Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Location: The Gymnasium at the Grandview Kids - The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, ON L1T 0R3) 

The event program is as follows: 

• 5 p.m. - Opening remarks and Annual Report video presentation 
• 5:15 p.m. - Keynote presentation: Championing Ability Acceptance in the Community 
• 5:45 p.m. - Awards presentation to recognize the accomplishments of Team Grandview, as well as outgoing Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Board Committee members 
• 6:15 p.m. - Reception and refreshments 

It is an in-person event only. If you have any questions, please email communications@grandviewkids.ca. 

Development at Grandview Kids

Golf Fore Grandview Kids!

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.

Thank you to our sponsors, golfers, donors, volunteers, staff and supporters for making the 30th Anniversary Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic a tremendous success at Deer Creek on May 28.

With nearly 200 golfers on the course, the day was filled with community spirit, generosity and celebration. From on-course competitions and activations to the online silent auction and other fundraising opportunities, the event was truly unforgettable.

Thanks to your overwhelming support, we are pleased to share that the preliminary amount raised is $140,183, with additional funds still coming in. That represents a 43 per cent increase over 2025. These proceeds will support Grandview Kids Research and Innovation, the Family Engagement Program and the Family Support Fund, helping children, youth and families across the community access the care and support they need.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone event possible. Your generosity and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of the families we serve.

Thank you for being part of this anniversary celebration. We look forward to another tournament in 2027!



To learn more, please contact the Development Department at development@grandviewkids.ca or by phone at 905-9728-1673, Option 6.  

Project Spotlight: Grandview Anesthesia Procedure (GAP) Clinic 

We also want to acknowledge our partners at Lakeridge Health Foundation. Thanks to their $1 million fundraising campaign, we were able to procure the equipment needed to outfit the procedure room.

Research and Innovation

Grandview Kids Research Students Present at Community Research Show ’n’ Tell

As part of National Accessibility Week (May 24 to 30, 2026), the Abilities Centre hosted a Community Research Show ’n’ Tell on May 26, bringing together students, researchers, practitioners and community members to explore how research can advance accessibility and inclusion.

Centred on the theme, “Empowering Accessibility Through Education, Connection and Action,” the event highlighted innovative projects focused on improving the lives of children, youth and families in the disability community.

Among the presenters were two Grandview Kids research students who shared work grounded in accessibility, lived experience and inclusive care.



Undergraduate research student Anjali Persaud presented her project, “A Clinician’s Perspective on the Integration of Trexo Robotics© into Therapy Sessions at Grandview Kids.” The presentation explored how robotic gait training technology can support therapy sessions and enhance rehabilitation opportunities for children and youth receiving care.

Graduate student Alissa Latiff presented her research titled, “The Lived Experiences of Racialized Parents Who Have Children or Youth With Disabilities: A Descriptive Case Study in Ontario.” Her work examines the experiences of racialized families navigating disability services and highlights the importance of equitable and inclusive support systems.

The event featured a community poster hall, oral presentations, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. For the Grandview Kids research students, the event provided a valuable opportunity to share their work with the broader community while contributing to meaningful conversations about accessibility and inclusion.

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.

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. 



Fundraiser supporting Grandview Kids in June:

• Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Sun, sweat and solstice with Power Yoga Durham

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

In June, Ajax Public Library plan many engaging activities, including: 

• Sensory Storytime on Thursday, June 11. Drop in from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Ajax Public Library Grandview Kids Express Branch. Ages 2 to 6. 
• PA DAY Craft and Movie: Hoppers (rated G) on Friday, June 5. Drop in from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ajax Public Library Grandview Kids Express Branch. Open to all families. 
• TD Summer Reading Club: Dive In! From June 13 to August 22. TD Summer Reading Club (TDSRC) is Canada’s biggest summer reading club program for kids of all ages. Read books, track your reading and get entered into prize draws. Registration opens Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. at any branch using your child’s library card.
• TDSRC Kickoff Craft & Movie: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on Friday, June 26. Drop in from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ajax Public Library Grandview Kids Express Branch. Open to all families. 

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

June 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 June, we acknowledge Pride Month, National Indigenous Heritage Month, Father’s Day, National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, Canadian Multiculturalism 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.