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If you prefer not to be involved, that is completely fine, as participation is always voluntary. If you would like to help shape our services in other ways, please consider completing the Client and Caregiver survey or joining research initiatives like the IDEA Study (which explores inclusivity, access and barriers in paediatric rehabilitation). Participating helps us identify gaps, improve equity and ensure our services reflect your family’s needs. Eligible participants in the IDEA Study can also enter quarterly draws for Visa gift cards and receive summaries of the findings.
Our Development Department is busy this month with several fun, community-driven ways to support Grandview Kids, so please mark your calendars for the Oshawa Generals' “Toy Story Game Night” (auction of game-worn jerseys) on Sunday, November 16, and a Five Guys Burgers & Fries fundraiser across multiple locations on Tuesday, November 18. More information about these engaging fundraisers is shared below under the “Development at Grandview Kids” headline. Looking ahead, we are also excited for the milestone 30th Annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Your attendance and support help fund critical programs and resources for the children and youth in our care.
In November, our Family Engagement Team continues to bring connection and practical supports for clients and caregivers. Highlights include the Goal Setting 101 workshop on Monday, November 17, our November Caregiver Café on Thursday, November 27 and a series of inclusive programs delivered in partnership with the Ajax Public Library (Parent Café, PA Day activities, Sensory Storytime and Library Card Registration). These events are designed to build community, share strategies and give families a chance to recharge together, so I encourage you to join wherever you can.
Inside this issue you will find stories that make a significant impact, including a deeply moving story of Grandview Kids parent, Kerry, and her triplet boys, as we honour the second anniversary of the Extensive Needs Service at Grandview Kids. 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, caregivers, staff and community partners for your ongoing partnership and trust. Undergoing routine accreditation reviews, leading and participating in cutting-edge research and hosting fundraisers are not abstract exercises, they are deliberate efforts we make to ensure we continue to offer high-quality, safe and effective care for the children, youth and families we serve.
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.
As always, I’m deeply grateful for the confidence you have in Grandview Kids. Your involvement and encouragement shape a community built on compassion, learning and shared celebration, one where every inchstone or milestone reminds us why this work matters.

Warm regards,
Tom McHugh
CEO, Grandview Kids
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From the NICU to the Hockey Rink: Zander & Elliott’s Story
Grandview Kids celebrates the remarkable progress of Zander, who overcame early medical challenges after being born premature to find joy and confidence on the ice. With the help of dedicated therapists, his family and Grandview Kids' supportive community, Zander has grown stronger each year—proving that determination and care can turn obstacles into milestones. His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when children are given the tools and encouragement to reach their full potential, both in therapy and in life.
Read more on our blog >
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“That’s what freedom looks like for a child” – National Child
Day 2025
In celebration of National Child Day 2025, Grandview Kids shares a touching story about one family’s journey toward independence and inclusion. Through the experiences of parents Beth and Andrew and their son Aaron, who was born premature and later diagnosed with autism, his story explores what true freedom means for every child: the ability to play, learn and belong. It’s a heartfelt reminder that every inchstone or milestone is a step toward a world where all kids can thrive.
Read more on our blog >
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Celebrating the Extensive Needs Services’ second anniversary
Grandview Kids celebrates two years of its transformative Extensive Needs Service (ENS), which supports over 1,100 children and youth with complex needs each year. Launched in 2023, ENS brings hospitals, families and community partners together to deliver personalized, trauma-informed care close to home.
Highlighting one family’s journey with triplets with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory challenges, our feature article showcases how collaboration and compassion have turned a pilot program into a model for child-centred care across Ontario.
Read more on our blog >
| | On-site survey performed by Accreditation Canada | | |
Grandview Kids participates in a quality improvement program with Accreditation Canada. This program includes a series of on-site visits by expert surveyors. This year, the surveyors will be on-site from
November 3 to 6 at our Ajax-based headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building and our Bowmanville Health Centre and Paul Dwyer sites.
If you have an on-site appointment during this time, the surveyors may ask you about your experience as a client or caregiver.
The information you choose to share will help surveyors assess our approach to quality improvement. With pre-approval from caregivers, surveyors will also observe therapy sessions. The Accreditation Team will share the results of our Accreditation in an upcoming edition of Gather.
Remember, you can always help to inform quality programming and services at Grandview Kids by completing the Caregiver Experience Survey and participating in research, such as the IDEA Study.
Thank you to all clients, caregivers and partners for their support and participation in our
2025 Accreditation!
| | Project spotlight: Tier 1 resources for families | | Did you know? Grandview Kids has a Tier One (also informally referred to as “good-for-all”) “Resources for Parents and Caregivers” page! The path to access this page on our website is Resources > Resources for Parents and Caregivers. | |
How to navigate to the "Resources for Parents and Caregivers" page
from the landing page of grandviewkids.ca.
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On this page, you will find a series of free resources for the following categories:
- Behaviour and Attention
- Colouring, Printing and Scissor Skills
- Dressing, Bathing and Toileting
- Eating
- Getting Ready for Kindergarten
- Listening and Understanding
- Motor Skill Development
- Play and Social Skills
- Sensory
- Stuttering
- Talking
- Additional Resources
Please select a category to access resources relevant to your child or youth’s goals. As applicable, category pages have resources organized into the following four types: handouts, videos, presentations and website links. This page is publicly available and easily accessible on mobile web browsers, enabling you to access the helpful resources anytime, anywhere.
Thank you to our exceptional clinicians who helped compile these high-quality resources!
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WATCH: Grandview Kids promotes AAC awareness
Last month, we marked International Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role AAC plays in helping individuals express themselves, build relationships and fully participate in their communities.
Watch below as Grandview kid Charlie’s parents, Kara and Scott, share her journey to finding her voice through an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. The device has opened a new way for Charlie to communicate, play and express her personality.
With support from her family and Speech-Language Pathologist Jerome F., Charlie now uses her device to interact with others, request her favourite foods and confidently prepare for junior kindergarten in a mainstream classroom. Speech-Language Pathologist Alishia C. also shares insight into what AAC is and how it helps children develop communication skills.
| | Development at Grandview Kids | | |
Support Grandview Kids at these engaging events in November!
Five Guys Burger and Fries fundraiser for Grandview Kids - Tuesday, November 18, 2025
On Tuesday, November 18, six Five Guys Burger and Fries locations across Durham Region and into Scarborough are teaming up to support Grandview Kids! By showing up to one of the locations outlined below on November 18 with this flyer (either on your mobile device or printed), proceeds of your purchase will go towards supporting Grandview Kids.
The participating locations are:
Oshawa Generals' Toy Story Game Night – Sunday, November 16, 2025
On Sunday, November 16, the Oshawa Generals will host a Toy Story Night, celebrating the beloved characters from the Toy Story franchise. Special game-worn jerseys for the themed evening will be auctioned off in support of Grandview Kids. Follow the link below on Sunday, November 16, to bid on a game-worn jersey and support the children and youth we serve.
30th Annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids – Thursday, May 28, 2026
Join us at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility for a milestone year of Golf Fore Grandview Kids! On Thursday, May 28, 2026, we'll celebrate 30 incredible years of this signature event with an all-new sponsorship package, exciting updates and an elevated experience, rain or shine.
Stay tuned for more details and updates, and be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, May 28, 2026. We can’t wait to see you there!
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The Development Department wants to connect with you! To learn more about our team, visit Grandview Kids' website.
Interested in learning more about donating or fundraising for Grandview Kids? Contact the Development Department by email at development@grandviewkids.ca or by phone at
(905) 728-1673, Option 6.
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Join the IDEA Study!
Help us understand access, inclusivity and barriers in paediatric rehabilitation
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At Grandview Kids, we believe every child and youth deserves the chance to reach their full potential. The IDEA Study (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) explores how race and disability intersect in accessing paediatric rehabilitation services.
What is the IDEA study about?
The IDEA Study asks two key questions:
- Who is currently accessing or waiting for Grandview Kids’ services?
- How do caregivers rate inclusivity, belonging, access, quality, wait times and service range?
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Why participate in the study?
- By identifying barriers and disparities, this study helps us improve equitable care for all families.
- Enter a draw for one of 20 $100 Visa gift cards (held quarterly).
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Receive a summary of findings by email or through Grandview Kids’ Gather newsletter.
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How can I join?
- Eligible families will receive an email or a mailed letter with a unique code or QR link to the survey.
- Participation is voluntary — you can skip questions or withdraw your participation in the study at any time.
To learn more about the IDEA Study or to access the survey, visit Grandview Kids’
Research page.
| | Upcoming programs, workshops and events | | Join Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team for many engaging events in November. If you have any questions about the events shared below, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca for more information. | | |
November Caregiver Café
Join the Family Engagement Team for their November Caregiver Café, where you will connect with other caregivers and explore ways to support your kids as we move into the busy holiday season. Come share experiences, gather tips and take a moment to recharge, together!

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Learning Centre (Room 1004) at Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building, 1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, ON L1T 4T9
Click here to register.
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Annual Holiday Get-Together!

Please join the Family Engagement Team for their Annual Holiday Get-Together at the Kids Safety Village in Whitby!
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for a relaxed visit until 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kids Safety Village, 1129 Athol St, Whitby, ON L1N 4A6
This is a private event for Grandview Kids families and staff.
Registrations are not required. You must be a Grandview Kids family to attend. Dress warmly, as this is an outdoor event.
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Caregiver Workshop: Goal setting 101
Explore the 6 “F-Words” in child development: function, fitness, fun, family, friends and future. In the workshop, you will discover practical goal-setting techniques to support your child's unique journey. Through shared stories and expert insights, we aim to equip you with the tools to enhance your child's growth and development. Join us and become part of a community that understands and supports each other in the care of children with disabilities. Together, we can empower our kids to thrive.

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Learning Centre (Room 1004) at Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building, 1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, ON L1T 4T9
Click here to register.
| | Fall Purchased Services Programming | | |
Registration for the Connect & Play program is NOW OPEN!
The Connect & Play group at Grandview Kids offers play-based activities that support physical, social and emotional development in children and youth. Activities such as board games, obstacle courses and arts and crafts are designed to build motor skills, encourage peer interaction and promote creativity in an inclusive environment. Program fees are eligible for OAP Core Clinical Services budgets.
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Start date: Thursday, November 6, 2025, to December 18, 2025. There will be no session on December 4, 2025.
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Location: Grandview Kids Ajax Headquarters (1461 Harwood Avenue North, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Start date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to December 9, 2025.
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Location: Grandview Kids Ajax Headquarters (1461 Harwood Avenue North, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Meet our volunteers
Our caring, committed team of volunteers comprises Grandview graduates, parents, caregivers, students, retirees, and working professionals who devote their time and expertise to add sparkle to our organization.
This month, we want to introduce you to Katrina B. – one of Grandview Kids’ exceptional volunteers!
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Community Corner
Ajax Public Library
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Ajax Public Library
In November, Grandview Kids and the Ajax Public Library are teaming up to deliver many engaging activities at the Grandview Kids Express Branch of the Ajax Public Library, including:
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Parent Café, which focuses on self-care over the holidays, is on Tuesday, November 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn about setting boundaries, strategies to tackle holiday stress and the value of self-care with a peer navigator from Grandview Kids. This program will also include a walk on the Sensory Trail.
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PA Day Craft and Movie (How to Train Your Dragon) on Friday, November 14, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Create a cool craft based on the movie, then stay to enjoy the show! Advance registration is required.
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Sensory Storytime on Thursday, November 20, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., where you can connect with other families in an inclusive environment to enjoy fun themes, songs and stories. All are welcome at this drop-in event!
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Library Card Registration Day on Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering you the opportunity to sign up for an Ajax Public Library card and learn about upcoming Fall programs at Grandview Kids!
For a complete listing of Ajax Public Library-hosted events in November, including the Beyond Barriers Art Show, Winter Wonderland Holiday Events, Hindu Heritage Month and more, visit: ajaxlibrary.ca/events.
| | November 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 November, we acknowledge Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, Prematurity Awareness Month, Hindu Heritage Month, National Pain Awareness Week, World Adoption Day, Remembrance Day, Children’s Grief Awareness 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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