Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Happy Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month!
June is a time to recognize the resilience of children and youth living with these conditions.

Learn how occupational therapist Madison Lazarou and occupational therapy student Gian Carlo Balajadia, members of Holland Bloorview’s spina bifida and spinal cord injury team, deliver personalized care to help kids build independence and thrive.

Link in comments for the full story.

A year of transformation. A future of possibility.
See what’s possible when we dare to transform care.
 
Learn more in our 2025-2026 Impact Report coming June 22.

Creating inclusive spaces starts with access to affirming education, tools and community resources.

This week, we’re sharing resources from Egale Canada, one of Canada’s leading organizations supporting 2SLGBTQI people and communities through education, advocacy, awareness and research.

Egale offers a wide range of free resources, including guides on allyship and inclusive language, support for trans and non-binary youth, educational toolkits, webinars and mental health resources. Their work helps foster safer, more inclusive spaces where all young people can feel seen, supported and valued.

Explore their resources here: egale.ca/resources

Every child’s journey is unique, and caregivers are essential partners every step of the way.

This Father’s Day, honour a father, caregiver, grandfather or a fatherly figure with a gift that supports kids and youth with disabilities.

Give in their honour and send an e-card today!

https://bit.ly/3QMfBGu

Holland Bloorview's summer Snoezelen swim registrations are now open!

Taking place from July 8 to August 30, experience our one-of-a-kind multi-sensory pool designed to support relaxation, therapeutic engagement and individualized sensory needs. This unique environment offers a calm and inclusive space to explore and connect.

Our pool is available to:
• Clients
• Community agencies
• Schools
• Support organizations

Group and private bookings are available (spots are limited), with priority given to clients with disabilities. Siblings may attend if space is available within sessions. Each client must be accompanied in the water by a dedicated 1:1 support person.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this meaningful and supportive experience.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3Zt1Lef

Do you have a child with cerebral palsy? We’re recruiting participants for a research study testing a wearable robot to support walking in children with CP. Help us explore new ways to improve movement and participation. Learn more about how to get involved: https://bit.ly/4bwZ7tO

Even after multiple hospital stays, it never becomes routine.

For parents of children with complex medical needs, what looks like calm on the outside can mask fear, exhaustion, and the weight of living between admissions. As support fades over time, the reality doesn’t get easier.

A powerful reminder that ongoing care is still a crisis, and empathy still matters.

Read more and subscribe to the BLOOM Blog at: https://bit.ly/4vXfR5N

From shorter wait times to accurate resource allocation, the best care is driven by the data behind it. For data analyst, Samuel Cheng, this means working with front-line staff to predict weak points and create useful tools that positively impact clients’ access to care.

As the parent of a former client, Samuel’s greatest motivation is using his professional skills to give back to the place that supported his family, “When I see a data-driven project lead to shorter wait times or more efficient services, I know exactly what that means for the families waiting at home.”

Read more about Samuel’s story using the link in our comments.

Are you a parent of a child or youth aged 8–24, with or without a disability? They may be eligible to participate in a study examining how brain activity relates to nutrition. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4a8ORrB