Nikhail’s long journey to accessing specialized care
For Nikhail, being active has always been part of who he is. That’s why, when the usually energetic 10-year-old started feeling tired last fall, his family knew something wasn’t right. Then came the rashes and soon, things like walking, raising his arms and lifting his head started getting harder. For months, his family searched for […]
Dare to speak up with Alessandra
When Alessandra describes Holland Bloorview as having “a sense of familiarity,” she means it. She knows the routines. She knows the activities she likes. And, most importantly, she knows the people. Alessandra first stayed at Holland Bloorview when she was six-years-old, spending more than three months as an inpatient and celebrating her seventh birthday here. […]
“I dare to stand up for myself:” Dare with Alessio
If you ask 10-year-old Alessio about his favourite soccer move, he’ll happily explain how to do a bicycle kick. “It’s when you’re in the middle of the air, but you do a backflip and kick the ball into the net,” he says. He’s been playing soccer since he was two, and the first time […]
Holland Bloorview’s new poll reveals most Canadians aren’t aware of looming crisis in access to pediatric disability care
A new poll from Holland Bloorview reveals most Canadians aren’t aware of a looming crisis created by an acute shortage of clinicians who provide specialized disability care. While 91 per cent of Canadians surveyed recognize that delays in accessing health care have the potential to negatively impact outcomes for children and youth with disabilities, only […]
I dare to believe in myself more each day
My name is Zen. From making new friends and finding joy in the little things, to building my confidence step by step, I enjoy life my way. I feel the most at peace swimming at the beach and going on long drives. They give me a sense of freedom. The same freedom I feel when […]
How commercialization brings research to children and families
At Holland Bloorview, research doesn’t stop at discovery. A new idea in a lab is just the beginning. The real goal is turning that idea into something practical a child and their family can benefit from, whether that’s a tool that helps them communicate, technology that makes therapy more engaging, or a solution that helps […]
Dare to challenge what you think you know
When it comes to Canada’s critical shortage of developmental pediatricians, Dr. Golda Milo-Manson doesn’t hold back: “We’re getting very close to a crisis.” There are 850,000 children and youth with disabilities in Canada—and yet there are only 159 developmental pediatricians in the country, with 23% retiring in the next 5 years. For Dr. Milo-Manson, something […]
Dare to show up
When most kids pick up a video game, it’s all about fun. For Dr. Elaine Biddiss, a senior scientist at Holland Bloorview, it’s also about possibility. Behind every controller, sensor, or playful onscreen challenge, she sees a way to help kids build motor skills, track progress, and feel included in spaces where they’ve too often […]
Dare to speak up
I dare you to speak up for what is right. Like any 11-year-old, I enjoy playing soccer and Roblox with my friends. But some days include standing up for what’s right. As a kid who has been bullied for being different, I speak up when someone is treated unfairly. And I always find ways to […]
Dare to think differently about disability
At the heart of Dr. Tom Chau’s work is one simple idea: every child has something to say. That’s why he’s daring to open up a world of communication, freedom and independence for kids with disabilities. “There’s this whole notion that communication has to be with words,” Dr. Chau says. “But in many ways, communication […]