April: Dates of Significance

In April, we acknowledge Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Deaf History Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, International Asexuality Day, Green Shirt Day, World Health Day, National Siblings Day, World Day for Safety and Health at Work and National Immunization Awareness Week. Read more about each date of significance below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, an important initiative by the Amputee Coalition to highlight the experiences of individuals living with limb loss or differences. Represented by the colour orange, this month is dedicated to educating the public about limb loss due to amputation and limb difference, which includes congenital limb anomalies. Various medical conditions, such as diabetes, meningitis, and cancer, can lead to the necessity for limb amputation. Congenital limb loss is relatively rare, with an estimated global incidence of 1 in 2,000 newborns experiencing some type of limb reduction anomaly attributed to factors including genetics, environmental influences, or unknown causes.

Limb loss encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges, as the functionalities of the upper and lower limbs differ significantly. While prosthetics might appear to be a one-size-fits-all solution for the uninitiated, the reality is far more complex. The effectiveness of a prosthetic largely depends on the level of amputation; the presence of knees and elbows is particularly advantageous. This is because prosthetic knees and elbows can be challenging for amputees to maneuver, underscoring the nuanced nature of prosthetic adaptation and use. A common misconception is that prosthetics restore ‘normalcy,’ enabling the wearer to function like anyone else. However, in reality, prosthetics are sophisticated devices that demand extensive training and practice for effective use. As a result, not all amputees choose to use prosthetics, instead find their own unique methods to navigate daily life comfortably.

Deaf History Month

This April, we celebrate Deaf History Month, which provides us with the opportunity to celebrate those who are hard of hearing or who are recognized as being deaf and educational institutions that were either founded by hearing-impaired individuals or built to assist this community.

On March 13, 1996, two librarians at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Washington D.C. held a training session to teach their colleagues sign language. This training session would eventually lead to the creation of Deaf Awareness Week in 1997, and in 2006, the American Library Association and National Association of the Deaf formally established Deaf History Month, which initially ran from March 13 – April 15. In 2022, the US Congress formally moved Deaf History Month to take place entirely in April and was renamed National Deaf Heritage Month.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual assault awareness month is observed in April to emphasize ongoing awareness and prevention throughout the year. Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence at some point during their life regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, disability, socioeconomic status and relationship status. Although there is a higher proportion of children and adolescents (why it matters to Grandview: that’s who we serve) among victims of sexual violence, sexual violence can happen to anyone. Similarly, even though victims are usually women, men are also victims of sexual violence. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at greater risk of being subjected to sexual violence than are cisgender heterosexuals.

None of the above risk factors should be used to blame the victims for the sexual violence they experience. The person who commits an act of violence is always responsible.

Grandview Kids respects everyone’s safety and has policies to prevent sexual violence and procedures to follow if sexual violence occurs. Some ways that we can create awareness and prevent sexual assault are:

• Improving skills around asking for consent and respecting the answer
• Challenging jokes that demean others and unfair stereotypes
• Maintaining and modelling healthy and respectful relationships
• Encouraging children, adolescents and adults to respect others’ boundaries and bodies

For more information and resources, visit the sexual violence helpline website.

April 6: International Asexuality Day

Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others, but it’s important to understand that it’s not the same as celibacy or abstinence. International Asexuality Day (IAD), observed annually on April 6, aims to recognize and validate the experiences of asexual (also referred to as “Aces”), demisexual and greysexual individuals worldwide. Asexuality encompasses a diverse spectrum, where individuals may experience varying levels of sexual attraction or desire. Celebrating IAD means acknowledging the existence and validity of asexual identities and providing support and acceptance for ace individuals. It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves, celebrate ace individuals and advocate for accurate representation in media and society. By promoting understanding and visibility, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.

April 7: Green Shirt Day

Green Shirt Day, observed on April 7, commemorates the legacy of Logan Boulet, a young Humboldt Broncos hockey player who tragically lost his life in a bus crash in 2018. Following the accident, Logan’s decision to become an organ donor inspired a movement promoting organ donation awareness and registration across Canada and beyond. On Green Shirt Day, people wear green shirts to honour Logan’s selfless act and to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. It serves as a reminder of the power of one individual’s choice to make a positive impact on the lives of others, echoing Logan’s message of hope, generosity, and community spirit.

In Canada, there are several resources available for individuals interested in learning more about organ donation:

Transplant Ontario: Responsible for coordinating organ donations in Ontario. Website: Trillium Gift of Life Network

Government Health Websites:

• Government of Canada – Organ and Tissue Donation: Provides information and resources about organ and tissue donation in Canada. Website: Organ and Tissue Donation
• Health Canada – Organ and Tissue Donation: Offers information about organ and tissue donation policies and initiatives. Website: Health Canada – Organ and Tissue Donation

April 7: World Health Day

The theme of World Health Day in 2024 is ‘My health, my right’. Around the globe, access to health rights is threatened. Production of fossil fuels decreases air quality; conflicts are causing pain and hunger, and diseases still loom large as causes of distress.

The World Health Organization has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution, yet countries are not passing laws to ensure their populations receive easy access to the healthcare that they are entitled to. This year’s theme was chosen to advocate for the rights of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality healthcare, education and information, as well as clean drinking water, clean air and good nutrition.

April 10: National Siblings Day

Story shared and written by Grandview client, Shayaan O.

Our siblings are our family, and they are a huge part of our lives – that’s why we celebrate them on National Siblings Day every April 10! The holiday is also known as ‘World Siblings Day.’ Siblings are our best friends and sometimes our worst enemies. Our siblings encourage us to be our best, embarrass us, and be our biggest motivators and competitors.

On National Siblings Day, I want to share a glimpse into my life as a Grandview Kid, born with multiple physical disabilities, mainly being born without both arms. My life has been filled with various challenges, some easy to overcome and others requiring more effort. Most of the time, my older brother, who is my only sibling and seven years older than me, has been my support.

When I was born, my missing arms were a surprise to my parents, and they struggled with accepting the reality. I grew up hearing how my brother took great care of me and my parents during this time and how he was a source of positivity. A few days after my birth, my mom was crying, looking at my arms. At that moment, my brother comforted her by counting all the things I was blessed with, “Look, mama, he has eyes, ears, a nose, mouth, legs…” encouraging her to see what I had and not focus on parts that were missing. He showed her that  I was still a complete person as I was.

My brother was also my shield against the curious stares and pointed fingers of strangers. He would intervene, either by voicing his disapproval or physically positioning himself as a barrier between me and their insensitive stares. I have learned many things from my brother, but the most important thing I have learned is to stand up for myself and for others. He has shown me the importance of being there for each other. Despite the occasional sibling disagreements, we have a strong bond to this day, and we both stand up for each other when need be.

April 28: World Day for Safety and Health at Work

It is an annual international day to promote and raise awareness about the importance of preventing occupational accidents and diseases. The day aims to encourage governments, employers, employees, and stakeholders to collaborate and take action to reduce workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases.

In Canada, April 28 is also recognized as The National Day of Mourning. It is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

At Grandview Kids, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all staff, physicians, volunteers, students, contractors, clients and their families, visitors, and other members of the public working at or visiting our facility. We believe that all injuries are preventable and that excellence in health and safety is the key to our long-term success.

Grandview Kids’ responsibilities:

• Ultimately responsible for the health and safety of all staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Protect anyone who works at, visits, receives treatment at or conducts business at any of our locations.
• Take every reasonable precaution for the prevention of work-related injuries, occupational illnesses and workplace violence and harassment.

April 22-30: National Immunization Awareness Week

National Immunization Awareness Week is held annually in the last week of April to highlight and recognize the importance of immunization. This year, NIAW will be held from April 22 to 30. Many children may be missing or behind schedule for important vaccines because they were unable to attend their regularly scheduled doctor’s visits during the height of the pandemic.

The first known vaccine was developed in 1796 by Edward Jenner. He successfully used the inoculation of cowpox in an eight-year-old boy to show how it made the boy immune to smallpox. What followed, in 1798, was the development of the first-ever smallpox vaccine. Over the next two centuries, widespread use of the smallpox vaccination eventually led to the eradication of the disease in 1979.