Awareness Days

Testimonials from members of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Elle

“I think my favourite thing I’ve accomplished on YAC is just the community I make along the way. I get to meet so many higher-ups and members in the Grandview community who want to talk to me and get to know my opinions, thoughts and views. Instead of just being part of the community, I get to be involved in it in ways a younger me could never imagine. 

If someone was thinking to join YAC, I’d say to just go for it. Everyone here is incredibly kind and accepting always ready to celebrate the qualities you bring to YAC. There is nothing that you would regret and we’d be incredibly excited to welcome you!”

Teagan

“One of my favourite YAC memories is sharing my thoughts and ideas about how Grandview Kids can help parents and families feel part of a welcoming community. I also enjoyed volunteering and helping make Grandview-sponsored family events a success.

Some things I’ve accomplished being part of YAC are having people see me as someone who is intelligent, creative and has well-thought-out ideas and then seeing those ideas become a reality. YAC has helped make a difference for me by being able to help and volunteer for Grandview events. I have been able to give back to Grandview for all the memories they helped create for my family over the years growing up as a Grandview kid and helping create those memories for new families.

Youth voices are important. By sharing our experiences being a part of Grandview and growing up a Grandview Kid and using the services provided, we can provide feedback on what worked for us and what helped us become who we are today. Sometimes having younger voices can help provide a fresh new outlook on ideas and suggestions.

My advice to young people thinking about being part of YAC: I would highly recommend it. The friends I have made being part of YAC has been an awesome experience and the feeling you get knowing you are helping Grandview families is an incredible source of pride.”

Olive

“I am most proud of getting out of my shell and meeting new people through YAC. YAC has helped me in my community by showing me how everyone is special in their own ways. It is important to have youth voices to shape programs and services at Grandview Kids because they can help come up with many different ideas to make it fun for everyone and to have ways to make people feel included with things. 

My favourite memory from being a part of the YAC was helping with the Accessible Trick-or-Treat event at the Kids’ Safety Village.

I would tell another young person who is thinking about joining YAC how this is a good way to meet other youth that are just like you and how we do a lot of fun things, like being involved in planning events.”

As Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month shines a light on the realities of living with SMA, Haylee’s story stands as a powerful reminder of what love, advocacy and community support can achieve.

This October, Haylee will celebrate her 18th birthday. She is the longest-living child with SMA Type 1 in Ontario and tied as the second longest-living in Canada. Her family lovingly refers to her as an “elder” within the SMA Type 1 community, a distinction few children with her diagnosis have historically reached.

SMA is a rare genetic condition that affects the nerves that control muscle movement. In simple terms, the body cannot produce enough of a protein that motor neurons need to survive, causing muscles to become progressively weaker. SMA Type 1 is the most severe form, typically appearing in infancy. Children with Type 1 often struggle to sit independently, hold up their heads, swallow and breathe.

Haylee’s symptoms began when she was just a baby. Amanda noticed her daughter seemed weaker than her three older siblings, had difficulty holding her head up, sweated excessively and breathed heavily. At six months old, after several frightening medical emergencies, including a cardiac arrest that required resuscitation, Haylee was diagnosed with SMA Type 1. At the time, the outlook presented to families was bleak and the standard approach for many children with SMA Type 1 was very different from today’s care options.

Amanda refused to accept that her daughter’s life should be measured by limitations. “I wanted to give Haylee the dignity to live and make her as comfortable and happy as she can be,” she shares. She researched relentlessly, connected virtually with SMA families around the world and advocated fiercely for care that would allow Haylee to live, not simply survive.

A turning point came through the support of Dr. Forte at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). While tracheostomies for children with SMA Type 1 were highly controversial at the time, Dr. Forte listened to Amanda’s goals that were achievable with a tracheotomy. Her goals were simple: she wanted a way to feed her daughter, help her breathe, andbring her home. He supported Haylee’s tracheostomy, enabling her to receive a feeding tube and eventually leave the hospital. Amanda credits his willingness to trust parents and think differently as life-changing. Dr. Forte continued to follow Haylee’s journey long after her surgery and remained a cherished part of her story until his passing in 2024.

Haylee has been living at home surrounded by the people who love her most since infancy. Her days are supported by a ventilator, tracheostomy, feeding tube, wheelchair, cough-assist machine, oxygen, nebulizer, specialized bed and a dedicated team of nurses. Despite her physical limitations, Haylee is bright, opinionated and joyful. She loves the colours pink, purple and yellow. She enjoys Dora, plays video games using customized switches and effectively communicates her desire to be included in decisions about her care.

Haylee’s success at home has helped transform care for families worldwide. At just five years old, she became part of an international initiative demonstrating that children with SMA Type 1 could safely thrive at home rather than remain in intensive care units. Families and healthcare teams from around the globe visited virtually and in person to learn from Haylee’s home-care model, helping pave the way for many children to return home to their families.

Throughout this journey, Grandview Kids has been a constant source of support. From occupational therapy and customized equipment to opportunities for social connection, Grandview Kids helped Haylee participate more fully in life. Amanda is especially grateful for social worker Stephanie S., whose willingness to listen, share resources and value the family’s expertise made a lasting difference.

Amanda’s advice to parents and caregivers of children with SMA

Reach out to your community and connect with SMA support groups.
Learn the standards of care and be proactive.
Ask questions and advocate for your child.
Trust your instincts and trust your child.
Remember that your child knows their own body and care needs.
Don’t be afraid to use available resources and supports.
Make cough-assist therapy a priority.
Find balance between modern medicine and everyday wellness.
Most importantly: “You’re going to be okay. It’s going to be okay.”

This summer, we acknowledge Canada Day, Fragile X Awareness Day, National Disability Independence Day, MedicAlert Awareness Month, Emancipation Day Canada, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and Obon Festival and more.

Below, read more about each date of significance, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Canada Day: July 1

Originally known as Dominion Day, Canada Day is a statutory holiday celebrated across Canada each year on July 1. The day marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act united the colonies of the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia into the Dominion of Canada. It should be noted, however, that Confederation was the result of a series of conferences held in British North America and England beginning in 1864, where colonial leaders discussed the possibility of uniting the colonies to create a stronger and more effective system of government.

In 1868, Governor General Charles Stanley Monck issued a proclamation calling for a celebration to mark the first anniversary of Confederation. This led to the observance of Dominion Day, which remained the holiday’s official name until it was renamed Canada Day in 1982.

Today, Canada Day is often celebrated with community events, concerts, parades and fireworks. At the same time, it is important to recognize the more difficult parts of Confederation’s history. Indigenous Peoples were not represented at the conferences that led to Confederation, and many policies adopted by later governments had profound and lasting impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. These included the expansion of the residential and day school systems, the creation of reserves, and the negotiation and implementation of treaties that often did not reflect the understandings or interests of Indigenous Peoples.

Canada Day offers an opportunity to celebrate our country’s history and accomplishments while also reflecting on the many stories that have shaped our nation. By recognizing both the achievements and challenges of our shared past, we honour those who came before us and gain a deeper understanding of the Canada we continue to build together. Through learning, reflection and respect, history becomes more than a record of the past; it becomes a guide for the future.

Fragile X Awareness Day: July 22

Fragile X Awareness Day is observed annually on July 22. This day is intended to raise awareness, educate the public and raise funds for research to find a cure. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder caused by a malfunction of a gene on the X chromosome that inhibits the production of a protein required for normal brain development.

Although both males and females can inherit this disorder, it is more prevalent in males. FXS is the most common inherited cause of both autism and intellectual disabilities in the world.

Diagnosed individuals experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including intellectual disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, unstable mood, autistic behaviours, speech challenges and seizures (25%).

Symptoms of FXS can be treated with various medications and therapy interventions, including occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy.

Presently, there is no cure, but there is hope. The FRAXA Research Foundation is working to find treatments and a cure.

National Disability Independence Day: July 26

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. To commemorate this historic event, July 26 is recognized as National Disability Independence Day. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination under the law.

In Canada, Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Like the ADA, the Charter provides legal protections against discrimination. Canada is working toward becoming a barrier-free society by January 1, 2040, as outlined in the Accessible Canada Act.

Here are some things to consider when showing allyship to people with disabilities.

Use person-first language: Instead of describing a person by their disability, use language that emphasizes the person first. For example, “Amir uses a wheelchair to help him during the summer, when the heat makes it more challenging for him to walk long distances.”

Listen to people with disabilities when asking how you can help: People’s experiences with disabilities are unique, and we cannot assume when or how they need help. Let the person tell you how you can help. For example, instead of assuming someone with a limb difference needs you to pick up their grocery bag, offer assistance if they need it or wait for them to ask for help.

If you hear or see ableism, say something: Ableism is the belief that people without disabilities are superior to people with disabilities. Old myths and misconceptions can continue if no one speaks up. If you hear a friend, family member or colleague make a comment that perpetuates an ableist stereotype, speak up and use respectful, inclusive language.

MedicAlert Awareness Month: August

August is international MedicAlert Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of medical identification for people living with chronic health conditions, severe allergies or memory-related illnesses.

MedicAlert devices, such as bracelets and necklaces, display important medical information that can help first responders provide the right care when someone is unable to share their information. The MedicAlert Foundation maintains a secure digital medical profile that can be accessed by emergency responders when needed.

MedicAlert offers different membership options, including financial support through its IDEA Program for those who may need assistance with costs. This month is an opportunity to learn more about how medical identification can support safety, independence and peace of mind.

Click here to learn more about MedicAlert Awareness Month!

Emancipation Day: August 1

August 1 marks Emancipation Day in Canada, recognizing the abolition of slavery across the British Empire through the Slavery Abolition Act, which came into effect on August 1, 1834. Officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2021, the day honours the resilience, achievements and contributions of Black communities while acknowledging the lasting impacts of slavery and anti-Black racism.

Emancipation Day provides an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s history and recognize the experiences of enslaved people, as well as the ongoing work to advance equity, inclusion and justice. It also celebrates the many contributions Black Canadians have made, and continue to make, to the country’s social, cultural, economic and political life.

At Grandview Kids, we are committed to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are reflected in the care we provide and the workplace we create. Emancipation Day is an opportunity to learn from the past, celebrate the contributions of Black communities and continue building an environment where every child, youth, family and team member feels valued, respected and included.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: August 9

August 9 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a day established by the United Nations in 1994 to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples around the world.

The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, knowledge and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples while recognizing the challenges and injustices Indigenous communities have experienced, including the impacts of colonization, residential schools and ongoing barriers to equity and inclusion.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples encourages learning, reflection and action. It is a time to honour Indigenous voices, traditions and ways of knowing while recognizing the important role Indigenous Peoples continue to play in shaping communities, protecting the environment and strengthening relationships across Canada.

Obon Festival: August 13 to 16

Obon (お盆), also known simply as Bon (盆), is a traditional Japanese festival that combines ancient beliefs about ancestral spirits with Buddhist customs that honour ancestors. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a time for family reunions, when people return to their hometowns to visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. It is believed that during Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to their family homes, where they are welcomed through household altars and memorial rituals. The festival has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and is well known for its traditional Bon Odori dances.

Obon is celebrated over three days, although the dates vary by region. Originally observed on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the festival shifted to different dates across Japan after the adoption of the Gregorian calendar during the Meiji era.

One of the most common observances is Shichigatsu Bon (“Bon in July”), held on July 15 according to the Gregorian calendar. This schedule is followed in Tokyo and some urban areas of the Tōhoku and Hokuriku regions, where it avoids conflicts with the agricultural busy season.

Grandview Kids has been part of Brad’s story from the very beginning

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just six months old, Brad was referred to Grandview Kids, where he received physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation support after two major surgeries. He attended Grandview School and, over the years, built strong relationships with the people who helped him navigate challenges and celebrate milestones. One of his proudest childhood memories is taking his first steps at the old Grandview Kids building in Oshawa when he was seven years old.

Brad’s connection to Grandview Kids continued to evolve. He became a Grandview Ambassador in 2001, volunteering throughout high school and later partnering with Grandview Kids leaders to raise funds through community speaking engagements. They shared the importance of giving both clients and caregivers a platform to voice their needs, concerns and goals.

Together with Andrea B. (our Family Engagement Program Manager), they helped create the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Program. This small but mighty team of two has now grown to a team of 13 staff, comprised of caregivers to Grandview clients, former clients (grads) and siblings. Brad is proud to be an employee of Grandview Kids, where he has spent the past eight years supporting youth and families as a Peer Navigator and Youth Advisory Council (YAC) leader. He also sits on the Grandview School Board as the YAC Representative, helping bring forward matters and perspectives that are important to youth.

Brad is quick to point out that he has never accomplished any of this alone. Supported by a close-knit family, including his twin brother, and surrounded by people who believe in him, he says Grandview Kids became a village that helped him reach where he is today. National Disability Independence Day is a celebration of progress, inclusion and opportunity.

For Brad, disability independence means having the choices and opportunities to support himself while contributing to his community. It also means turning hardships into opportunities and using his experiences to encourage others. “If they see me do it,” he says, “it proves to them that anything is possible.”

Brad credits Grandview Kids with helping him build the confidence and independence that shaped his career. Through therapy, rehabilitation and the encouragement of staff, he learned the importance of self-advocacy and perseverance. More importantly, he learned to celebrate small victories. “Our clients and families go through so much every day,” he says. “It isn’t always about the big celebrations.”

Brad believes every child and youth has a unique purpose and place in the world. One of the most important lessons he’s learned over his years at Grandview Kids, and he now shares with youth, is that everyone has strengths worth discovering.

He sees his role as guiding youth to identify their strengths, develop confidence and find pathways to reach their full potential. The work is vital because barriers still exist. Brad believes many children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs continue to face accessibility challenges in their communities, whether that means navigating public spaces, attending events or accessing services.

Employment also remains one of the biggest obstacles for youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Too often, young people are told they are not the right fit for a job, and those experiences can diminish confidence and self-worth.

That is why Brad is passionate about helping youth find their voice. He wants them to feel supported, included and empowered to advocate for themselves. Sometimes, simply knowing someone is on their team can make all the difference. For young people wondering what their future might hold, Brad offers a message of hope.

“Believe in yourself, do your best and surround yourself with good people,” he says. “Turn your disability into something positive and spread positivity. Kindness is free,” Brad encourages. He wants youth to know they are not alone. Whether as a mentor, advocate or friend, Brad is committed to helping others navigate their own journeys toward independence.

When asked what achievement makes him most proud, Brad does not focus on a single accomplishment. Instead, he reflects on the opportunity to spend his career helping others. “I can do anything I set my mind to, but this is what I want,” he says. “I’m living out my dream helping kids, youth and their families understand that anything is literally possible.” Brad’s dream is rooted in gratitude for the people who supported him, the opportunities he received and the chance to give back.

His journey from client to Team Grandview member is a powerful reminder that independence is not about doing everything alone. It is about having the support, opportunities and confidence to pursue your goals, advocate for yourself and help others do the same. “Grandview will always have my heart,” says Brad.

June 28 marks International Pride Day, a time to honour and celebrate members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reflect on the ongoing work toward equality, inclusion and acceptance.

Here are some resources for talking with your child or youth about gender identity:

Books shared for open conversations:

Check out your local library or Ajax Public Library branches for physical and digital copies, with pick-up available at the Ajax Public Library – Grandview Kids Express Branch.

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis
The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens by Enn Purkis and Sam Rose
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
My Shadow is Blue by Scott Stuart
My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart

Online resources:

Each month, the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee highlights dates of significance. These may include religious observances, clinical and medical awareness dates, important events or other significant moments within the community. See below for a broader list of additional dates of significance.

In June, we acknowledge Pride Month, National Indigenous Heritage Month, Father’s Day, National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day and Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Below, read more about each date of significance, written by members of our IDEA Committee.

Pride Month

June is Pride Month. Canada has a rich queer history, and the month is a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, reflect on the past and look toward the future.

Across the country, events, parties and celebrations take place for people of all ages. Some of the largest are Pride parades, with Toronto Pride among the biggest in the world. While these celebrations are a joyful part of Pride Month, they are rooted in the grassroots activism and advocacy of the past.

In the United States, the Stonewall riots in June 1969 followed a police raid on a bar that served gay, lesbian, transgender and queer patrons. The raid sparked six days of protests and is widely seen as a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

In Canada, the first major gay rights protest took place in 1971, when more than 100 people marched on Parliament Hill to present a list of 10 demands for equal rights. Since then, there have been many milestones in the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in Canada.

Click here to learn more about the history of Canadian Pride!

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, when all Canadians, Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers, recognize and celebrate the distinct cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to the fabric of Canada. The month also highlights the importance of preserving Indigenous cultures, traditions, languages and spirituality, as well as the resilience shown in the face of historical injustices.

It is also a time for reflection on the historical and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, which operated from the late 1800s until 1997, when the last school closed. An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their families, forced to abandon their identities and taught they were inferior to European culture.

Policies such as the Indian Act contributed to the segregation and assimilation of Indigenous peoples by removing them from their lands, placing them on reserves or settlements and restricting cultural practices, including language and spirituality.

During National Indigenous History Month, all Canadians are encouraged to learn, reflect and celebrate the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples.

Father’s Day: June 21

Father’s Day originated in the United States in the 20th century. The first observance took place in Spokane, Washington, in 1910, when Sonora Smart Dodd created a day to honour her widowed father, who raised six children on his own.

Inspired by Mother’s Day, the tradition spread globally to recognize fathers and father figures.

How Canadians celebrate

Although not a statutory holiday, Father’s Day is observed in Canada on the third Sunday in June each year (June 21, 2026). It is a time to recognize fathers and father figures in many ways.

Celebrations may include participating in charity events such as Father’s Day fun runs in support of men’s health or prostate cancer research, watching sports together, or giving gifts such as handmade crafts, clothing, gadgets, gift cards, chocolates, books or items related to personal hobbies.

Families may also share meals, from homemade breakfasts or brunches to restaurant dinners or backyard barbecues. Cards, whether handmade or purchased, are often shared to express gratitude and appreciation. When families are apart, video calls, e-cards and messages help maintain connection.

Recognizing great dads

Father’s Day is also an opportunity to recognize any positive father figure. A simple message, text or card can help someone feel appreciated and valued on the day.

National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day: June 27

The month of June marks National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and June 27 marks PTSD Awareness Day. It is a time to raise awareness, foster understanding and challenge the stigma surrounding PTSD.

In Canada, 5 percent of people reported receiving a PTSD diagnosis from a health-care professional. However, according to Statistics Canada’s 2021 Survey on Mental Health and Stressful Events, 8 percent of Canadians met the criteria for probable PTSD based on symptoms experienced in the previous month.

While probable PTSD is not a formal medical diagnosis, these findings highlight the widespread impact of PTSD symptoms across Canada and suggest many individuals may be living with undiagnosed PTSD. These symptoms can significantly affect overall well-being and quality of life, underscoring the importance of accessible mental health care and support services.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day: June 27

June 27 marks the 24th anniversary of Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Established in 2002, the day highlights the contributions of Canada’s more than 450 ethnic and cultural groups to the mosaic that makes this country home. Following Canada’s official adoption of multiculturalism in 1988, the first country in the world to do so, Canada has continued to grow through the contributions of people from around the world. The day also recognizes the historical efforts of these communities in helping the country progress.

Celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day by recognizing your cultural heritage, learning about your neighbours’ or participating in one of the many celebrations across Canada. View the interactive map below to find an event near you.

Other dates of significance in June:

Brain Injury Awareness Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Stroke Awareness Month
Scoliosis Awareness Month
Italian Heritage Month
Filipino Heritage Month
Portuguese Heritage Month
Red Shirt Day – for National Accessibility Day: June 3
National Cancer Survivors’ Day: June 7
World Blood Donor Day: June 14
CDKL5 Awareness Day: June 17
Autistic Pride Day: June 18
National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21
Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day: June 23
Nativity of St. John the Baptist: June 24
International Pride Day: June 28
Arthrogryposis Awareness Day: June 30