Awareness Days

On October 25, World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day raises awareness and understanding for these diseases that affect the spine and the brain. It’s also a day to advocate and promote the rights of those living with these conditions.

Client Story:

“Wesley is seven years old but was born 16 weeks premature and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) shortly after birth. While in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, he was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus when he was only a few weeks old.

Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition in which there is a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. CSF normally circulates throughout the brain and spinal column, but it can become blocked and pool in the ventricles, causing them to widen and put harmful pressure on the brain’s tissues. Causes of Hydrocephalus include head injuries, brain tumours, genetic inheritance, or may be associated with developmental disorders like spina bifida. Signs and symptoms are usually a bulging fontanelle and setting sun eyes (in infants), unusually large head size, lethargy, vomiting, and complaints of headaches. Cognitive displays of hydrocephalus can also present themselves through changes in personality, slowing or loss of developmental progress, impaired cognitive skills, and memory loss.

There is no cure for Hydrocephalus, but there are several ways to treat it. Spinal taps, implanting an Ommaya Reservoir, and, most commonly, implanting a device known as a shunt are ways to help circulate the excess CSF normally throughout the body.

Wesley began presenting symptoms of Hydrocephalus a few weeks after birth. He has had spinal taps, an Ommaya Reservoir, and several shunt revisions since his diagnosis. Today, he has had a total of 7 brain surgeries related to his Hydrocephalus. As a lifelong illness, he must be followed long-term by his neurosurgeon. A shunt can go from working for 18 years to suddenly malfunctioning. The shunt valve can become clogged, or the pressure in the shunt may be too little or too much for the individual. The success of shunt revisions is unpredictable, but immediate treatment encourages a positive outcome.

As parents, we are constantly on the lookout for signs of shunt malfunction or failure and must also provide this information to his caregivers and schoolteachers. Wesley is also learning to advocate for his needs and being able to identify his own signs of shunt malfunction or failure.”

October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD), which was founded in 1998. This day is intended to raise public awareness of stuttering, which affects one percent of the world’s population. Stuttering, or stammering, is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions or abnormal stoppages of sounds and syllables.

At Grandview Kids, our team of speech-language pathologists work hard to give children and youth the skills they need to overcome their stuttering and equip them with the tools to communicate effectively.

Client Story:

“Henry has always been a silly kid, one who will do anything to make us smile by singing songs, telling us silly stories and asking us questions. He was also always a perfectionist who, from an early age, would enjoy arranging his toy cars into neat lines. Currently, Henry loves numbers, Lego, and astronomy, which suit his personality well.

We noticed as Henry’s language developed that, he would have periods of time where he had difficulty getting his words out. However, these periods would pass, and his speech would return to normal. Once Henry started Junior Kindergarten, we noticed his speech becoming strained and difficult for a prolonged period of time. Henry became more hesitant to speak.

When we would ask him about his day, he would just say he didn’t remember. He would avoid complex sentences and, at times, avoid speaking altogether. It was heartbreaking to us that our little silly boy was losing his will to speak. We sought help from his family doctor as well as his teachers. His teachers were able to refer us to a private speech pathologist, Stacey Carroll, at Connect 2 Communicate. Stacey was immediately so helpful, welcoming, and reassuring to us that we could help Henry. She assessed that Henry had a stutter and immediately helped connect us with Grandview Kids.

The service we have received from Rikki, the speech-language pathologist at Grandview Kids, has been remarkable. We feel like she has returned our son to us. Rikki has been fantastic at explaining how stuttering happens and the steps to alleviate the stutter. The strategies we were taught by Rikki have been so effective at returning Henry’s speech to a more fluent form that his confidence has also returned. We cannot thank Rikki and Grandview Kids enough for what they have done for our family.”

World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. World Teacher Day celebrates how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.

Being a teacher provides the unique opportunity to make a transformative and lasting impact on the lives of others, contributing to shaping sustainable futures and offering personal fulfilment.

Meghan P., a Special Education Teacher and Literacy Coach at Campbell Children’s School (CCS), talks about her experience as a teacher at CCS:

“Teaching at Campbell Children’s School has given me the opportunity to work closely with a team of experts, and it’s a place of constant change and growth! The students and staff are remarkably caring and hardworking, which has profoundly influenced the way I live my life and perceive the world around me.

Meghan P is a white woman wearing a black shirt. She is standing in front of green trees. Meghan is a Special Education Teacher and Literacy Coach at Campbell Children’s School (CCS). — Meghan P., a Special Education Teacher and Literacy Coach at Campbell Children’s School (CCS).

CCS has actively promoted and supported my journey, from my early days as an Early Childhood Educator to becoming a Classroom Teacher and eventually a Literacy Coach. I have come to understand that I play a pivotal role in my student’s journey, and I am committed to providing them with the same level of support and motivation that this school has generously offered me.

Although we may appear to be a small school, our impact is significant, and it wouldn’t be possible without all the various components that make up our community. This diverse team of educators, therapists, administrators, parents, students, and more has empowered me to diversify my teaching approach and tap into students’ strengths while helping them develop essential skills. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found a space that not only allows my career to flourish but also aligns with my core values, which advocate for everyone to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong.”

Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC), observed throughout October, is a profound celebration and exploration of the rich heritage of Muslims in Canada. It magnifies their noteworthy contributions to the advancement of humanity across various fields, encompassing scientific breakthroughs, humanities, medicine, astronomy and more. The inception of IHMC in 2007 was an honourable proclamation by the late Mauril Belanger, MP for Ottawa-Vanier. Since then, IHMC has been officially recognized in numerous provinces and municipalities across Canada, embodying a mission to foster understanding and bridge gaps, especially during times when Muslims may face unfair stereotypes. The month serves as a dedicated platform to highlight the invaluable contributions of Muslims to humanity, often overlooked or unknown.

IHMC’s theme for 2023: “Celebrating Muslim Women in the Arts & Sciences”

This theme pays homage to the historical impact of Muslim women, acknowledging their profound influence on global and Canadian progress in arts, sciences, and society. By acknowledging and celebrating these remarkable women, we aim to inspire and empower Muslim youth and challenge detrimental stereotypes associated with gendered Islamophobia. Previous IHMC themes have delved into various facets, such as Islamic Art and Architecture, Islamic Banking and Finance, Irrigation and Water Systems, Medicine and Pharmacology, and Islam and the Environment, demonstrating the depth and breadth of Islamic contributions throughout history.

Some Muslim women who have made notable contributions to Canada and Canadian history across various fields:

Dr. Hana Ahmed: A scientist and researcher, Dr. Ahmed is known for her work in biomedical engineering and the development of innovative healthcare technologies. She has made substantial contributions to improving medical devices and technologies for patient care.
Hodan Nalayeh: Hodan was a prominent journalist and media personality known for her work in promoting positive stories about the Somali diaspora and highlighting the achievements of individuals within the community. Tragically, she lost her life in a terrorist attack in Somalia in 2019.
Zarqa Nawaz: Zarqa is a well-known Canadian television producer, writer, and filmmaker. She created the popular TV show Little Mosque on the Prairie, which depicted the lives of Muslims living in a small Canadian town and helped raise awareness and understanding of Islam in Canada.
Salma Lakhani: In 2020, Salma Lakhani became the first Muslim Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history, serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. She is a notable advocate for education and community development.
Monia Mazigh: Monia is a Canadian academic, author, and human rights advocate. She gained prominence through her activism to seek justice for her husband, Maher Arar, who was wrongfully detained and tortured. Her efforts have contributed to improvements in national security and human rights in Canada.
Nour Hadidi: Nour is a Canadian journalist and the first hijab-wearing news anchor to appear on mainstream Canadian television. She has worked for major news outlets and serves as an influential figure, breaking barriers in media representation.

For more information, please visit https://icnasistersca.org/projects/ihm/ or https://www.islamichistorymonth.ca.

Written by IDEA committee member, Janicka A., and Grandview Kids parent, Abby V.

World Cerebral Palsy Day, which occurs annually on October 6, reminds us that there are over 17 million people impacted by this disorder. Many people wear green to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day.

There are more than 17 million people in the world living with CP and it is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting the most vulnerable among us — children. At Grandview Kids, clinicians in developmental pediatrics, occupational, physio, therapeutic recreation and speech-language therapies support children living with CP and work with their families.

Grandview Kids’ parent, Abby V., speaks about his son, Wesley, who has CP:

“Wesley is a thoughtful and engaging social butterfly. He always has a joke or witty phrase on hand and approaches strangers like long-lost friends. He was also born 16 weeks premature and suffered a brain bleed, leading to extensive brain damage shortly after birth. He was diagnosed with both Hydrocephalus and Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Wesley playing with toys at Grandview Kids.

CP is the most common physical disability in children. His form of CP affects both of his lower limbs’ tone, movement and coordination. His muscles are stiff, and his reflexes are spastic. He uses equipment, such as ankle-foot orthotics (AFO’s), as well as a wheelchair and walker for support and mobility.

It is a lifelong disorder, and there is no cure, but there are treatments that help to improve function and quality of life. Wesley has accessed services from Grandview Kids, such as Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to improve his fine motor and gross motor skills. They work on things like zipping up his coat and writing with a pencil to transfer between equipment and muscle strengthening. He has come a long way from being unable to crawl as a baby to now using his walker while playing in gym class. His therapists continue to support him through their school-based rehab program to ensure he has the right equipment and provide staff training as needed so that his safety needs and personal goals are met, and he can access the curriculum, just like his classmates.”

Cerebral Palsy and the Six F-words in Childhood Disability

Function, Family, Fitness, Friends, Fun and Future are the six F-words in Childhood Disability developed by Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Gorter. They highlight the intersectionality of how the first five factors affect the future of children with CP and encourage clinicians to focus on these factors throughout treatment.

When Grandview Kids families are participating in the CP-NET study, they are smiling, laughing and passionate when speaking to me about their child’s interests and abilities. As the Research Assistant connecting with these families, I’ve learned so much about CP by listening to their insightful lived experiences. Let’s join the world by wearing green on Friday, October 6, 2023, and learning more to celebrate people living with CP!

Written by Grandview Kids Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA), Nicole N.

On September 23, we recognize and continue to raise awareness of the use of sign languages around the world, the importance of protecting the linguistics surrounding it, and respect for deaf individuals and their culture. Today there are over 300 different sign languages used globally within the Deaf communities. For this, we celebrate ‘The International Day of Sign Languages.’

Nicole N., pointing to her white t-shirt which has the alphabet in American Sign Language (ASL). — Nicole N., pointing to her white t-shirt which has the alphabet in ASL.

This day is not only significant to deaf individuals but also to those who are allies in the Deaf community. Here at Grandview Kids, I take great pride in being an ally by educating others about the Deaf community, being an advocate for equality of language rights and sharing my knowledge of using American Sign Language (ASL). In 2019, I graduated from George Brown College with the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Program, which taught about past and current social issues the Deaf community faces, how to communicate through ASL, and provided practical opportunities to connect Deaf individuals within the surrounding community.

In my role as a Communicative Disorders Assistant at Grandview Kids, I am able to share my ASL skills and experiences with clients, families and colleagues working in the Infant Hearing Program (IHP) and Preschool Speech and Language Program (PSL). This unique language allows for inclusive learning and can include a total communication approach, meaning finding communication methods that work for each individual, which can include ASL signs.

Nicole N., signing the word MORE in ASL.

Nicole N., signing the word COW in ASL. — Nicole N., signing the word MORE in ASL.

Within a session, I can connect with caregivers, families and clients to provide and model specific ASL signs/words to support clients’ communication for requesting, commenting and protesting, as well as provide a language-rich environment that can transfer outside of the sessions to daily opportunities. Supporting clients’ independence and confidence to communicate through ASL, watching vocabulary grow and develop from sign approximations to 1-word signs and move into 2+ word signing combinations is something I am grateful to watch and experience.

ASL will continue to be an ongoing learning journey for me as I grow personally and professionally, which I am proud to share within Grandview Kids!

Client Story:

Client Story:

IHMC’s theme for 2023: “Celebrating Muslim Women in the Arts & Sciences”

Some Muslim women who have made notable contributions to Canada and Canadian history across various fields:

Cerebral Palsy and the Six F-words in Childhood Disability

Owen DiManno: EKO Scholarship winner on his first year at College

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