Grandview Kids

Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

Posted

Ontario Shores and Abilities Centre Announce Expansion of Joint Research Ethics Board, Welcoming Grandview Kids

Media Release

Durham Region shines as a beacon of research excellence, a vibrant “hub” where innovation melds seamlessly with ambition, sparking a transformative journey poised to reshape the very essence of healthcare’s future. Amidst this ever-evolving landscape, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) and Abilities Centre welcome Grandview Kids into their Joint Research Ethics Board (REB). The grand unveiling of this expansion occurred on November 3, marking a milestone in the extraordinary journey of these visionary institutions. This expansion is not merely a partnership; it stands as a resounding testament to the unwavering dedication of each partner to propel research forward, transcending not only the boundaries of Durham Region but reaching far and wide.

The Joint REB, now expanded to include Grandview Kids, exemplifies Ontario Shores’ leadership in fostering community research initiatives. This collaborative effort introduces a new era of streamlined and efficient ethical research review processes while opening doors to broader research collaboration. It symbolizes the region’s resolve to lead in the pursuit of innovative healthcare solutions, shaping the future of healthcare not just for its residents but for the world. With Grandview Kids joining our collaborative effort, we are building upon the sturdy foundation of Durham Region’s ongoing journey in research and innovation, propelling it even further. The ripple effect of this expansion will resonate widely, amplifying the forward-thinking purpose that defines our rapidly expanding ‘hub’ of research excellence.

Key Messages:

  • Strategic partnership: The Joint REB expansion demonstrates Ontario Shores’ dedication to purposeful partnerships that advance equitable access to care across the healthcare continuum.
  • Supporting research collaboration: This expansion directly supports the “Research Collaboration” pillar outlined in the Abilities Centre–Ontario Shores MOU, enhancing the research landscape in Durham Region.
  • Facilitating research: The Joint REB facilitates research collaboration among its partners. It provides a structured framework for onboarding potential research partners in the future.
  • Exploring new research avenues: With Grandview Kids now part of this collaborative effort, the expanded Joint Research Ethics Board (REB) signifies our shared commitment to advancing the field of childhood disability research. This expansion streamlines ethical research review processes and creates exciting opportunities for Ontario Shores, Abilities Centre, and Grandview Kids to explore new research avenues, pursuing innovative areas that extend beyond traditional boundaries.

The partnership expansion marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of excellence in research, and its application to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals within the Region of Durham.

Quotes:

  •  “We are delighted to welcome Grandview Kids into our Joint REB partnership. This expansion exemplifies our commitment to fostering research collaboration and promoting equitable access to mental health care.” – Karim Mamdani, President and CEO, Ontario Shores.
  • ” The Joint REB expansion underscores our shared commitment to research and its pivotal role in enhancing mental health services. We look forward to the opportunities that this collaboration will bring.” – Pinder DaSilva, VP-Programs, Partnerships & Impact, Abilities Centre
  • “Grandview Kids is excited to join forces with Ontario Shores and Abilities Centre in this Joint REB partnership. Together, we aim to explore new research avenues that benefit our community.” – Tom McHugh, CEO, Grandview Kids

Distinguished leaders and key figures in the Joint Research Ethics Board expansion ceremony (from left to right):
1.    Emilie Michalovic – Director, Research – Abilities Centre
2.    Tim Pauley – Director, Research & Academics – Ontario Shores
3.    Karim Mamdani – President & CEO – Ontario Shores
4.    Tom McHugh – CEO – Grandview Kids
5.    Ross Ste. Croix – General Manager and COO – Abilities Centre
6.    Taryn Eickmeier – Executive Lead, Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Mobilization – Grandview Kids
7.    Emma Markoff – Joint Research Ethics Board Coordinator & Research Coordinator – Ontario Shores
8.    Shilpa Dogra – Joint Research Ethics Board Chair – Ontario Shores (and Associate Professor, Ontario Tech)

Media Contacts

Julie VanHartingsveldt 
External Relations Specialist, Communications and Public Affairs  
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
905-430-4055 ext. 6574
289-387-1813
vanhartingsveldtj@ontarioshores.ca

Pinder DaSilva
Senior Director, Programs & Services
Abilities Centre
905-665-8500 ext. 112
289-278-4430
pdasilva@abilitiescentre.org

Avori Cheyne 
Chief Communications 
Grandview Kids 
1320 Airport Blvd, Oshawa, ON L1J 0C6
Office: 905-728-1673 x2240
Toll Free: 1-800-304-6180 x2240
Cell: 647-631-2668
avori.cheyne@grandviewkids.ca

About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences:

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is a leader in mental health care, providing a range of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system. 

Learn more at ontarioshores.ca

About Abilities Centre Durham:

Abilities Centre provides accessible and inclusive programs and services of the highest quality and value. We support members of the community, no matter their ability, age or background, to improve their quality of life by positively impacting health & wellbeing, social inclusion and economic participation. Abilities Centre, a community hub and inclusion incubator, is committed to building accessible and inclusive communities through programs and services in the areas of education, employment, sport, recreation & leisure, research and life skills.

Learn more at abilitiescentre.org

About Grandview Kids:

Founded in 1953, Grandview Kids is a family-centred, independently operated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Through specialized programs, rehabilitation services and outpatient clinical therapies, Grandview Kids supports children and youth to live life at their full potential

Learn more at grandviewkids.ca

Holland Bloorview’s Extensive Needs Service partners with Grandview Kids, Michael Garron Hospital and Surrey Place so more families can access care closer to home

TORONTO, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 —  With limited financial resources, Anthea Charles has struggled to find the right care and services to help her son Idika function outside their home. Since turning 15 years old, his meltdowns have included aggressive and destructive behaviour that his family had never seen before and has made school attendance increasingly difficult. His inability to communicate with his family and loved ones made it almost impossible to know how to help him — until Idika was able to receive care through Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s new Extensive Needs Service.

Now, more children and youth, like Idika, with complex and extensive care, neurodevelopmental and behavioural needs can receive timely, personalized, wrap-around supports – right in their own neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area, thanks to the partnership announced today by Holland Bloorview, Grandview Kids, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and Surrey Place.

This regional partnership comes on the heels of the April 2023 launch of the Extensive Needs Service (ENS) program through which Holland Bloorview, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and McMaster Children’s Hospital are providing critical specialized neurodevelopmental health services to over 1,000 families annually.

Funded by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, this program was developed for children who have multiple neurodevelopmental, behavioural, medical and physical needs, as well as social vulnerabilities – kids who have otherwise fallen through the cracks of a complex health and developmental services system.

Overall, the program is designed to reduce barriers to accessing timely, evidence-based treatment for some of the most vulnerable children in the province.

Families participating in the Extensive Needs Service can connect to a team of professionals, including physicians, social workers, occupational therapists and behavioural consultants who work together to provide tailored support based on the individual needs of the child or youth and their families. Services are individualized, trauma-informed and can include prescribing or adjusting medications; goal-directed behaviour therapy; mental health assessments and treatment; social work, such as counselling for parents and caregivers; and other specialized interventions to support children and youth to build skills, such as communication and self-regulation.

 As the SmartStart Hub for Toronto, Surrey Place will serve as an entry point to help families navigate to and access care through the Extensive Needs Service with dedicated service coordinators who will work closely with families to coordinate their care at Holland Bloorview’s Extensive Needs Service program.

Toronto families interested in the Extensive Needs Service program and who are not currently receiving care at Holland Bloorview can connect with Surrey Place online or by calling 1-833-575-KIDS (5437) to inquire about their eligibility to access these supports. For Anthea, Holland Bloorview’s Extensive Needs Service Program has given her reason to hope again. Since Idika was enrolled in the program early this spring, she has noticed that he is more expressive, more patient and more flexible. “I feel like I’m getting my son back. I can’t thank the program staff enough for how they’ve helped my son so much now.”

Quotes:

“Our government is improving the experiences and long-term outcomes for children and youth with complex special needs. We are investing $97 million in the Extensive Needs Service pilot program to support more than 1,000 children with complex special needs every year,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “When children and families can access services tailored to their needs, the short and long-term outcomes for children improve, as do their parents’ well-being.”  – Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

“Our government is taking action by working with our health partners to connect children and youth and their families to specialized care, closer to home. This new and innovative partnership will ensure children and youth with complex needs in Toronto and Durham Region can access the care and services they need and deserve in their community.” – Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“This new partnership between Holland Bloorview, Grandview Kids, Michael Garron Hospital and Surrey Place will provide access to Extensive Needs Service program to more families of children with complex care needs in the Greater Toronto Area. Instead of spending time navigating a complex system, families will be able to get their care their child needs and deserves in a way that is connected and convenient.” – Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance

“By joining forces with our new partners, children, youth and their families living in Toronto and Durham Region can receive the specialized care they need closer to their homes and delivered by their local healthcare teams. Thanks to the support from the Government of Ontario, we are helping to support a health system that is more agile, socially accountable and accessible to families.” –  Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO of Holland Bloorview

“We are honoured to partner with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to implement an Extensive Needs Service Program in Durham Region. Children with extensive needs, living in our community, deserve to have access to coordinated, responsive care close to home. This reduces the burden on these families to travel long distances to see their providers, which only further exacerbates the caregiver burnout so many experience due to the current lack of support for this vulnerable population. ”  Tom McHugh, CEO, Grandview Kids

“As a mother, I have done everything I can for my children and it’s still not enough. Available resources are greatly limited, waitlists are long, being selected for funding is akin to playing the lottery and costs to procure private services are high. The Extensive Needs Service is helping prevent us from losing our kids and our home. Rory’s therapy is vital to her life and the wellbeing of our entire family.” –  Jamie, mom to Rory who is receiving care from Grandview Kids

“MGH is excited to partner with Holland Bloorview to launch this critical service in early 2024 to meet the needs of children, youth and families in East Toronto. Most importantly, this service is close to home, low-barrier, with timely, personalized care based on each child’s need. ” –  Dr. Krista Lemke, medical director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

“We are thrilled to be part of the Extensive Needs Service and are honoured to join all our partners to provide more seamless and personalized health services for families who need it the most. Surrey Place has a unique role in this partnership, acting as the entry point to help families access and navigate care through Extensive Needs Service. In our role as the lead agency for coordinated service planning, our focus is to reduce barriers for families with children and youth who have multiple or complex special needs, and connect them with the right services and supports, based on their strengths and needs. Our dedicated service coordinators will work alongside families to determine goals for services, coordinate and make referrals to the right community supports, and ensure families are at the center of the decision-making process.” –  Terri Hewitt, CEO, Surrey Place

About Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital believes in creating a world where all youth and children belong. We are the only children’s rehabilitation hospital in Canada focused on combining world-class care, transformational research, and academic leadership in the field of child and youth rehabilitation and disability. We are a top 40 Canadian research hospital that is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Providing both inpatient and outpatient services, Holland Bloorview is renowned for its expertise in co-creating with clients and families to provide exceptional care and is the only organization to ever achieve 100 per cent in three successive quality surveys by Accreditation Canada. Holland Bloorview is a founding member of Kids Health Alliance, a network of partners working to create a high quality, consistent and coordinated approach to pediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families. Together we dream big. Together we champion a world of possibility.

About Grandview Kids

Founded in 1953, Grandview Kids is a family-centred, independently operated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Through specialized programs, rehabilitation services and outpatient clinical therapies, Grandview Kids supports children and youth to live life at their full potential. Learn more at grandviewkids.ca.

About Michael Garron Hospital

Nestled in the heart of East Toronto, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is a vibrant community teaching hospital serving more than 400,000 people in 22 distinct neighbourhoods. For more than 90 years, MGH has delivered high-quality, patient-centred healthcare services to families along the continuum of care, from welcoming a new life to facing end-of-life. MGH is a full-service hospital with strong community and research partners, including the University of Toronto. MGH is a proud member of East Toronto Health Partners, the Ontario Health Team serving East Toronto.

About Surrey Place

Surrey Place is a leading provider of services and support for individuals with confirmed or suspected developmental or intellectual disability. With over 60 years of experience in the field, Surrey Place is committed to providing exceptional care and support to help individuals achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Suelan Toye
Senior Research Communications Specialist
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Cell: 416-520-7953
stoye@hollandbloorview.ca

Avori Cheyne
Chief Communications Officer | Executive Lead, Strategic Communications, Partnerships, Engagement
Grandview Kids
avori.cheyne@grandviewkids.ca

Alison Shouldice
Senior Communications Specialist
Michael Garron Hospital
alison.shouldice@tehn.ca

Betty Kim
Senior Communications Specialist
Surrey Place
betty.kim@surreyplace.ca

$200,000 Partnership Development Grant advances field of disability research in Durham Region

Research shows that children and youth from equity-deserving communities experience health care differently from their peers. Sometimes these experiences are affected by multiple identities, such as race, gender or disability. Together with Ontario Tech University, Grandview Kids hopes to better understand the barriers, biases and inequities faced by children and youth with developmental concerns when they are waiting and accessing paediatric rehabilitation.

To help address these critical societal issues, Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University secured a $200,000 Partnership Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). This funding will help advance the field of childhood disability research, strengthening the ongoing collaborative efforts of Ontario Tech University and Grandview Kids, which formalized a partnership in February 2023 to advance research, innovation and education in Durham Region.

“Grandview Kids is dedicated to providing culturally-safe care to all children, youth and caregivers. Through this investigative research, we will advance our work, alongside our Family Advocates, to find a way to better understand the communities we serve. This is an exciting next step in our ongoing partnership with Ontario Tech University.”

Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids
  • Partnership Development Grants support formal partnerships between academic researchers, community organizations and other partners that will advance knowledge and understanding on critical issues of intellectual, social, economic and cultural significance.
  • The grants allow partners to design and test new approaches to research and its real-world applications, foster valuable research relationships and networks across sectors, and provide hands-on training for students and new scholars.

The SSHRC funding will enable the partners to conduct research that will help shape the future of culturally-safe care at Grandview Kids and beyond. The three-year project is titled, “Building knowledge and understanding of the intersection of race and disability in accessing pediatric rehabilitation services.”

  • Dr. Meghann Lloyd from Ontario Tech University and Dr. Taryn Eickmeier from Grandview Kids are Co-Directors for this research. Dr. Lloyd is also the Senior Research Associate for Grandview Kids, while Dr. Eickmeier serves as an Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University.
  • Co-applicants include: Dr. Robert Balogh (Ontario Tech), Dr. Lesley Jacobs (Ontario Tech), Janicka Auguste (Grandview Kids), Maritza Basaran (Grandview Kids) and Yvonne Mais (The Regional Municipality of Durham).

“This grant demonstrates the strength of the partnership between Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University. It provides the resources to ask some critical and timely research questions related to the intersection of race and disability when accessing paediatric rehabilitation services. The grant will provide numerous opportunities for students to get involved in meaningful research, while also enabling us to uncover how best to deliver culturally-safe care to children, youth and their families.”

Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Associate Professor, Ontario Tech University and Senior Research Associate at Grandview Kids

This SSHRC-funded research study is the next focus for Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University’s formal partnership, amplifying the organizations’ shared objective to co-create ethical, sound research that is clinically-relevant and community-informed. The partnership also enables further exploration of experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, joint research activities across different faculties, academic and non-academic programming, innovation, and entrepreneurship that connects students and faculty with the community, and builds new engagement and outreach across Durham Region and beyond.

Together, Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University are contributing to cutting-edge science that will advance clinical and educational opportunities for the children of the future.

About Ontario Tech University

A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact:

Avori Cheyne

Chief Communications Officer

Grandview Kids

647-631-2668

Avori.cheyne@grandviewkids.ca

As Grandview Kids embarks on expanding its reach in research, innovation and knowledge mobilization, it has recently welcomed Dr. Fiona Moola as a formal Research Associate. Dr. Moola is an Associate Professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University and comes with a long history of research excellence across many children’s hospitals in Canada. She is also a status-only professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto. Dr. Moola is also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and operates a small therapy practice for kids and families. Dr. Moola is the second Research Associate to join Grandview Kids.

Grandview Kids is pleased to welcome Dr. Moola as our newest Research Associate. Partnering with her, and harnessing her incredible passion and expertise, we will advance our research efforts to deliver more innovative, evidence-informed and culturally safe services for thousands of children and youth with communication, developmental and physical needs.

Tom McHugh, CEO, Grandview Kids
Maritza Basaran, Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, Dr. Fiona Moola and Nivatha Moothathamby posing for a photo at the Grandview Kids Main Site in Oshawa shortly after welcoming Dr. Fiona Moola as Grandview Kids' new Research Associate.
From left to right: Maritza Basaran (Grandview Kids), Dr. Taryn Eickmeier (Grandview Kids), Dr. Fiona Moola (TMU) and Nivatha Moothathamby (TMU)

The partnership is built on the founding values of Grandview Kids: Caring and commitment, whole-child and family-centred, trust and respect, innovation and continuous learning, accountability, and excellence. Together with Dr. Fiona Moola, Grandview Kids Executive Lead of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization, Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, will be able to inform culturally-safe practices to support all clients and caregivers. This partnership advances a commitment to engage children, youth and caregivers in research and innovation – especially in equity-deserving and marginalized communities.

Over the past three years, I have enjoyed many research-interactions with Grandview Kids. Their research is deeply rooted in an ethics of care, humility, listening, decolonization, relationality, and reciprocity with researchers and participants. It brings me great joy to join Grandview Kids as a formal Research Associate in partnership with the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Together, across Grandview Kids and TMU, I look forward to elevating and amplifying paediatric disability research and discovery in Canada with a particular emphasis on listening to the voices of marginalized communities through an equity lens. I feel privileged and honoured that Grandview Kids has generously opened their doors. I look forward to leaving a lasting footprint on paediatric disability research in Canada with Grandview Kids.

Dr. Fiona Moola, Grandview Kids Research Associate

As the only Children’s Treatment Centre in the Durham Region, Grandview Kids is committed to ensuring all children and youth have equitable access to developmental and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, it is imperative that these services are evidence-informed and ethical. Partnerships with researchers, like Dr. Moola, can help ensure clinical and medical staff are delivering the best available therapies and treatments to clients, in a way that supports goals that are meaningful for each family.

More information about Dr. Fiona Moola and the Grandview Kids Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization portfolio can be found on our Research page.

About Dr. Moola

Dr. Fiona J. Moola is an Associate Professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies in the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Moola is a Canadian-South African who is the daughter of anti-apartheid activists from South Africa. Dr. Moola is a woman of colour.

Dr. Moola completed Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral Degrees at the University of Toronto, graduating in 2011. She completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Concordia University in 2012 before joining the Faculty at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Moola comes with a long history of excellence across many children’s in Canada where she has maintained many lines of research. These include a) children with disabilities, play, and physical activity, b) childhood disability and the arts, c) marginalized childhoods, and d) childhood disability, narrative, and storytelling. Dr. Moola also maintains ongoing lines of research in Indigenous childhoods and children’s mental health.

Dr. Moola’s research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Research, TMU, VERTEX, the Holland Bloorview Foundation, and the University of Toronto. Dr. Moola’s work is strongly committed to principles of critical health psychology, social justice, and anti-oppression. Thus far, Dr. Moola has contributed 55 publications (articles and book chapters) to the academic peer reviewed literature. Fiona is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and has a small therapy practice. Fiona also teaches and delivers equity, diversity, and inclusion workshops. Dr. Moola is delighted to join Grandview Kids as its second Research Associate.

Media Contact

Avori Cheyne

Chief Communications Officer

Grandview Kids

647-631-2660

Avori.Cheyne@grandviewkids.ca

February 13, 2023

Ajax Public Library and Grandview Kids signed a formal partnership agreement on Friday, February 10, 2023, reaffirming a shared commitment to education, inclusivity and community engagement. The agreement includes establishing an Ajax Public Library branch within Grandview Kids’ new Paediatric Centre of Excellence, currently under construction in Ajax. The dedicated Ajax Public Library – Grandview Kids Branch will ensure the surrounding community has access to vital services and resources, while also supporting the ongoing need for inclusive and welcoming community spaces.

We are inspired by and appreciative of the support we’ve received.

Tom McHugh, Grandview Kids CEO

With a focus on hope, belonging, discovery and celebration, the new Grandview Kids will be a Centre of Excellence in paediatric rehabilitation, set to open in fall 2024.

Grandview Kids currently provides specialized supports to children and youth with communication, developmental and physical needs at eight locations across Durham Region. Grandview Kids’ new, welcoming, state-of-the-art headquarters will support seamless, coordinated and client-driven care – home to a mix of rehabilitation, medical and clinical services, as well as education and research activities. The new Centre will help reduce wait times and improve access to a broader range of services for young people with disabilities and their families.

The Ajax Public Library – Grandview Kids Branch will be open to all members of the public during the facility’s regular operating hours. Branch customers can look forward to borrowing Sensory Kits and a mix of fiction and non-fiction items, as well as requesting items from any other Library location for pick-up at the Grandview Kids location. Computer access and educational programming will also be offered.

Our unique partnership will improve the service we deliver to our shared community.

Sarah Vaisler, Chief Librarian and Executive Officer of Ajax Public Library

The two organizations previously collaborated on other initiatives, including “Sensory Story Times” and “Sensory Support Kits.” Both are available from Ajax Public Library, but created with input from Grandview Kids to offer inclusive learning experiences in-library or at home. Storytimes are open to all, and kits can be borrowed by anyone with an Ajax Public Library card.

  • Tom McHugh (left) and Sarah Vaisler (right) shaking hands after signing the MOU.
  • Tom McHugh (left) and Sarah Vaisler (right)
  • Grandview Kids CEO, Tom McHugh
  • Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor for Ajax (Ward 1) Marilyn Crawford

About Ajax Public Library

Ajax Public Library is the gateway to information and resources that improve the quality of life, foster life-long learning, encourage community involvement, and meet the varying educational and social needs of all members of its communities. More information about current Library services can be found on the Library’s website at www.ajaxlibrary.ca.

For updates, be sure to follow the Library on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

About Grandview Kids

Grandview Kids – founded in 1953 – is an independently operated, not-for-profit Children’s Treatment Centre in Durham Region. A Centre of Excellence for paediatric assessment, care and rehabilitation, Grandview Kids provides specialized programs, medical services, and outpatient clinical treatment and support to thousands of children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs, as well as support for parents and caregivers. Its mission is to help every child and youth live life at their full potential. Learn more at grandviewkids.ca or follow @GrandviewKids on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media contacts

Avori Cheyne

Chief Communications Officer

Grandview Kids

647-631-2668 (cell)

avori.cheyne@grandviewkids.ca | www.grandviewkids.ca

Kiley Percy

Coordinator of Marketing and Communications

Ajax Public Library

905-683-4000 ext. 8819

kiley.percy@ajaxlibrary.ca | www.ajaxlibrary.ca

February 2, 2023

Ontario Tech University and Grandview Kids logos positioned next to each other.

Long-established community partners Grandview Kids and Ontario Tech University are celebrating their shared commitment to advancing research, innovation and education in Durham Region through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Grandview Kids, Durham Region’s only Children’s Treatment Centre, provides specialized paediatric rehabilitation care and services to children and youth with communication, physical or developmental needs, as well as support to parents and caregivers. The organization values using scientific evidence and innovation to address the challenges experienced by its clients. It also recognizes the need to explore novel interventions to improve clinical, therapeutic and medical care for children and youth with disabilities.

Recently named Ontario’s best small research-intensive university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. The university focuses on promoting health and community engagement of vulnerable individuals and groups, including people with disabilities, and the social, political, economic, and cultural contexts linked to social determinants of health.

Signed during a ceremony on February 2, 2023, the MOU outlines Ontario Tech’s and Grandview Kids’ shared objective to co-create ethical, sound research that is clinically-relevant and community-informed. The MOU will enable further exploration of experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, joint research activities across different faculties, academic and non-academic programming, innovation, and entrepreneurship that connects students and faculty with the community, and builds new engagement and outreach across Durham Region and beyond.

The research opportunities enabled by Ontario Tech provide families who access services at Grandview Kids with enhanced opportunities to potentially benefit their child’s development. The partnership also contributes to the cutting-edge science that will advance clinical and educational opportunities for the children of the future.

The agreement builds on Ontario Tech Faculty of Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Meghann Lloyd’s decade-long leadership as the Grandview Kids Research Associate, conducting research and championing advocacy for children with disabilities and their families. As part of solidifying the MOU, Dr. Lloyd will continue in her role as Grandview Kids’ Senior Research Associate, and Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, Executive Lead for Research Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization at Grandview Kids, has been warmly welcomed by Ontario Tech as an Adjunct Professor.

Quotes

Ontario Tech University is exceptionally proud of the legacy of its long-standing relationship with Grandview Kids, and how our shared commitment to innovative research has delivered solutions to benefit families in Durham Region. Our agreement solidifies our ongoing work to support the families of children and youth with disabilities, and serves as a powerful example of how the pursuit of discovery, innovation, ideas, and insights can translate into real-world, community-led, evidence-informed initiatives.

Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

Grandview Kids has long benefited from collaboration with Ontario Tech University, using evidence-informed research to improve programs and services for children and youth with communication, developmental and physical needs. We are eager to strengthen our alliance with the University through this formal agreement, partnering in new ways to drive local innovation for those we serve, support, teach and employ across Durham Region.

Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids

It has been my honour and my privilege to have been welcomed into the Grandview community over the past 12 years. The research my students and I have accomplished would not have been possible without the trust and support of the staff, clinicians, and most of all the families who access services at Grandview Kids. The work we do is first and foremost focused on the children and their families; I am forever grateful for all the lessons I have learned from each child who has been welcomed into my lab for a research study. I am delighted to continue in my new role as a Senior Research Associate at Grandview Kids with this new MOU in place to drive our partnership forward.

Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Associate Professor, Ontario Tech University and Senior Research Associate at Grandview Kids
  • Grandview Kids CEO, Tom McHugh
  • Ontario Tech University President, Steven Murphy
  • Ontario Tech University Associate Professor Dr. Meghann Lloyd
  • Tom McHugh and Steven Murphy signing the MOU
  • Tom and Steven with Ontario Tech University mascot Hunter the Ridgeback and team members
  • From left to right: Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Tom McHugh, Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann, Steven Murphy, Leslie Suite and Dr. Les Jacobs
  • From left to right: Janicka Auguste, Maritza Basaran, Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, Dr. Meghann Lloyd and Dr. Danielle Saney

About Ontario Tech University

A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as a university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

About Grandview Kids

Grandview Kids – founded in 1953 – is an independently operated, not-for-profit Children’s Treatment Centre in Durham Region. A Centre of Excellence for paediatric assessment, care and rehabilitation, Grandview Kids provides specialized programs, medical services, and outpatient clinical treatment and support to thousands of children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs, as well as support for parents and caregivers. Its mission is to help every child and youth live life to their full potential. Learn more at grandviewkids.ca or follow @GrandviewKids on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media contacts

Bryan Oliver

Communications Officer

Ontario Tech University

289.928.3653 (mobile)

Bryan.Oliver@ontariotechu.ca

Avori Cheyne

Chief Communications Officer

Grandview Kids

647.631.2668 (mobile)
Avori.Cheyne@grandviewkids.ca

You Have Questions

We’d like to help you find the answers…

Contact Us Today