Grandview Kids

Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

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International Sign Language Awareness Day

#TeamGrandview Article

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

This past weekend, Ari, our Research Student, had the privilege to represent Grandview Kids at the national Healthy Youth Summit in Toronto hosted by the Canadian Institute of Health Research-Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health. This impactful event took place over one and a half days.

Ari shares her experience below:

“As a youth, I was also invited to the youth dinner the night before, where I was able to meet and connect with youth from all across Canada. It was a nice icebreaker before the main event, as this was my first-ever conference!

Photo of a grey wall with a television that has a screen which says "Welcome to IHDCYH's Healthy Youth Summit.
National Healthy Youth Summit in Toronto hosted by the Canadian Institute of Health Research-Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health

During this interactive event, researchers and youth advocacies from all over the country shared meaningful thoughts and plans on how youth can be better represented in research. Powerful youth speakers spoke about their experiences and shared how stakeholders can help improve our experience in this field.

Photo of a stage with dark blue curtains and 6 white chairs facing the audience.
Set of chairs where the speakers were seated.

We all had a chance to share our own thoughts during the break-out group session, where we spoke about the gaps and opportunities for youth in 6 categories:

  1. Health and Wellness
  2. Leadership and Impact
  3. Innovation, Skills, and Learning
  4. Environment and Climate Action
  5. Truth and Reconciliation
  6. Employment

Breakfast and lunch were provided on both days, and I was delightfully surprised by how good the food was! During meals and breaks, I had the opportunity to connect with other researchers, and I was introduced to ongoing research projects I had never heard of, such as the SickKids CHILD cohort study (13 years in progress)!

I enjoyed hearing about their research and was inspired by all their hard work. As I am relatively new to the research field, it was especially helpful for me as I was able to expand my network and learn about different areas in this field.

Photo of food/breakfast on a table provided for individuals at the conference.
Breakfast provided at the conference.

The key point that I took away from the conference was that “there is no future without supporting our youth.” Creating new opportunities for youth to get involved is essential for teaching them the required skills in order to advance their careers and contribute to the research field. Maintaining a safe and supportive environment where youth are treated as equals is vital. I am grateful to already have these here at Grandview Kids.

Overall, I had an amazing experience and would like to give a huge thank you to Dr. Taryn, who provided me with this opportunity and has continued to support me through my career!”

Written by Grandview Kids Peer Navigator Jacki N.

For the past few summers, I have sat down with my four children and created a Summer Bucket List. We brainstormed 15 items that we wanted to do in the summer, then constructed our list as a family. Going to a splash pad, hosting a family baseball game, and visiting an ice cream truck always seem to make the chart. Each year, we check off most of the list, and I can prioritize what is important to my kids over the summer.

But I was thinking I may put a spin on it this year…

Self-care is essential. When you fill your own bucket, you are a better parent and caregiver. That is why, this summer, I have decided to create my own Self-Care Bucket List (and don’t worry, my children are still getting their Bucket lists). I am going to challenge other Grandview parents and caregivers to do the same thing.

By thinking about my wants, priorities and dreams, I am practicing self-care. Self-care replenishes our energy, focus and positivity; it ensures our needs are being met. So often, we get caught up in the important role of taking care of others that we forget about ourselves.

I recognize that taking time away for some may be difficult due to your child/ren’s needs. Self-care doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, but it should be meaningful and customized for you. Self-care looks different for everybody. Taking time to rest, re-charge or indulge means you will have more energy and strength to take on the next step in your parenting and caregiving journey.

Let’s see how you can commit to better self-care this summer.

Start your own Summer Self-Care Bucket List:

Grab a pen and paper and write down at least five things you want to do this summer; this equates roughly to one thing every two weeks. Think of places you may want to visit, something you have been putting off, or a new food you want to try. These items can be things you do with your loved ones or on your own. They also can be free or have a cost. The only requirement is that they are what you want to do.

Once your list is complete, put it in a location that is easily visible. Take pleasure in checking off the items on your list and loving yourself.

Here are some ideas from our Grandview Kids’ Peer Navigators’ Summer Bucket Lists:

  • Read by the water
  • Ride a roller coaster
  • Bake a cake
  • Have a spa day
  • Visit a new place
  • Take a course and learn something new
  • Bike ride in a scenic area
  • Watch a thunderstorm on the porch
  • Attend a concert
  • Revisit your love of woodworking and build a bench
  • Get hair done
  • Go on a day trip with extended family
  • Have a night away or date-night with your spouse
  • Try a new restaurant
  • Spend the day with faraway friends/family
  • Walk outside every day
  • Try Pilates
  • Watch a sunset and a sunrise
  • Start painting again

Go on… get started! What will fill your bucket?

Nominate a member of Team Grandview for the prestigious Power of One award

At Grandview Kids, we take great pride in our most valuable asset – our team.

Each member of Team Grandview gives their best every day. With every appointment, program or service delivered, our clinicians, staff, students and volunteers help build a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families. All Team Members sparkle, and we’re asking for your input to help them shine.

Has someone on Team Grandview made an impact on the life of your child, youth or family? Nominate them for the Power of One Award.

Any member of Team Grandview can be nominated, including physicians, clinicians, staff, students and volunteers.

One team member will be selected to receive the Power of One award, which will be presented at our June annual Staff Barbeque.

Submit your nomination

Nominations are now open using this online form until Friday, April 28, 2023.

Questions? Please email Communications@grandviewkids.ca.

All participants of the Bridges out of Poverty training sitting at their desks posing for a group photo.
On Monday, November 21, 2022, Team Grandview welcomed Aha! Processing Facilitator Suzie Johnson-Smith to guide our team through the Bridges out of Poverty training.

What is poverty?

For so many of us, we see poverty as a reflection of how much money is in our pockets.

But poverty is so much more.

In the Bridges out of Poverty training, Team Grandview learned that poverty is “the extent to which an individual does without resources.” The word “resources” is more than money. Resources can also include the ability to communicate in the local language, access culturally safe healthcare, and have the skills to cope with daily challenges.

We don’t all follow the same path in life. We each have different needs and access to resources. In some cases, we are born into a family with limited resources and are faced with barriers and biases that prevent us from having the resources we need. These barriers can be systematic – ingrained in the systems that are supposed to support us.

Other times, we find ourselves having steady access to resources. This helps us achieve our goals, feel safe, and connect with others. However, a crisis can send us into ‘situational poverty.’ Suddenly, we are left without the same access to resources as we once had.

When your journey leads you to Grandview Kids, we aim to welcome you, build a relationship with you, and treat you as an equal partner in your child’s care.

When you are in need of resources outside of what Grandview Kids can offer, we aim to support you and connect you to the programs and services you need. This can include additional funding to support equipment needs, local food banks, or programs that meet your child’s unique needs and interests.

A core value of Grandview Kids is to see the “whole-child and family-centred.” We look forward to learning more about the community we serve and the barriers or biases they may encounter. This work will begin in early 2023 and be guided by the voice of youth, caregivers and parents. We continue to aim to have your voice drive our programs and services.

Poverty is not an individual problem. Addressing poverty is the responsibility of all of us. Grandview Kids commits to continue to work with our community partners in the education, health and social services sectors to help bridge the gap, providing families with the resources they need so that all children and youth have what is needed to live life at their full potential.

For more information about the Bridges out of Poverty training, visit: https://www.peterborough.ca/en/city-services/bridges-out-of-poverty.aspx

References

Payne, R.K., DeVol, P.E., Dreussi-Smith, T. (2022). Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for professionals and communities. (5th EDs).

Reflecting on the first anniversary of the Durham Region Paediatric Complex Care Program

In May 2021, Grandview Kids opened its doors to children and youth with medical complexity with the launch of the Durham Region Paediatric Complex Care Program. On our first anniversary, members of the multi-disciplinary team share their reflections on how this program supports local children and youth with complex medical needs and their caregivers.

Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team posing with Zoe–the first child to access care through the program.
Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team posing with Zoe–the first child to access care through the program.

What makes the Complex Care Program so impactful for children, youth and families?

Samantha Haigh, Registered Nurse and Child and Complex Young Adult Care Coordinator with the Central East Home and Community Care Support Services said:

“The integrated, team approach to care is what is most impactful for those accessing care through the clinic. The collaborative engagement between families and health professionals from The Hospital for Sick Children, Grandview Kids, and Central East Home and Community Care Support Services help families to access appropriate services closer to home, improve system efficiency, improve shared decision-making and problem solving, optimize their child’s health, and navigate the health and social systems. Families are able to communicate their most important needs and concerns to the entire team at the clinic visit. This saves families time and energy by ensuring that all members of the health care team are aware of the current care plan. I strongly believe that participation in the Complex Care Program provides families with a sense of trust, support, and confidence as well as an opportunity for self-advocacy.”

A unique feature of the Program is the inclusion of a Peer Navigator. What benefit does this bring to families?

Christine Huang, Speech-Language Pathologist with Grandview Kids reflects:

“It is wonderful and unique that the Complex Care Clinic includes a Peer Navigator, a person with lived experience, who reaches out to families before every visit.  Families have an opportunity on that phone call to share updates and concerns, peer to peer, and ask questions.

It could be potentially overwhelming and intimidating to be in a room full of professionals on their clinic visit, so it is great that the family has someone who can be an advocate for them in that room.”

How would you describe the Program to someone who hasn’t heard of it before?

Heather-Ann Burrell, Registered Dietitian with Grandview Kids states:

“Complex care is an opportunity for families and clients to see multiple members of their healthcare team in one appointment. With the various interdisciplinary roles in the same room, families can voice their main priorities for their child and the team can work together in unison to address these priorities.”

Courtney Brazier, Recreation Therapist with Grandview Kids continues:

“The Complex Care Program is an all-inclusive clinic where clients, families and caregivers are able to connect with a comprehensive interdisciplinary team to receive coordinated, quality care. One’s interdisciplinary team may include a Paediatrician, Nurse Practitioner, Dietician, Social Worker, Care Coordinator and Family Engagement Program Assistant, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist and Recreation Therapist.”

What is something you learned since the Complex Care Program launched one year ago?

Mandy Doherty, a Social Worker with Grandview Kids shared:

“The education I receive from working with families is never-ending. It is truly a privilege to work with them. They have taught me there are no boundaries to love, humour and strength. I have learned that each family is unique and therefore, the care required is unique.

It’s also wonderful to work with the multi-disciplinary team at the clinic. My knowledge base benefits from their respective roles and what they bring to the clinic.”

Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team on the day the program launched one year ago on May 5, 2021.
Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team.

A note of thanks

It has taken a village of dedicated individuals to build this Program. Grandview Kids would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the members of the launch team, our supportive stakeholders, and our current team delivering high-quality, coordinated care to children and youth.

Project launch team members

Thank you to the members of the project launch team who worked behind the scenes to move the Program from idea to action.

Grandview Kids: Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann, Janet Isaac, Cathy Kelly,  Fadia Omer, Dr. Carolyn Hunt, Tisha Harris, Janet Isaac, Dr. Helen Wong, Dr. Tanya Buors, Marianna Wise, Andrea Belanger, Cherie Kerr, Jessica Todd, Sandie Le, Mandy Doherty, Kirsten White, Jackie Down, Christine Daley, Krista Witherspoon, Avori Cheyne, Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, Harry Deeg, Courtney Brazier, Kate Gauldie, Abby Siapno, Maritza Basaran, and Kelly O’Connor.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids): Dr. Julie Johnstone, Dr. Julia Orkin, Joanna Soscia, Kate Langrish, Katharine Williams, Jason Buera

Lakeridge Health: Julie Rojas, Dr. Joan Abohwheyere

Central East Home and Community Care Support Services: Tracey Raymore, Laszlo Cifra, Nousha Naweed, Kim Grieg

Strategy Systems: Priya Rana

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