“Grandview will always have my heart”: Brad’s story 

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., they helped create what is now known as the 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 issues and perspectives that matter 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 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 remains one of the biggest obstacles. 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 staff 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.”