July and August: Dates of Significance

In July and August, we acknowledge Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, International Non-Binary People’s Day, Fragile X Awareness Day, National Disability Independence Day, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, MedicAlert Awareness Month, International Assistance Dog Week, International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, World Humanitarian Day, and International Overdose Awareness Day. Below, read more about each date of significance, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month

July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, which focuses on raising awareness about cleft lip and palate. A cleft lip is a condition characterized by an opening in the upper lip. It occurs as early as the first three months of pregnancy and can cause problems with speech, hearing and social development. There are three different types of cleft lip and palate:

• Unilateral incomplete
• Unilateral complete
• Bilateral complete

Most of the time, a cleft lip can be treated with corrective surgery, allowing children born with this condition to live full and happy lives. However, in regions without access to proper medical care, a cleft lip can go untreated, leading to further problems. Learning about cleft lip and supporting research and awareness efforts will help ensure everyone has equal access to the best treatment and care.

July 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day

First celebrated in 2012, International Non-Binary People’s Day is observed annually on July 14, exactly at the midway point between International Men’s Day and International Women’s Day. It raises awareness of the issues faced by non-binary people and celebrates their rich diversity.

Non-binary is an umbrella term for gender identities that do not fit within the traditional gender binary of man/woman, including agender, bigender, genderfluid and genderqueer. These identities can be culturally specific, and some individuals may use “non-binary” as a specific identity.

Why this matters to us: In our work serving children and youth with developmental and physical disabilities, it’s vital that we create an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all gender identities. Recognizing and respecting non-binary identities helps us foster a more understanding and empathetic community, which in turn allows the individuals we serve to feel safe and valued.

How you can support individuals who identify as non-binary

• Educate yourself: Learn about the history and diversity of non-binary identities across different cultures and times. Understanding that non-binary people have always existed helps promote respect and empathy.
• Diversify your media consumption: Engage with content created by non-binary and transgender individuals to gain a broader perspective and reduce misunderstandings and biases.
• Raise awareness: Share your knowledge about non-binary identities with friends, family and colleagues. By addressing common myths and answering questions, you can help create a more open and respectful environment.
• Include pronouns: Add your pronouns to your email signature, Teams profile and when introducing yourself in meetings. This practice normalizes sharing pronouns and helps ensure everyone’s identities are respected.

July 22: Fragile X Awareness Day

World Fragile X Awareness Day is on July 22. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause cognitive impairment, anxiety and developmental delays. It was named Fragile X because when looking at the X chromosome through a microscope, part of it looks ‘fragile’ or ‘broken’. This condition can also be called Martin-Bell Syndrome.

FRAXA Research lists a few ways to get involved this year

• Spread the word about Fragile X Day on social media
• Organize a ‘learn about Fragile X’ event in schools, your community or through online platforms
• Share personal stories through media outlets

July 26: National Disability Independence Day

Since 1990, National Disability Independence Day has been observed annually on July 26. It recognizes the importance of independence for individuals with disabilities. The day also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the United States. In Canada, this day also recognizes section 15 under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These pieces of legislation help to ensure that people of all abilities can live to their fullest potential.

Here at Grandview Kids, we strive to help support our clients’ independence in many ways,  taking a strengths-based approach to child development. In addition, we actively promote acceptance and inclusion for people of all abilities. This is reflected in our value of “Belonging” and championed through our Ability Acceptance Program. If you’d like to know more about how you can become an Inclusive Ally, sign up for an Ability Acceptance presentation – available to schools, child care centres and local businesses.

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) awareness month. SMA is a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy (the act of muscles getting smaller). The nerves controlling muscle strength and movement are unable to send signals from the brain to the muscles to make them move. It can affect the ability of a person to crawl, walk, sit up, and control head movements. Severe SMA can even damage the muscles used for breathing and swallowing. There are five types of SMA, differing in severity and when signs and symptoms are displayed. There is no cure for SMA, but ongoing medical treatment, such as equipment for breathing support, leg braces, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, can help patients living with SMA002E

Organizations like Grandview Kids desire to raise awareness of SMA and how it affects SMA families. Children and adults with SMA rely heavily on the invaluable support provided by these organizations. This August, we will come together as a community to raise awareness to improve outcomes for patients across Canada, holding onto hope for greater advances in treatment needs and opportunities for people with SMA.

August is MedicAlert Awareness Month

August is MedicAlert Awareness Month. MedicAlert® identification bracelets or tags alert emergency personnel to a member’s primary health conditions, medications, allergies, or implanted medical devices and notify them of specific advance directions. At Grandview Kids, we may see children wearing a bracelet or necklace that includes their name, medical condition, and the contact information of a caregiver. The intent is for the bracelet/necklace to speak on one’s behalf and share critical information that may be able to save one’s life.

The MedicAlert Foundation was founded by the father of 14-year-old Linda Collins of Turlock, California, in 1953 after she cut her finger badly and had to go to the hospital. During standard procedures, Linda went into anaphylactic shock and nearly died. Linda and her father, a doctor, sent the design to a jeweller in San Francisco who designed the first MedicAlert bracelet.

To learn more about a MedicAlert bracelet and the services provided by the MedicAlert Foundation of Canada, visit https://www.medicalert.ca/about-us.

August 4 to 10: International Assistance Dog Week

International Assistance Dog Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the amazing work that service dogs do for their handlers each and every day. Dogs have been used as service animals since the 1700s when dogs would comfort soldiers who were wounded at war. When people tend to think of service dogs, they often think of service dogs that are used as guide dogs for those who are visually impaired; the first service dogs were trained for this purpose in 1942 in California. Since then, dogs have been trained for a wide range of additional uses, including caring for individuals with ADHD, epilepsy, mobility challenges, anxiety, hearing impairments and autism.

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

According to the United Nations, Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous Peoples today are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and ways of life.

To build on the recognition and awareness of Indigenous Peoples, August 9 has become the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day honours and celebrates the culture, rights, and resilience of these groups and continues the effort to protect their human rights and dignity.

“Indigenous Peoples live in all regions of the world and own, occupy or use some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370-500 million, Indigenous Peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.” (Unesco)

There are many ways to recognize International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, but the most important way to build awareness is through learning, self-discovery and understanding.

• Attend a virtual Indigenous Peoples’ Day event.
• Look for online webinars and celebrations to learn about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Practice land acknowledgement.
• Donate to organizations that support Indigenous peoples.
• Attend a local event or Pow Wow.
• Visit indigenous restaurants, shops or food trucks and try some culture and food!

August 19: World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day falls on August 19. This day was designated to commemorate the memory of the August 19, 2003, bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which sadly claimed the lives of 22 people, including the chief humanitarian in Iraq.

This day was formalized in 2009 and now highlights the importance, effectiveness, and positive impact of Humanitarianism. It is a day to pay tribute to the lives lost due to humanitarian work and to honour all aid and health workers who continue to provide life-saving support to people most in need.

August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day, held annually on August 31, is dedicated to ending overdose, remembering those who have died without stigma and acknowledging the grief of families and friends left behind. As the world’s largest annual campaign focused on this issue, it raises awareness about one of the most pressing public health crises and promotes action and discussion around evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. The day spreads the critical message that drug overdose deaths are preventable and highlights the profound impact these tragedies have on families and communities.

The theme for 2024, “Together we can,” underscores the power of community in combating overdose. It emphasizes the strength found in collective efforts to provide support, raise awareness, and advocate for change. By participating in the global movement on August 31, we stand in solidarity with those affected by overdose, promoting the prevention and reduction of drug-related harm through informed policies and practices. This day reminds us that by working together, we can create a more compassionate and informed society and make a significant impact on preventing overdoses.

Click here to learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day.