Empowered Kids Ontario
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empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Empowered Kids Ontario
@empoweredkidson.bsky.social
62 followers 79 following 80 posts
We represent Ontario’s publicly funded developmental health sector – the organizations that provide leading clinical treatment and support so kids with disabilities and developmental differences and their families can live their best lives.
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Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
fibrocanada.bsky.social
Upcoming Hangouts:

• Dec 23 - FAC Christmas Party
• Dec 30 – Games Night
• Jan 6 – Journal Night

Drop in for a few minutes or stay the whole time, camera on or off. You’re welcome exactly as you are.

fibrocanada.ca/en/a-place-t...

You belong here. 💜
Upcoming Hangouts: • Dec 23 - FAC Christmas Party • Dec 30 – Games Night • Jan 6 – Journal Night Drop in for a few minutes or stay the whole time, camera on or off. You’re welcome exactly as you are. https://fibrocanada.ca/en/a-place-to-feel-connected-this-season-facs-holiday-hangouts-are-back You belong here. 💜
December 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
immunizecanada.bsky.social
Teens and young adults | Don’t let the flu get you down this season. Boost your protection. #GetImmunized! | www.immunize.ca/sites/defau... #influenza #flu #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives #FluSeason
www.immunize.ca
December 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Looking for something meaningful for kids to read over the holidays? 📚

Our Member of the Month, the Children's Treatment Network, has a huge list of book recommendations for kids, youth and families.

https://www.ctnsy.ca/Online-Resource-Centre/For-kids.aspx
The Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York post, featuring an invitation to get book-ready for the holidays with a list of favourite books, including those with positive disability representation. The design includes purple geometric shapes and a right-pointing arrow indicating further content. Cover of the children's book 'Jake's New Friend' from the 'I Can Read!' series, featuring two animated animals, one riding a bicycle and the other in a wheelchair, in a park setting. Book cover of 'Thank You, Mr. Falker' by Patricia Polacco, featuring an illustration of a teacher assisting a student with reading. Logo of Empowered Ontario is also displayed. Cover of the book 'Zoom!' by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, featuring an excited child in a multi-coloured, bike-styled wheelchair.
December 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
macupediatrics.bsky.social
✨ Research Wrapped 2025 ✨

From a new Canada Research Chair to a $1.5M study reshaping how kids move, this year was big for child health research at McMaster.

Learn more about our top research moments. ⬇️
pediatrics.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/research-wra...

#pedsky #medsky #research #education
December 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Apple’s fun new video shows exactly what’s possible when people with disabilities help shape the story.

Read the story and watch the video here:
https://bit.ly/4iwoxtz

#AccessibilityForAll #IDPD2025 #InclusiveDesign #empoweredkidsontario
Apple Puts Accessibility Center Stage in a Joyful Campus Musical
Apple ad casts disabled students in a joyful campus musical.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 6:11 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Dr. Lewis and Dr. Sukhai – recipients of the 2025 EKO Tribute Award for Partnership – were instrumental in the creation of a new "AI standard".

Catch the announcement here:
https://bit.ly/4rH6qVI

Dive into their Tribute Award on our website here: https://bit.ly/44bVS75
Accessibility Standards Canada, under whose auspices this Standard has been produced, is a Government of Canada departmental corporation mandated through the Accessible Canada Act. Accessibility Standards Canada’s Standards contribute to the purpose of the Accessible Canada Act, which is to benefit all persons, especially persons with disabilities, through the realization of a Canada without barriers through the identification, removal, and prevention of accessibility barriers.
December 8, 2025 at 5:46 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
A coalition of people with spinal cord injuries had the chance to rehearse what the airport journey is like for travellers with mobility challenges.

Providing this kind of safe, supportive practice makes a world of difference.

Read all about it...
https://bit.ly/44yajCL
A coalition of people with spinal cord injuries had the opportunity to preview what the airport journey is like for those with mobility constraints on Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo Credit: CNW Group/Toronto Pearson)
December 6, 2025 at 7:47 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Our Member of the Month, Children's Treatment Network, supports more than 26,000 kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs!

Learn more about the great work they do: https://bit.ly/4ixFhQX

#FunFactFriday #EmpoweredKidsOntario #MemberoftheMonth
Image for #FunFactFridays featuring four circles with photos, highlighting Children's Treatment Network's support for over 26,000 kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs.
December 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
contactbrant.bsky.social
Are you a parent in Brantford-Brant?⁠
⁠
We offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of families and can connect you to the most suitable support services.⁠
⁠
Visit our website to learn more. bit.ly/3OwM53t%E2%8...
⁠
#ContactBrant #brant #brantford
December 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
"Imagine being able to turn on a light switch, play music on YouTube or blow bubbles using only the power of your thoughts."

This is happening right now in Ontario! Learn more about how BCI technology is transforming lives: https://bit.ly/3Xw0MYV

Individuals interacting with a young person in a wheelchair, who is smiling. Text on image says "Imagine being able to turn on a light switch, play music on YouTube or blow bubbles using only the power of your thoughts." Logo for 'Empowered Kids Ontario' is displayed.
December 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a reminder that inclusion isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Building an equitable society means removing barriers for people with disabilities and ensuring their voices lead the way.

#IDPD #EmpoweredKidsOntario
Graphic representing International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, featuring a colourful abstract design and logo of Empowered Kids Ontario. #IDPD text included.
December 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
The 2026 EKO Scholarship is now open to those who’ve received services from an EKO General Member and plan to continue their education in 2026/27. Visit our website to learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply!

Learn more and apply https://bit.ly/3XuTzrW

Image for the 2026 Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship featuring a graduation cap icon and a 'Read More' button. Image featuring a graphic of a gear with text asking if the viewer received services at an EKO General Member organization or will be studying at a college, university, Indigenous institute, or career training program in fall of 2026. Arrows pointing right are displayed at the bottom. Graphic titled "Tell Your Story Your Way" encouraging the viewer to write an essay, create a video, or share music, with text stating "We can't wait to see your creativity!" and decorative arrow elements at the bottom. Graphic inviting visitors to learn more about applying. It includes text encouraging to explore the guidelines, get details, and learn how to apply, with a deadline of April 30, 2026. The phrase 'Good luck!' and an upward-pointing chevron are featured at the bottom.
December 2, 2025 at 6:31 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
It’s December, and we’re celebrating Children's Treatment Network as our Member of the Month!

CTN’s support reaches York Region, Simcoe County and beyond.

Learn about their impactful work at https://bit.ly/4ixFhQX

#ChildrensTreatmentNetwork #EmpowerKidsOntario #MemberOfTheMonth
December 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
A new article from Holland Bloorview's outgoing CEO, Julia Hanigsberg, highlights the incredible impact of pediatric rehabilitation.

Read the complete article here: https://bit.ly/4rrQyGE

#PediatricRehab #ChildDevelopment #KidsHealth #EKO #HollandBloorview
Image featuring Julia Hanigsberg with Empowered Kids Ontario logo, emphasizing collaboration to support children with disabilities or developmental differences in Canada. Text promotes unity and potential for making a difference.
November 28, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
immunizecanada.bsky.social
Protect your child against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by getting them immunized | www.immunize.ca/sites/defau... #RSV #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives
www.immunize.ca
November 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
CTV spoke with EKO’s 2018 Scholar Hannah Boamah about the discrimination many young people with disabilities face, with 1 in 5 youth (15–24) identifying as having a disability.

The segment also highlights Holland Bloorview’s new anti-discrimination hub!

www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/vide...
Anti-discrimination resource hub created for youths with disabilities
A 2022 StatCan report showed one in five young people age 15-24 identified as having a disability, and they often face complex levels of discrimination.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 26, 2025 at 7:14 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
What will it take to right size children’s healthcare in Ontario?

Check out the latest episode of Children's Healthcare Canada's podcast and learn why developmental healthcare must be seen as an essential part of a sustainable child health system.

Listen or watch:
https://bit.ly/3Xg6EFp
Image for SPARK: Conversations Season 5, Episode 18, titled "Right-Sizing Children's Healthcare: The Critical Role of Community-Based Developmental Care," featuring special guests Jennifer Churchill and Alison Morrison, presented by Children's Healthcare Canada.
November 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Empowered Kids Ontario's members are always hard at work fighting for kids with disabilities and developmental needs and their families.

Learn more in our annual report: https://bit.ly/4oU2DTf

#EmpoweredKidsOntario #FunFactFriday
Two individuals enjoying a playful activity in a colorful room, with a text overlay stating '#FunFactFridays: We have 34 members that participate in 19 provincial committees, working groups, and communities of practice.'
November 21, 2025 at 6:54 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Today, on World Children’s Day, we honour the rights and limitless potential of children and youth across Ontario.

Today is a reminder that when we invest in kids, we invest in our collective future.

Happy World Children’s Day! #WorldChildrensDay
World Children’s Day! “From the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn't make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights. Including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard.” – UNICEF
November 20, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
canchild.bsky.social
Vote for the video Perspectives in Childhood Disability: Reimagining What's Possible in the 2025 Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH) Talks Competition! 📢🌟

Voting will be open until midnight ET on November 30th! Vote now: https://ow.ly/vHLg50Xt53L
November 17, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
disabilityscoop.bsky.social
The number of teachers using #AI to develop individualized education programs for students with #disabilities is surging, but so too are questions about what role the technology should play. #IEPs #SpecialEducation
Concerns Raised As Teachers Increasingly Use AI To Write IEPs
The number of teachers using AI to develop individualized education programs for students with disabilities is surging, but so too are questions about what role the technology should play.
www.disabilityscoop.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
canchild.bsky.social
Want to learn more about meaningfully engaging youth in research? Join on November 26th from 12:00-1:00 PM EST to learn more about meaningfully involving youth in research!

🔗 Click here to access the Zoom link for the event: https://ow.ly/GwPt50XrmMh
November 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Therapists, clinicians and family support teams work with kids where it matters most: at home, in schools, in their communities, and in the places they love to learn and play.

#EmpoweredKidsOntario #ChildDevelopment #PediatricCare #OntarioKids #FunFactFriday
Adult and child playing with a ball indoors, surrounded by colourful blocks. Text on image promotes the supportive role of therapists, clinicians, and family teams in various settings like homes and schools.
November 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Reposted by Empowered Kids Ontario
contactbrant.bsky.social
Are you a parent in Brantford-Brant?⁠
⁠
#ContactBrant offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of families and can connect you to the most suitable support services.⁠
⁠
Visit our website to learn more about our services.⁠ bit.ly/3OwM53t%E2%8...
⁠
#brant #brantford
November 13, 2025 at 6:16 PM
empoweredkidson.bsky.social
Child & Community Resources changes lives across Northern Ontario, collaborating with families, referrals, educators, healthcare providers and community partners!

Learn more about all they do in this huge area: https://bit.ly/3LiQHvu

#memberofthemonth #EmpoweredKidsOntario
EKO's Member of the Month is Child & Community Resources. (Logos shown.) There is a map that shows that they provide services throughout Northern Ontario, including Thunder Bay District, Kenora, Northeastern Ontario, First Nations Communities, Sudbury and Algoma District.
November 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM