A new chapter for YALDEI

YALDEI to begin a new chapter



This week, the leadership of Jewish People’s Schools and Peretz Schools and Bialik High Schools (JPPS-Bialik) and The Donald Berman YALDEI Developmental Center announced the sale of the JPPS-Bialik Van Horne Avenue property to YALDEI: a private, not-for-profit early intervention centre dedicated to helping children with developmental challenges reach their full potential. 

Both institutions are particularly pleased that the property will continue to serve the educational needs of the Montreal community and the sale is a significant step in strengthening the financial and pedagogical foundation of both institutions. The new, fully updated and modernized JPPS will now be firmly rooted in the Bialik building and is slated to move in the Spring of 2016. 

The Donald Berman YALDEI Developmental Centre is realizing one of its long-term goals with the purchase of this Van Horne Avenue property. The acquisition is groundbreaking news as it signals a new chapter in history for the special needs community of Montreal. The new property will serve as a home for the numerous programs and therapies YALDEI offers children with developmental delays, as well as those with behavioural or learning challenges. The extra space will enable the continued growth of this Intensive Early Intervention Program. 

École YALDEI, a school for special needs students, offers a low staff to child ratio, complementary therapeutic services and unique environment, all under one roof. “École YALDEI alone has seen constant growth and in the last year the number of children has doubled,” said Risa Plotnick, Director of School and Rehabilitation Service. “There is a huge wait list of children that have developmental delays or other obstacles. We’re working on filling the void of taking children off that wait list and expect to see another 50 percent increase in the number of students in the coming year.” 


The Donald Berman YALDEI Developmental Centre community is grateful to the Board’s new Building Sub-committee headed by Martin Schwartz and Michael Rosenberg. Also acknowledged for their hard work is the Board of Directors who, led by Jack Dym, have been planning the strategic vision of YALDEI for many years” said Menachem Leifer, YALDEI Founder and Executive Director. 


“There’s no child that cannot learn,” shared Plotnick. “There’s no child that has so many challenges that we cannot help them. We work in partnership with the private and public sector in order to enhance the potential of every child. Every child should have the opportunity to learn. Challenge accepted.” 




For information about YALDEI, visit www.yaldei.org, or contact Lillian Vennor, lillianv@yaldei.org, 514-279-3666, poste 245.

City of Laval is becoming autism-friendly

City of Laval partners with Giant Steps 

to become first autism-friendly city in Quebec

By Valentina Basilicata

Laval is committed to better serving its autistic citizens, declared Mayor Marc Demers at a press conference held December 3, 2015. Demers affirmed the city is collaborating with Giants Steps School and its Resource & Training Centre to teach first responders, public transit workers and employers to better understand and interact with autistic individuals. 

The announcement coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was themed “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities” this year.

"The goal of this project is to provide autistic people and their family with better access to life in their community, by promoting awareness, acceptance and appreciation of autism," explained Seiun Thomas Henderson, Director of Giant Steps School.

Pierre Brochet, Laval Police Chief, Entertainer Charles Lafortune, guest of honour artist Remrov Vormer, Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval, and Robert Séguin, Director of the Fire Safety and Security Department of Laval.
(Photo courtesy of the city of Laval)

“As a Laval resident and the father of an autistic child, I am proud that my city recognizes the challenges of people affected by this condition, particularly since the city is serving as a pioneer to make Laval the first municipality in Canada that is accessible to everyone and all-inclusive," said Nicholas Katalifos. Katalifos sits as chairman on the Board of Directors at Giant Steps. The private, bilingual school is dedicated to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while its resource centre supports the ASD community through a wide range of services.

Training for Laval’s firefighters and police is already underway. Public transit workers will have their turn in 2016. Moreover, the city will create a voluntary registry of households with autistic individuals; it will be integrated into the 911 service’s database. It is estimated there are 4,000 people living with autsim in Laval. 

“It’s crucial that [first responders] recognize certain behaviour as autistic instead of threatening or disrespectful,” explained Remrov Vormer, an autistic pencil artist working closely with Giant Steps. “Another thing that many of us find scary and very difficult is public transportation. It would be good if personnel could recognize this so that they could help out whenever is needed.”

The city also has several long-term projects in the works related to housing, employment, sports, arts and even entertainment. And Cineplex’s Colossus Laval has plans to introduce sensory-friendly movie screenings. These screenings are presented with the lights up and the sound down.

City officials and the school’s representatives are confident their joint efforts will improve community life for people with autism, while simultaneously raising awareness and acceptance of individuals on the spectrum.

Katalifos said Giant Steps is eager to work with all partners who wish to develop similar initiatives. “This is a long-term project. It’s not going to happen overnight,” he admitted. “We need to work in collaboration with many different organizations, be it municipal or out in the community.”

Demers is proud to be taking the lead: “I invite other municipalities to benefit from our experience and the steps we’ve taken to better serve the population.”

Valentina Basilicata is a freelance journalist, communications specialist and emcee. She is also the proud mom of two boisterous, loveable boys.

About Giant Steps School

Giant Steps School / École À Pas de Géant is the only private education institution in Québec whose training mission is exclusively aimed at 4-21-year-old girls and boys with autism spectrum disorders. Set up to meet the needs of both English- and French-speaking children, the school is recognized by many parties concerned in the educational and health networks.

The Resource and Training Centre of Giant Steps School offers many quality services to professionals, educators and families faced with issues related to autism in Québec and elsewhere.

About Laval

With a population of over 420,000, Laval is the third largest city in Québec. It is also one of the cities with the highest demographic growth. Laval is both a city and an administrative region. Following its Repensons Laval / Rethinking Laval operation, Ville de Laval developed a strategic vision (Urban in Nature – Laval 2035) in 2015.

Soap Stars raise funds for autism

Soap Stars support Autism: 

Raising funds for Giant Steps Foundation

www.inspirationsnews.com

By Wendy Singer

Last weekend, General Hospital and The Young and The Restless fans of Montreal had the opportunity to meet some of their most beloved soap stars, who were in town for an action-packed weekend extravaganza.

Christian LeBlanc, Ryan Carnes, and Sean Carrigan show off a 'Leblanc' original.

CH Elegant Entertainment, spearheaded by Gina Lesage and Shpresa Nela, organized a fun-filled weekend that gave GH and Y & R fans the chance to live the dream of meeting these stars. CH Elegant hosts events such as meet and greets with guest stars from popular TV shows, concerts, and cocktails, for the benefit of non-profit organizations. 

This star-studded event was dedicated to raising funds for The Giant Steps Foundation. Giant Steps (GS) is a private school in the public interest in Montreal that is the only autism specific school to offer academic and social inclusion programs in the province of Quebec. Lesage recently learnt about the GS Foundation, and immediately knew that it would be the beneficiary of the next CH Elegant Entertainment event.

This was the first time that CH Elegant brought in five stars at the same time: Ryan Carnes, Laura Wright, and William DeVry from GH, and Sean Carrigan and Christian LeBlanc from Y & R. Their agenda was jam-packed, from bowling, karaoke, and mingling with their fans. 

Art project at Hachem.

We had the opportunity to meet Ryan Carnes, Sean Carrigan, and Christian LeBlanc at an intimate event at Hachem in Galeries Laval on Saturday morning. This art event paired Carnes, Carrigan, and LeBlanc with students with autism, from Giant Steps, to create paintings that would later be auctioned to the highest bidder at the stars' evening event.

Being soap fans ourselves, my colleague and I were a tad concerned that we'd fumble all over ourselves upon meeting them, but quite the opposite occurred. These three were warm, engaging, kind, and delightfully generous and compassionate with their painting buddies. 

Christian LeBlanc with his painting buddy

Christian LeBlanc is originally from Louisiana, and was feeling very at home on his first visit to Montreal. He is in the process of learning French, and was eager to try it out with us. (He speaks beautifully, by the way!) Leblanc was quite familiar with autism as his nephew is autistic, and was eager to raise funds for the cause and to help better the lives of people living with autism and their families. He and I chatted  about his relationship with his nephew, the struggles and the triumphs. He believes that his knowledge of acting enhances his interactions with his nephew.

Ryan Carnes with his painting buddy

Ryan Carnes was also working diligently with his buddy. We had a few minutes to chat after their painting was complete. "We all learn differently," he shared, in discussing how important it is to look beyond labels and adapt to each individual's learning needs. He brought up A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasques Story, which is a documentary about the life of a woman who discovered she was called 'the ugliest woman in the world' while searching for music on YouTube, and that he would like to get involved in projects of this nature.

Sean Carrigan and Ellis Nassef-Goldsmith

Our friend Ellis Nassef-Goldsmith was painting with Sean Carrigan. I had the opportunity to tell Carrigan about Ellis' history with drawing, and the extraordinary work that his father Jason does translating Ellis' drawing conversations into beautiful glass painted art with The Big Blue Hug. Their painting was fabulous. Take a look!

Laura Wright and Shpresa Nela

We also had the opportunity to meet William DeVry and Laura Wright on Sunday at the bowling event. DeVry is a native Quebecer, and long time Habs fan, and is always happy to be back on home turf. And Laura Wright was as radiant in person as she is on the small screen. 

Here's a little tidbit for the GH fans out there. When I congratulated Laura on the outstanding performances she has been nailing on GH, and for her work on the 'Jason' story, she responded, "I was so honoured that they gave me the opportunity to break the story." I agree that the writers chose well and 'Carly' certainly gave that breaking moment justice.

And when I asked DeVry if 'Julian Jerome' will be staying out of the mob...well, he just chuckled...giving no clues away to this curious reporter...so that question remains wide open for the time being!

Thanks to CH Elegant Entertainment and Ryan, William, Laura, Christian and Sean for

getting behind autism, raising awareness and much needed funds. Come back again soon!

To see more photos, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/inspirationsnews

For information on 
CH Elegant Entertainment, visit http://www.chelegante.ca

For information on Giant Steps School, visit www.giantstepsmontreal.com

Shpresa Nela, Diane Borghes, William DeVry, and Natalie Bigras

Opening Doors for Accessibility

OPENING DOORS FOR ACCESSIBILITY

Montreal's first co-sponsored accessibility seminar

with March of Dimes Canada and Inspirations

Friday, November 20, 2015

9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown Hotel Europa

1240, Drummond Street, Montreal, Quebec

We are excited to bring the March of Dimes Canada's (MODC) Opening Doors for Accessibility seminar to Montreal. MODC has brought this important event to many cities across Canada, and with the help of Inspirations, we are fortunate to introduce it to the vibrant Montreal community. Together, we will share a day of discussion and exchange of information about accessibility in Montreal. Talks will be delivered in a mixture of French and English, but not simultaneously translated.

Opening Doors is a free event. March of Dimes wants it to be accessible to all. In addition to a fabulous list of speakers, our guests will also enjoy a continental breakfast and a networking lunch. And we have a big treat for you! You don't want to miss this opportunity to be inspired by the Projet RAD dancers! Founded by Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli, Projet RAD is a dance company that believes that everyone can dance. They have made it their mission to share dance with people of all abilties.

Who should come?

Individuals living with a disability, health professionals, service providers, caregivers /partners or family members.

Que vous soyez une personne qui vit avec un handicap, un professionnel de la santé, un fournisseur de services, un proche aidant, partenaire ou membre de la famille, ce séminaire s’adresse à vous!

What will I learn?

Here is our program. You will see the wide variety of speakers that will inform us of accessibility projects and resources in our community.

** Event will include lunch and networking opportunities. 

** L’événement inclura également un petit déjeuner continental et un déjeuner.

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** Please note that a personal care worker will be available onsite giving out certificates of attendance to all attendees. 

** Un préposé aux soins personnels sera sur place pour distribuer des certificats de présence à tous les participants.

Where do I sign up?

Although there is no charge for this seminar, it is important that we know that your are attending.

RSVP today to Kathy at kmikolajczak@marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463 #7379.

We look forward to seeing you on November 20!

And join in on the anticipation on our event page on Facebook!

SALON EXPO TOUTES HABILITÉS

THIS SUNDAY!

STADE UNIPRIX

10 h à 17 h

We look forward to seeing you on November 8 at the SALON EXPO Toutes Habiletés 2015-5e Édition. It's a great family event with lots of activities for your children, and a babysitting service so you can take your time getting to know all the wonderful service providers in the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas. Stop by the Inspirations table to say hello!

E-Tablet Giveaway

Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Tablet Give Away

L'Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile
tablettes en cadeau​​

Apply by November 3 - it's easy!!

March of Dimes Canada is here for you! Tell us your story and win a customized tablet with specialized software/apps to improve your community access and participation.

March of Dimes Canada will help residents with physical disabilities in Nova Scotia and Greater Montreal enhance their community access and participation through the Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative by providing customized tablets, such as iPads and Galaxy tablets, to 5-10 residents in each location. The tablets will include appropriate software or apps customized to meet the needs for each person, along with someone to teach them how to use the software. 

Tell us your story and win a customized tablet with apps for communication, daily living and increased independence! The goal is to share how technology assists people to increase their independence and quality of life, enhance their ability to interact or communicate with others in the community or control electronic devices in their homes. 

The project will help successful applicants achieve one or more of the following:

• Increase access to services
• Explore or control the environment
• Contribute to their ability to take on new leisure pursuits
• Contribute to improving their education
• Assist in their employment objectives
• Assist in communication, verbal and written

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L'Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile
tablettes en cadeau

La Marche des dix sous du Canada est là pour vous! Racontez-nous votre histoire et courez la chance de gagner une tablette personnalisée munie de logiciels et d’applications spécialisés qui vous aideront à améliorer votre accès et votre participation à la communauté.

La Marche des dix sous du Canada lance l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile pour les personnes qui ont un handicap. Entre 5 et 10 tablettes intelligentes (comme le iPad ou le Galaxy) dotées d’applications accessibles seront octroyées à des personnes par l’entremise d’une initiative locale. Les demandeurs retenus recevront des appareils et des logiciels connexes qui augmenteront leur indépendance et rehausseront leur qualité de vie en fonction de leurs besoins précis.

Ce concours vise à montrer comment cette technologie aide les gens à augmenter leur indépendance, à améliorer leur qualité de vie et à rehausser leur capacité d’interagir ou de communiquer avec les autres membres de la communauté ou de contrôler les appareils électroniques dans leur milieu de vie. 

Le projet aidera les participants à réaliser un ou plusieurs des objectifs suivants : 

• avoir un accès accru à des services
• explorer ou contrôler leur milieu de vie 
• s’adonner à de nouvelles activités récréatives 
• poursuivre des études 
• atteindre leurs objectifs d’emploi 
• communiquer verbalement ou par écrit ​

Montreal - Applications must be received by November 3, 2015 / Les formulaires doivent nous parvenir au plus tard le ​3 novembre 2015.​

Eligibility Criteria:

​To be eligible contestants must:

1. Be a permanent Canadian resident and the person must make his / her permanent and principal home in Nova Scotia or Greater Montreal;
2. Be 19 years of age or over;
3. Be a person with a permanent disability that impacts his or her ability to fully engage in activities in daily living;
4. Explain how he or she will benefit from having a tablet in achieving a desired goal;
5. Be of financial need. In order to be eligible for funding, the combined gross income of applicant and spouse (where applicable) cannot exceed $50,000 after allowable deductions are considered; and 
6. Be available for the presentation of the tablet at the annual Rock for Dimes fundraiser in their area. For Nova Scotia residents, that will be Rock for Dimes Halifax ​to be held on October 30, 2015 at the Cunard Centre, 961 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. For Greater Montreal residents, that will be Rock for Dimes Montreal​ to be held on November 20, 2015 at Theatre Corona, Virgin Mobile, 2490 Notre-Dame West, Montreal, Quebec.

Critères d’admissibilité générale :

​Pour être admissible à une aide financière, le demandeur doit répondre aux critères suivants :

1. Fournir une preuve de résidence permanente au Canada, avec domicile principal à Montréal. Les résidents temporaires et les visiteurs (p. ex., touristes, étudiants, travailleurs étrangers détenant un permis de travail) ne sont pas admissibles;
2. Etre âgé de 19 ans ou plus (inclure une copie de l’acte de naissance ou d’un autre document indiquant la date de naissance); ET
3. Avoir une invalidité permanente qui empêche de participer pleinement aux activités de la vie quotidienne; ET
4. Expliquer en quoi le fait d’avoir une tablette intelligente aidera le demandeur à atteindre un objectif particulier; ET
5. Démontrer un besoin d’aide financière et fournir des renseignements financiers personnels corroborant ce besoin. Pour être admissible à une aide financière, les revenus bruts combinés du demandeur et de son conjoint (s’il y a lieu) ne doivent pas dépasser 50 000 $ après les déductions autorisées.

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For Greater Montreal Residents /Des résidents de la ville de Montréal:

Click to download the following pdf forms: 

Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Selection Criteria for Montreal
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Montreal​ 
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Required Documentation for Monteal​ ​Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Frequently Asked Questions for Montreal​​​

Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile critères d’admissibilité générale (Montréal) Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile formulaire de demande (Montréal) Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile des documents requis (Montréal) ​
Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile Foire aux questions (Montréal) ​

Applications must be received by November 3, 2015 for Montreal residents.​

* Terms and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted by fax, email or post. We encourage applicants to apply using email or fax, as it can take up to 9 days to receive information by Canada Post.

Les formulaires doivent nous parvenir au plus tard le ​3 novembre 2015.​

* Des conditions s’appliquent. Les demandes peuvent être envoyées par télécopieur, par courriel ou par la poste. Nous encourageons les demandeurs à opter pour le courriel ou le télécopieur puisque les demandes envoyées par Postes Canada peuvent prendre jusqu’à 9 jours pour arriver à destination.

Submit all applications and direct any inquiries to:
/ ​Veuillez adresser toute question par courriel à :

     March of Dimes Canada Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative
     291 King Street, 3rd Floor     London ON  N6B 1R8 

     amti@marchofdimes.ca       Tel (toll-free): 1-855-660-6632     Fax /télécopieur: 519-432-4923

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Presentation to Recipients:

The tablets will be presented to the selected recipients at March of Dimes Canada’s annual Rock for Dimes fundraisers: Ces derniers seront invités à assister au concert Rock for Dimes pour une présentation:

Rock for Dimes Halifax, for Nova Scotia residents, to be held on October 30, 2015 at the Cunard Centre, 961 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Rock for Dimes Montreal, November 20, 2015 / 20 novembre, 2015 Theatre Corona, Virgin Mobile, 2490 Notre-Dame West, Montreal, Quebec.

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Special Thank You to Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative

Sponsoring Partner

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Spectrum Productions 6th annual film screening and gala

An evening of film from the Autism Spectrum

On Sunday, November 1, over 60 brilliant young people with autism are prepared to wow you with their filmmaking genius at Spectrum Production's 6th Annual Film Screening and Gala, to be held at the beautiful Rialto Theatre from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The evening will include screening from a selection of 80 films created at Spectrum Production's 2015 summer camp.

I had the pleasure of attending Spectrum Productions' 

(then called Camera Roll Productions) screening two years 

ago, and to this day, I can vividly remember many of the movies. One in particular that stayed with me was Robin's exploration with uncooked eggs. It was masterfully edited, and sidesplittingly funny! I'm sure everyone in attendance will fondly recall the antics that were so clearly captured on film.

Spectrum Productions is a Montreal-based creative non-profit organization devoted to supporting youth and young adults on the autism spectrum in film and media production. We had the honour of working with them when they created Inspirations' promotional video. Take a look at their work right here. 

When working with the creative team of Dan TenVeen and Liam O'Rourke, we were impressed with their talent and the ease in which they communicated with people, making our 'actors' of all abilities feel comfortable and allowing them to shine. They work the same way with their filmmakers, providing them with every opportunity to succeed and explore their creativity while honing a variety of skills.

Join over 600 guests, including the filmmakers, their friends and family, members of the mile end creative community, and many distinguished guests including Senator Jim Munson, who is an advocate across Canada for individuals with an ASD, to celebrate their talents. 

As Munson said, "The way in which Spectrum Productions is changing the conversation about autism and working with youth to provide them with empowering opportunities, is absolutely unique and deeply touching."

In addition to the film screenings, there will also be a silent auction.

Join Spectrum Productions for a terrific evening:

6th Annual Gala and Fundraising Launch

Sunday, November 1, 2015

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Rialto Theatre, 5723 Parc Avenue, Montreal, QC, H2V 4G9 http://www.theatrerialto.com.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the Rialto box office or online at eventbrite.com.

Contact Spectrum Productions: info@productionsspectrum.com

www.productionsspectrum.com

If you are over 19 years old, live in the Greater Montreal area,

and have a permanent physical disability, you may be able to 

apply for an e-tablet! Visit www.marchofdimes.ca/AMTI 

for more details!

Elizabeth Gregory Creations supports Inspirations

Elizabeth Gregory Creations visits the EMSB this week

Elizabeth Gregory Creations (also known as Betty Buie) has been a friend to Inspirations for several years. She is an administrative wiz, and is responsible for setting up many of our internal systems that help us run smoothly and efficiently. We are very grateful to her, every day, for all of her hard work.

Betty is also an artist, with a creative talent that she is now sharing with her crocheted wares and leather accessories.

Her items are unique, one of a kind. Her leather flowers are stunning, as you can see!

We are fortunate, and delighted that she is taking some time out of her busy craft sale schedule to visit the EMBS this week. Drop by on Thursday, October 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Atrium, 6000 Fielding Avenue to see and purchase her creations.

Thanks to Betty, for she will donate a portion of the proceeds of her sales to Inspirations.

ps. I have one of her hats, and I love wearing it! I am looking forward to purchasing some of her leather accessories (and starting to stock up for Christmas!)

All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

For information, contact wendyinspirations@gmail.com.

Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres Conference in Quebec City: October 18 to 20, 2015

Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres Conference:

Child Health <<Solutions>> pour la santé de nos enfants

October 18 to 20, 2015 in Quebec City

By Lisa Stromqist, Special to Inspirations

The Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres (CAPHC) is a national association of hospitals, rehab centres, homecare agencies and others that provide healthcare services to children and youth. We create programs, projects and services that support our member organizations in providing the best care for children and their families.

CAPHC is thrilled to be holding our 2015 Annual Conference in Québec City, October 18 to 20.   "Child Health <<Solutions>> pour la santé de nos enfants" is not only the title and theme of this year's conference but also represents CAPHC's commitment to our child and youth healthcare community!

CAPHC’s Annual Conference is the largest meeting of child and youth healthcare providers in Canada, engaging a wide range of stakeholders that include Hospital CEOs, Chief Financial Officers, Senior Administrators, Physicians, Clinical Directors, Multidisciplinary Practitioners, Policy Makers, Researchers, and Families and Youth.

True to our strategic imperatives; Make a Difference, Be the Voice, Take the Stage and Be Here for Tomorrow, the CAPHC Conference is an interactive forum where we provide our community  with the opportunity to learn about strategies, best practices and the latest innovations in children’s health care delivery and celebrate the  true collaborative nature of CAPHC’s work.  

With a focus on “Solutions” in child health CAPHC is privileged to welcome Dr. Michel Boivin, Canada Research Chair in Child Development, and Professor of Psychology at the School of Psychology at Université Laval and an international expert in Early Childhood Development. His Keynote Presentation entitled: “The Science of Early Childhood Development and the Challenges of Informing Public Policy”, will bring insight and solutions to current and emerging physical and mental health issues that challenge this vulnerable population.

“Attitude, Passion and Determination” will be brought to our conference this year by our most inspiring 2015 Motivational Speaker, Chantal Petitclerc: Paralympic Champion and World Record Holder.

We are also delighted to welcome Cirque du Soleil - Cirque du Monde to our 2015 Closing Keynote Session. Their Presentation entitled “A Social Circus - Alternative Solutions in the Area of Healthcare” will send off the 2015 CAPHC Conference delegates in style with  two examples of innovation in this very special field “Transition between school and active life”: Montreal Centre de réadaptation Lucie Bruneau;  and “Espace Transition”: CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal Quebec.

We invite you to look at our Preliminary Program  to see the more details of our plenary, concurrent symposia and workshops that emphasize multiple “hot topics” in the areas of mental health, paediatric palliative care, patient safety, quality improvement, the impact of national paediatric benchmarking, integrating research and patient care, family integrated care and childhood rehabilitation.

We hope to welcome you in Quebec City, October 18 to 20 along with our national partners - Canadian Family Advisory Network; the Canadian Association of Child Life Leaders, the Canadian Child and Youth Health Coalition, Canadian Children’s Hospital Foundation Executives, CIHR - Institute of Human Development Child and Youth Health, the Paediatric Chairs of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Pediatric Surgical Chiefs of Canada and many more! French translations will be available on site.

                                                                                                                                    

The Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres (CAPHC) was established in 1968 as the Canadian Association of Paediatric Hospitals, representing all children’s hospitals in Canada. In 2001, the organization expanded its national reach to include all children’s hospitals in the country, many community hospitals, regional and provincial health authorities, rehabilitation centres, and home care provider agencies. All CAPHC member organizations provide essential healthcare services to Canada’s children and youth.

Today, CAPHC supports child and youth healthcare professionals from more than 70 organizations across the country. Each year, 8.75 million children and youth rely on the services of CAPHC’s member organizations. As a national organization, CAPHC is uniquely positioned to influence system-wide change, advocating for the very best healthcare for Canada’s children and youth. All children’s hospitals in Canada and their respective Children’s Hospital Foundations are members of CAPHC, providing strong linkages to clinical care, education and research.

CAPHC’s Vision: “Knowledge to Action: Enabling the Best Healthcare for Canada’s Children and Youth”

This vision underlines the importance of CAPHC’s current and future commitment to improving healthcare and to advancing healthcare equity for all of Canada’s children and youth.

CAPHC’s 4 Strategic Imperatives:

•      Make a Difference: Keeping pace with the rapid release of available data and best practice; synthesizing and disseminating this information to all CAPHC members;

•      Be the Voice: Being a strong advocate for the healthcare needs of Canada’s children and youth.

•      Take the Stage: Increasing the awareness of child and youth healthcare needs and challenges through improved messaging, communications and visibility.

    •     Be Here for Tomorrow: Strengthening the value proposition of CAPHC by building     capacity to  provide high value products and services to all CAPHC members.