News & Updates
NETWORK E-BULLETIN - JUNE 2007 EDITION
130 Parents & Professionals collaborate at Network’s 1st Symposium
Working Together For Kids & Teens with Disabilities … Children’s Treatment Network is a new service delivery model for kids with multiple disabilities in Simcoe and York. It links over 30 healthcare, education, recreation, social and community services organizations so they can take a team approach to each child’s care. For the first time, parents have one point of contact for a single plan of care for kids from birth to age 19. The Network coordinates services needed and monitors each child’s progress through all the phases of their development. The Network is also expanding and adding services that are critically needed in the community to bring more services closer to home and help reduce waitlists. Parents and professionals can contact the Network by calling 1-866-377-0286 or online at www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca
NEWS AT A GLANCE:
- 130 Parents & Professionals collaborate at Network’s 1st Symposium
- SharePoint: a new collaboration tool for professionals
- “SPOTLIGHT ON Able Sail”
- York Resource Centre Open House on June 22 http://www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca/resources/dn.gif
- Georgina Local Team Site taking bookings
Energy, enthusiasm, dialogue and creative ideas were the order of the day for 130 parents & professionals who collaborated on how to further improve the system serving kids with special needs at the Network’s “Working Together Symposium” held on June 14th at Seneca College’s King Campus.
Jay Connor, a renowned expert on community collaboration kicked off the afternoon with insights on how to break down silos and organizational boundaries to mobilize parents and professionals - from the boardroom to the front line - to work differently together.
Symposium participants then split into 4 working groups to explore ideas to help accelerate the impact of the new Network model and team approach on kids, families, agencies, service providers and the children’s services system.
Parents of kids with special needs worked with CEO’s of service organizations to identify priority focus areas. Bob Morton, CEO of the Network (right) reported on the group’s findings which included speeding up the transition of children into the Network’s single plan of care, team approach system; empowering front line professionals to collaborate more across agencies and service sectors; creating systems within each agency that put the child/family at the centre of efforts; encouraging physicians and specialists to engage in the single plan of care/team approach.
Groups of middle managers (top) and front line professionals (bottom) looked at what’s required to fully operationalize the Network’s team approach across multiple agencies and organizations. Findings included clear direction on collaborative practices and more clarity about the Network vision and evolution roadmap: “Where are we headed together? What will it look like when we get there? Where are we on the journey?” Communication up, down and across organizations was cited as essential, along with developing strategies to engage all organizations in a long term systems change process focused on meeting the needs of kids and families.
Sign up for SharePoint - The Network’s new collaboration tool for professionals
With SharePoint, professionals have a way to share ideas, access all the latest Network news and contact information, book therapeutic space and equipment and work with their colleagues. SharePoint is the new on-line collaboration tool that facilitates communication between professionals across all Network organizations in a way that’s never been done before.
SharePoint provides professionals with secure, password protected access to a website that links them to colleagues across the Network and “workrooms” where they can:
- get detailed information on each of the Network’s 10 Local Teams and connect with Local Team Facilitators
- receive status updates on Local Team Sites, equipment and facilities available for professionals to use
- access the latest news on Network projects and programs including Single Plan of Care training materials and schedules, current clinical guidelines, policies and procedures
- engage in online discussions to collaborate on strategies and approaches for different issues facing kids supported by the Network
- check out event calendars, post events, agendas and meeting notes
- access the latest information on current projects being undertaken by Working Groups to support collaboration across multiple agencies
Some of the new features to be added shortly include:
- information on the referral process for accessing Specialty Services and teams
- ability to book Local Team space and equipment on-line
- contact information for other Network professionals in the area
- a picture library for viewing the Network’s onsite equipment inventory
- resource library
Debbie adds that SharePoint is not just for Network hosted staff or agencies. “It can be an extremely valuable resource for all professionals in Simcoe and York. We’re encouraging any service providers working with kids with special needs in the community to share in the experience. The more we collaborate, the better for the children and their families.”
To request a password or to find out more about SharePoint, contact Debbie Bushby at bushbyd@rvh.on.ca
Suggestions and ideas about what you’d like to see on the Network’s SharePoint site are welcome!
SPOTLIGHT ON Able Sail
Summer’s here and we’re all looking for activities that will keep our kids busy, engaged and motivated! Kids with disabilities need to enjoy a full range of recreational activities. With this in mind, we’re delighted to announce that our newest Network member, the Midland Bay Sailing Club, offers an Able Sail program.
This unique program is part of a province-wide not-for-profit initiative that is designed to help youth with mobility challenges between the ages of 9 to 18 experience the joy of sailing with an instructor.
The larger keel boat, the Freedom 21, has adapted seating for two, additional room for two caregivers and an instructor who is always present. Two specially equipped small dinghies, known as Access Dinghies, can accommodate up to two kids. Each dinghy has adapted seating and levers so kids can try their hand at sailing. There is also dedicated lift equipment to help them on and off the boats. On shore there are accessible washrooms. The accessibility equipment upgrades were funded by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
Jim Thomas, Able Sail Coordinator, explains, “During July and August, groups can book a one to two hour boat ride with a fully qualified instructor. The time spent on the water depends on their ability to handle the activity.” Sailing fees are $25 an hour per group.
While an instructor does the sailing, kids get a chance to learn some basics on steering and rudder control. “Even kids with relatively severe disabilities can have fun on the water,” says Jim. “My granddaughter is in a wheelchair and she started sailing with me 10 years ago. She just loves taking her turn at the tiller. I know there are many other kids who would be thrilled with this kind of adventure.” Jim adds, “We definitely encourage Network members and parents to use the program. It’s a wonderful outing and a chance for these children to experience something different.” He adds that depending on their disabilities, some kids can even take part in more extended youth sailing programs offered at the Club.
“Able Sail is one program that gives kids with special needs a really unique experience,” agrees Bob Morton, Network CEO. “We hope this is the beginning of a number of different programs the Network can link kids with over the next few years.”
For information on booking call Jim at 416-272-7490 (cell) or 705-538-2084, or email jp4t@sympatico.ca or visit www.midlandbaysailing.org/school/able.html
Georgina Local Team Site taking bookings
There are openings available for professionals to use the new therapeutic space and equipment at the Georgina Local Team Site, located at R.L. Graham Public School on Biscayne Avenue in Keswick.
A classroom has been equipped for occupational and physiotherapy services until renovations are completed over the summer. The renovated space will include a number of treatment/therapy rooms, a dedicated physiotherapy gym and specialized equipment to support a wide range of therapies including augmentative communication, feeding, walking and overall mobility functions.
To book appointments to use the space and equipment, or for more information, contact Georgina Local Team Facilitator Kimberly Thorn (York Support Services Network) at 905-722-6484 ext. 269 or kthorn@yssn.ca
To learn more about Children’s Treatment Network visit www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca
To submit news or information for inclusion in Network eBulletins please email info@ctn-simcoeyork.ca
NEWS AT A GLANCE:
- 130 Parents & Professionals collaborate at Network’s 1st Symposium
- SharePoint: a new collaboration tool for professionals
- “SPOTLIGHT ON Able Sail”
- York Resource Centre Open House on June 22 http://www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca/resources/dn.gif
- Georgina Local Team Site taking bookings
Energy, enthusiasm, dialogue and creative ideas were the order of the day for 130 parents & professionals who collaborated on how to further improve the system serving kids with special needs at the Network’s “Working Together Symposium” held on June 14th at Seneca College’s King Campus.
Jay Connor, a renowned expert on community collaboration kicked off the afternoon with insights on how to break down silos and organizational boundaries to mobilize parents and professionals - from the boardroom to the front line - to work differently together.
Symposium participants then split into 4 working groups to explore ideas to help accelerate the impact of the new Network model and team approach on kids, families, agencies, service providers and the children’s services system.
Parents of kids with special needs worked with CEO’s of service organizations to identify priority focus areas. Bob Morton, CEO of the Network (right) reported on the group’s findings which included speeding up the transition of children into the Network’s single plan of care, team approach system; empowering front line professionals to collaborate more across agencies and service sectors; creating systems within each agency that put the child/family at the centre of efforts; encouraging physicians and specialists to engage in the single plan of care/team approach.
Groups of middle managers (top) and front line professionals (bottom) looked at what’s required to fully operationalize the Network’s team approach across multiple agencies and organizations. Findings included clear direction on collaborative practices and more clarity about the Network vision and evolution roadmap: “Where are we headed together? What will it look like when we get there? Where are we on the journey?” Communication up, down and across organizations was cited as essential, along with developing strategies to engage all organizations in a long term systems change process focused on meeting the needs of kids and families.Sign up for SharePoint - The Network’s new collaboration tool for professionals
With SharePoint, professionals have a way to share ideas, access all the latest Network news and contact information, book therapeutic space and equipment and work with their colleagues. SharePoint is the new on-line collaboration tool that facilitates communication between professionals across all Network organizations in a way that’s never been done before.
SharePoint provides professionals with secure, password protected access to a website that links them to colleagues across the Network and “workrooms” where they can:
- get detailed information on each of the Network’s 10 Local Teams and connect with Local Team Facilitators
- receive status updates on Local Team Sites, equipment and facilities available for professionals to use
- access the latest news on Network projects and programs including Single Plan of Care training materials and schedules, current clinical guidelines, policies and procedures
- engage in online discussions to collaborate on strategies and approaches for different issues facing kids supported by the Network
- check out event calendars, post events, agendas and meeting notes
- access the latest information on current projects being undertaken by Working Groups to support collaboration across multiple agencies
Some of the new features to be added shortly include:
- information on the referral process for accessing Specialty Services and teams
- ability to book Local Team space and equipment on-line
- contact information for other Network professionals in the area
- a picture library for viewing the Network’s onsite equipment inventory
- resource library
To request a password or to find out more about SharePoint, contact Debbie Bushby at bushbyd@rvh.on.ca
Suggestions and ideas about what you’d like to see on the Network’s SharePoint site are welcome!
SPOTLIGHT ON Able Sail
Summer’s here and we’re all looking for activities that will keep our kids busy, engaged and motivated! Kids with disabilities need to enjoy a full range of recreational activities. With this in mind, we’re delighted to announce that our newest Network member, the Midland Bay Sailing Club, offers an Able Sail program.
This unique program is part of a province-wide not-for-profit initiative that is designed to help youth with mobility challenges between the ages of 9 to 18 experience the joy of sailing with an instructor.
The larger keel boat, the Freedom 21, has adapted seating for two, additional room for two caregivers and an instructor who is always present. Two specially equipped small dinghies, known as Access Dinghies, can accommodate up to two kids. Each dinghy has adapted seating and levers so kids can try their hand at sailing. There is also dedicated lift equipment to help them on and off the boats. On shore there are accessible washrooms. The accessibility equipment upgrades were funded by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
Jim Thomas, Able Sail Coordinator, explains, “During July and August, groups can book a one to two hour boat ride with a fully qualified instructor. The time spent on the water depends on their ability to handle the activity.” Sailing fees are $25 an hour per group.
While an instructor does the sailing, kids get a chance to learn some basics on steering and rudder control. “Even kids with relatively severe disabilities can have fun on the water,” says Jim. “My granddaughter is in a wheelchair and she started sailing with me 10 years ago. She just loves taking her turn at the tiller. I know there are many other kids who would be thrilled with this kind of adventure.” Jim adds, “We definitely encourage Network members and parents to use the program. It’s a wonderful outing and a chance for these children to experience something different.” He adds that depending on their disabilities, some kids can even take part in more extended youth sailing programs offered at the Club.
“Able Sail is one program that gives kids with special needs a really unique experience,” agrees Bob Morton, Network CEO. “We hope this is the beginning of a number of different programs the Network can link kids with over the next few years.”
For information on booking call Jim at 416-272-7490 (cell) or 705-538-2084, or email jp4t@sympatico.ca or visit www.midlandbaysailing.org/school/able.html
Georgina Local Team Site taking bookings
There are openings available for professionals to use the new therapeutic space and equipment at the Georgina Local Team Site, located at R.L. Graham Public School on Biscayne Avenue in Keswick.
A classroom has been equipped for occupational and physiotherapy services until renovations are completed over the summer. The renovated space will include a number of treatment/therapy rooms, a dedicated physiotherapy gym and specialized equipment to support a wide range of therapies including augmentative communication, feeding, walking and overall mobility functions.
To book appointments to use the space and equipment, or for more information, contact Georgina Local Team Facilitator Kimberly Thorn (York Support Services Network) at 905-722-6484 ext. 269 or kthorn@yssn.ca
To learn more about Children’s Treatment Network visit www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca
To submit news or information for inclusion in Network eBulletins please email info@ctn-simcoeyork.ca