As the needs of children and families continue to evolve, we remain committed to expanding access to specialized supports that help children thrive at home, in school, and in their communities.

This year, that commitment was strengthened through a $100,000 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), funded by the Government of Ontario. The investment allowed our Centre to pilot an innovative Behaviour Support Program designed to address the growing social and emotional needs of children with developmental delays.

With this funding, we welcomed a Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) to our team — bringing specialized expertise that enhances support across programs and services. Working collaboratively with clinicians, children, and families, the RBA helps assess behaviour, identify challenges, and create individualized intervention plans that support meaningful progress in daily life.

The impact of this work extends far beyond therapy sessions. By addressing behaviours that may create barriers to participation, children are better able to engage in therapy, school, family routines, and community activities.

Since working with the Behaviour Analyst, our son is having stronger days with fewer meltdowns, and even when challenges come up, they don’t last as long,” shared a parent. “The personalized strategies we’ve learned have become second nature for our family and made daily life so much smoother.”

Demand for behavioural supports continues to grow across Ontario, particularly following the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The addition of specialized behavioural expertise ensures families receive timely, evidence-based care while strengthening the Centre’s ability to respond to increasingly complex needs.

This investment represents more than funding for a new role — it represents new opportunities for children and families to build confidence, develop skills, and experience greater success in everyday life.