Dear Kids Brain Health Champions,

In this month’s edition, we’re excited to share stories and important updates:

Network News

KBH+ Conference: Call for Abstracts
Children hold colorful balls on a blue background with text: "Call for abstracts now open. KBH+ Conference 2026, Oct 18-21, Calgary, Alberta."

We invite researchers, clinicians, community-based organizations, innovators, and people with lived experience to submit abstracts for the KBH+ Conference 2026.

The KBH+ Conference offers a premier opportunity to:

  • Showcase research, programs, innovations, and commercial pathways that advance early identification, effective intervention, and family support.
  • Demonstrate real-world impact by addressing scale, spread, implementation, and long-term sustainability.
  • Engage with a diverse, cross-sector audience, including researchers, clinicians, community organizations, families, industry partners, funders, and policymakers.
  • Forge meaningful partnerships and collaborations that translate evidence into practice for children and families.
  • Contribute to a national effort to close the gap between innovation and widespread, equitable access.

We welcome submissions that spotlight proven approaches, scalable solutions, and the next generation of ideas.

KBH+ Conference 2026 landing page now live
Two children laughing joyfully, one wearing a straw hat, on a blue background with text about the Kids Brain Health Conference 2026 in Calgary, Alberta.

Kids Brain Health (KBH+) will host the KBH+ Conference 2026 from October 18–21 at The Westin Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, bringing together leaders and changemakers committed to improving outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The 2026 conference builds on this strong foundation, convening voices from research, practice, community, policy, and innovation to spark collaboration and accelerate change. Under the theme, “From Evidence to Everywhere: Scaling and Sustaining Innovations for Kids,” this conference is a bold call to action: to move proven approaches beyond pilot projects and into everyday practice, ensuring       early identification, effective interventions, and family supports are accessible, sustainable, and impactful for every child.

Dr. Jennifer Zwicker highlights the gap in access in disability policy in Forum 2026
A woman in a dark blazer speaks at a podium, gesturing with her hands. She appears focused and confident, addressing an unseen audience.

Image taken from the article “Forum 2026: Disability Justice Means Closing Access Gaps, says Dr. Jennifer Zwicker,” School of Public Policy, University of Calgary website

Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) Chief Scientist and Director of Health Policy at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, presented at a recent School of Public Policy Forum. Dr. Zwicker’s presentation, “Navigating Disability Policy in Canada,” highlighted the gap between potential access and real-world access in disability policy across Canada. While programs such as the Disability Tax Credit, income assistance, and childhood supports are intended to provide vital support, families often encounter complex systems, inconsistent eligibility criteria, and coordination challenges between federal and provincial programs.

KBHN News

KBHF Highlights

Celebrating a decade of impact: Kids Brain Health Foundation turns 10
Five children wearing colorful party hats sit around a table with balloons and gifts, smiling joyfully. A sun and heart drawing adds a festive touch.

Partner Opportunities

Kids Brain Health Network, situated at Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby, respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.