Dear Kids Brain Health Champions,
We hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits!
As the winter season descends upon us, we are excited to share our latest newsletter filled with updates, events, and exciting developments from the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN). We hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits!
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find in this newsletter: |
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KBHN Celebrates Successful Annual Conference on Oct 21-24, 2023 in Ottawa
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| We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of the KBHN Annual Conference 2023, held from October 21 to 24, 2023, at the esteemed Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Canada. With the theme “Celebrating 14 years of helping kids live their best lives,” this annual gathering was preceded by two days of professional development workshops and panel discussions organized by KBHN’s National Training Program that engaged more than 100 trainees and guest presenters.
Highlights of the conference included the prestigious Fraser Mustard Lecture, featuring Dr. Peter Rosenbaum, MD, Professor of Paediatrics at McMaster University, and co-founder of CanChild. Dr. Rosenbaum’s lecture, titled “Childhood Disability in the 21st Century: Can We Create a Canadian Model for the World?” was a compelling exploration of the challenges and opportunities in addressing childhood disability on a national scale. |
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| Registration for the conference was open to all interested individuals, and KBHN is delighted to report a high level of engagement and participation from a wide range of stakeholders—including family members, caregivers, and those with lived experience. Plenary speaker, Healthcare Activist, and Author Sue Robins attended the conference with her son who has Down’s Syndrome and spoke about how families needed to “bring the evidence in their advocacy.”
Canadian autistic artist and author-illustrator of children’s books from Quebec, Ben LaChapelle, was a conference favourite. He gifted the speakers with paintings of their favourite animals and gave away miniature clay moulded animals to attendees.
For those who missed the event, KBHN will continue to provide resources, insights, and updates through its website and various communication channels. |
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Call for Nominations: KBHN Annual Outstanding Awards 2023
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to nominate deserving individuals for the KBHN Annual Outstanding Awards 2023. The KBHN National Training Program, dedicated to cultivating the talents and contributions of future researchers and professionals, seeks to elevate innovative solutions benefiting children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. We are excited to announce four distinguished award categories:
- Outstanding KBHN Trainee Member Award
- Outstanding KBHN Promising Researcher Award
- Outstanding KBHN Mentor/Supervisor Award
- Outstanding KBHN Leadership Award in Family Engagement in Research
Nominations are open until January 18, 2024.
Read more here >> |
Last Chance for Call for Proposals: KBHN Mitacs Awards
KBHN and Mitacs—a national, not-for-profit organization that helps build partnerships between academia, industry, and the world—invites undergraduate, college and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows from all disciplines to participate in KBHN-Mitacs Awards competition.
KBHN is committed to the implementation of research innovations into practice and ensuring evidence-based solutions reach their intended audience. In support of this goal, the KBHN-Mitacs Awards were established to respond to opportunities for supporting projects that focus on enhancing services and support for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers across Canada.
Applications are due by January 18, 2024.
Read more here >> |
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Watch How KBHN-funded “Secret Agent Society” Program for Autistic Children Became a “Lifeline” for Kai and his Family
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| Kai was diagnosed with autism at age four, surprising his parents, Abby and Paul. To support Kai, they turned to Kerry’s Place Autism Services, which introduced them to the Secret Agent Society program in 2020, designed for children struggling with social and emotional challenges.
This program uses spy-themed games to teach emotional recognition, regulation, and problem-solving, helping kids build a diverse social skill set. It has been adapted for both online and in-person delivery in the Ontario Region.
Kai, now 12, has gained self-awareness and lasting friendships through Secret Agent Society. For his family, it provided a lifeline during the pandemic, fostering a sense of community and understanding among participants and their families. |
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Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, KBHN Deputy Scientific Officer, named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners by WXN
We are honoured to congratulate Dr. Jennifer Zwicker for her remarkable achievement. Being recognized as one of the 2023 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners is a testament to her exceptional contributions and leadership.
Dr. Zwicker is a trailblazer who actively shapes a more inclusive future, particularly in underrepresented areas, making a transformational difference in our community and beyond. Here is a quote from Dr. Jennifer Zwicker:
“It is an honor to be recognized. But this award is really a reflection of the amazing team, collaborators, and organizations like Kids Brain Health Network, who are dedicated to improving outcomes for children with disabilities and their families.”
Join us in celebrating Jennifer Zwicker and her outstanding accomplishments. She is a shining example of empowerment, dedication, and excellence. |
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KBHN launches a Disability Policy in Canada Federal Report
Introducing the Canada Disability Policy Report – a report commissioned, funded, and supported by KBHN in partnership with the Disability Policy Research Program (DiPo) and McGill University. This report offers an extensive look into federal-level disability policy in Canada. It delves into intricate details of disability-related policies, laws, action plans, and public programs, all sourced from publicly available information. Additionally, this report provides insights into the experiences of parents and caregivers of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities as they navigate federal programs, drawing from a study conducted by the research teams.
Read more » |
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KBHN Raises Potential Benefits of Citizen Science in the Field of Health
The SRSR committee presented “The Role and Contribution of Citizen Scientists: Report of the Standing Committee on Science and Research”, emphasizing civic engagement in funding evaluations across major councils. While the focus was environmental, a standout was the acknowledgment of citizen science’s health potential.
This report’s recognition of citizen science’s health potential marks a step toward inclusive policies.
Read more » |
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KBHN Hosts a Parliament Hill Reception to Recognize Research and Innovations with Policymakers, Parliamentarians, and KBHN Partners
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KBHN hosted a Parliament Hill reception to move forward our government engagement efforts. The reception bears witness to the power of collective action as KBHN brought together experts, stakeholders, and passionate individuals together with Members of Parliament, Senators and political staff at a historic venue on the sidelines of our annual conference. The evening highlighted the essential work that KBHN is doing for Canadian children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Ya’ara Saks MP, Heather McPherson MP, Mike Lake PC MP, and Francesco Sorbara MP graced the event and offered their unwavering support. Here are some snapshots taken from the evening for you to enjoy.
See highlights here »
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KBHN proudly supports the CanFASD Conference 2023
KBHN sponsored the CanFASD Conference 2023 on November 7-9, 2023 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This event is a vital platform for uniting minds and ideas in the pursuit of a better understanding of FASD.
KBHN also hosted the conference’s comfort room which provided relief for people with sensory-processing issues. The team provided sensory items to attendees at the exhibitor booth. Here are some highlights from the plenary sessions and the KBHN-sponsored lounge for the delegates.
Read more >> |
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KBHN joins Children’s Healthcare Canada’s Annual Conference “Flip the Script”
We were delighted to extend our support to Children’s Healthcare Canada’s annual conference, which took place from December 3-5, 2023, in downtown Vancouver.
The event focused on “right-sizing children’s health systems for the future.” The theme, “Flip the Script: High Performing Health Systems for Kids,” promised to ignite conversations that would shape the future of child healthcare. The conference successfully brought together experts and stakeholders who shared insights and innovative solutions for advancing children’s health systems. |
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| A study is being conducted on pediatric pain and is currently recruiting for a brief survey with health professionals, researchers, and patients/caregivers who have taken part in activities to make a difference in children’s health and pain through knowledge sharing activities. |
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