Lucyna Lach

Challenge While every neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) has its unique challenges, there are consistencies among them, one of which is the difficulties parents face navigating the system. Project Summary The Integrated Navigational Support Program is working to make it easier for families to access supports and services. The project currently has three sites—Vancouver, Edmonton, and [...]

Challenge The prevalence of childhood neurodisability in Canada was previously unknown. Since prevalence is typically reported by specific diagnoses, such as CP or FASD, it was difficult to appreciate what proportion of children in Canada are impacted by brain-based developmental disorders and to estimate the need for supports and services for them and their families. [...]

Challenge Findings from the Social Determinants of Health Program’s “Support Matters!” project has found that children with neurodisabilities have diverse needs at critical stages of their development, which require different forms of support and services. Parent focus groups further identified a need to improve the experience of navigating these various services. From this need, the [...]

Challenge While there has been a great deal of research into causes and potential therapies for children with neurodisability, there has been a significant lack of support for children and their families as they grow and develop. Therefore, researchers created “Support Matters!” to understand these needs better. Project Summary Researchers conducted individual and focus group [...]

Challenge There has historically been a lack of understanding of the social context of children with neurodisabilities and their family caregivers in Canada: how factors such as income, environment, education, and family life, known as the social determinants of health (SDOH), can impact their lives. Project Summary The Social Determinants of Health project, renamed “The [...]

A Pilot in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon Challenge Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) often navigate a confusing patchwork of uncoordinated services. These services span several different sectors, organizations and layers of government. Research shows that families frequently struggle to determine what supports are available, appropriate and accessible —especially at crucial life junctures such [...]