KidsAbility Centre for Child Development

KidsAbility Centre for Child Development To foster possibility for the children, youth, and families we serve, creating a future filled with hope and opportunity.

We are currently seeking Professional Practice Leads to join KidsAbility. These leadership roles will provide clinical e...
06/17/2026

We are currently seeking Professional Practice Leads to join KidsAbility.

These leadership roles will provide clinical expertise, mentorship, and guidance to strengthen standards of practice and support high-quality, client-centered pediatric care.

Disciplines include:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Behaviour Analysis

Location: Waterloo Region (hybrid)
Status: Full-time (1.0 FTE each)
Apply now!

Learn more and apply at: https://www.kidsability.ca/professionalpracticeleads/



[Image: A blue-toned graphic shows a pediatric therapy setting with two people using a bead maze toy, overlaid with the text, a link to kidsability.ca/careers, with the KidsAbility logo at the bottom.]

We’re proud to celebrate the 2026 KidsAbility Foundation bursary recipients! Each year, these donor-funded awards suppor...
06/17/2026

We’re proud to celebrate the 2026 KidsAbility Foundation bursary recipients!

Each year, these donor-funded awards support KidsAbility clients and alumni as they pursue post-secondary education, honouring their resilience, leadership, and determination in the face of challenges.

Congratulations to Brennan, Madison, and Nate. Your inspiring journeys and passion for making a difference truly stand out, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

Learn more about the 2026 recipients: https://www.kidsability.ca/2026/06/celebrating-the-2026-kidsability-foundation-bursary-recipients/

[Image: Three individuals posed in front of a KidsAbility-branded backdrop, each holding a framed bursary certificate—“Carol Shantz Bursary Award – Brennan Jackson,” “Steve Kidd Benefits Bursary Award – Madison Letizi,” and “Fisher Family Bursary Award – Nate McCarthy.”]

You’re invited for an OT in the Park Outdoor Drop-In Session Join play-based sessions that support: • Gross motor coordi...
06/12/2026

You’re invited for an OT in the Park Outdoor Drop-In Session

Join play-based sessions that support:
• Gross motor coordination, balance, and body awareness
• Motor planning skills
• Sensory regulation through movement and outdoor play

Date and Locations:

📍 Riverside Park, Guelph
July 6 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Victoria Park, Kitchener
July 22 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sign up for a session through our form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=b9i16LAjZ0CJIikiBEVHzTJci-GR9MZDkeBcCICRkgZUQlNHNDZEWldSMkQ1MlVTSUtNSllDOUZWQi4u&route=shorturl

[Image: Event details for outdoor drop-in sessions in Guelph on July 6 and Kitchener on July 22, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Image shows a child and an adult using a hands-on play activity at an outdoor park setting.]

New research conducted in partnership with University of Waterloo and University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business,...
06/11/2026

New research conducted in partnership with University of Waterloo and University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business, based on KidsAbility’s own data is gaining global attention at Harvard Business School, revealing how long wait times can significantly increase children’s therapy needs. The findings point to a smarter, more responsive approach to prioritizing care.

Read the full story on the KidsAbility Rocket Discovery Centre website: https://rocketdiscoverycentre.ca/rocket-news/kidsability-research-featured-at-harvard-business-school-conference/

[Image: A dark blue, spaced themed background with the KidsAbility logo and text on image: KidsAbility Innovation and Research]

Therapy Tip of the Week: Name It to Tame It Helping children identify what they’re feeling builds emotional awareness an...
06/11/2026

Therapy Tip of the Week: Name It to Tame It

Helping children identify what they’re feeling builds emotional awareness and reduces stress in the moment. When you name the emotion out loud - “It seems like you’re feeling worried,” or “That looks frustrating” - it helps the nervous system settle and shows the child you understand.

This simple step supports problem‑solving, strengthens communication, and teaches kids that feelings can be managed instead of avoided.

[Image description: On the right side, a circular photo shows a child seated at a table with craft materials in a bright indoor space. The KidsAbility logo appears at the bottom. Blue rounded shapes decorate the corners.]

Who says ice cream can’t be breakfast? Bring your inner kid (or your actual kids!) and start your morning on a sweet no...
06/10/2026

Who says ice cream can’t be breakfast?

Bring your inner kid (or your actual kids!) and start your morning on a sweet note in support of Make-A-Wish Canada.

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Location: Stanley Park Community Centre, Kitchener
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This event is organized by Maddy Letizi, a former KidsAbility client and KidsAbility Foundation’s 2026 Steve Kidd Employee Benefits Consulting Inc Bursary winner. Proceeds from this event are donated directly to Make-A-Wish Canada. KidsAbility Foundation is not the recipient of this fundraising.

To learn more about Ice-Cream For Breakfast, or to donate, visit https://icecreamforbreakfast.ca/

Ice-Cream For Breakfast is made possible with community support and generous sponsors:
Four All Ice Cream
Marble Slab
ThunderStorm Productions
Kawartha Dairy
The Nest Cafe and Creamery Inc.
Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream & Cafe
L.A. Franks

[Image: A colorful invitation poster for an “Ice‑Cream for Breakfast” event supporting Make‑A‑Wish Canada, featuring playful illustrations of ice cream cones and an ice cream truck. ]

We are currently seeking a Senior Communications Manager to join KidsAbility Foundation. This leadership role will drive...
06/09/2026

We are currently seeking a Senior Communications Manager to join KidsAbility Foundation.

This leadership role will drive integrated communications strategy, storytelling, and brand engagement to support fundraising and community impact.

Location: Waterloo (hybrid)
Status: Full-time, permanent
Apply by: June 16, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://www.kidsability.ca/senior-communications-manager/

Chris, a former KidsAbility client, and his mom Tracie, share their journey of growth, resilience, and what’s possible w...
06/08/2026

Chris, a former KidsAbility client, and his mom Tracie, share their journey of growth, resilience, and what’s possible when families and care teams work together to support a child’s potential.

Read the full story:
kidsability.ca/2026/06/a-journey-of-growth-chris-and-tracies-story-with-kidsability/

Watch their video:
https://youtu.be/V9dB5bYya74



[Image: A photo of Chris and Tracie sitting beside each other on a sofa.]

Meet Trish, Clinical Researcher and Occupational Therapist at KidsAbility Trish’s path to becoming an Occupational Thera...
06/05/2026

Meet Trish, Clinical Researcher and Occupational Therapist at KidsAbility

Trish’s path to becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT) was shaped by her passion for helping others. While studying kinesiology, she discovered her interest in rehabilitation, and her experience working at a summer camp on the inclusion team confirmed her love for supporting children. Occupational therapy became the perfect way to bring those passions together.

As a Clinical Researcher with KidsAbility Rocket Discovery Centre, Trish values working alongside a team that shares common goals while bringing diverse perspectives and experiences. She enjoys the opportunity to continuously learn, challenge her thinking, and grow professionally through collaboration.

She’s especially excited about projects that take a multidisciplinary approach to supporting client care, believing strongly in the power of teamwork to create meaningful, lasting impact for families.

Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the incredible employees who make KidsAbility a special place to work through their dedication and passion for what they do.



[Image 1: A picture of a rocket taking off in space with Trish’s name and job title: Occupational Therapist]

[Image 2: Q&A included in caption]

[Image 3: Q&A included in caption]

[Image 4: Q&A included in caption]

Therapy Tip of the Week: Micro‑Rest Moments Short pauses are more powerful than they look. A 60–90 second break gives th...
06/04/2026

Therapy Tip of the Week: Micro‑Rest Moments

Short pauses are more powerful than they look. A 60–90 second break gives the brain time to reset, especially during activities that require focus, coordination, or patience.

Try adding tiny “reset moments” between tasks at home or school - a stretch, a deep breath, or even looking away from the activity for a few seconds. These quick rests can help children return feeling calmer, more regulated, and ready to participate.

[Image description: On the left side, a circular photo shows a female child indoors holding a large exercise ball while positioned close to the floor. The KidsAbility logo appears at the bottom. Red rounded shapes decorate the corners.]

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500 Hallmark Drive
Waterloo, ON
N2K3P5

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