APRIL 2009   It is my pleasure to share with you the first edition of ViewPoint.  As we move into 2009 we want to keep you apprised of all of the exciting activities taking place at Bloorview at least twice a year. Despite the challenging economic times, we are looking forward to what the year will bring.  Our strategic plan - Infinite Possibilities 2007-2012 - calls on Bloorview to create a world of possibilities for kids with disabilities.  It outlines our research and teaching activities and how we will better integrate this work with frontline practice to drive new approaches to treatment that benefit children worldwide. Bloorview is the largest children's rehabilitation hospital in Canada, with a legacy of more than a century. Our experienced team of over 850 employees is well poised to meet and exceed these goals so that the 7,000 children we see each year, and ultimately every child with a disability, will have the same opportunities as their peers. In the issues ahead, we'll bring you stories about the actions we've taken to bring these goals to life. One of the most significant actions we've taken in achieving our vision is recruiting five new academic professionals: Evdokia Anagnostou, Jessica Brian, Gillian King, Sally Lindsay and Amy McPherson. On behalf of everyone at Bloorview, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to working with you as we continue to brighten the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Sincerely, Sheila Jarvis President and CEO, Bloorview Kids Rehab Leading Childhood Disability: Bloorview Hires New Talent As Bloorview takes a leap forward in achieving our goal of providing global leadership in childhood disability, we are pleased to announce the recruitment of five new academic professionals to assist us in achieving this vision.   Bloorview scientists read minds with infrared scan Researchers at Bloorview Kids Rehab have developed a technique that uses infrared light brain imaging to decode preference - with the goal of ultimately opening the world of choice to children who can't speak or move.   Speeding up the transition By streamlining the process of how children are transferred from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation, Bloorview Kids Rehab and SickKids have cut medically-unnecessary days, also known as Alternative Level of Care (or ALC days) in SickKids' brain-injury trauma unit by more than 70 per cent.   Helping a young actress achieve her dreams Krystal Nausbaum, like many young women, loves parties, Broadway musicals and the colour pink. Growing up with Down syndrome, she faced a number of challenges. To help her achieve her independence goals, Krystal participated in Bloorview Kids Rehab's Skills for Transition Project, which pairs teens like her, with a life-coach.   Finding a home that fits Bloorview has been active in garnering support for affordable and accessible housing for our families. Recently, we submitted a report to the City of Toronto - which is developing a 10-year affordable housing plan - to highlight the challenges facing families with children with disabilities.   Bringing developmental pediatrics to Jamaica When she returns to the University of the West Indies in Jamaica this summer, Sharon Smile, a resident in the University of Toronto's two-year training program in developmental pediatrics based at Bloorview, will be one of two developmental pediatricians for the island of Jamaica, a population of 2.5 million people.   Our Website  |  Strategic Plan  |  Bloorview Kids Foundation Contact Information: TEL: 416-425-6220

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