Across Canada, approximately 1.7% of children experience a severe or very severe disability, with slight variations across provinces. In Ontario, this figure is around 2%. In Toronto, the most common severe disabilities affecting children include:
- Developmental delays: These can encompass delays in physical, intellectual, or emotional development.
- Chronic health conditions: Asthma, severe allergies, heart conditions, and epilepsy are prevalent among affected children.
- Learning disabilities: Conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, and other cognitive impairments.
- Speech and language disorders: Challenges with speaking or being understood.
- Mobility issues: Difficulties with walking or moving around due to a disability.
- Mental health-related disabilities: Conditions like anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.
These disabilities can profoundly impact not only the child’s daily life but also their families and support networks. Families of children with severe disabilities often face numerous challenges, including financial strain due to medical expenses, difficulties with employment, social isolation, relationship stress, and emotional struggles. Despite these challenges, many families find strength, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose in caring for their child. Support from healthcare professionals, community resources, and organizations can be a lifeline, offering essential assistance and hope.
One such organization is the Shine Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting children with severe disabilities and their families. Shine’s programs help youth build confidence and promote values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through their initiatives, hundreds of Shine recipients have gained new opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Many of these children have grown into positive leaders, demonstrating to others that they are capable of far more than they might have believed.
To learn more about the incredible work the Shine Foundation does, visit their website at www.shinefoundation.ca.