Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity and Accessibility

At Children’s Treatment Network (CTN), equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity and accessibility (EDIIA) are more than just words. They are a call to action.

CTN is on a journey to build a more equity-positive environment to support its vision of a vibrant community where all kids, youth and families belong. This work helps to identify inequities and remove systemic barriers that impede full participation, access and opportunity for kids, youth and families.

The purpose of EDIIA at CTN is to make a difference with meaningful change at three key levels: service, workplace and governance.

We hope families and network partners will join us on this journey.

What is EDIIA?

Equity is both a process and an outcome. As a process, equity requires that we continually examine and address systemic inequities that serve to diminish flourishing, excellence, collaboration, and accountability. As an outcome we achieve equity when one’s social location no longer determines health outcomes. Rather, everyone has what they need to live their best lives.

Diversity is differences. It’s about embracing and respecting unique differences. These drive creativity and innovation.

Inclusion is a behaviour.

Indigeneity is about centring the original peoples of this land.

Accessibility is a concept, legislated, that makes more things possible.

Wrapped up together these result in an experience. Belonging.

There are three components to our EDIIA journey: education, equity audit and a sustainable action plan:

Education:

Transformative change requires transformative education. This is where CTN started.

CTN launched an EDIIA education series for CTN employees and our partner organizations who are serving kids, youth and families in partnership with CTN. EDIIA education helps to address the root causes of oppression and health inequities that limit the potential of CTN’s clients, employees and communities.

Following an EDIIA education session, 95% of survey respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they were better aware of their EDIIA responsibility to clients, communities and society as a whole.
Following an EDIIA training session, 97% of survey respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they were more able to incorporate what they learned into their EDIIA practice.

Equity Audit:

As a continuation of our commitment to health equity, CTN is engaging in a comprehensive organizational equity audit that focuses on the workplace, governance and services that CTN directly delivers: Equipment Loan Program, Child and Family Participation Program and Intake and Service Navigation.

The purpose of the equity audit is to drive CTN’s process to remove systemic barriers that impede full participation, access and opportunity for our kids, youth, families and employees to live their best lives.

CTN has contracted a third-party consulting firm to conduct the audit and to provide a baseline report and equity strategy which will be used to inform CTN’s sustainable action plan.

Sustainable Action Plan:

The equity audit will inform strategic actions to address systemic inequities that impact CTN employees and the health of kids, youth and families.

When the audit is complete, CTN will have a snapshot of its current state that will inform our action plan to guide us towards our future, desired state so that we can embed EDIIA in all that we do.

More about CTN's Committment to EDIIA:

Land Acknowledgement

EVENTS

CTN - Out and About for Teens: AAC - Simcoe & York

October 05, 2023

Join us for a social event series for youth ages 12 and up who use AAC in York Region and Simcoe County. This event will provide opportunities to connect with other AAC users and participate in fun activities!

The Centre For Dreams - Youth Achieving Dreams (Thursdays) - Markham

October 05, 2023

The Centre For Dreams is excited to annoce the implemenation of a brand new skills-based program specifically for your living with development disabilities.

SURVEY

As a parent/caregiver, I would like to learn more about:

Behaviour Regulation Strategies
Mental Health and Self-Care for Caregivers/Parents
Information Related to School or Special Education
Funding and Financial Planning Resources and Information for Kids and Youth with Disabilities
Transition Planning (school and adulthood)