Over the past several weeks, CTN has shared our response related to the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the continued public health measures to help keep our communities and citizens safe.

As we adjust to our new ways of working, interacting and going about our daily lives, our commitment is to keep you updated with what’s happening to support the children, youth and families that we, along with our network partners, collectively serve.

What‘s happening?

• CTN’s events calendar has been updated with virtual events for families.  If your organization is hosting a virtual event, please consider adding it to CTN’s calendar via our online submission form. Your event will be featured in the calendar, which is promoted through our social media channels.
• This month, we’re hosting virtual coffee chats for families every Thursday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• We’re encouraging families to call their service provider directly for questions or concerns about their child’s supports and services. If you are unable to reach your service provider or aren’t sure who to call, please contact CTN’s ACCESS team at 1-866-377-0286 (general inquiries) or School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) team at 1-877-972-7277 (SBRS related inquiries).
• We’re partnering with Mackenzie Health to train our staff and service providers to gain expertise about telepractice, which is is a form of delivering services using technology via telephone, videoconferencing, etc.  
• CTN is currently using telepractice in a limited number of services. Please contact your service provider directly to find out what services are available at this time.

What’s next?

• We want to hear from you! Our team is focusing on creating helpful resources and we want to know how we can support you. Do you want to learn about building resilience during this time? Perhaps you need ideas on how to adapt recreation activities for your child or maybe you need tips on how to help your family relax at the end of the day. Whatever the topic, we want to hear from you. Please email us at info@ctnsy.ca.  
• Our family resource team and local team facilitators are planning a SibShop virtual meet up for siblings of children with disabilities and developmental needs. It’s an opportunity for siblings to connect and engage through activities and conversations. Details will be shared in the coming weeks.
• We’re working on a webinar for families about goal setting and changing expectations during this challenging time.

Brighter Together
CTN’s vision is to build brighter futures together and despite the current need to be apart, we’ve seen people find ways to pull together. Our employees, partners and families often share stories that inspire a smile and we thought it was important to share some of these moments with you.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) released a story book called “My Hero is You, How Kids Can Fight Covid-19?” to help children and youth cope with the pandemic.
• CTN staff members shared images of encouragement and kindness found during neighbourhood walks.
• Strategies to remain calm, happy and present during COVID-19 pandemic.

Have you had a moment or read an article where you were reminded that we’re brighter together? We want to hear from you. Share your bright moment with Cecilia Remo, Communications Manager at cremo@ctnsy.ca.

CTN is proud to be part of a network with partners in the health, education and community sectors. If you have any questions about services and supports for children and youth with disabilities or developmental needs, please contact us and we would be happy to answer your questions or direct you to appropriate community resources. We continue to monitor updates from all levels of government and public health to guide our decision making. We are committed to ongoing communication with all of you as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic together. You can also view this update online by visiting our website. Stay safe and take care!

Contact us ACCESS at 1-866-377-0286  I  SBRS at 1-877-972-7277  I  www.ctnsy.ca

2020-04-17