Five Counties Children’s Centre helps kids and youth overcome physical, developmental and communication needs so they can achieve their full potential. A lot goes on within our walls to do this, but we’re also thrilled to recognize the spirit of inclusion that exists in our community.
For the past five years, Five Counties has presented the “High-Five Community Recognition Awards” to deserving individuals and community groups that share our commitment to inclusion, education, and respect for all children and youth.
In 2024, we’re pleased to recognize three individuals and four organizations with High-Five Community Recognition Awards.
Access for all
Three of our 2024 award recipients share a common trait: a commitment to breaking down barriers to recreational activities:
YMCA of Central East Ontario
floor hockey. The YMCA of Central East is being credited for being the lead local agency in bringing a VOLT hockey team to Peterborough, one of the reasons Five Counties Children’s Centre has awarded the YMCA with a High-Five Community Recognition Award. (Photo: Five Counties Children’s Centre)
YMCA of Central East Ontario is building a place where youth and families feel valued, respected, and included.
In particular, the Y has implemented barrier-free access to programs and meeting areas at its Peterborough branch. Last year, the local YMCA launched the adaptive SPLASH Program for children and youth with disabilities, providing individualized swim lessons in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
As well, the local YMCA is lead agency in the creation of a VOLT hockey team in Peterborough. VOLT hockey is an inclusive and adaptive form of hockey, specifically designed for youth with varied abilities.
Kawartha Gymnastics Club
Kawartha Gymnastics Club is working to make gymnastics more accessible to all.
Last fall, the club launched a ‘Rock and Roll’ adaptive gymnastics program that introduces young kids with exceptionalities to the sport. Kawartha Gymnastics has also forged a relationship with Special Olympics Ontario by opening the first-ever Rhythmic Gymnastics Program for Special Olympic athletes.
In addition, the club offers ‘quiet’ gymnastic drop-in times for kids with special sensory needs.
Julie Grant
Julie Grant is a strong advocate for kids of all ages and abilities — including her son Jude, who was born with cerebral palsy — to be able to enjoy the benefits of play.
Last summer, Julie launched the Accessible Playgrounds Ontario website to catalogue and showcase accessible play structures across Ontario.
Closer to home, Julie is now leading the charge to establish a fully accessible playground in Selwyn Township to be safe and inclusive for all kids.
Lessons learned
Two High-Five award winners are being honoured for their efforts to promote inclusion in learning environments.
Cobourg Day Care
Cobourg Day Care makes children in its care feel included and at home.
Daycare staff make every effort to accept and accommodate all children, regardless of their needs or differences.
Working collaboratively with Five Counties staff to find ways to improve inclusion for its kids, Cobourg Day Care is credited for building on the strength of pre-schoolers and treating them and their families like their own.
Jennifer Johnston
Jennifer Johnston, Superintendent of Learning at Trillium Lakelands District School Board, is a strong supporter of our school-based therapy services and encourages Five Counties and board staff to work collaboratively to ensure the best treatment outcomes for students.
Two years ago, Jennifer was instrumental in helping Five Counties secure a classroom space at Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden to see kids and families, at a time when the Centre did not have another site in Haliburton County.
Overcoming obstacles
The final two High-Five award winners have supported us so that we can support kids/clients.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island Maada’ooki Committee
The Mississaugas of Scugog Island (MSIFN) Maada’ooki Committee is a crucial support for many of our families — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
MSIFN provides funding for medical equipment and other unexpected financial barriers that are not covered by government support programs.
MSIFN works in collaboration with Five Counties’ social work team to find creative solutions that ensures kids have access to the equipment and other supports they need.
Ira Taraday
Ira Taraday of Levio Consulting was part of the consulting team that assisted Five Counties with the data migration to a new client information system.
Taraday was instrumental in helping ensure our staff could access the client information needed to keep seeing kids and families throughout the transition.
Inclusion — whether in the pool, on the gymnastics mat, on the playground, in classrooms and childcare settings, or online — is alive and well in our community. And we’re all better for it!
