Community Capacity 

Holland Bloorview leads in a strategy of community capacity building by focusing on the strengths and assets of the children they serve and the families. These strengths are acknowledged through family-centered care and programs that further empower families to be active participants in their child's care and development. Assets in children, such as their resilience and potential for growth, are enhanced with assistive technologies and individualized therapies that promote independence and inclusion. The hospital further strengthens the social capital of the community by creating support networks, for example, the Parent Support Network, where parents can share experiences and enhance each other. This strategy fits well with the theoretical approach of building community capacity as it aims at identifying community needs first, using a strengths approach, and also enhancing inclusive and bottom-up approaches (Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013). 

Family-Centered Care

Holland Bloorview meets the community's needs in family-centred programs. Programmes offered to families include counseling and parent support networks that allow them to be actively involved in their children's cares. This supports the idea of concentrating on community needs by considering families' views in developing programmes that respond to the particular challenge facing the children (Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).

Bottom-Up Practice

The organization fosters bottom-up practices by incorporating feedback from children and families into program development. For example, the Parent Support Network allows families to share experiences and shape future support initiatives. This grassroots approach ensures that services reflect real needs, building a strong foundation for sustainable change (Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).

Strengths-Based Approach

Holland Bloorview recognizes the potential and resilience of children with disabilities. Programs like Assistive Technologies build on individual strengths, providing tools that enhance their ability to function independently. This reframes challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering confidence and empowerment in the community (Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).

Inclusive Practices

The hospital creates friendly spaces that are supportive for children and families from diverse backgrounds. Various programs such as Early Childhood Development initiatives are adapted to accommodate the diverse needs of development. Equitable access to care is therefore achieved through such inclusive practices that facilitate shared growth and community cohesion (Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).

Sustainability

Through ongoing professional development and community partnerships, Holland Bloorview invests in sustainable practices. Services like transition support prepare families for long-term success as children reintegrate into schools and communities. This reduces dependency on institutional care and strengthens the community’s overall capacity (Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).

Investment in Community Capacity

Holland Bloorview actively collaborates with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to enhance local resources. Their training programs for parents and professionals equip communities to support children with disabilities, creating a network of care that extends beyond the hospital (Chaskin, 2009, as cited in Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).

  (This website is a student project, not the organization's official website)