EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility)

Diversity and inclusion is more than just a value, it’s our strength

At KidsAbility, we wholeheartedly embrace Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) as a key cornerstone of our mission. We understand that genuine potential can only be realized when everyone in our community, regardless of their unique backgrounds, identities, or abilities, has equal opportunities to shine.

Our vision, “Potential Realized,” is not just a phrase; it’s a reflection of our belief that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to honouring the ethnic and cultural identities of all our clients and families, and we are continually working to create cultural safety in all our clinical, educational, and social environments.

Our family-focused model of service recognizes and honours the variety of family structures and gender identities of those who access our services. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and barrier-free delivery of services for clients and families of all physical and mental abilities, visible and invisible, because we know that when everyone’s voice is heard and valued, we all thrive.

An inclusive KidsAbility for all

For us, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are not stand-alone initiatives, they are integral to everything we do, and the principles are woven into the very fabric of our organization. We continually strive to create warm, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environments that celebrate the individuality of every client, family, and member of our team. Our dedication extends across our entire organization, influencing our professional development, our partnerships with the community, and our interactions with diverse perspectives.

We acknowledge that our journey toward equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility is a collective and ongoing one. We actively engage with our clients, families, employees, and community partners, working together to dismantle oppressive structures, challenge stereotypes, and build a community that truly celebrates and embraces the wisdom of diverse perspectives. We value your feedback and are constantly learning, committed to becoming an even stronger and more inclusive organization.

In the spirit of respect and reconciliation, KidsAbility acknowledges that we benefit from the lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning. We acknowledge that our sites in Waterloo Region are situated upon the Haldimand Tract, traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples, promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. These Nations now reside on less than 5% of this territory. We acknowledge that KidsAbility’s sites in Guelph-Wellington are situated upon the traditional territory of the Chonnonton people and the Mississaugas of the Credit. We recognize the significance of the Dish with One Spoon Covenant to this land, a peace agreement made between Indigenous nations before the Europeans arrived. It characterizes our collective responsibility to each other and Mother Earth to take only what we need, leave enough for others and keep the dish clean. KidsAbility is committed to participating in reconciliation by working toward answering the Calls to Action. We understand that this is a long-term project that does not end with this land acknowledgement.

We at KidsAbility firmly believe that accessibility should form the bedrock of all spaces, ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, can fully participate and engage. We take immense pride in the fact that all our locations have been designed and equipped to be accessible. We recognize there are always areas for improvement and welcome any feedback to improve our accessibility.

In this section, we delve into our unwavering commitment to accessibility, sharing how it is ingrained in every aspect of our organization’s ethos and operations.