Who We Are
Empowered Kids Ontario-Enfants Avenir Ontario (EKO-EAO) represents Ontario’s publicly funded child development and rehabilitation sector – the centres that help kids with disabilities and their families live their best lives.
EKO member organizations provide leading clinical treatment and support programs to children, youth and families in every region of the province.
We promote investments, policies and programs based on the best research and thought leadership available, from sources all over the world. We look for smart, innovative approaches to care at home, in schools and in communities across Ontario.
Our members embrace a sense of belonging for every client. And we believe that families and kids must be at the centre of care decisions.
Established in 1978 (as the Association of Treatment Centres and later the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services), EKO is marking more than 40 years of dedication to a network of child development services that is easy to navigate, and all about kids and families.
EKO is governed by a Board of Directors made up of volunteers.
Our association brings together thought leaders, renowned clinical experts, speakers with lived experience, and child development and rehabilitation professionals to learn about the latest in policy, research and best practices. Our programs foster bold leadership and innovation, explore creative partnerships and programs, and build on the strong foundations that ensure Ontario continues to set the bar for all aspects of child development.
Every year EKO celebrates outstanding partners, advocates and trailblazers with our Tribute Awards. We also support remarkable young people who have received services from our member organizations with the EKO Scholarship, helping them pursue their higher education and career goals.
Our Members
EKO members are publicly funded organizations providing child development and rehabilitation services for kids with disabilities and their families. Members also include research centres and academic hubs dedicated to improving our understanding of childhood disabilities and advancing innovative clinical care.
EKO member organizations are staffed by experienced and regulated health professionals who work with kids and their families to build a sound foundation for development so kids with disabilities can live their best lives. They provide a range of services based on the needs of their community. Services can include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational
Therapy
- Speech and
Language Therapy
- Behavioural
Therapy
- Social Work
- Therapeutic
Recreation
- Psychology
- Infant and Child
Development
- Respite Support
- Family Education
& Coaching
- Service
Coordination
- Community
Pediatrics
- Developmental
Pediatrics
- Special Services
at Home
- Family and Peer
Mentoring
- Sibling Workshops
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- Specialty Clinics
- Diagnostic Clinics
- Audiology
- Cleft lip and
palate clinic
- Adaptive equipment
- Seating and
Mobility Services
- Consultation and
Assessment
- Infant Hearing
Program
- Blind and Low
Vision Clinic
- Orthotics and
Prosthetics Service
- Adaptive
Augmentative Communication
- Counseling and
Therapy
- Caregiver Skills
Building
- Prenatal and
Nutrition Services
- Transition Supports
- Youth Support Groups
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Many EKO members also provide access to other clinical support programs including mental health, gastroenterology, dentistry, neurology, genetics, pharmacology and ophthalmology.
EKO members provide services to kids and families in every region of Ontario. Check here to find a member agency in your area.