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
  •  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

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.