Strengthening Internal Support Systems

Internally, we made significant strides in strengthening our tools and support systems. The Finance/IT department dedicated efforts to enhancing financial management processes and document management systems. Through software upgrades and migration to SharePoint, we improved efficiency, accuracy and collaboration across the organization. These improvements laid a solid foundation for our operations, enabling us to better serve our staff, clients and the wider community.

Exceeding Client Service Expectations

Externally, our Client Services team demonstrated an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of our clients. They exceeded the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) placement target by 25% within the Employment Services team. Furthermore, we adopted a peer and community engagement plan, providing more face-to-face opportunities for our community to foster greater connections. In addition, we are proud to announce our memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UHN, which formalizes our working relationship and enables increased inpatient access for SCIO. This collaboration is not only facilitating smoother discharge planning but also to more successful patient transitions back to the community.

Enhancing the Standard of Care

In our quest to elevate the standard of care for individuals with spinal cord injuries, SCIO collaborated extensively with distinguished clinicians from renowned rehabilitation centers across Ontario. Together, we developed educational videos that elucidate the significance of performing skin checks for individuals with spinal cord injuries. These videos are seamlessly integrated into our patient education programs, significantly raising the standard of care within the SCI rehabilitation landscape.

While we celebrate our commendable achievements, we also encountered challenges within the competitive landscape of fee-for-service work. As a result, we made the strategic decision to discontinue Cortree Professional Services. Instead, we will refocus our efforts on providing critical training opportunities for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) through open-access platforms. Our commitment to accessibility and removing financial burdens led us to actively seek partnerships with organizations offering free tuition for PSWs. By doing so, we aspire to reach the widest possible audience of service providers dedicated to individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Community Engagement and Commitment to Change

Our community engagement and advocacy efforts generated significant attention and support, particularly in mobilizing our community, research partners, donors, and corporate allies to advocate for public coverage in bladder management funding to the Ontario Government. Through campaigns such as “Pee for Free” and “Pee it Forward,” we not only raised awareness but also enhanced understanding and garnered crucial support for this fundamental aspect of SCI care.

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities within our community, particularly concerning attendant services and the accessibility and affordability of essential assistive devices. While we made progress in areas such as increased wages for PSWs and exploration of recruitment and retention strategies, challenges persist in ensuring access to these essential supports. Addressing these challenges remains a top priority for SCIO as we work tirelessly to build pathways forward for greater in-community support.

Collaborations and Partnerships for Progress

Collaborations and building partnerships are integral to our achievements and will continue to be as we move into our new strategic plan. From forming coalitions with other organizations in the disability and healthcare space to broadening MOUs with all rehab hospitals across Ontario, working with research partners and individuals with spinal cord injuries has led to remarkable advancements in neurotrauma care pathways, SCI rehabilitation accreditation standards, and essential needs research. These initiatives are having a tangible impact on improving support, services, and health recovery for individuals with SCI, not only in Ontario but also beyond.

As we look forward, we count on your continued dedication to raising awareness and garnering greater support for SCIO. There are several opportunities for learning, participation, and shared experiences, from attending or sponsoring one or more of our fundraising events (Comedy Night, Celebrity Axe Battle, Roll’n’Bowl, and Ski & Snowboard Day) to engaging with initiatives like the “Underestimated” series on the Cortree platform. “Underestimated”, in collaboration with Rogers TV Simcoe, features expert clinicians and individuals with lived experiences, and has emerged as a powerful platform for disseminating invaluable tools, resources, and insights for individuals with disabilities.

Priorities for the Next Fiscal 2023-2024

In 2023-2024, our focus will be on tackling the dire need for more accessible housing across Ontario. Through thoughtful strategic planning and active engagement with key stakeholders, including the accelerated accessibility coalition and the accessible housing network, we will work towards building policies to ensure transformative change within our community.

SCIO remains steadfast in being the voice that delivers and champions support and advocacy for those impacted by spinal cord injuries. To enhance our service offerings and amplify awareness, we are continuously strengthening our education offerings and building greater partnership networks to support the work we do. We aim to broaden our audience and expand our community, bringing industry leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, counselors, disability specialists, and individuals with lived experiences to the forefront. We recognize the power that comes with understanding and the value that our expertise can bring to those we serve.

Appreciation and Gratitude: Thank you.

On behalf of the entire team at SCIO, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our staff, board members, clients, donors, advocates, collaborators, and the entire community for your invaluable support and unwavering commitment to our mission. Without your dedication, none of the remarkable progress we have achieved would be possible.

Best,

Dr. Stuart Howe, CEO, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario

Sarah Hicks, Chair of the Board of Directors, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario