Sunbeam News
Provincial Network for Developmental Services Advocates for Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations for Developmental Services Workforce
The Provincial Network for Developmental Services issued a letter to Hon. Merrilee Fullerton, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services advocating for mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for staff who…
Curbside BBQ in Support of Sunbeam!
Raymond Dietrich Memorial is the BBQ event of the year – and this year part of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services’ new specialized dental office!
Keeping Yourself Safe Online – Adult Course
This course is designed for anyone 18 years of age or older with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Running from October 7 – 28, times to be announced.
Making an IMPACT
Earlier this year, the amazing folks at IMPACT EVERYONE made an extremely thoughtful, essential and greatly appreciated donation of PPE and other…
Welcome home, Sunbeam Kids Hub!
It’s official! The operation of Kids Country Club (Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario) has legally been transferred to Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services.
Sunbeam Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic #2
Working closely with Waterloo Region Public Health, Sunbeam was able to successfully advocate for “early” 2nd vaccination dose clinics for our persons served and the essential caregivers (families and staff) who support them. Today is the first of Sunbeam’s 2nd dose pop-up clinics.
COVID-19 Vaccination for People with Disabilities
Internationally, people with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, accounting for nearly 60% of COVID-19 deaths in the UK and overall higher mortality rates based on social, clinical, and demographic factors.
Vaccinated, grateful, and hopeful
Our Chief Executive Officer, Brian Swainson, was one of the driving forces behind Sunbeam’s leadership role in operating the COVID-19 Vaccine “Pop-Up” Clinics in March and April 2021. Across local Developmental Services agencies in Waterloo Region, the pop-up clinics vaccinated approximately 3000 individuals living with developmental disabilities and their essential caregivers, but he himself did not get vaccinated until May 2021…why not?
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Amongst those who tested positive, adults with developmental disabilities were hospitalized at twice the rate of those without developmental disabilities (10% vs 4.5%).