Emily Jackson may have joined KidsInclusive as an occupational therapist more than 20 years ago, but her passion for helping children and their families is still as strong ever.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC
On May 27, hundreds of people laced up their sneakers to run, walk or roll in support of Kilometres for Kids.
A KidsInclusive Centre for Child & Youth Development fundraiser, this year’s event raised more than $58,000!
But ever wonder who helps organize this massive annual celebration?
Meet Emily Jackson, this year’s race director. Along with a dedicated team of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) staff and community members, more than 100 hours went into planning the 2023 bash.
“The kids were so excited to do the race, cross the finish line and get their medals. It’s definitely worth the time spent organizing,” beams Jackson.
“I love seeing the clients and families enjoy themselves, and the funds raised helps individual families provide for their children with special needs. We’re also bringing awareness to childhood disability, as well as KidsInclusive and the important work we do.”
And KidsInclusive has been doing that meaningful work for 50 years now thanks to people like Jackson, who’s been an occupational therapist with the centre for 21 years.
“My clients are children and youth, ranging in ages from 2 to 21, with physical and developmental disabilities. I help kids be more independent with their written and verbal communication skills, and their mobility to perform activities of daily living to the best of their abilities. It might mean helping them adapt to a piece of equipment, the environment or the way in which they carry out an activity.”
Jackson is not only providing care for her clients in southeastern Ontario, but also the James Bay region.
“I’ve gone up there on two occasions to help provide assessment, treatment and consultation to clients, families and schools. I thoroughly enjoy meeting and learning more about the people, the culture and traditions, and our KidsInclusive team continues to build connections with local service providers.”
Even after two decades in the field, Jackson is still as passionate as ever and pumped for the future.
“I love spending time with the kids and their support networks. Kids make me laugh and help keep things light, and seeing a client achieve a goal is very rewarding.
“KidsInclusive has changed so much over the last 50 years, but we’ve always had the clients and families at the centre of what we do.
“We serve a more diverse population and our presence in the community has really heightened over the past few years. It’s exciting and I feel we have some real positive momentum now.”
Gallery
Emily Jackson may have joined KidsInclusive as an occupational therapist more than 20 years ago, but her passion for helping children and their families is still as strong ever.
