Health
Championing Health Equity for People with Developmental Disabilities
At Reena, we believe that access to equitable, person-centred healthcare is a fundamental right. For individuals with developmental disabilities, navigating the health system can be complex, fragmented, and inequitable. That’s why we are expanding our leadership in the health sector—to close those gaps, promote inclusion, and ensure that the people we support receive the care they need and deserve.
Through partnerships, advocacy, and innovation, Reena is advancing a health strategy that addresses critical needs—from primary care and mental health to aging, dementia, and system navigation. Our goal is to improve health outcomes, empower individuals with developmental disabilities, and influence broader systems of change that recognize and respond to their unique health needs.
Centred Content
Our Priorities
- Primary Care Access – Ensuring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are meaningfully included in primary care reform and connected to team-based care that understands and meets their needs.
- Aging & Dementia Support – Advancing inclusive, person-centred supports for individuals with IDD who are aging or living with dementia, so they can thrive in the community.
- Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis – Promoting coordinated, trauma-informed care for people with both developmental disabilities and mental health challenges
- Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) – Strengthening sector-specific infection prevention practices and partnerships to protect the health and safety of individuals and staff.
- Health Equity Advocacy – Driving systems change by raising awareness, addressing barriers, and building capacity to make healthcare more inclusive and responsive for people with IDD.
Did you know…?
Primary Care Guidelines
That tailored primary care guidelines can significantly improve the health of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Discover how…
Learn More
New OHIP Code
That your doctor can now bill OHIP for a 30-minute annual health check designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn MoreOntario Health Teams (OHTs) are groups of healthcare and community organizations that work together to coordinate and improve care for people in their local area. The goal is to make it easier for individuals to get the care they need by connecting services like doctors, hospitals, mental health supports, and community agencies.
Reena is proud to be part of two Ontario Health Teams, with CEO Bryan Keshen serving as co-chair of the Western York Region OHT:
The Western York Region Ontario Health Team (WYR OHT) — One team bringing together the services, supports and programs to meet your health and social needs. Western York Region covers King, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.
North York Toronto Health Partners Ontario Health Team (NYTHP OHT) — A partnership of health care organizations, family physicians, patients and caregivers who are working together to improve care in North York.
Health 811 — Get health advice or general health information from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 811 / TTY: 1-866-797-007
211 Ontario — Connect to social services, programs and community supports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free and confidential information related to housing, health care, financial assistance and mental heath. Call or text 211, email info@211central.ca
Toronto Health and Social Services Directory — Use this tool to find health, social and community services in and around the Toronto area, including North York
Western York Region OHT Services Directory — Use this tool to find community, health and government services near you.
Health Care Connect —A program launched by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to help Ontarians without a family health care provider find one. Call 811 or 1-800-445-1822 – to register online.
Concord Family Health Centre — Now Accepting New Patients! Open 7 days a week.
North York Community Care Clinic (NYCCC) — Provides ongoing health care for patients who do not have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner on a regular basis. A collaboration between North York Toronto Health Partners Ontario Health Team (NYTHP OHT), Get Well Clinic, Baycrest Hospital and Flemingdon Health Centre, and is funded by the Government of Ontario.
- Provincial Network Health Strategy & Engagement Working Group Position Paper – Advancing Access, Equity and Improved Health Outcomes for Persons Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”
- Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Program (DDPCP) – Develops and teaches about Canadian primary care guidelines, provider point-of-care tools, and patient and caregiver resources. To stay up to date about new practice tools and program activities, sign up for the newsletter here
- H-CARDD Program — Explore tools, videos, and research summaries from various projects to improve health and healthcare for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). To stay up-to-date on the latest health research, programs designed to enhance health and healthcare, and upcoming research studies, sign up for the H-CARDD newsletter.
- New! Supporting the Health of Special Olympics Canada Athletes – H-CARDD partnered with Special Olympics Canada to develop a series of knowledge products on five key topics: Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Health Check Ins, Mindfulness, and Sleep.
- Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Resources — Learn more about supporting ALC patients with dual diagnoses in their transition from hospital to home.
- Aging and Dementia Resources — Access resources related to aging and dementia for individuals with IDD.
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Healthcare Resources — Many healthcare resources can be found here. This page is regularly updated to ensure comprehensive information is available in one place.
- AIDE CANADA – Canada’s largest resource hub for content catered to the autistic, neurodivergent, or people with ID communities.
- H-CARDD Brain Health-IDD Research Study — A virtual program designed to support older adults with IDD and their caregivers. It includes courses for individuals, family caregivers, and providers in both health and DS sectors.
- Project ECHO Ontario Adult Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) — A free educational program available across Ontario to build the capacity of health and developmental sector providers to work together. Programs include mental health, brain health, and autism-focused learning for adults with IDD.