Equity in Action

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remain central to Kinark’s mission and are embedded across our policies, practices, and services. Over the past year, meaningful progress has been made in strengthening a more inclusive environment for both clients and staff, with a continued focus on ensuring care is equitable, culturally responsive, and accessible. 

A key priority has been advancing recommendations from the 2021 equity audit. To date, we have implemented 94% of the selected recommendations, resulting in enhancements to staffing and client-facing policies, as well as more inclusive language and practices. Feedback from staff and families through client and staff experience surveys indicate that these efforts are showing signs of success. As many as 9 in 10 staff agree the people they work with treat each other with respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or age. And upwards of 95% of clients and caregivers report that Kinark staff are sensitive to their identity and culture. 

Learning and development have supported this shift, with the introduction of organization-wide e-learning on topics such as Foundations of DEI, Overcoming Bias, and Engaging Culture. Leadership development in Inclusive Leadership and Cultural Humility has further strengthened Kinark’s ability to model equity-informed practices consistently across teams. 

Efforts to expand equitable access to services have also progressed. Through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Workforce Grant, Kinark increased its capacity to serve Francophone families and those in rural and remote communities. New staff have already begun addressing service gaps, supporting more families through Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Coaching and related services in ways that reflect their language and geographic needs. 

This commitment to equity is also reflected in program innovation. Partnerships with community organizations have supported the delivery of culturally responsive services, such as the iCBT March Break Camp developed with Hong Fook for youth of East Asian descent. By combining evidence-based care with culturally informed approaches, these programs create more relevant and inclusive service experiences. 

Together, these efforts demonstrate how equity continues to shape service delivery at Kinark. Through ongoing learning, policy changes, targeted investments, and community partnerships, the organization is building a more inclusive system of care that better meets the needs of all children, youth, and families.