About Us

Empowered Kids Ontario-Enfants Avenir Ontario (EKO-EAO) represents Ontario’s publicly funded developmental health sector – the centres that help kids with disabilities and developmental needs and their families live their best lives.

EKO member organizations provide leading clinical treatment and support programs to children, youth and families in every region of the province.

We promote investments, policies and programs based on the best research and thought leadership available, from sources all over the world. We look for smart, innovative approaches to care at home, in schools and in communities across Ontario.

Our members embrace a sense of belonging for every client. And we believe that families and kids must be at the centre of care decisions.

Established in 1978 (as the Association of Treatment Centres and later the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services), EKO is marking more almost 50 years of dedication to a network of developmental healthcare that is easy to navigate, and all about kids and families.

EKO is governed by a Board of Directors made up of volunteers.

Our association brings together thought leaders, renowned clinical experts, speakers with living experience, and developmental health professionals to learn about the latest in policy, research and best practices. Our programs foster bold leadership and innovation, explore creative partnerships and programs, and build on the strong foundations that ensure Ontario continues to set the bar for all aspects of developmental healthcare.

EKO celebrates outstanding partners, advocates and trailblazers with our Tribute Awards. We also support remarkable young people who have received services from our member organizations with the EKO Scholarship, helping them pursue their higher education and career goals.

EKO is a founding member of the Children’s Health Coalition, a collective of eight leading Ontario children’s health organizations, collective of Ontario’s eight leading children’s health organizations that represents the province’s expertise in pediatric health care and research; together we deliver every kind of care a child could need, and we see how the elements of care work together to support kids and families no matter what challenges they are facing.