A history of support for children with physical, communication, and developmental needs

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Above: Ontario Premier Leslie M. Frost cuts the ribbon alongside child patients Victor Peters (left) and Trina Takayesu (right) during the opening ceremony of the London and District Crippled Children’s Treatment Centre in 1959.

Since the opening of London General Hospital in 1875, followed by the War Memorial Children’s Hospital in 1923, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has been a cornerstone of health care in southwestern Ontario. Over the decades, LHSC has developed strong partnerships within our community to improve children’s health.

For families and children needing support with physical, communication, and developmental challenges, the partnership with Thames Valley Children’s Centre (TVCC) dates back to the 1950s, when the London and District Crippled Children’s Treatment Centre opened beside the War Memorial Children’s Hospital on South Street.

For decades, TVCC has supported children and families while maintaining a strong partnership with Children’s Hospital at LHSC and its dedicated fundraising partner, Children’s Health Foundation. In our community, children’s health is a shared priority, and local agencies are united by a deep commitment to the well-being of every child.

“At LHSC, caring for children’s health extends far beyond hospital walls. Our healthcare and community partners, like TVCC and the Children’s Health Foundation, play an essential role in ensuring that every child and family has access to the specialized care, resources, and support they need to thrive,” explains Shannon Maier, VP Children’s Hospital and Women’s Care, Quality, Performance, and Pharmacy at LHSC. “Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for children across southwestern Ontario.”

London and District Crippled Children’s Treatment Centre opens on Victoria Hospital grounds

On June 17, 1959, the London and District Crippled Children’s Treatment Centre officially opened beside the War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The Centre originated from services first offered at Woodeden Camp, near London, Ontario, which cared for children affected by infantile paralysis (polio). It later expanded to become Ontario’s first rehabilitation centre of its kind, providing care for children with asthma, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, cleft lip and palate, muscular dystrophy, and developmental delays. By 1969, the Centre was serving over 1,700 children.

Thames Valley Children’s Centre (TVCC)

In the 1970s, the Centre was renamed Thames Valley Children’s Centre (TVCC), reflecting both evolving societal attitudes toward individuals with disabilities and the organization’s expanding reach across the region. TVCC later adopted a family-centred care philosophy and redefined its vision as ‘Clients at their best!’ — a statement that affirms the right of all individuals to participate fully in their own lives, on their own terms.

Today, TVCC remains committed to empowering children and families to achieve their best. Its principal site is still located right next to the Children’s Hospital on Base Line Road East in London, with additional regional sites serving communities across southwestern Ontario. TVCC now supports more than 14,000 children and youth each year, providing a wide range of services for those with physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorders.

These services include autism and behavioural services, occupational and physiotherapy, recreation and fitness programs, speech and language therapy, infant hearing services, and support for children who are blind or have low vision. TVCC also offers specialized assistance with custom equipment, seating, and splinting to enhance movement and mobility.

LHSC is proud of its longstanding support for our community and valued partners. Together with TVCC, LHSC and the Children’s Hospital at LHSC are committed to building a brighter, healthier future for children and families across our region and beyond.

LHSC is celebrating 150 years of care, innovation, and community impact by sharing 150 moments from our history. Join us in marking this milestone by sharing your own LHSC story.