My Magic Hands | our Partners

Holland Bloorview

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hopsital is Canada’s largest children rehabilitation hospital. My Magic Hands has been working with Holland Bloorview Hospital since 2004, and have established life-long relationships with their patients and Occupational Therapists.

At this facility, participants of My Magic Hands not only learn magic—they also build confidence and presentation skills, while integrating the practice of magic into their therapy and rehabilitation.

Magic Mends

My Magic Hands challenges and develops participant’s interpersonal skills. Clients often feel self conscious because they are no longer able to do certain things that once came easily. This can easily lead to introversion. My Magic Hands surrounds clients with supportive instructors, therapists and volunteers allowing clients to learn how to interact with others and participate despite significant challenges.

In addition to the benefits of learning magic for teaching life skills, therapists also recognize magic as an efficient vehicle for achieving therapeutic goals. Clients experience a range of challenges often resulting from acquired brain injury. All participants in the program have been referred by an occupational therapist and assigned one or more development goals in areas such as speech, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, bilateral arm use, memory and sequencing. At The Big Show our magicians must impress not only the audience by performing great magic; they will have to impress their therapists as well, who are there to evaluate their progress relative to the goals they set.

A recent study at the University of Toronto, Department of Occupational Therapy called magic as “just the right challenge.” Magic tricks give immediate feedback—they either work or they don’t. Clients are motivated to problem solve and troubleshoot their difficulties until they achieve success. Participants see positive outcomes from repeated practice and rehearsal both in their own work, and by observing others.