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A PURPOSEFUL LIFE
IS WITHIN REACH

Benji and Giulietta are young adults living with medical complexity and developmental disability who have built meaningful, independent lives in their community. This website shares their journey and the framework behind it, as a resource for families and organizations developing their own life plans

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Benji

Benji is a thoughtful and grounded 21 year old on a path toward independence. He enjoys helping others and finds purpose in volunteering at a hospital and working at IKEA. He also works at a farm, where he helps feed animals, takes on farm chores, and is part of a community of peers.

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Giulietta

Giulietta is 19, funny, and full of energy. She brings joy and determination to everything she does, while staying disciplined and hardworking. She also has a quirky sense of humour that keeps everyone around her entertained.

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Benji

Benji is a thoughtful and grounded 21 year old on a path toward independence. He enjoys helping others and finds purpose in volunteering at a hospital and working at IKEA. He also works at a farm, where he helps feed animals, takes on farm chores, and is part of a community of peers.

Giulietta

Giulietta is 19, funny, and full of energy. She brings joy and determination to everything she does, while staying disciplined and hardworking. She also has a quirky sense of humour that keeps everyone around her entertained.

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Our Family

Galit (mom)

Galit advocates for the disability community and works to influence government policy and funding structures that support people with disabilities. She is focused on creating opportunities for her children and others.

 Sisi

Sisi is a published author, visual artist, pianist, and performer who brings creativity and energy to everything she does. She is a loving sister and an active part of Benji and Giulietta's support network, joining in their learning and adventures.

Charlie

Charlie is our gentle golden retriever and a devoted member of the family. He joins every weekend hike and outing, offers unconditional love, and keeps everyone laughing with his playful antics.

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Our Family

Galit (mom)

Galit advocates for the disability community and works to influence government policy and funding structures that support people with disabilities. She is focused on creating real opportunities for her children and others.

Siena (Sisi)

Sisi is a published author, visual artist, pianist, and performer who brings creativity and energy to everything she does. She is a loving sister and an active part of Benji and Giulietta's support network, joining in their learning and adventures.

About This Website

This site shares the program behind Benji and Giulietta's progress, the resources that have been most useful along the way, and ongoing updates through the blog. The goal is to give other families a starting point for mapping out their own path forward, and to demonstrate to policymakers and funders that self directed funding can produce real, measurable outcomes aligned with the vision of Journey to Belonging. Benji and Giulietta's story is one example of what becomes possible when individuals and families are given the tools and flexibility to lead their own planning.

The framework behind Benji and Giulietta's program is built on two structures: a Microboard for governance, accountability, and long term stability, and a Circle of Care for day to day coordination. This section also provides practical resources for families looking to build a similar framework, including information on government and self directed funding, transfer payment agencies in Ontario, and organizations that may provide support.

Benji and Giulietta's program is individualized and built around their strengths, interests, and evolving goals. Professionals, family, and support workers are aligned around shared objectives that are adjusted as needs change. This coordination ensures that skills developed in one setting carry over to others, and that progress can be tracked over time. The blog documents what this looks like in practice

The blog follows Benji and Giulietta's progress and shares what has been learned along the way, including what worked, what didn't, and the real challenges involved. The aim is transparency about this journey, so that other families can draw on these experiences as they develop approaches that work for them.

Looking Forward

This program was developed over many years and required sustained coordination, planning, and resources. Not every element will be practical or relevant for every family, and it is shared as one example rather than a prescribed model. Many of the core principles, including person centered planning, community participation, and individualized goal setting, can be adapted across a wide range of circumstances. As Ontario’s approach to self directed funding continues to evolve, there is a growing opportunity to include governance and coordination costs within funded supports, such as Microboard administration and Circle of Care management. Families who wish to pursue this kind of model should be able to do so with system level support. The hope in sharing this work is to contribute to that conversation, and to show what becomes possible when the right structures are in place.

Not sure where to start?

The Program

The program provides individualized programming for Benji and Giulietta. Professionals, family, and support workers are aligned around shared goals that are adjusted as needs change. This coordination ensures that skills developed in one setting carry over to others, and that progress can be tracked over time

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300+

Words Learned by Giulietta

700+

Hours Benji has Worked at IKEA

240+

Hours Guilietta has Worked at Loblaws

610+

Hours Volunteered

1460+

Meals Prepped

Program Framework

Benji and Giulietta's program was built from the ground up to match their specific strengths and needs. The information shared here is intended to help other families develop a framework that fits their own circumstances, and to support the case for government policies and funding models that prioritize choice and autonomy

Program Content

Providing a view into the individualized program developed for Benji and Giulietta. Designed to build life skills, strengthen independence, and create meaningful opportunities to pursue their personal goals. Learning is integrated into everyday life and tailored to their individual interests, strengths, and abilities.

In The Spotlight

Instagram

Blog

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Building A Purposeful Life

12-08-2025

This guide describes how we built a meaningful life for Benji and Giulietta. It covers the practical steps we took, what worked and what didn't, and how our approach has changed over time.

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Benji and Giulietta’s Journey at Montessori Jewish Day School

12-08-2025

Benji and Giulietta attended Montessori Jewish Day School (MJDS) in North York, Ontario, until each reached age 16. Their time at MJDS was supported by dedicated 1:1 care-givers/educators who facilitated integration into the school community. 

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Understanding Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

12-08-2025

Benji and Giulietta live with Phelan McDermid Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by a missing piece of chromosome 22. This condition affects development and learning, and can lead to a range of medical challenges.

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Building Communication Skills Through Personalized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 

12-08-2025

Benji and Giulietta have verbal apraxia, a common feature of PMS. Years of speech therapy brought little progress, but AAC unlocked Giulietta’s voice.

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Traditional ABA vs. Person-Centered Learning

12-08-2025

Benji and Giulietta underwent intensive ABA therapy as recommended, but it did not align with our values or meet their individual needs. After several years, it was clear they were not thriving.

© 2026 A Purposeful Life.

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