A PURPOSEFUL LIFE
IS WITHIN REACH
We're working to create opportunities where abilities are recognized, choices are respected, and every person can live with dignity and belonging.
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.
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.
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)
At age three, Sisi was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer. After a difficult treatment, she is now healthy. 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
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)
At age three, Sisi was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer. After a difficult treatment, she is now healthy. She is a loving sister and an active part of Benji and Giulietta's support network, joining in their learning and adventures.
OUR GOAL
We've worked hard to create a program tailored to Benji and Giulietta. Our aim is to help other parents develop a framework that fits their own circumstances, and to encourage government agencies to adopt policies and funding that prioritize choice and autonomy.
Mission
To help Benji and Giulietta feel valued, respected, and heard through programming built around their interests and skills, and through meaningful connections in their community.
Framework
We build independence for Benji and Giulietta by focusing on four areas: health, communication, life skills, and vocational skills.
Support
Our dedicated team builds trust and strong relationships with Benji and Giulietta, supporting their independence over time
Website Objectives
We hope that by sharing our program, the resources that helped us, and Benji and Giulietta's ongoing progress through our blog, other families can begin to map out their own path forward.
The Framework
Our program combines two structures: a Microboard, which provides governance, accountability, and long term stability, and a Circle of Care, which handles day to day coordination. Together, they bring family and professionals around a single plan with clear roles and measurable outcomes.
The Program
The program provides individualized education for Benji and Giulietta. Professionals, family, and support workers share the same goals and adjust them as needs change. This coordination means skills learned at home carry over to school and the community, and progress can be tracked over time.
300+
Words Giulietta Has Learned to Read and Write
700+
Hours Benji has Worked at IKEA
610+
Hours Volunteered
1460+
Meals Prepped
BLOG
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.
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.
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.
Building Communication Skills Through Personalized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
12-08-2025
Benji and Giulietta were diagnosed with verbal apraxia, a common feature of PMS that affects the ability to coordinate speech. Despite years of intensive speech therapy, including early intervention with the PROMPT method, neither made measurable progress in verbal communication. For Giulietta, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) finally unlocked her voice.
Traditional ABA vs. Person-Centered Learning
12-08-2025
Benji and Giulietta began intensive traditional Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, as recommended by special education professionals. While this approach may work well for some children, it did not align with our family's values or suit Benji and Giulietta's needs and personalities. After several years, it became clear they were not thriving with this method.