At 21, Benji is building an independent life in the community.
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Benji communicates using gestures and a few spoken approximations. He is largely nonverbal and uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, including the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Proloquo on his iPad, to connect with the people around him.
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He works part time at IKEA as a Back to Shelf employee, volunteers at a farm and a hospital, and stays active with biking, hiking, and daily gym sessions. He shows up consistently.
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Benji has faced significant medical challenges throughout his life, supported by a strong circle of care. Today, he lives a full life on his own terms.
Benji's Journey
2004
Birth!
4
weeks old
6
months old
18
months old
Early Interventions
By six months, Benji was receiving early intervention services including speech therapy for oral aversion, occupational therapy for fine motor skills and low muscle tone, and physical therapy for developmental milestones. Despite trying many therapies over the years, progress was limited.
Nursery School
At 18 months, we moved from Philadelphia back to Toronto. From ages 1.5 to 3, Benji attended a reverse integration childcare program designed to support children of all abilities. While the setting appeared inclusive, it became clear that the program couldn't meet Benji's specific learning needs. He required a more individualized approach
2
years old
3
years old
Benji's First Steps!
From birth, Benji's low muscle tone made early motor milestones difficult. Traditional physical therapy brought little progress. MEDEK therapy offered a different approach with a home program requiring daily practice of specific techniques. After years of consistent work, Benji took his first independent steps at age 3.
Starting a Special Education School
For years, finding a school or program that fit Benji's needs was a challenge. He attended a small school that applied special education principles, but progress was minimal. Traditional classroom learning, with its focus on sitting at a desk and following a set curriculum, did not match how he learned best. Programs that could not accommodate his learning and care needs were not effective. Even programs designed for children with special needs followed a standardized approach that did not align with how Benji learned. None of the available options were the right fit.
Introduction to Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Benji started using PECS and the iPad at age 3, when it became clear he would not develop verbal speech. It took years of consistent practice, supported by his dedicated team across all routines and activities, before PECS became meaningful for him. In 2025, at age 20, he proudly used his first purposeful communication: a simple "hello" card.
3
years old
4
years old
5
years old
Helping Out Around The House
What did work was real life. By age 5, Benji eagerly joined in household chores, climbing onto a wooden step stool to help wash dishes and clean with purpose and determination. This demonstrated that building on his natural interests and motivation was the key to helping him learn.
Meeting Laura Hunter
In 2011, Benji and Giulietta began working with Laura Hunter, founder of the STEPS Program, a life skills program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through structured physical activities like adapted biking, therapeutic horseback riding, and barn chores, they gained strength, confidence, and practical skills. The activities were intrinsically motivating; Benji and Giulietta wanted to learn because the skills gave them greater autonomy, and each success became its own reward. In 2013, Laura began working privately with Benji and Giulietta to build a customized program across home, school, and community
First Day at Montessori Jewish Day School (MJDS)
In 2011, Benji and Giulietta started at Montessori Jewish Day School with dedicated one to one support. The hands on, experiential approach aligned with how they learned. They followed individualized programs while participating alongside classmates in classroom activities and social events.
6
years old
8
years old
14
years old
17
years old
Volunteer Work at Windreach Farm
At 14, Benji began volunteering at Windreach Farm. He connected naturally with the animals and thrived in the teamwork environment. Therapeutic riding, animal care, gardening, and barn chores alongside peers built his physical endurance, life skills, and confidence. At the farm, he contributes and belongs
Make-a-Wish Trip!
Make A Wish is an organization that grants wishes to children facing significant illnesses or disabilities. In 2021, Benji's wish took him to an accessible lakeside cottage in Muskoka with Charlie, his loyal golden retriever, joining the fun. The week included boating, swimming, hiking, exploring local towns, and cooking meals together. All the things Benji enjoys most. A trip to remember, thanks to the generosity of Make A Wish.
18
years old
20
years old
First Day of Work: IKEA!
For years, Benji visited IKEA regularly as part of his life skills program, practicing work routines and building familiarity with the environment. At 18, he was offered a job. He works with one to one support, which helps guide him through tasks and bridge communication with his coworkers. Work goals are developed alongside his life skills goals. Today, Benji is a proud member of the IKEA North York Back to Shelf team.
Social Program at Windreach Farm
Benji also joined the Windreach Farm Social Program, where he connects with peers and staff who share his interest in hands on work. Together, they fix things around the farm, prepare for events, tend gardens, and sell items at the farm store. Everyone contributes, and the work gets done as a team
Benji Today!
Over 21 years, Benji has grown physically, intellectually, and socially through structured routines and real world experience. The progress was not linear, and it did not come easily. Benji worked hard, and the people around him never gave up. That combination built resilience, confidence, and trust in his own capabilities. He found his place in the world, and he is treated with the respect and dignity he deserves. Along the way, he has formed meaningful friendships with teammates, coworkers, and the people who support him.
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He actively participates in a life skills program tailored to his needs, practicing independence, problem solving, and practical tasks across multiple environments. Daily physical activity, including biking, hiking, and gym sessions, has built his endurance and supports his overall health.
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Today, Benji is a confident young adult. He is engaged in his job, his hobbies, and his community. He pursues his goals, makes choices, and continues to work toward new ones. Benji is healthy and happy, and his future is bright
