Community Learning

Community programs have become a big part of Benji and Giulietta's lives, especially since they are no longer in school. When school ended, we knew it wasn't enough to simply fill their schedules. We wanted them to continue learning, building relationships, contributing to their communities, and developing the skills that would help them lead meaningful and independent lives. Over the years, community programs have helped create that foundation. For Benji, this has included o

Every decision that has been made for Benji and Giulietta has started with the same question: "What kind of life do Benji and Giulietta want to live?" Not what services are available. Not what program they fit into. Not what other people think they should be doing. What matters first is who Benji and Giulietta are as individuals. Although they share the same diagnosis of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, they are very different people. They have different personalities, different int

School trips at MJDS have always been planned with inclusion in mind, and Benji and Giulietta have been active participants in every outing. From local excursions to trips to Montreal and Quebec City, the goal has always been for them to be fully involved alongside their classmates. Teachers, support staff, and peers at Montessori Jewish Day School (MJDS) worked together to make school activities accessible and engaging for every student. Classmates played an important role i

For quite some time now, Giulietta has been an active part of the Yachad program, an inclusive space where individuals build friendships, develop social skills, and participate in meaningful group activities. Yachad has truly become a community for Giulietta. Building Confidence Through Connection Each session at Yachad begins with an hour of free choice. This is one of Giulietta’s favourite parts of the evening. During this time, Giulietta is encouraged to communicate using

Benji hard at work on the farm, focused and proud as he completes his tasks. Our First Visit to Windreach Farm When we first started volunteering at Windreach Farm back in 2018, we had no idea how deeply it would impact our lives. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was so inviting and welcoming that we instantly felt a connection, not only to the farm itself, but also to the people who make it so special. There’s an indescribable feeling that comes from belonging to a

A visit to a coffee shop offers a great opportunity for experiential learning for Benji. This environment allows Benji to practice social and communication skills. Using PECS enhances the experience by supporting communication and providing a structured way for Benji to engage with his surroundings. Everyday outings offer powerful opportunities for learning, and coffee shop visits have become a meaningful way for Benji to practice real-world communication, decision-making, an