Life Skills

When people see Benji and Giulietta's program today, what they are seeing is not how things have always been. This is the result of two decades of work that included failures, dead ends, and crises that made us question whether we could continue. The path was not straightforward. There were years when progress felt out of reach, when we were exhausted and desperate. The system offered no solutions, and we had to create something from nothing. There were crisis points that for

Giulietta was about eighteen months old when she first attended a neighbourhood program, accompanied by a nanny. At that age, she couldn’t communicate, walk independently, or participate in any activity without physical support and facilitation. Despite these constraints, Giulietta loved school. She loved desk activities that challenged her, puzzles, books, anything that engaged her mind. She especially loved circle time, particularly when there was music, which has always ca

In 2011 we heard about the STEPs program summer camp. It was a special needs camp and I wanted to explore it to find out if it would be a good fit for the kids. I suggested that I would shadow for a day and then decide. However, I was informed that the staff at the program were well versed in navigating the teaching of disabled children. Given that my kids were medically fragile, I wasn't comfortable sending them to a camp without ensuring that the setting would be suited for

Benji uses this ‘Need/Found’ picture card to indicate what he’s looking for or has found, helping him communicate independently. Building Independence Each day, Benji practices gathering the items he will need for outings, from his backpack to any materials or personal items he uses regularly. With the support of picture cards, he communicates what he needs and asks for help when necessary. This daily routine gives him the opportunity to organize his belongings independently

Benji will develop independence in completing household tasks by using visual supports, such as picture cards, checklists, and step-by-step guides. These tools provide clear, consistent cues that help him understand each task, remember the steps involved, and complete them successfully. Building Independence Through Household Tasks Helping Benji develop independence starts with identifying the household tasks that matter most to him. By choosing chores he wants to work on, li

We place a strong emphasis on personal care for Benji and Giulietta, recognizing that these routines are an important part of their daily independence and overall well-being. While they may need support to complete certain tasks, we also encourage them to take an active role and develop the skills necessary to care for themselves. Our approach balances guidance with opportunities for independence, helping Benji and Giulietta build confidence and competence in everyday routine

Giulietta will independently use her iPad to identify and select appropriate clothing items from her closet. We place a strong value on daily living responsibilities, as they provide meaningful opportunities to build independence, confidence, and practical life skills. Everyday routines allow learning to happen in a natural and purposeful way. To start the day, Giulietta is in charge of choosing her outfit, starting with the top drawer to find socks, underwear, and a bra, the