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

For Benji and Giulietta, employment has never been about simply filling time or having somewhere to go during the day. Work has become an important part of who they are. Like everyone else, Benji and Giulietta want to be involved in their communities, contribute in meaningful ways, and have responsibilities that matter. Employment provides opportunities to do all of those things while continuing to build confidence, skills, and independence. For many individuals with developm

For Benji and Giulietta, communication has never just been about speech. It has always been about finding ways to be understood in everyday life. Communication is one of the most important foundations of independence, choice-making, and community participation, and for both of them it has also been one of the most complex areas of support. Benji and Giulietta live with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and childhood apraxia of speech, which impacts the ability to plan and coordinate t

Over time, health became one of the most important foundations in Benji and Giulietta’s lives, not because it stands alone, but because it directly shapes how they are able to participate in everyday life. When people think about independence, health is often seen as separate from learning, communication, or community involvement. For Benji and Giulietta, it is what makes all of those things possible in the first place. Health is not something separate from daily life or trea

What Benji and Giulietta needed was not another isolated service. They needed a way of thinking about life where communication, employment, recreation, education, life skills, social opportunities, and community participation all worked together instead of being separated into different programs and schedules. That shift changed everything. Instead of life being shaped around appointments and service calendars, the focus moved toward everyday life. Real environments, real rou

Before there was a program, a framework, a Microboard, or a Circle of Care, there were simply two children named Benji and Giulietta. Like many parents, their family started with hopes, dreams, and expectations for what the future might look like. What they could not have predicted was the journey that lay ahead, or how much creativity, persistence, and determination it would take to build a meaningful adult life for both of them. Benji and Giulietta live with Phelan-McDermid

Benji had low muscle tone. This affected his ability to hold his head up, sit up independently, crawl, stand, or walk. From Day One: Supporting Benji Through Hypotonia Benji's low muscle tone (hypotonia) was present since birth, and we attempted every form of early intervention to help him meet motor milestones. We worked closely with numerous occupational and physical therapists. In the early days, we tried to encourage "tummy time" to increase his tolerance to being prone a

Camp Greenacres Summer Camp When Benji and Giulietta were younger, they had the chance to attend several summer camps, each offering meaningful experiences that supported their growth and confidence. Summer is such an important time in a child’s life, not just for fun and adventure, but for forming friendships, discovering new interests, and building a sense of independence. For Giulietta, camp became a space where they could explore, learn, and feel included alongside their

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

A Bar Mitzvah is a significant milestone in the Jewish faith, embarking on a transition into adulthood at the age of 13. Everyone at the school, from the Principal, Teachers, classmates, and parents of friends, and guests, came together to create a truly deeply meaningful celebration of Benji. By hosting this significant milestone at his school's synagogue, the event created a unique bridge between educational and cultural spaces where Benji had grown up. A Day of Recognit

In 2017, Benji underwent bilateral derotation osteotomy surgery, a significant procedure that required him to take months off from his regular activities. This surgery was not just a physical challenge; it was a journey that encompassed much more than just recovery. Benji essentially had to relearn many of the basic skills we often take for granted, including how to walk. This process was undoubtedly daunting, but Benji faced it with remarkable bravery and resilience. Throu

Benji has found a meaningful way to contribute to his community by volunteering at Baycrest, where he helps keep the cafeteria clean. Each Tuesday, Benji approaches his volunteer tasks with focus. Using his checklist, he gathers items like spray bottles and cloths and completes each step in order. The checklist provides a clear, visual guide that helps him stay organized and confident as he works. This structure allows him to complete his tasks independently and feel a sense

Shovel to Ground: Benji's Laneway Suite For the past few years, Galit has been working closely with a builder to design the perfect laneway suite for Benji. Now 21 years old, Benji is ready for a space that reflects who he is and supports the life he deserves, one with purpose, dignity, and independence, while still ensuring he has the assistance he needs. The suite is being built in the backyard, allowing Benji to have his own home while staying connected to his family and f

"Eighteen-year-old Benji Fisman was born with a rare genetic disorder yet despite his complex medical issues Fisman recently celebrated his first anniversary working at IKEA. A personalized plan was set in place to help Fisman achieve workplace goals. Today he's enjoying a life of remunerated employment, increased independence and a sense of belonging with a large and cohesive workplace team. Susan Hay has the story." - Global Celebrating Work and Growth Benji has been making

Discovering MEDEK: Benji’s Path to Motor Development Benji started receiving intensive traditional physical therapy around one year old. The goals were motor milestones like sitting, crawling, and standing. Traditional physical therapy with daily practice did not achieve any milestones. At approximately 18 months, we discovered Método Dinámico de Estimulación Kinésica (MEDEK), a dynamic method of kinetic stimulation. MEDEK is a physical therapy approach that uses gravity and

Benji using his PECS binder at one of his favourite spots, Starbucks, a place he’s loved visiting since he was young. Understanding ABA: A Common Approach for Children with Autism Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was recommended by SLPs as a learning technique commonly employed for children with autism spectrum disorder. It’s a therapeutic approach based on the science of learning and behavior, often used to help autistic children develop skills and reduce challenging behavior

This is what Benji’s current Proloquo layout looks like as he practices communication with support. Early Speech and Feeding Challenges: Benji’s Journey Speech therapy for Benji began at 9 months due to swallowing and feeding issues. He had an abnormal swallow reflex, and we worked with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to determine feeding strategies and reduce risk of choking. Benji also exhibited a strong oral aversion, refusing anything near his mouth and making adequa

Benji began occupational therapy at 6 months old to address severe low muscle tone that prevented him from holding his head up independently. He required external head support and physical assistance to maintain upright posture in his stroller. He had no fine motor control and could not grasp objects or tolerate being in a prone position while keeping his head up. Early Therapy Goals: Benji’s First Steps in Motor Development Initial therapy goals focused on maintaining postur

Benji is a valued and proud member of the IKEA North York team, where he works in the cookware, décor, and rug department. His main role is part of the Back to Shelf (BTS) team, where he returns misplaced items to their proper locations around the store. Growing Confidence and Skills Since joining IKEA, Benji has made remarkable progress. He recently celebrated his three-year anniversary on June 6, 2025, marking three years of hard work, learning, and growth. Over time, Benji

Every Friday, Benji takes part in a social program at Windreach Farm, where he engages with peers his age in a variety of hands-on activities that promote skill development, independence, and community connection. His responsibilities at the farm are diverse and meaningful. He contributes to maintaining the property through cleaning, raking, and weeding, keeping the farm environment safe and welcoming for everyone. Benji also works in the greenhouse and garden, planting seeds