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 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

Benji uses this ‘Need/Found’ picture card to indicate what he’s looking for or has found, helping him communicate independently. Each day starts with a small but meaningful routine for Benji. Before heading out, he takes time to gather everything he needs, from his backpack to the personal items that help him feel comfortable and prepared. This simple practice has become an important part of building his independence. With the support of picture cards, Benji is able to commun

Creating structure, smooth transitions, and predictability. In our work with Benji and Giulietta, we focus on building independence, predictability, and smooth transitions through structured routines and clear daily schedules. At the same time, their autonomy remains at the centre of everything we do. While we do use weekly schedules and set goals to guide our programming, these are not rigid or fixed. Instead, they serve as a flexible framework that helps create consistency

Encouraging and Maintaining Friendships We support Benji and Giulietta in building and maintaining meaningful friendships by creating regular opportunities for positive social experiences. We make sure to set up time for them to see their friends so that these relationships can grow and strengthen. During outings, we help them practice important social skills such as taking turns, sharing, starting conversations, and responding to their peers using their iPad or PECS binder w

Integrating Physical Activities into Daily Routines For Benji and Giulietta, movement is a natural part of their daily routine rather than something separate or forced. Each day includes some form of structured physical activity that is thoughtfully tailored to their individual strengths, interests, and energy levels. These activities aren’t fixed or rigid. Instead, they are observed and adjusted regularly to make sure they continue to feel enjoyable, effective, and encouragi

Supporting teamwork, planning, and following routines. Benji and Giulietta engage in collaborative meal preparation as a meaningful way to build teamwork, planning, and communication skills. During these activities, they practice important functional life skills while using their iPad or PECS binder to make a meal together. Meal preparation provides daily opportunities to make choices, follow directions, and take pride in contributing to a shared meal. Our goal is for Benji a

We make grocery shopping a fun, engaging, and educational for Benji and Giulietta, with a focus on building leadership, independence, and practical life skills. Grocery shopping is a meaningful real world activity that provides ongoing opportunities for Benji and Giulietta to build independence, communication, and life skills. By involving them in the process from planning to checkout, we intentionally turn a routine task into a shared learning experience. Each step encourage