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

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. 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

Creating structure, smooth transitions, and predictability. We support Benji and Giulietta in developing independence, predictability, and smooth transitions through structured schedules and routines, while also prioritizing their autonomy. We have weekly schedules and goals that guide our program, but these are not set in stone. Our approach allows Benji and Giulietta to feel in control of their day, make choices, and have input into how activities unfold. As educators, we u

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 Benji and Giulietta follow daily routines that include structured physical activities tailored to their individual abilities and interests. These activities are regularly adapted through observation to ensure they remain enjoyable, effective, and supportive of confidence, motivation, and physical fitness. Strength and Balance Gym sessions incorporate bodyweight exercises, free weights, and resistance machines. The focus is o

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