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Help Selena raise money

For participating in 2021 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

My Story…

As chair of the board of Autism In Mind, I am excited to share with you that our private school for children with autism is opening in 2021, in Markham, Ontario, AIM Without Limits.  Our school offers a unique, individualized educational experience for children from kindergarten to grade 8, combining features of a typical Ontario academic curriculum with on-site ABA therapy as well as vocational skills including essential practical skills such as banking, transit, house work, and cooking.  Coding, music, and art too!  The goal of our school is to move beyond providing essential ABA therapies, to add a roster of practical and life skills to maximize independence of our children with autism as they move into their teen and young adult years.

As a mom of two autistic children,  I know many parents share my concern on how we can encourage our kids' independence as they age out of the currently provided autism therapy programs.  Initiatives such as our new private school will be key to providing an optimal educational experience that goes beyond academics, to provide an individualized education providing life skills to maximize our kids' potential.  

We are seeking to raise $88,000 this year to complete renovations to our newly acquired facility for our private school.  I will be so grateful for donations in any amount.  You will receive your tax receipt right away by email.  Thank you!




Description

“The highest result of education is tolerance” – Hellen Keller 

 

At AIM, we always seek for the highest possible results in empowering our community with equitable access to a meaningful education. When individuals from all walks of life can experience and learn from new perspectives, experiences, ways of life, cultures, and countries, we start to dissolve the invisible barriers that can keep us socially distant.  

 

Different does not mean less. A community that accepts and tolerates each other’s differences demonstrates compassion and the strength of unity. 

 

The back-to-school season that we expect every September has always been stressful for many families. Going back to school this September during an ongoing pandemic will be even more stressful, especially for students with autism/autistic individuals, since our education systems will be operating with multiple uncertainties and limited resources. This is why AIM is starting a private elementary school this September, called AIM Without Limits, to empower students and families with a meaningful education option that is delivered with the utmost care and efficacy. 

 

 The AIM Without Limits program is the foundation we have built for and with our autistic learners/children with Autism. AIM provides programming, support, and services that young autistic children/ children with autism can use to accomplish their individual goals, regardless of their family’s financial situation.  

 

We want to grow with our children and continue to provide them equal opportunity to learn and reach their potential. This is why AIM Without Limits School for Children with Autism will be opening this September! 

 

AIM Without Limits School will offer programs for children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 with Ontario Certified Teachers, Applied Behaviour Analysts and Therapy Team, Psychologist, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists and more. Built into the programming will be Life Skills programs, which include skills like learning to wash and fold laundry, using public transit, and money and banking skills. Vocational Programs, Afterschool Programs which include; yoga, arts/music and homework club, and a Best Buddy system will also offer opportunities to interact with neurotypical peers, in order to develop meaningful friendships in a safe environment. 

 

This is a huge endeavour for AIMwe know with your help we can achieve our goal of $88,000.00 ensuring our students are receiving the best education possible! 

Achievements

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Nov 08 Gutchers Undisclosed amount
Nov 08 Sabina & Dennis That is amazing that the school is already up and running! Can't wait to hear more about it. It sounds amazing. $250.00
Nov 08 Jen and Ken $250.00
Nov 08 Shelagh Carnegie Good luck and the school sounds so amazing! $300.00
Nov 08 Liz & Greg You got this!! $250.00
Oct 13 James Blonde $100.00
Oct 07 Sean Gill $100.00
Oct 06 Roch Ripley Great cause and happy to support. Hope you and the family are well! $250.00
Sep 30 Lindsay Chung Best of luck, Selena! $50.00
Sep 18 Jennifer Bird $100.00