Alexandre Bilodeau

40 Pages·2013·31.95 MB·English

Vol. 5 No. 2
INSPIRATIONS
A Snapshot of Our Special Needs Community
Un coup d’oeil sur notre communauté aux besoins particuliers
Follow us on www.inspirationsnews.com
Spring / Summer 2013
Alexandre Bilodeau: The golden heart of an Olympian
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Symposium on Autism Page 3
Lysanne Blanchette-Lamothe Page 5
Notebook Page 6 & 7
Dynamic Funds Caregiver of
Inspiration Page 9
Riverside News Page 11
La cyberintimidation Page 12
Julie René de Cotret Page 13
The Azrieli Foundation Page 19
Small Steps at Ometz Page 23
Leaders on Wheels Page 30
Arts & Entertainment Page 34 & 35
Adapted Travel Page 36 to 37
Using your smart-
phone, scan this code
Olympic gold medal winning freestyle skier Alexandre Bilodeau made an inspiring visit to the to head straight to
Mackay Centre School in N.D.G., which caters to students who are physically disabled and hearing Inspirations’s
impaired. Please read the full story and our exclusive interview on page 38. website!
A certified hot meal provider by the EMSB,
providing over 1000 meals daily.
Healthier Diets...Healthier Minds
Bien Manger...Bien Réussir
Le Doral Catering/Traiteur Le Doral, 4490 Jean-Talon Est Montreal, QC H1S 1K1
Tel: [phone] www.ledoral.com
Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS 2
OUR STUDENTS
Supporting the Autism Community DO NOT HAVE AN
The Giant Steps Resource Centre is dedicated to ATTENTION PROBLEM... S P EC I A L
The Giant Steps Resource Centre is dedicated to
supporting the ASD community; people with THEY HAVE A
suApuptoisrmtin, pga trheen tAsS aDn dco pmromfeusnsiiotyn; aplse.o ple with Autism, MOVEMENT DEFICIT. WEB PRICE
parents and professionals.
The Centre is open to all
Thbey Caepnptorein itsm oepnetn a tnod a ll by
SPECIAL
apopffoeirnst am wenidte a nradn ogffee orsf a WEB PRICE TUESDAY APRIL 30TH, 2013
wriedseo urarncegse a onfd r essuopuprocerts
anfodr sau vpaproiertty f oorf aa uvtairsimet y of
auretilsamte dre ilsastueeds i.ssues.
Follow us on Facebook at
Giant Steps/À pas de géant Montréal
A BILINGUAL EVENING CONFERENCE
WITH DR. PAUL E. DENNISON
Ph,D., co-creator of Brain Gym®
Resource and Training Centre
[email protected] For more information or for registration: www.REKINEXION.com
514-935-1911 ext. 237
3 Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS
Gold Centre and Lester B. Pearson School Board symposium May 17
Coping with Anxiety – Techniques to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Karka, who is fluent in English, French and
By Alycia Ambroziak The symposium, hosted by the Lester B. May 10, 2013. Refreshments and lunch will
Lithuanian, has also traveled to Eastern
Pearson School Board and the Gold Learn- be provided and exhibitors will be on site
Europe as a lecturer on autism and special
ing Centre, will take place on May 17, 2013 during the lunch hour. Registration can be
education.
at Lakeside Academy in Lachine. done online. For information visit: www.
goldlearningcentre.com.
The deadline to register for the workshop is
Adriana Karka of the Geneva Centre for
Autism – an international leader in the de-
velopment and delivery of clinical interven-
Letters to the Editor
tion services and training – will be the guest
speaker at the day-long event.
Dear Editor, I handed my assignment in at the begin-
“We’re delighted to partner with the Gene- ning of class, so proud of what I had put
va Centre for Autism as they are leaders in Thank you for presenting good resources together. At the end of class my teacher
providing quality professional development with non-threatening inspiration. Parents asked me to stay behind. She accused me
in the field of autism,” Francoeur said. “Al- are so fearful and I applaud you for your of plagiarism and found it hard to believe
Jovette Francoeur knows first-hand about though we already have many tools and re- description of services which they must that a grade 8 student could write like that.
working with children with autism. As sources at our schools, we are always look- find so helpful. I enjoyed reading about
a special needs consultant at the Lester ing for new ideas.” the Miriam Foundation, which is very I was crushed.
B. Pearson School Board, she works with dear to my heart. Keep up your wonder-
schools to help map out strategies to support Karka has been with the Geneva Centre for ful work. For seven years I had been encouraged to
students with autism in the classroom. Autism since 2007, first as an autism re- develop my writing skills, allowed to cre-
source consultant and currently as a faculty Thanks, ate puppet shows and plays complete with
That’s one of the reasons she will be taking member of the Training Institute. costumes and makeup. Then, in my very
part in a workshop designed for parents as Sharron Gersovitz first high school English class, this hap-
well as professionals such as teachers, inte- An accomplished music therapist and be- pened.
gration aids and support staff called Coping havior specialist for individuals with ASD
Montreal
with Anxiety – Techniques that help stu- and other intellectual and developmental At thirteen, unfortunately, my reaction was
dents with ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disor- disabilities for over 10 years, Karka previ- less than graceful. I informed my teacher
Dear Editor:
ders). ously worked for five years with the Autism (full of my teenage righteous indignation
Intervention Program at the Children’s Hos- and vinegar) that I wrote the poem. She in-
I have a couple of friends who are study-
“Although each individual is different, one pital of Eastern Ontario. formed me that the only way I could prove
ing to be Special Education Teacher As-
of the common traits that we find in individ- to her that I did not plagiarize the piece
sistants and I love sharing Inspirations
uals with autism is anxiety,” said Francoeur. She also provided early intervention ser- was if I submitted it to the school newspa-
with them. Thank you to all the contrib-
“It may be due to communication chal- vices and music therapy in both Chicago’s per. So I did.
utors and staff who put this publication
lenges, social difficulties, sensory or other Easter Seals Developmental Centre and the
together. Your work is appreciated.
issues, but in any case, it’s important to find Montclair State University’s Music Therapy I was so crushed, so hurt, my confidence
the sources of the anxiety and find strategies clinic (called Music Aids Growth in Chil- slowly dissolved and my interest in school
to help support our students and teach them dren (MAGIC)) in New Jersey. Wow! I wish every teacher in Canada faded because I was accused of doing
how to cope.” could read the article “The Soaring Fish”
something wrong when I didn’t; I was
because the truth resonated with me.
doing what I loved. I slowly withdrew
and became that “ghost student”, the one
I was “that kid” in the classroom, the one
who rarely shows up for class and barely
who liked to write comedic plays and
passes. I never creatively wrote again un-
puppet shows. My elementary school
til I was in my forties, and funnily enough
teachers were so kind, they would let my
the very first piece I wrote ended up being
friends and I put on our “shows” for the
published in an anthology.
classroom a couple of time a year. We
were encouraged by our teachers, who
If I could say one thing to teachers, it
must have been saints for their patience
would be “please don’t walk on flowers,
and understanding.
they’re fragile and take a long time to
grow again.”
In my first year of high school, my Eng-
lish teacher gave a creative writing as-
Best regards,
signment: write an original Haiku. I was
so excited that I snuck out that night to
Lisa Nolan
go hang out at the beach and write my
Haiku in the moonlight.
Montreal and White Rock, BC
Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS 4
Employment Service for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing
and visually impaired at the MAB-Mackay
By Cindy Davis
Martin Bergevin is not one to back down from a chal- knew I could be a good example by saying to others ‘Look, if I managers, to name a few.
lenge. After graduating from university, Bergevin, can do it, you can do it too.’”
who is deaf, moved to Arizona knowing little Eng- MAB-Mackay also offers an intensive four-week Pre-
lish to pursue a Masters degree in Archeology. Upon his re- MAB-Mackay offers employment services to help clients and Employment Program (PEP). PEP works with clients
turn to Montreal, the highly ranked volleyball player who employers through the job placement process and is the only or- in understanding their needs, limitations and accept-
credits his life’s successes to a supportive family that believed ganization in Quebec to offer integrated employment and reha- ing their disabilities before providing them with job
he could achieve anything despite his disability, decided to bilitation services to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing and visually information and tools and eventually mimicking a
dedicate his career to spreading that message. impaired. work environment. “In our first workshop of eight
clients with visual impairments last year, seven are
For the past six years, he has done just that through his work From goal identification services, employment counseling and now either working or are in school,” says a proud
as an Employment Service Coordinator for the Deaf, hard- resumé building, to working with potential employers through Bergevin. This spring the PEP session will be geared
of-hearing and visually impaired clients at the MAB-Mackay sensitization workshops and incentive programs, Bergevin’s specifically towards the culturally Deaf, and next fall,
Rehabilitation Centre. goal is to ensure that every client finds his or her dream job. towards youth with a visual impairment.
With an 80 percent job placement success rate, this service has
“It was a slap in my face to see what can happen to people if made it possible for clients to fulfill their dreams of becoming This summer, MAB-Mackay will be teaming up with
they are not given the right opportunities,” says Bergevin. “I pet groomers, hotel banquet managers, engineers and business Canada World Youth, a non-profit organization, to
send a group of hard-of-hearing youth to Kenya for
six weeks to work on environmental issues and with
local youth groups. MAB-Mackay Employment Ser-
vice also works with mainstream high schools for the
Deaf and hard-of-hearing and visually impaired, to
help students learn appropriate social skills as well
as acquire the necessary daily living skills, such as
dressing appropriately for the workplace, preparing
meals, and traveling independently, to name a few
areas that would help prepare them for employment.
Whether working with young or elderly clients, stu-
dents seeking their first job or those seeking new em-
ployment challenges, Bergevin emphasizes to all his
clients that they can overcome their challenges with
the right tools. “It’s amazing to see the disabilities
disappear when they realize, ‘I can do it.’”
The MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre’s Employ-
ment Service for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing and
Visually Impaired provide a wide variety of services,
from professional career counseling, job search train-
ing, coordination and coaching for job interviews
and more. For information visit www.mabmackay.ca.
5 Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS
By Jason Goldsmith
INSPIRATIONS
Inspirations is produced by the
Communications and Marketing Division
and the Student Services Department of the
English Montreal School Board
and distributed across the Greater Montreal,
Laval-Laurentians and South Shore areas.
Editor
Mike Cohen
Managing Editor and
Coordinator of Operations
Wendy Singer
Guest Editorial
Consulting Editors
Lew Lewis
Julie René de Cotret
By Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, MP Copy Editors
Stuart Nulman
Kate Marien
In the last year, moving testimonies and nalization.
tragic events have raised the issue of Art & Entertainment Editor
bullying of young people to the fore- Andrea Di Tomaso
Unfortunately, this motion was rejected
front of social awareness. There has been
last November with 149 votes against Coordinator of Educational Outreach
a mobilization around this issue: youth “The federal
and 136 in favour. Until now, the MPs Linda Mahler
groups, school boards, and community or-
have been unable to agree on the appro-
ganizations have stepped up their efforts to priate response as well as the resources Layout & Design
speak out against bullying and to establish government that should be invested to combat this Yibing Shen
an action plan to help combat it.
problem. I find it regrettable that this ini-
Special Advisor
tiative has been halted. I hope that these
Nick Katalifos
It is in this context that the MPs in the House must do its important discussions will continue and Principal, Pierre de
of Commons were asked to debate and vote that parliamentarians will find a com- Coubertin Elementary School
on bills with regards to bullying. The fed- mon ground, to finally provide adequate
eral government can do its part, but how? support in the fight against bullying. As Administration
part in the Mona Kamel
a former teacher, I am proud to partici-
Betty Buie
The introduction of Bill C-237, which pro- pate in these efforts. Meanwhile, I com-
posed to criminalize cyber-bullying, could mend all those who work on preventing
Phone: [phone] ext. 7245
be one way to assist in the fight against bul- fight against bullying and youth intervention.
lying. However, many concerns have been
Fax: (514) 483-7213
raised by researchers and practitioners. This We must remember that there are a va-
bill may have contributed to the number of bullying” riety of reasons why people are targeted E-mail:
young people in the criminal justice system by bullies, from personality characteris- [email protected]
while not necessarily discouraging them tics to being in the wrong place at the [email protected]
wrong time. Unfortunately, research Website:
Model for a day, model for forever indicates that a child with a disability is www.inspirationsnews.com
more likely to be physically or verbally
bullied than his peers. The effects of bul- 6000 Fielding Ave. Suite 109
Formerly a model, the only difference
lying are felt throughout childhood and Montreal, Quebec, H3X 1T4
between today and yesterday is my dis-
from cyber-bullying. can last long after the bullying has ended
ability. For me, this disability is almost and into adulthood. If you would like to receive copies of
a blessing because it prevents me from inspirations, email us at
Another proposal was to develop a national
falling into the superficial life. [email protected]
strategy against bullying. This motion, intro- Bullying is, unfortunately, still a real-
Facebook:
duced by my colleague Dany Morin, NDP ity for too many children. It is therefore
I want inclusion and not integration. To www.facebook.com/inspirationsnews
MP in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, encouraged the important to put aside politics and col-
integrate, one must disintegrate. The
creation of a special committee to: 1) study laborate; we need to ask ourselves what
only difference between you and me is
the different forms of bullying, 2) develop a more can be done to put an end to bul-
my wheelchair; I am first and foremost
plan to identify and adopt best practices in lying?
a human being!
anti-bullying, 3) support local organizations

already working to prevent bullying and put Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe is the MP
Henry Desbiolles
the focus on prevention rather than crimi- for Pierrefonds-Dollard.
Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS 6
Wendy Singer
Inspirations Notebook
Buddy pair
Nathan Amar
and
Florian Zhou.
Next Chapter Book Club BEST BUDDIES
NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB (NCBC) BEST BUDDIES CANADA and CHAP-
is a community-based literacy and social TERS/INDIGO book stores held THE
program for adolescents and adults with 5TH ANNUAL READ ALL ABOUT IT
intellectual and developmental disabilities. event on March 2nd. This celebration of
NCBC was established in 2002 at The Ohio friendship took place not only in Montreal,
Flash Mob organized by la table State University Nisonger Centre, and has but in 17 other Chapters/Indigo bookstores
de concertation en déficience been expanding across North America ever across Canada. The event drew over 1,200
intellectuelle (DI) et trouble enva- since. participants country-wide!
Rebbetzin Jungreis speaks at hissant du développement (TED)
Yaldei’s Celebration of Hope. du Sud-Ouest de l’île de Montréal. Thanks to the funding and collaboration of The Best Buddies program facilitates one-
the Azrieli and Miriam Foundations, the to-one friendships for people with intel-
Gold Centre has started a chapter in Mon- lectual disabilities and promotes inclusion
Yaldei’s Celebration of Hope Flash Mob treal. NCBC began in January, and meets within elementary schools, high schools,
weekly at Shaïka – a lively local café. universities and colleges. The program
Linda Mahler, Inspirations Coor- A FLASH MOB was organized by the com- helps all participants to gain valuable life
dinator of Educational Outreach, mittee addressing intellectual and develop- The group chose “The Hunger Games” for experiences, leadership skills and above
and I were two of some 300 mental deficiencies in the South West of their first book. They were midway through all, develop new friendships.
guests that attended THE DONALD the island of Montreal, more often referred the large-print version when I attended one
BERMAN YALDEI DEVELOPMEN- to as LA TABLE DE CONCERTATION of their meetings. Animator Chesley Walsh Buddy pairs from McGill University and
TAL CENTRE’S CELEBRATION OF EN DÉFICIENCE INTELLECTUELLE encourages the enjoyment of reading, dis- the Miriam Home met at Indigo Bookstore
HOPE. The evening began with a des- (DI) et TROUBLE ENVAHISSANT DU cussion and creative writing while nurturing in downtown Montreal. They were treated
sert and smoothie reception and silent DÉVELOPPEMENT (TED), in celebration socialization and the new friendships that to an afternoon of fun that included ice-
auction before we turned our attention to of SEMAINE QUÉBÉCOISE DE LA DÉ- are blossoming. breaker games, special words about volun-
host Tommy Schnurmacher from CJAD. FICIENCE INTELLECTUELLE. teerism from guest Jason Goldsmith of The
Book club member Ann shared her thoughts Big Blue Hug, a bubbly and spirited per-
Mother Lisa Hamaoui shared the story Participants from the various organizations in writing: ‘I like the book club. It makes me formance by The Gold Centre Glee Club,
of her family’s search for treatment for that form this group, including at least 50 so happy!’ A new session of NCBC started and the purchase of a book of their choice
their daughter who has Angelman syn- who have intellectual or developmental dif- in April 2013. For more info, visit www. with a Chapters/Indigo gift card supplied
drome. With the help of Yaldei, this fam- ficulties, surprised passersby with a seem- goldlearningcentre.com under leisure pro- by Best Buddies Canada. For more infor-
ily has celebrated more milestones than ingly impromptu dance in the busy lobby of grams. mation about Best Buddies contact 1-888-
779-0061or
ever anticipated. Hamaoui told her story Place des Arts.
info@bestbud-
with such fervor that we could have left
dies.ca.
the event satisfied and inspired at that “Le but de cette mobilisation est de dé-
point. monstrer au public à quel point il y a peu
de différences entre nous et qu’une simple
But Yaldei had more in store! Seventy- musique peut nous rassembler et nous per-
six-year-old Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis mettre, ensemble, de faire un tout,” says
is a best-selling author and world-class Caroline Langevin, President of the above- Next Chapter
inspirational speaker. Small in stature, mentioned committee and Director General
Book Club
her words are grand and unforgettable. of Corporation L’Espoir.
meeting with
She relates her own personal stories,
animator
including surviving the Holocaust, to The flash mob reminded us that 51,000 peo- Chesley Walsh
our daily struggles. Rebbetzin Jungreis’ ple with intellectual disabilities live on the
and members.
message was clear: “Follow the path that island of Montreal, and through sensitiza-
you are given, and never give up.” tion activities, we can attain inclusion and
acceptance of one another.
7 Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS
Ashley and David
blending soil with
dry ice to create
a comet! (Photo
credit, Deborah
Arsenault)
MOSD (Left-Right): Kathy Vanbronswyk, Community Relations Advisor for Police
Station 3; Carrie Goldberg, Executive Director of The Family Resource
The MONTREAL ORAL SCHOOL FOR Center; Monique Verpoort, SNAP Project Leader; and Michael Wilson,
Gloria Cherney, Director of Summit THE DEAF (MOSD) shares a wonderful Police Commander for Station 3 document the beginning of the SNAP
School. collaboration with schools across Quebec, Project in Montreal. Missing (Shirley Miller, Director of Project Commu-
with about 80 percent of hearing-impaired nautaire de Pierrefonds).
students attending their local school while
Summit School
receiving once or twice weekly services
EMSB Summer Language Camp STOP NOW AND PLAN
from an MOSD integration teacher. Some
SUMMIT SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50
children who are still developing skills to
YEARS! Summit School began as a summer
allow them to attend their neighbourhood EMSB SUMMER LANGUAGE CAMP STOP NOW AND PLAN (SNAP®) is an
camp in 1963 that morphed into a school at-
schools attend one of the four MOSD class- has been taking place during the first two evidence-based program that uses cognitive
tended by 39 students. Gloria Cherney, prin-
es located in Westmount Park School. weeks of August for the past 12 years. behavioural therapy to reduce criminality
cipal since 1970, has led the school to what
During recent years, it has been located in children ages six to12. With the financial
it is today; a school that services over 500
at Honoré-Mercier Elementary School in support of the Service de police de la Ville
students spread over three campuses. The MOSD class at Westmount Park re-
Saint- Leonard. de Montréal’s (SPVM) Community Rela-
cently joined the school’s Grade 4 classes
tions Department and spearheaded by Com-
for a ‘Space Science Day’ put on by McGill
In celebration of the school’s 50th anniver- University’s Astrophysics and Cosmology The targeted population is EMSB students mander Michel Wilson and Station Three’s
sary, Jesse Heffring and Jeremy Hechtman, Group’s outreach program (http://www.as- identified with speech-language and lit- mental health team, The Family Resource
in collaboration with over 50 of the school’s tro.physics.mcgill.ca/schools.php). A team eracy (pre-reading skills) difficulties going Center (FRC) and Projet Communautaire
students, have written an original play. of eight adventurous McGill graduate stu- into grade one or two. The camp is staffed Pierrefonds (PCP) have introduced SNAP®
Rachel at Risk aims to spread awareness dents, led by Dr. Ryan Lynch, presented by dedicated and experienced EMSB in the West Island.
about what it’s like to have a developmen-
four fantastic hands-on sessions; Invisible Speech-Language Pathologists.
tal disability in today’s society. The Sum-
Light with UV Beads, Pocket Solar System, The Snap Children’s Project focuses on
mit School Players along with several staff
Make your Own Comet, and Experiments The primary objective is to facilitate teaching self-control/self-regulation by giv-
members and parents can be seen on stage at
with Craters. speech-language and literacy development ing high-risk children (possibly due to men-
the Mainline Theatre from May 29th - 31st.
by providing specialized interventions, in- tal health or behavioural issues) the tools to
For information visit www.rachelatrisk.
tumblr.com. The event went off without a hitch thanks to cluding increased vocabulary, pre-literacy cool down while making the proper deci-
MOSD teacher and organizer Ms. Paul and skills, sentence structure, social language sions. The Family Training objective is to
all the enthusiastic volunteers from McGill. use, etc. A secondary objective is to support teach parents how to effectively regulate
In conjunction with this special occasion, It was a fun experience shared by MOSD transition into the following school year. their own emotions in order to de-escalate
Cherney will also be retiring. We congratu- problematic situations with their child and
students and their peers at Westmount Park.
late her for her vision and devotion, and their families. Tools used include the Earl
Kaboom! Daily schedules are built around themes,
wish her a gratifying retirement. Assessment Tool and the Earl manual (a
such as transportation and occupations,
structured tool to evaluate children before
which are highlighted through fun activi-
and after completing the Children’s Proj-
ties including games and hands-on activi-
ect); The SNAP Clinically Based Children’s
ties. A ratio of children to speech-language
Program; and Family Support.
pathologist of 3:1 amounts to 50 hours of
intensive speech and language over a ten-
day period. Inspirations is sponsoring the following
not-to-be missed events taking place this
spring. Please take a look through this edi-
Campers experience both success and en-
tion to find out more about: The Learning
joyment, and parent feedback is positive.
Disabilities Association of Québec’s Parent
The clinicians are rewarded by witnessing
Conference: Toolbox for success on April
language skills improve with intensive in-
28th; Movement is the door to learning -
tervention during a short period. For infor-
a bilingual evening conference with Dr.
mation contact Kaori Ohashi at kohashi@
Paul E. Dennison on April 30th organized
The Gold Centre Glee Club emsb.qc.ca. Visit inspirationsnews.com/
by reKinéxion; and Montreal’s 3rd Annual
performs at Best Buddies pages/Inspirations_Online_extra.html for
Walk Now for Autism Speaks on May 26th.
Canada and Chapters/In- the full story.
digo’s 5th Annula Read all
If you have any tidbits to share, send them to
about it event.
[email protected].
Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS 8
EMSB pilots welcoming classes for
Supporting children with Dysphasia
students with ASD
By Robin Bernstein
By Tania Piperni M.Ed
ative and interactive groups that are aimed
at enhancing language and fine motor skills,
as well as building social confidence. For
school-aged children, these skills continue
to be enhanced as they prepare to put on a
play for their families. Other skills, such as
teamwork and conflict resolution are intro-
duced. For teenagers and young adults, pro-
grams focus on developing a social network
and creating independence.
Association Dysphasie + also disseminates
information to children, parents, teachers
and support workers about SLI through pre-
sentations, workshops and through the pub-
lication of a children’s picture book called
Johnny’s Secret (or Le Secret de Jeannot).
Johnny’s Secret, written by Éric Adam and
illustrated by Guy Dubé (both adults with
Association Dysphasie+’s publica- SLI), discusses the difficulties of growing
tion Johnny’s Secret / Le Secret de up with SLI through an easy to understand Teacher Cynthia Di Luigi, student Giuseppe Maiorano and the Welcoming Class at Pierre
Jeannot. (Photo courtesy of Dys- fairytale-like story. Strategy and support in- de Coubertin Elementary School.
phasie +) formation is also available for loan and/or
purchase.
Association Dysphasie + ’s mission is For the 2012-2013 school year, the Eng- and special education consultant.
very straightforward: to help indi- lish Montreal School Board (EMSB)
viduals affected by dysphasia, also To register for their brand new English proudly piloted two Welcoming During this pilot year, the students have
called Specific Language Impairment (SLI), group, purchase a copy of Johnny’s Se- Classes designed to meet the very specific each blossomed at their own pace. Lan-
specifically children, parents, teachers and cret, or to obtain more information about needs of students with Autism Spectrum guage has emerged, positive behaviours
support workers. Serving the communities the support services offered by Association Disorders (ASD). Elizabeth Ballantyne have increased, friendships have been cre-
of Laval and Montreal, Association Dys- Dysphasie +, please contact Marie-Andrée Elementary School in Montreal West and ated, and academic skills have progressed.
phasie + provides support services, pro- Tessier at 450-937-3670, info@dysphasiep- Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School in Students have been partially integrated into
gramming and information sessions in both lus.com or www.dysphasieplus.com. St. Leonard implemented this new program mainstream classes such as physical educa-
French and English. in August 2012. tion, music, French and English Language
Robin Bernstein is a Learning Specialist Arts.
Dysphasia, or SLI, affects a child’s under- and the founder of Brightside Learning. The Welcoming Classes are for students
standing and development of language and with a diagnosis of ASD or who are awaiting In order to be eligible for one of the Wel-
speech. It also prevents verbal communi- an official psychiatric diagnosis. The setting coming Classes, students must register at
A montage of the various activities
cation and limits the child’s ability to par- includes a smaller class ratio (a maximum their community school within the EMSB
of Association Dyspahsie +. (Photo
ticipate in age-appropriate activities. Even of eight students) with a classroom teacher territory. Then the School Board profession-
courtesy of Dysphasie +)
so, children with SLI are of normal intel- and child care worker. It is for students at als will review the files of the students and
ligence, exhibit excellent obser- the kindergarten and/or grade one level. If make a decision as to who best meets the
vation skills and want to com- entering the class at the kindergarten level, criteria for entry into a Welcoming Class.
municate with students can remain for two years as the pro- Parents will then be contacted and a case
others. Associa- gram is geared towards facilitating the stu- conference will be held to discuss these op-
tion Dysphasie dents’ inclusion into grade two. tions. Ultimately, parents have the choice
+ works to help to either agree to have their child enter the
children, teens The goal is to apply a proactive approach Welcoming Class or they can choose to re-
and young that will prepare the students with the neces- fuse this option.
adults develop sary adaptive and readiness skills that will
their skills for maximize successful integration. In addi- The global objective of the Welcoming
language and tion to this, the aim is to integrate the best Class is to best prepare students with ASD
speech, as well possible physical setting, trained personnel, with the necessary skills to succeed in the
as create social ties and in- and best-practice models to facilitate the op- inclusive classroom. The global objective of
dependence. timal development of these students’ social, the students? Have fun, learn new skills, and
behavioural, communication, sensory-mo- play with newfound friends.
Programs take place on Fri- tor, and readiness skills. The school staff is
days and Saturdays in small supported by professionals from the Student Tania Piperni is the Autism Spectrum Dis-
groups that are divided by age. Starting at Services Department at the EMSB, namely, orders Consultant at the English Montreal
age three, children can take part in fun, cre- a speech-language pathologist, occupational School Board.
therapist, psychologist, ASD consultant,
9 Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS
The Dynamic Funds Caregiver of Inspiration 2013
Patricia Sansone: Including, Sensitizing, Caring
By Wendy Singer
Patricia Sansone worked as an inclu-
Step’s French side, where she included stu- Patricia has learnt many lessons from the
sion coordinator at Giant Steps School
dents into ten different school boards. students that she adores and the team at Gi-
for 11 years and is currently a special
ant Steps: “I’ve learnt from occupational
education consultant at the English Montre-
Giant Step’s inclusion process begins with therapists, speech therapists, colleagues and
al School Board.
the sensitization of all staff and students in teachers. It was a give and take. However,
the hosting schools. “I learnt that you can- the kids stand out the most because we’re all
Her first experience with children with se- not force the inclusion process on anyone. learning from them. They’re amazing teach-
vere behavioural issues and Autism Spec- If you do you will get integration, not in- ers!”
trum Disorders (ASDs) was at age 17 when
clusion. The child will be in the back of the
she worked as a camp counselor. “I was
class with the educator using the space but Now looking forward to new challenges and
scared,” says Sansone. “I didn’t know what
not fully participating in all of the activi- opportunities to learn in her new role at the
autism was. I figured out that I needed to
ties,” shares Sansone. EMSB, Sansone encourages anyone work-
connect on an emotional level, whether it
ing with children to be open-minded and
was through play, a sense of humour, or just
In order to combat resistance, fear and un- think outside the box: “Be flexible so you
on a human level.”
certainty, Sansone created a ‘Sensitization can meet the needs of the gifted and those
Awareness Project’ for students of all ages, with learning differences. Connect with your
That summer experience marked the begin- teachers and administrators. This program student as a person first.”
nings of Patricia’s passion for the inclusion
embraces differences and teaches strategies
and success of students with autism and spe-
on how to address the diverse learner. Pa- Dynamic Funds was established as a small
cial needs.
tricia was known for her pink suitcase full investment club in Montreal in 1957, where
of tools that help peers walk in an autistic it was a pioneer in providing professional
Sansone worked in solidarity with Giant person’s shoes, including an MP3 player investment advice to retail investors. Since
Patricia Sansone and student Jonathan
Steps; a school that encourages the aca- loaded with amplified sounds. then, Dynamic has evolved to become one
Bourassa. (Photo credit, Ross White)
demic and social inclusion of students with of Canada’s most recognized wealth man-
an ASD into mainstream schools, believ- “Patty made sure that staff understood au- agement firms. They offer a comprehensive
ing that fully participating in the school life and always places their well-being first. She tism, and that educators understood the range of products and services, spanning
helps the overall development of students believes in the potential of all children re- child inside and out. She didn’t just say it, every major sector, geographic region and
with an ASD and enriches the experience of gardless of the severity of their difficulties,” she demonstrated it,” says Lecompte. investment discipline. Dynamic’s financial
their neurotypical peers, preparing all stu- says Lecompte. solutions include open and closed-end in-
dents for adult life in an inclusive society. vestment funds, fee-based, tax-advantaged
Our Dynamic Funds Caregiver of Inspira-
Sansone holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psy- and customized high-net-worth programs.
tion 2013 is proud that, with persistence, she
Jocelyne Lecompte, M.D., Director General chology from McGill University and a Mas-
included students in school programs that
of Giant Steps School, worked with Sansone ter of Education from Concordia University. were not mandated to service ASD students, If you have a Teacher of Inspiration to nomi-
for nine years. Hard working, team player, She implemented a life skills therapy pro- and the experience proved so positive that nate, email [email protected].
creative, inspiring, enthusiastic, diplomatic gram for all age groups at Giant Steps and
these schools later welcomed others with an
and very knowledgeable are but a few words worked as an educator, including one child
ASD.
Lecompte uses to describe her. “Patty fights into her neighbourhood school, before be-
for what she thinks is right for the students, coming the Inclusion Coordinator for Giant
inrtcalatdSc“sheohlencor hPuvelseeecdmeee dtmadnoca leemmtts,lsr,rrr dad d.ntuiaeoa siuciSeannlddnsnicyhvndrgavedga eoedibel tcird cotd oefnmo erheomul r e fisaatrsotnoeshseh l drpdva.rwlree ee eeevnS ghie nfiscreryhsuere ge tsuoieeinresl nedrn tddteiwwse oaiese.t m ” whn e totdbathhelcarhsiel eet ekt g a chmaie .rntkho isn en i-i rddal - st “alcismaipstenstanWhiraau o ordeefesdderhon dseeeiseeer inupn annrotnaguc etsttn sneisa nocreafiPr dtianesritiga ap netoevmuGlet egen tac rnoyasit eonatoae.r kh aneden niIswens sd t dskk f i essa tSoMdnnhu clntrieoocedehno rwowirepeo nstm gxsns olctIteeae rtoleh csednl sm meosf apsge.wy mp olermieAs silamaaamttestielhkb nt ue,aummt ldoeoosP ent ,e pn n b aoiieantetme etfhvybbtc t ye w eeayeiotiora o unhhuwEiynl st aot ohwiMhd n ls ainefe.iiemn S srsenoHec hB adfle- u ssr- saPmekPptco“tshrnauoeafe.P e o twdrnettSr acrwhettniehieitrcneeclnlreineil tibeig Ea tcadiadpu s iMo gthssoati hfes se ap n Soee haosausu Bfeab uni ldrnsg!vaslrett ee ne uteHuabs miridrpdostefiyeiu sorenenc rbo ddnnn. oagefieyst fenn isantn tnsvtsr h talwgstaga eyupim trli o vdeoutateinheodeapaccra n a,tubaiya lntdpllau saewscseedt u trtiwmrehdirsepsoxoomiiaiopttnpcn his,noh o,eg i w waranprnp tcibsgia ehiett ovl rrhpooneoemts r c,iu hoct ocomehpraunuvf eaanri acelit sratdlonSnmes ,rilG-t ince halusocetanicendnlhcahptrydeata ns ositn tclevtos.eolt oole e S,lfiSm c n tmcepteeigoaxpaerppep rrvlrsrbs iiesio dnse.cworvee getnaii vis,anlsn e lsrepgD eleou op lisetln nprhiwppddo meeaaio x tcterdwhiuetmtnde abmertrdamtl eeeelo tg-asn defbpas nltloeily yrdnauid n4gyr tg0- o
SCt-i coNohnoaoartodal lisP.nhlaaat noFnro ionnfgt eG s,i aOnpt eSrtae-ps i -Sn cNgh iohckoe rlK. tah tea vliefroys ,b Ce shta iinr mhaern noefw G piaonstt .S”teps --T JhLuaelnwiek L Ryeoewuni,és P ,d aDet irCriecocitatroe, rtf, o oArf sjSsotiiusntdianenngtt o DSueirrr evBciotcoaersr d,o !Ef” MStuSdBent Services, EMSB
Spring / Summer 2013 - INSPIRATIONS 10
McGill Transition Support Program for young adults
with Autism Spectrum Disorders
By Keeley White, Tra Flanagan and Aparna Nadig
The difficulties characterizing Autism entering adulthood. The alarming gap in
Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are of- knowledge and transition support services
ten associated with childhood. How- has grave consequences for the individuals
ever, ASD is a lifespan diagnosis impacting and their families and for society given the
adulthood opportunities in the community. financial burden of long-term adult care.
Despite the need of continued services
throughout the lifespan, there has been a For these reasons, we have embarked on a
specific focus on early intervention. This joint venture between McGill’s School of
childhood approach to research and inter- Communication Sciences and Disorders
vention leaves many young adults without and the Department of Educational and
proper support in crucial areas such as in- Counseling Psychology. Funded by the Max
dependence. Bell Foundation, we aim to provide a tran-
sition service for young adults with ASD
Given the increased prevalence over the who often have limited access to the support
past 10 to15 years, we are facing a signifi- they need after leaving the school system;
cant population of individuals with ASD to raise awareness of this need with policy
McGill Transition Support Program co-directors Aparna Nadig, PhD and Tara
“Our ad in the Spring 2012 edition of Inspirations really kicked off
Flanagan, PhD.
recruitment for the Transition Support Program – we had been try-
ing for months before that to little avail. Inspirations really helped
makers; and bring together stakeholders nation, and working with others. However,
us get in touch with the right people and now we have a long wait-
who are committed to this cause. self-determination skills were mentioned
ing list of folks who will be participating over the coming sessions.” as a high need by half of the participants.
We have developed a 10-week Transition Participants reported lower skills before
– Aparna Nadig, PhD Support Program adapted to individuals the program across the three target areas,
self-expressed needs in the areas of commu- followed by medium to higher skills one
nication, self-determination (the freedom to month post-program. Overall, participants
live or act as one chooses without consult- found the program to be informative and a
ing with others and to maintain or improve positive experience.
one’s quality of life), and social skills. The
overall goal of the program is to increase In addition, we organized a community
participants’ quality of life and provide stakeholder conference in November 2012
them with basic tools to identify and pursue to engage community members and policy
their interests and objectives. The program makers in spreading awareness about the
is aimed at 18-to 30-year-olds with an ASD need for services for young adults with an
who do not have intellectual disability (as ASD. The conference enabled us to share
there are very few services available to this results from the pilot session of our program
population), and who can communicate in and obtain feedback about the service we
English (for the time being, we would like to are providing.
expand the program to have French groups
as well). The program follows a small-group We are currently enrolling participants for
format with four to six participants and two groups running in Summer and Fall 2013
facilitators. A unique feature of the program and 2014. Please contact us if you would
is that we begin by asking participants what like more information or would like to be
their needs are and adapt the curriculum ac- put on the waiting list for future groups! For
cording to the group’s needs. We are evalu- more information about our Transition Sup-
ating our program’s effectiveness through a port Program, please email transition.pro-
research study, to see if it should serve as a [email protected] or visit http://poplab.
model for other programs in Canada. mcgill.ca/transition-program.html.
In the summer of 2012, we conducted a pilot Aparna Nadig, PhD and Tara Flanagan,
session of our program. The six participants PhD are co-directors of the McGill Transi-
mostly reported mid-range skills and needs tion Support Program for Young Adults with
in the areas of communication, self-determi- Autism Spectrum Disorders.