INSPIRVol. 12 No. 2 ATIONSSummer 2020 / Été 2020 Celebrating inclusive communities / Célébrons nos communautés inclusives
A true CHAMP gives back!
In this edition:
EMSB Trustee Marlene Jennings wins her battle against vision loss...... p. 4
Collectively moving through the grieving process...... p. 6 Polaris Enterprise provides employment hope for autistic adults...... p. 20 Pensatout, l'outil indispensable pour les jeunes en transition à la vie adulte...... p. 26
Summer fun with a virtual twist...... p. 30 Wheelchair boxer Jani Barré inspires with her determination...... p. 37 Galileo becomes first adult centre in Quebec to offer a multisensory room...... p. 39
Adapted Travel with Mike Cohen...... p. 40 to p. 41
CHAMP Nikan Nassiraei, with the support of his parents Mehrnoosh Movahed and Amir Nassiraei, gives back to the War Amps. Read the full story on p. 13.
Follow us on www.inspirationsnews.com Suivez-nous sur Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 2
Galileo Nourishes the Message from the Editor: SOUL! The show must go on!
Our Services
Internship Life Skills Culinary Adults Pet Therapy √ SIS (Social Integration Services) 21 + Theatre √ SVIS (Internship within the school with learning Art and community businesses) disabilities Bilingual
GALILEO ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE www.gaec.ca Galileo 10921 Gariepy Ave., MTL, H1H 4C6 Adult Education Centre 514-721-0120 Building Dreams 3 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
A thank-you to frontline Galileo workers Mike Cohen goes viral Nourishes the Editor By Wendy Singer ena Baldoni created her masterpiece Message from the Editor: destination was Fabricville to fetch sup- “thank you” rainbow drawing seen plies to make kerchiefs for the Autism The show must go on! Lbelow, using the now iconic rain- Speaks Canada Virtual Dog Walk that SOUL! bow symbol shortly after shelter-at-home took place on June 7. Baldoni par- orders came into place on March 13. It was As we continue to navigate our way ticipated in the dog walk last year with her way of showing her support and thanks through this COVID-19 pandemic, the her three dogs, including Pistol Pete, a to frontline workers in hospitals and long- motto of our team at Inspirations is indeed northern rescue from James Bay who term care facilities. Baldoni’s painting has “The show must go on!” was born with deformities on his feet since become very popular in her home and could not walk. He now uses wheels town of Saint-Geneviève, with local busi- Inspirations is more than just a news- to move around outside. nesses displaying it in solidarity in their paper. We are a vital cog in the Quebec windows and real estate agents using it on special needs community. Our special “We missed our shopping and look for- their marketing materials. COVID-19 spring edition has received ward to going to the cinema,” said Boyer. Lena Baldoni gets ready to take Pistol rave reviews, and we are very proud of Both mother and daughter agreed that Baldoni donated 250 postcards of her paint- Pete, her northern rescue dog who the stories we shared. keeping busy and being productive was ing to the Lakeshore General Hospital and the best way to wait out the quarantine. is part American Staffordshire terrier, 250 to the West Island CIUSSS. She also Our Services I must admit that we were not certain of Collie and Boxer, for a stroll. delivered postcards to the local fire depart- proceeding with this edition. However, If you’d like to see more of Baldoni’s (Photo, Francine Boyer) ment and police stations, and to CHSLD our readers, advertisers, community artwork, visit http://sourireanime.com/ Denis-Benjamin-Viger in L'Île-Bizard, organizations, educational institutions Internship where she worked several years ago. “It and political leaders called and emailed made me very happy because I still know us with such wonderful story ideas, and people who work there,” said Baldoni. Life Skills we heard our calling. We actually began setting the editorial direction of this edi- The 27-year-old, who attended John F. Culinary tion before the pandemic hit, and many Kennedy High School in Beaconsfield of those stories appear on these pages. Of and Program Contact, was diagnosed with course, the COVID-19 theme is incorpo- Adults Pet Therapy autism when she was 20 months old. She rated in a lot of our content. √ SIS (Social Integration Services) began tracing objects at the age of 5, and soon after, created her own characters. Prior 21 + Theatre While travel might not be on any of our to March 13, she was working five days a immediate agendas, it is nice to dream (Internship within the school week at Ste. Anne’s Hospital for veterans, √ SVIS Art of the day when this will all be over and with learning helping out in the cafeteria and library while we can look forward to a get-away. So I and community businesses) interacting with the residents. disabilities Bilingual decided to write about my January visit to New York City, a tourism mecca which Baldoni has been spending her days at has seen that title ravaged by the virus. home painting, participating in activities with Special Olympics Quebec and social- While we adjust to the new normal, we izing with friends online. While she is anx- GALILEO ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE thank you for continuing to welcome us ious to see her friends in September, she did into your heart. We live for “inspiring” manage to deliver a birthday gift and have www.gaec.ca Galileo stories – and there are so many to tell. a quick social distancing visit with her boy- friend recently. 10921 Gariepy Ave., MTL, H1H 4C6 Adult Education Centre Thanks to our dedicated team, led by our Managing Editor Wendy Singer, for get- When retail businesses opened on May 25, ting our message out! 514-721-0120 Building Dreams Baldoni and her mother Francine Boyer were first in line at Michaels craft store to Lena Baldoni's “Thank you” painting. (Photo, Lena Baldoni) stock up on canvasses and paint. Their next Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 4
’ve never worked this hard in my EMSB Trustee Marlene Jennings life,” confided Eve Rochman, “Ifounder of Zera Café & Catering. She described how the company quickly switched gears when COVID-19 hit, trans- wins her battle against vision loss forming its original business model of offer- ing neurodiverse adults with special needs ou may remember the Honourable a two-year, seven-surgery battle to repair and By Wendy Singer hands-on catering experience to mass-pro- Marlene Jennings as a Member of retain her sight. During this time, Jennings legally blind, however complications from ducing meals for vulnerable families. Parliament for the NDG-Lachine felt anxious and scared. “I was praying that Y my sight could be restored,” she said, admit- the procedures left retinal holes in both riding, having first been elected to office in eyes. Surgery corrected her left eye, but Since April 21, Rochman and her team have 1997 and subsequently serving four more ting that losing her sight was a fear she’d had she has “donut vision” in the right, mean- cooked and assembled 1,600 meals, using terms. While she officially retired in 2013, since childhood. Jennings has always been a ing the central vision is black and she only the Shaare Zion synagogue kitchen as their Jennings is now back in action as Trustee of lover of the written word; now with a pen- sees from the peripheral ring. “The brain is home base. Zera Café’s cooking program is the English Montreal School Board (EMSB). chant for crime and historical novels. a wonderful thing. It takes that donut image funded by two grants from Federation CJA, with the full image of my left eye, puts it which also manages the volunteers, selects During her accomplished 14 years in par- When Jennings was diagnosed as legally together and so I see a full image. It’s wavy the families and coordinates the deliveries, liament, Jennings fought hard for improve- blind after her first surgery, she reached out a bit depending on the angle,” she said, Inspirations is ro ce b t e allowing Rochman to be the creative head. ments for her constituents. When 300 to the Montreal Association for the Blind explaining how she has developed tricks o nications an ar etin ivision an t e Recipients include Auberge Shalom, Mai- workers in a bankrupt Lachine company (MAB) – MacKay Rehabilitation Centre. to help her along. “I tend to t ent ervices e art ent o t e son Shalom, JEM Workshop, Yaldei Devel- lost their jobs she convinced bump into things if I’m not opmental Center, Friendship Circle, senior the minister responsible for an istrib te across t e reater ontreal careful. Initially I was morti- homes and vulnerable individuals. “It’s for- Employment Insurance (EI) aval- a rentians an o t ore areas. fied. Now it’s part of my life. tunate that this is a multi-step process, as to set up a clinic in Lachine If I bang into something, I people are actually fighting to get a shift!" and waive the waiting period, simply say ‘sorry, I don’t have said Rochman, laughing. allowing unemployed work- all of my peripheral vision!” Mike Cohen ers to more quickly access EI Overseeing an initiative of this magni- payments. And during the 1998 This visual impairment does tude is not for the faint of heart, however ice storm, she played a behind- not impede Jennings’ work as Rochman is never one to back down from the-scenes role in convinc- Wendy Singer Trustee of the EMSB: “I have a challenge. A seasoned cook, she is no ing the Quebec government to to be careful not to strain my stranger to preparing meals for large gather- move its provincial emergency eyes. Instead of reading 10 ings – she even catered her daughter’s bat operations centre from Que- Cindy Davis hours straight I will read for mitzvah in her own home. bec City to Montreal, bringing one hour and take a 10-minute emergency supplies to the most break.” Emine Arslan Avci That is how the original impetus of the needy more quickly. Zera Café came into being. Upon hearing Born into a poor working- that special needs programming ended at On the national stage, Jennings class family with seven sib- Julie René de Cotret age 21, Rochman decided to combine her was one of the political leaders lings, Jennings became a pushing for same-sex marriage lawyer with the intent to rights. Along with the Minister become a judge. She is grate- Manon Bourassa, Elaine Cohen, of Justice, she convinced Prime ful that her life took an unex- Kristin McNeill, Randy Pinsky Minister Jean Chrétien to send pected turn. “I would have reference to the Supreme Court been an exceedingly frus- of Canada. And with a very Jack Silverstone trated judge. Judges have to small group of Liberal and practice being discreet and not Bloc Québécois MPs, she con- Celebrating inclusive communities Célébrons nos communautés inclusives Marlene Jennings at her office at the voicing opinions as seen as vinced the federal government Joanne Charron, Nick Katalifos English Montreal School Board. political,” she said. to re-focus on funding social/ affordable housing. She was also one of As a member of the Lethbridge-Layton- Cindy Davis, Rikee Gutherz-Mado the Liberal MPs who led the fight against “I went to the MAB and said ‘I need help,’ and they swung into action. They provided Mackay Rehabilitation Centre’s Advi- the merging of national banks. me with special sunglasses and trained me sory Committee, Jennings brings her life experience and sensitivity about issues of Linda Cucuzzella Policies and improvements were not the to use a white cane inside, outside and on impairment and policies to the table. “The only things Jennings had to fight for while public transit so I could be as autonomous Montreal Association for the Blind pro- - - e t. in office. In January 2010, she was diag- as I could,” she remembered. vides amazing services in rehabilitation, - - nosed with congenital acute degeneration whether it’s physical, visual or auditory. in o ins irationsne s.co of the retina, a form of macular degenera- Through Emploi-Québec, the MAB The staff is well-trained and dedicated. .ins irationsne s.co tion (described by the Mayo Clinic as a equipped her with tools, including opti- They will do what’s needed to help you and ins irationsne s chronic eye disorder that can lead to visual cal readers for her two computers, which ins irations tl fight that fight for you,” she said. impairments or blindness). While macular allowed her to read and work throughout First Quebec Holdings degeneration is regarded as an age-related the two-year period by enlarging fonts and A fierce advocate who has always stood up Helen and Leonard Constantine condition with a slow onset, Jennings was converting texts and images into digital sig- for what is right, Jennings hopes that our 6000 109 only 58 when her symptoms of flashes and nals that can be processed in various ways Marcie Balaban on behalf of Let’s Get Going! society has changed enough to treat every- 3 1 4 spots suddenly appeared. by computers, such it is text-to-speech. one equally. She encourages people to seek out resources in our community that are Knowing something was wrong, she sought The combination of seven different surger- there to help. www.inspirationsnews.com immediate medical attention, and thus began ies finally helped. Jennings is no longer 5 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
’ve never worked this hard in my commented on their renewed sense of self- life,” confided Eve Rochman, esteem, particularly important during this founder of Zera Café & Catering. Zera Café: time of disrupted routine. “IShe described how the company quickly Shifting missions to provide food for Montrealers in need switched gears when COVID-19 hit, trans- While the catering business has been put on By Randy Pinsky forming its original business model of offer- a temporary hold, Rochman shared how the ing neurodiverse adults with special needs transition to relief effort cooking has been hands-on catering experience to mass-pro- a great learning experience. “My intention ducing meals for vulnerable families. is to figure out a way to continue cooking these meals while also selling some at mar- Since April 21, Rochman and her team have ket value to revive the business.” cooked and assembled 1,600 meals, using the Shaare Zion synagogue kitchen as their The impact of having home-cooked food in home base. Zera Café’s cooking program is these uncertain times, which can bring with funded by two grants from Federation CJA, it the feeling of having been thought of, lasts which also manages the volunteers, selects exponentially longer than the meal itself. the families and coordinates the deliveries, Ranging from quiches and hearty soups to Inspirations is ro ce b t e allowing Rochman to be the creative head. the ever popular tuna patties, the meals are o nications an ar etin ivision an t e Recipients include Auberge Shalom, Mai- like a much-needed hug. t ent ervices e art ent o t e son Shalom, JEM Workshop, Yaldei Devel- opmental Center, Friendship Circle, senior The team of “pandemic heroes” has chopped, an istrib te across t e reater ontreal homes and vulnerable individuals. “It’s for- tasted and prepped at high speed “so that we aval- a rentians an o t ore areas. tunate that this is a multi-step process, as can be a community you can count on,” Roch- people are actually fighting to get a shift!" Andrya Linder and Yasmine Mahrach volunteering at Zera Café. man said. And in their aim to integrate individ- uals from the special needs community – true said Rochman, laughing. (Photo, Zera Café) Mike Cohen to their original mission – Zera Café is serving Overseeing an initiative of this magni- talents and diploma in management, health ensures her apprentice cooks practice their up love with every meal they deliver. tude is not for the faint of heart, however and social services to serve this niche. She kitchen skills by offering weekly online ses- Rochman is never one to back down from drew on her affinity for the community (her sions. Acknowledging that available sup- Zera Café and partner organization Club Wendy Singer a challenge. A seasoned cook, she is no children are active volunteers at Friendship plies are often limited, she plans simple ALink are looking forward to resuming their stranger to preparing meals for large gather- Circle), and launched Zera Café in February menus. “I didn’t want them to have to go regular catering services. Their most recent ings – she even catered her daughter’s bat 2020 as a “social enterprise catering service out and get fancy ingredients,” she shared. contract was for Federation CJA in cel- Cindy Davis mitzvah in her own home. that employs and trains young adults with “So we’ve gotten pretty creative.” ebration of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, intellectual and developmental diversity.” Acceptance and Inclusion Month in Febru- Emine Arslan Avci That is how the original impetus of the This neurodiverse group usually thrives ary, where participants raved about their sig- Zera Café came into being. Upon hearing While the current situation does not allow off of the socialization as well as intangi- nature tahini brownies. that special needs programming ended at for her staff with special needs to be at work ble benefits, such as independence and the Julie René de Cotret age 21, Rochman decided to combine her (many have immunity issues), Rochman feeling of accomplishment. Families have Visit Zera Café on Facebook and YouTube.
By Kevin Calla Manon Bourassa, Elaine Cohen, Kristin McNeill, Randy Pinsky We’ll win This year is tough but if we remain calm we’ll win This year is tough but if we come up with a plan we’ll win Jack Silverstone This year is tough, but if no one cries we’ll win Celebrating inclusive communities Célébrons nos communautés inclusives This year is tough but if we keep fighting through it we’ll win Joanne Charron, Nick Katalifos This year is tough but, if we keep going forward we’ll win But most importantly if we all work together as a world we’ll win against the coronavirus. Cindy Davis, Rikee Gutherz-Mado
Linda Cucuzzella
- - e t. - - in o ins irationsne s.co .ins irationsne s.co ins irationsne s Kevin Calla is a 19-year-old ins irations tl student at L.I.N.K.S. High School’s First Quebec Holdings Autonomy Preparation Program. Helen and Leonard Constantine He wrote this poem in class when 6000 109 Marcie Balaban on behalf of Let’s Get Going! his teacher asked the students to 3 1 4 express themselves on paper. Calla agreed to read his poem Kevin Calla at L.I.N.K.S. on June 5, the first day at the L.I.N.K.S. graduation cer- back after schools were shut down. www.inspirationsnews.com emony that was held on June 19. (Photo, L.I.N.K.S. High School) Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 6 Mental health tip: Building a coping toolkit HAS traditional tutoring veryone at times has been troubled By Despina Vassiliou • Reading a book by something that has happened to • Listening/making music NOT HAD THE IMPACT Ethem or something they have to face. • Watching a movie YOU EXPECTED? When these situations cause us stress, it is • Bubble bath IT'S TIME TO sometimes difficult to think clearly, which • Art (e.g., drawing, painting, etc.) find out why. You suspect they have a learning difficulty. is exactly what is needed in order to start A parent's instinct is rarely wrong. the problem-solving process. Gratitude and reframing: Take some For over thirty years, Strategic time every day to find three things one can Learning Centre has had the unique ability As children often have not yet developed be grateful for. It can help to reframe our to get to the root of the learning problem. this skill, parents can help by engaging with focus from only looking at problems by Over the years, parents have reported several concerns: them in a conversation in order to identify focusing on what makes us stronger. "Homework is a nightly battle and seems to take forever." what helps them feel better. It is best to have "He often forgets to bring his books home." this conversation when the child is in a posi- Keep in mind that coping tools are per- "She brings all of her books home every day, whether she needs them or not." tive mood and perhaps as a family in order sonal, and different tools can be useful "I always have to repeat myself, sometimes three or to share ideas. Listed below are some cop- at different times. Discussing the many four times, until she understands my instructions." "He can play video games for hours, but ing strategies you may find helpful, particu- different options with your child or chil- cannot focus on school work longer than ten minutes." larly during the COVID-19 pandemic: dren can help them have a larger variety "She just started high school and still hates to read. Her (Photo, Headstartprimary.com) of options. Given that we are now living reading is very slow and she scarcely understands anything." With our distinct approach Strategic Learning Centre Identify a trusted adult who is a friend: through a pandemic, building these cop- can address complex learning issues. Help your child identify a trusted adult Yoga or mindfulness: These activities help Pets: Petting, playing or caring for a ing skills is more important than ever. they can speak to. It is sometimes okay to us to reset. There are many YouTube videos beloved pet has been shown to have physio- They help build resiliency, which is what be able to speak to someone other than a available that can guide children, teens or logical benefits in decreasing stress levels in helps us grow and makes us stronger in parent, as parents cannot always be acces- adults through these processes (see Danika our bodies, putting us into a positive mood times of adversity such as what we are sible. The person should be someone who Swanson’s article on mindful listening on and hence in a better place to think through currently experiencing. can help the child go through the problem- p 11 of this edition). problems. solving process or someone who is caring Dr. Despina Vassiliou is a school psychol- and a good listener. Journal writing/drawing: Expressing Distractions: These can help us take a step ogist with the English Montreal School what troubles us can sometimes help us away from the situation and reset our focus. Board and part of its Mental Health Exercise: Working out helps clear the process our thoughts, and then we can re- Some examples include: Resource Centre. mind which can help generate ideas. focus our efforts on finding solutions.
Have you completed a work program Collectively moving through the grieving process but wish to continue upgrading your job skills? n April, I read an article on the Ameri- aware of my anger, I chose to walk away those with special needs, may not have the By Stephanie Paquette can Psychological Association’s website from my children, took a few minutes to language needed to describe their feelings of ience, engage in moments of together- Ititled “Grief and COVID-19: Mourning calm down and then went back to debrief loss, and they may experience grief bursts. ness through play and shared meals, and Are you struggling in school our bygone lives.” This article eloquently the situation and apologize for my reactive These bursts are sudden, overpowering, and set aside some of my habitual household but are ready to find a job? summarized how we are currently experienc- behaviour. During my calm-down period, I intense waves of emotion that seem to come tasks. We are collectively grieving but we ing a historical moment of collective grief became aware that my reaction to the chil- out of nowhere. Grief bursts may arise during are also collectively strong. Together we and that we are all losing something. Loss is dren was directly related to my sense of a milestone such as an anniversary, holiday can create meaning and opportunities for Come check out the SEED Program defined as the process of losing something or loss. As described in the above-mentioned or a birthday. Their significant losses can turn growth during this challenging period. at PACC Adult Education Centre. Our someone, and COVID-19 has covered both journal article, COVID-19 has ruptured my a child’s world upside down. Sociovocational Integration these spheres. Our collective losses have attachments and shaken my sense of self. If you require guidance on how to speak Program is accepting applications! been numerous: death of loved ones, loss Helping children with special needs build a with children and youth about death and of human contact and socialization, loss of I am currently in the “anger” phase of grief. vocabulary regarding loss can help reduce the dying, please refer to this website: https:// employment, the breakdown of intimate rela- Anger has a tendency to mask the pain that intensity of a grief burst. This can be done by kidsgrief.ca/ tionships, as well as the loss of structure, rou- we are feeling and is often a symptom of sad- talking about the significant loss. To do so, it tine and a sense of predictability. ness or fear. When I reflect upon my anger in is best to use age and developmentally appro- Stephanie Paquette is a behaviour man- PACC Adult Education Centre these terms, it helps me to better understand priate language and concepts that your child agement specialist at the English Montreal 8300 George, LaSalle, QC In addition to some of the above-listed my reactions and indulge what my sad and will understand and that won’t overwhelm School Board. losses, I have also started to lose my fearful self needs in order to feel okay. When them. These discussions can help alleviate patience. Increased fatigue and additional the pandemic first occurred, many of us some of the anxiety surrounding loss. Using If you’d like to interview for our responsibilities have led to an accumula- experienced reactions of shock and disbelief, concrete words, giving small bits of informa- tion of frustrations; I recently realized that while others quickly felt the pain of loneli- tion at a time and reassuring your child that program, contact Dipesha Patel these frustrations were being evacuated ness. As we travel along this path of collec- they are safe, that you love them and that you at [email protected] or on my children. Last week, I yelled at my tive grieving, we may also start to experience will continue to care for them, can help ease 514-798-5588 3-year-old for ramming his toy tow truck feelings of acceptance of our current situation some of your child’s discomfort. into my heel, while my 6-year-old wailed and perhaps even celebrate moments of joy under the kitchen table in protest against and togetherness with our children. This grieving process is propelling me doing his math activities. The kids and to make choices that are gentle on myself I were both surprised to hear the growl Our children are also experiencing a monu- and gentle on my children. I am choosing that erupted from within me. As I became mental period of grief. Children, particularly to celebrate mine and my children’s resil- 7 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS Mental health tip: Building a coping toolkit HAS traditional tutoring NOT HAD THE IMPACT YOU EXPECTED? IT'S TIME TO find out why. You suspect they have a learning difficulty. A parent's instinct is rarely wrong. For over thirty years, Strategic Learning Centre has had the unique ability to get to the root of the learning problem.
Over the years, parents have reported several concerns: "Homework is a nightly battle and seems to take forever." "He often forgets to bring his books home." "She brings all of her books home every day, whether she needs them or not." "I always have to repeat myself, sometimes three or four times, until she understands my instructions." "He can play video games for hours, but cannot focus on school work longer than ten minutes." "She just started high school and still hates to read. Her reading is very slow and she scarcely understands anything." With our distinct approach Strategic Learning Centre can address complex learning issues.
Have you completed a work program but wish to continue upgrading your job skills?
Are you struggling in school but are ready to find a job?
Come check out the SEED Program at PACC Adult Education Centre. Our Sociovocational Integration Program is accepting applications!
PACC Adult Education Centre sle ia or ot er rea in iffic lties 8300 George, LaSalle, QC e rovi e lti-sensor rea in re e iation If you’d like to interview for our base on t e Orton- illin a a roac tan ar i e rea in assess ents program, contact Dipesha Patel re ictive screenin services at [email protected] or assionate carin alifie teac ers 514-798-5588 Hudson Literacy Clinic ositive s ortive learnin environ ent Reading Opens Doors On-site or online services available
Visit www.theliteracyclinic.com 2020 ff son ille aint a rent Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 8 Greta Thunberg: Teaching a new generation about climate change and ASD ÉCOLE LE OMME SUMMI T SCHOOL
Latex technology helps visually impaired student excel at math
Programmes éducatifs Educational Programs Pré-scolaire - programme Pre-School Program Primaire - primaire modifié - CAPS Primary - Modified Primary - C.A.S.P. Secondaire - CAPS - modifié - secondaire 1er cycle Secondary - C.A.S.P. - Modified - Secondary Cycle 1 Post-secondaire - défis - W.O.T.P. Post-Secondary - Challenges - W.O.T.P.
Herman Erdogmus, Directeur général / Director General Bena Finkelberg, Directrice adjointe / Vice Principal
1750, RUE DEGUIRE, ST-LAURENT, QUÉBEC H4L 1M7
514-744-2867 SUMMIT-SCHOOL.COM 9 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS Greta Thunberg: Teaching a new generation about climate change and ASD history by being the first teenager to receive diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, obses- By Tania Piperni this recognition. Thunberg has inspired sive compulsive disorder and selective mut- More recently, Thunberg has directed her millions of people, adults and teens alike, ism. That basically means I only speak when activism towards tackling the COVID-19 across more than 150 countries to take part I think it’s necessary. Now is one of those pandemic because she believes “like the in calling for climate change. She started moments. I think in many ways, we autistic climate crisis, the coronavirus pandemic is with a solitary protest outside of the Swed- are the normal ones, and the rest of the people a child-rights crisis.” After having received ish parliament on August 20, 2018 with her are pretty strange especially when it comes a Human Act award of $100,000 for her now famous hand-painted sign, “Skolstrejk to the sustainability crisis, where everyone climate change work, she then donated that för Klimatet” (school strike for the climate). keeps saying that climate change is an exis- money to UNICEF, thus launching her new From there others have followed, striking tential threat and the most important issue of campaign, “Let’s move humanity for chil- at their own schools in their own countries, all, and yet they just carry on like before.” dren in the fight against coronavirus.” The creating “Fridays for Future” protests across goal is to purchase soap, masks, and other Europe. Videos and photos of this youth Thunberg highlights the perks of neurodi- protective equipment to protect children; movement went viral on social media on a versity, seeing things as black and white, along with safeguarding this vulnerable weekly basis. right and wrong. Realizing the dangers of group from food shortage, increase in vio- climate change, nothing stops her while on lence, loss of education and living with an Thunberg now has international recognition. her mission to correct this injustice as she overwhelmed healthcare system. She has met several presidents and even the wins over hearts around the world. “Being Pope. She has moved climate change to different is a superpower,” she wrote on Thunberg is the face of the global move- centre stage and has opened up more con- her Twitter feed on August 31, 2019. She ment on climate change, COVID-19 as Greta Thunberg outside versations and debates about it. Her speech powers through her challenges and high- well as an example of how any diagnosis the Swedish Parliament where she addressing the UN is now famous and her lights her strengths as she sheds light on the does not need to be a DIS-ability but rather started her school strikes for the “How dare you!” quote has gone viral when importance of accepting neurodiversity and a different ability that can inspire, lead and she shamed world leaders for failing to take shows the world how people with a diag- climate. (Photo, Anders Hellberg, Cre- influence. She educates the world and a action or even denying the climate emer- nosis are a meaningful aspect of society. new generation about world crises; further- ative Commons Attribution-Share Alike gency. She is a young leader fighting for a Individuals on the spectrum can be hyper- 4.0 International license) more she shows us what autism can look cause, transcending generations and bor- focussed on different tasks and ignore like, increasing awareness and shattering ders…and she also has an autism spectrum social cues, traits that help her in pursuing stigma. A true modern role model. disorder diagnosis! her goals. Thunberg has said that not caring reta Thunberg is a 17-year-old about what people think about her has also Tania Piperni, M.Ed., is an autism spec- climate activist from Stockholm, In her TEDx Talk from Stockholm in been an advantage for her. This can be con- trum disorder consultant at the English GSweden. She was TIME Maga- November 2018, she eloquently explained veyed to other individuals on the spectrum Montreal School Board. zine’s Person of the Year for 2019, making her diagnosis and how it impacts her. “I was as they pursue their own unique goals. Latex technology helps visually impaired student excel at math echnology is almost always asso- ter” these subjects despite all the chal- By Victoria Stuhec in collaboration with Eital Houedakor ciated with screens and is often lenges they might pose. It was difficult to and accessible equations. It did mean that technology that is easily made accessible for Toverlooked as a math learning tool, find a digital math book as most could not he had to adapt and learn to read the math him, he can look forward to online classes at especially for a blind student. Braille docu- be read by Houedakor’s screen reader. We in Latex format but he adjusted quickly, Cegep in Dawson’s Pure and Applied Sci- ments have been the traditional approach found that we were able to adapt the Math and the consistency and clarity made it ence program he plans to start in September. to teaching math to students who are blind, Help Services program to suit his needs. easier for him to understand, learn and but there are downsides to them: Delays Houedakor had been using Unified Eng- “master” it. Writing in Latex or converting Eital Houedakor is a Secondary 5 student often occur in acquiring the documents; lish braille (computer braille) and so this the equations took some learning for those at Beurling Academy. Victoria Stuhec is an they are more limited than class teach- was used to write his math equations with working with Houedakor. Initially, online occupational therapist with the Lester B. ing and class examples; and they make it a combination of words and symbols to software was used to convert the math Pearson School Board. harder for the student to learn simultane- express more complicated equations and but, over time, the use of Google Equa- ously with his/her peers. functions. As the math got more complex, tio proved easiest and, after a while, those it became more difficult to transcribe the working with Houedakor were able to just Eital Houedakor is an 18-year-old Sec- material, but it was also more challeng- use the Latex format. ondary 5 student at Beurling Academy ing for Houedakor to understand and work who is blind. with it independently. The challenges Traditional tools like braille documents posed by this approach made math and sci- (especially graphs and figures), tactile graph He suffers from an atrophy of the eye, reti- ence in college seem implausible. boards, and braille protractors are all still nal detachment and a dysfunction of the essential math tools for the blind learner. optic nerve. The recipient of the Médaille At the beginning of Secondary 5, we dis- A multisensory approach that combined du lieutenant-gouverneur pour la jeunesse covered and started to use Latex, a typeset- braille and a strong technological compo- du Québec, Houedakor came to Beurling ting math tool/language that allows you to nent helped Houedakor discover his true Academy in Secondary 4, when he was type complex math formulas into normal potential, achieve success and prepare him already fully independent with using his text. It uses plain text to display equations for his next academic challenge. laptop, braille reader and screen reader. and is well established in the science com- munity. Houedakor found that Latex, with The COVID-19 pandemic kept Houedakor Latex technology and braille help Eital Houedakor remained passionate about its standardized mathematical expressions at home during the spring, and he missed Houedakor discover his true potential. math and science and was driven to “mas- and plain text display, allowed for accurate the extracurricular activities. However, with Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 10 C.A.R.E. Centre combats pandemic isolation one client at a time By he C.A.R.E. Centre (Centre d’activités Wendy Singer récréatives et éducatives), located is non-verbal and lives in a long-term care at Wagar Adult Education Centre in facility. He has a landline in his room. “He T created a system where he presses one for Côte Saint-Luc, is Montreal’s only Eng- lish-language recreational and educational no, two for yes,” said Quesnel. “I try to call day program for adults over the age of him every night so I can make him laugh 21 with physical disabilities. Many of the before he goes to sleep.” Centre’s 27 clients live in long-term care facilities and group homes, and, at the time Difficult times call for innovative thinking. of this writing, had been restricted to their In her quest to connect, Quesnel is sending rooms with no visitors allowed. personalized postcards via MyPostcard. com (you send a photo and a message, Some are non-verbal and not able to access they mail it) that she hopes are hung on the communication technology on their own. walls of clients’ rooms to lift their spirits. If the staff on duty are not trained to com- Over the summer, C.A.R.E. vice presi- municate with them, it leaves them with- Naama Glick, Frank Filippelli, Alix de Belleville, Angela Leduc, Carolina Baldassaree and dent Ailsa Pehi will spread flower bombs out a voice to express themselves and their Rebecca Desjourdy enjoy a community outing with C.A.R.E. before the pandemic. throughout the city and near C.A.R.E. cli- needs. In addition, Olivia Quesnel, execu- (Photo, C.A.R.E. Centre) ents’ residences to share joy and growth. tive director of C.A.R.E. explained that with no access to therapies and stretch- and the people that care for them, and the radio show. Clients and caregivers are also “The hardest part is knowing that there’s ing, and often being placed in one position health and mental well-being of our clients working on a project to create podcasts for a client sitting in a room on their own and either in bed or a chair all day, their over- since being cut off from our daily program- a series called Stories of Care, which is pro- I cannot connect with them,” said Ques- all functioning is prone to deteriorate and ming that was helping them so much.” duced by the C.A.R.E. Centre, Innovations nel. “The whole purpose of C.A.R.E. is to pressure sores can develop. in Concert and Bradyworks, funded by the bring the clients together as a group and to Now more than ever, Quesnel and her team Quebec government's “Culture in Schools” make sure they’re included.” While C.A.R.E is a recreational centre, of 12 caregivers are doing all that they can program and guided by clarinetist and Art- its main mission is to break isolation and to ensure their clients remain connected to ist in Residence Louise Campbell. These With C.A.R.E.’s camp and summer activi- maintain the well-being of its clients. “The C.A.R.E. Since the shutdown, they have podcasts are created based on a collection ties cancelled, the team is hoping for a Sep- biggest part of our work is fighting mental connected with many clients through tech- of experiences from clients, their families, tember reopening that will meet all Ministry health issues and making sure their hearts nology, be it individual calls or online caregivers and staff. standards for health and safety. At that time, and minds are healthy,” said Quesnel. “I social activities, sharing fun videos and they will be ready to support clients and am really worried about the risk of depres- photos, personal reflections or a favourite For those with limited mobility and access to their caregivers with the mental and physi- sion and anxiety, aging of their own bodies place, and their weekly staff/client-run technology, it is more of a challenge. Alain cal rebuilding that will be needed.
By Randy Pinsky studying what he is interested in and is not Life during COVID-19: stressed by social expectations. Her son has even relaxed his formerly strict eating hab- Learning to manage your child’s tantrums Insights from an autistic adult its. “When you take away the pressure, he is able to take chances outside of his com- Johnson is on the board of directors of cally not as much of a stressor “as we tend to fort zone,” she observed, adding that she Autism Canada, and is one of five admin- be very rule-based in general.” As noted in had been considering homeschooling after istrators of their Facebook group, Autism Alex Earhart's Thoughts from a Quarantined a rocky transition to a mainstream school. Canada ASD Central. She also runs a busi- Autistic blog, “Social distancing is kind of my ness called Completely Inclusive. “I use this default, even if it’s not always my choice.” While autism advocate Temple Grandin rec- to take the pulse of how people are doing ommended that parents “show no fear” to across the country,” said Johnson, particu- The current situation presents a valuable help autistic children cope in the pandemic, larly in regards to the pandemic. She has opportunity for better understanding autism. Johnson believes it is important to show identified two common reactions. “Neurotypical people will often ascribe a a full range of emotions. “It’s okay to be negative connotation to an autistic person's scared or sad. Through acknowledging feel- Some are experiencing increased stress due action and not give us the benefit of the ings, children can then resolve them. Being to the break in routine so important to them, doubt,” said Johnson, adding that she hopes too overprotective can invalidate emotions where unpredictability exacerbates the that the new awareness will be long-lasting and might even set them back,” she said. sense of unease. While heightened anxiety and result in a more empathetic society. has been the case for many children, John- As the guest speaker on Autism Canada’s Kelly Bron Johnson. son has not noticed this as being a dominant As an autistic mother with an autistic child, new podcast “Sharing the Spectrum” for (Photo courtesy of Kelly Bron Johnson) reaction for adults on the spectrum. In fact, Johnson has a unique perspective on behav- World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), many have reported feeling less anxious iours that would perplex a neurotypical par- Johnson advised: “Try not to use your neu- due to not having to comply with societal ent. For instance, in discussing challenges at rotypical lenses when interacting with an ave you ever wondered how people interactions. As Johnson quipped: “We don't school, she accurately identified that her son’s autistic person. Get new lenses, and you with autism have adjusted to the have to justify why we're home on a Friday brain moves faster than his hand. Insights like might be able to get a better understanding.” Hpandemic? Inspirations received night because everybody is!” this can lead to more effective interventions. firsthand insight from Kelly Bron Johnson, Listen to the Inspirations News podcast on diagnosed as an adult and the mother of an And while many of us are chafing at the new Johnson has also noticed a decrease in her Soundcloud, Google Play or Apple Pod- autistic child. regulations, Johnson commented this is ironi- son's anxiety during the pandemic. He is casts to hear more of Johnson's thoughts. 11 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
the insight timer, a free app with a mind- Danika Swanson is the consultant for the Mindfulness 101: fulness timer with various “bell” sounds my Spiritual and Community Animation Ser- kids like: https://insighttimer.com/ vice at the English Montreal School Board and was trained by Mindful Schools to By Danika Swanson • Get into a mindful posture and let your teach mindfulness to students from Kinder- Mindful listening eyes close. For younger kids, you can garten to Grade 12. ith school and many camps Starting a mindfulness practice is difficult ask them to get into their mindful cancelled this summer, we will for everyone; all of our minds wander, bodies and put on their mindful ears all be home with our children. and it can be uncomfortable to sit and try • Ring bell W • Listen to the sound from the moment While this brings many challenges, it to focus and notice how hard it is to keep also provides us with the opportunity to our attention on one thing. I encourage you it starts to the moment it ends. Ask develop new routines that prioritize sup- to modify practices to make them work for your children to pay attention from portive practices – for ourselves and our your children by adding movement, let them the very first moment they hear the children. As a parent, I know how easy it hold something in their hands to fidget with, bell, all the way to the end, and then is for a mindfulness practice to feel like or before you begin, provide a visual aid of to raise their hand when the sound just one more thing you have to do. And expected behaviour like a picture of what is gone if you feel this way, your child will likely children sitting mindfully look like. • Then listen to the sounds around you. feel this way, too. I encourage you to find • Listen to sounds coming from outside a way to make this practice something you Mindful listening / the room get to do, not have to do. • Listen to sounds coming from inside Mindfulness of sound the room Think about how you can set this time up • Are you quiet enough to hear sounds as a special time. Is there a special place in The following practice is drawn from the in your body? your home you can sit? Do you have a spe- Mindful Schools curriculum. It provides • Listen for one to two minutes cial cushion to sit on, a shawl to wear or an opportunity for short periods of paying a candle you can light together? Younger attention on purpose, developing our abil- At the end of the practice, notice kids especially enjoy ringing the bell, or ity to observe a single thing for an extended how you feel. Ask your children to if you use your phone, choosing the tone period of time. The techniques and exercises notice how they feel. Was it challeng- on your timer. Can you notice together that are simple, but when practiced over time, ing or easy to keep your attention on taking this time feels good and provides a they can effectively help us develop and one thing? What did you hear? Did refreshing break from screens, distractions strengthen our mind. thoughts arise while you were trying to and other demands? And if this is too much listen to the bell? Simply notice your for you to do with your children, start with This practice focuses on being mindful of experience. 18 yourself first; you can include your- chil sound. It can be done with a bell or with A mindfulness worksheet from the Mindfulness dren later, and in the meantime, they will ambient external sounds. A bell, singing Visit https://vimeo.com/227542682 to see School Curriculum. benefit from your personal practice. bowls or vibratones work great. I also use a video on mindful listening with JusTme. Learning to manage your child’s tantrums antrums come in all shapes and sizes. emotional outbursts from children can be are validated by a caregiver and when they By Stephanie Paquette In my work, I am often called upon to emotionally exhausting and exasperating, if become connected to the physical sensa- There is a parents’ line that provides free Thelp when a student is in crisis and, you respond calmly and with empathy, you tions that are associated with an emotion, professional support 24 hours a day for all as a mother, I am in the thick of parenting will not send your child into further alarm. then we can give them the tools to more issues including tantrums and meltdowns. a very spirited and determined toddler. Tan- When parents learn first to calm themselves, effectively manage the emotion. Take a look at www.ligneparents.com/Lig- trums are common in young children and they will help their children avoid tantrums. neParents are often caused by the frustration of bound- For some children, connecting and remain- aries set by caregivers and of not having When we are calm, we are more emotion- ing close to their caregiver can provide Stephanie Paquette is a behaviour man- alternative ways of expressing emotions. In ally available and in-tune with our chil- comfort whereas for others, they may agement specialist at the English Montreal older children, tantrums are frequently the dren’s needs. We can start to observe and require space and some time alone in order School Board. result of not having learned more appropri- take note of what is triggering our child’s to feel calmer. ate ways to manage their feelings. Tantrums tantrums and respond accordingly. There is offer caregivers an opportunity to help their often a stressor that contributes to a child’s Breathing techniques, read- child work through difficult emotions and tantrum. Stressors can be physical (sounds ing books, engaging in physi- learn self-regulation strategies. or smells), emotional (saying goodbye to cal exercises, drinking water a parent), cognitive (learning a new sub- and returning to the regular Self-regulation refers to the ability to man- ject at school), social (friendships) and routine as quickly as possible age emotions and impulses. It is an impor- pro-social (being exposed to other people’s are other tools that can help tant life skill and can be developed with stresses). When you have determined what children manage their emo- practice. Teaching your child to self-regu- the stressors are, you can then start help- tions. When caregivers vali- late is best done by modeling the types of ing your child learn to manage them. You date their children’s emotions behaviours that you would like to see your can help them identify the physical sensa- and allow them a safe place to child exhibit. For example, if your child tions that they start to feel in their bodies express them, children will be is having a temper tantrum, responding when they experience stress, for example, more inclined to use self-reg- with anger may in fact worsen your child’s sweaty hands, racing heartbeat or butterflies ulation strategies to manage emotional meltdown. Although repeated in their stomach. When children’s emotions difficult feelings. (Photo, Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay) Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 12 the community gives back Young Montrealer with scoliosis gives back Nikan Nassiraei: One-armed wonder CHAMP mma Corbett is a spunky Kinder- “We have so much stuff in the house, her mission to educate Emma’s peers on By Cindy Davis garten student at Merton Elemen- she doesn’t need more so we feel that we her condition in order to demystify it. The math, French and English work, arts and Etary School of the English Montreal have to give back,” says Emma’s mother, two wrote a short book about Emma’s story crafts, dance, yoga and drama classes on School Board (EMSB) in Côte Saint-Luc. Cari Friedman. “We want to give back to and presented it to her classmates early in Zoom. She has also been riding her bike The blue-eyed youngster loves art, gym children who are similar to Emma with the year, allowing the kids to then touch her and scooter. On Mother’s Day, she made class and playing with her friends – very orthopedic issues. The Shriners is amaz- brace and decorate it with stickers. cards for the tenants of a seniors residence, much the typical chosen pastimes of a ing. From her X-rays to visiting with and she created a poster to thank the heroes child her age. But Emma has proven to be doctors, they take the time and care. I “We explained to her friends that even if she working on the frontlines in her community. a very special child in many ways. just wish we could do more for them.” runs a bit funny sometimes and she has to sit sometimes because her hip hurts, it’s okay,” Wherever she goes, it is clear that Emma Born with congenital scoliosis, causing an To date, Emma has raised over $3,600 she says. “I really wanted the kids to see that has an impact on those around her. “I’m abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, for the Shriners and has no plans to stop. she’s just like them.” Friedman notes that big, bold and beautiful,” she says. Emma is small in stature and requires the The family has set up a foundation there the school has been extremely supportive, use of a back brace and a specially padded in her name, and wants to expand their and that Emma has become somewhat of a Visit the Inspirations website to read the chair to help her sit straight and alleviate fundraising efforts. “It makes me feel celebrity there. “Everybody at Merton knows story that Emma and her mother wrote on pain. Since birth, she has been regularly good,” says Emma, though she points out Emma. Every time I drop her off, there is not her experiences. followed at The Shriners Hospital for Chil- that she does still receive a few birthday one teacher or student that doesn’t say ‘Hi dren. Her family has been so moved by presents from close family and friends. Emma.’ It’s a great feeling as a parent.” her care there, that every year on Emma’s birthday, they ask for donations to the Friedman, a teacher at John Grant High Since the beginning of the quarantine, Shriners in lieu of gifts. School of the EMSB, has also made it Emma has been keeping busy at home doing Maison Shalom residents proud to be giving he residents of the Benjamin By Hindy Friedman and Vanda Treiser Maison Sha- Tlom were excited to be on the colours. Some of the residents went giving end recently, when they cre- on a shopping trip to the local phar- ated, decorated and packed care pack- macy and dollar store and purchased ages for MADA Community Center basic toiletries and warm socks. The this past Hanukah. boxes were carefully packed and sealed and then delivered to MADA, Founded in 1989, Benjamin and Vanda where they were gratefully received. Treiser Maison Shalom is a residence for individuals with moderate to severe We were especially proud to receive special needs. The two homes provide a thank you card from MADA, a family-like setting for the residents, which is displayed prominently on providing care in a safe, caring and our bulletin board. stimulating atmosphere. Everyone, no matter their abilities, Jenny Efthimiopoulos, a loving and ded- can be a giver. icated staff member, who has been with Treiser Maison Shalom for many years, Hindy Friedman is the coordinator of suggested that our residents embark the Benjamin and Vanda Treiser Mai- on a giving project for Hanukah. With son Shalom Inc. Emma created posters to thank the help of Ellen Kogut, our dedicated Chesky Paneth and Chaim Zimlichman (standing) frontline workers at a local seniors Wednesday volunteer, residents painted preparing boxes for Mada at Maison Shalom. To learn more about Maison Shalom, residence impacted by COVID-19. and decorated boxes in warm, friendly (Photo, Maison Shalom) visit https://treisermaisonshalom.com (Photo, Cari Friedman) er r u u r e A er Inspirations N
13 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
Nikan Nassiraei: One-armed wonder CHAMP By Valentina Basilicata the quality of life for Canadian amputees. contentedly plops down and grabs his iPad. It provides financial assistance for artificial His parents admit they couldn’t ask for more. limbs, peer support and information on all They’re amazed at all he’s accomplished in aspects of living with amputation. just six years and are continually surprised at his energy and autonomy. “All I wanted was “War Amps are so supportive and amazing. for him to be independent and to be happy… They are part of our family now,” says his so we surrounded him with love,” says his mother. The family looks forward to the mom. “He’s our little angel, a blessing.” annual War Amps regional seminars, where they attend informative talks and connect I was fortunate to have met Nikan just with other amputee families over the course weeks before COVID-19 swept across Que- of a weekend. bec. The morning of our interview was fun- filled and energetic; we freely exchanged Wanting to give back to the organization handshakes and high-fives. When I reached that has empowered their son throughout his out to his family during the pandemic, his young life, Nikan’s family donated $1,700 to mother explained Nikan is missing his the War Amps last August. They raised the friends, teachers and family but he’s still a funds selling Nikan’s original art pieces dur- busy bee. “During this quarantine time, he ing a Canada Day event in Côte Saint-Luc. practiced a lot and now he can ride a bicycle without [training] wheels. He is so proud of Back in the living room, Nikan sits at his that. He also likes planting, and grows len- brand new blue drum set after strapping til sprouts, avocado, parsley, basil, lemon on a prosthesis with a drumstick attached seeds and apple seeds inside the house.” to it and rocks out for a few minutes, hair bouncing. He then runs back to his room Valentina Basilicata is an emerging fiction Nikan Nassiraei rocking out playing his drums. (Photo, Wendy Singer) to retrieve his adapted recorder, which he writer as well as a professional wordsmith plays using another prosthesis made specifi- with over 15 years experience as a commu- ikan Nassiraei, born with part of Like most kids, Nikan can ride a bike and a cally for that instrument. Finally exhausted nications specialist and freelance journalist/ his right arm missing, excitedly scooter with ease and loves playing soccer. by the morning’s flurry of activity, Nikan editor. She is also the proud mom of two boys. Nzips between his spacious living He can do enough somersaults to make any- room and his sunlit bedroom. He proudly one watching dizzy. But his absolute favou- Dog Walk Ambassador happy to help out! displays colourful artwork and a long rite activity is swimming. By Wendy Singer bridge he’s built out of books for his guests love of dogs (pets in general) especially to admire. Despite his obvious engineering “One time I touched the hula hoops at the during this time when we have to practice prowess, six-year-old Nikan admits, “I bottom [of the pool]. I’m in Whale level physical distancing. want to be an archeologist when I grow up now. That’s the last, last [level]. Whale is and dig up mummies.” very cool,” beams Nikan. “I’m getting a Participants across the country posted their new ‘helping hand’ soon for swimming.” videos and photos on social media to share Gingerly stepping over his scattered toys their Virtual Dog Walk experience, whether and an unfinished game of checkers, he “Helping hand” is what Nikan and his par- it was a distance walk, playing in the back- retrieves a cardboard case with a plastic ents call his different prostheses, which are yard or showing tricks. Sponsored incen- handle, shaking it happily. “This is full of paid for by the War Amps. He got his first tive gifts were awarded for various levels Valentines,” he says. He opens it and rif- one at about age two, and each costs around of donations that participants received. fles through the tiny cards decorated with $6,000, explain his parents Mehrnoosh hearts from his kindergarten classmates Movahed and Amir Nassiraei. Mehrnoosh is This year’s National Virtual Dog Walk Autism Speaks Canada’s National Dog Ambassador Olivier St-Amour was hon- at St. George’s School of Montreal. He a research associate for childhood disabilities Walk Ambassador Olivier St-Amour with oured to accept the role. A student at Collège flashes an infectious smile and jokes that at McGill University, and Amir is a mechani- his dog Gizmo. Olivier is wearing his own de Montréal, this 13-year-old was previously he has “20-hundred” friends. cal engineer with a PhD in robotics. t-shirt creation that he sells in support of diagnosed with ADHD, impulsivity and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. anxiety. Further assessments uncovered an On his bed is a box housing a mini black- Despite their professional backgrounds, (Photo, Heather McCoy) and-white checkered guitar, the same one they were at a loss when they learned their Asperger diagnosis at the age of 11. This late he’s strumming in the photograph taken only child was a congenital amputee. “It was utism Speaks Canada (ASC) called diagnosis answered many questions Olivier er all pet lovers across Canada to join and his family had had over the years and u for the War Amps 2019 promotional cal- a shock,” says his mother. “[The doctors] r u e endar and on the cover of this edition of didn’t detect it on the ultrasound.” Just one together for their Virtual Dog Walk allowed him to have a better understanding r e N A of his strengths and challenges. on June 7. ASC’s primary goal continues A r In ons Inspirations. He picks it up and carries it month after his birth, Nikan’s family was spirati around but isn’t inspired to play a note on referred to the Shriner’s Hospital in Mon- to focus on the needs of the community this particular morning. treal, whose staff introduced them to the first, including support and research. But Olivier has fundraised and participated in War Amps. He’s been enrolled in the War the ASC team was excited to mobilize and the past two ASC dog walks in Montreal When asked if having one arm changes Amps CHAMP (child amputee) program his bring the community together. The Virtual with his energetic and spunky poodle the way he does things, he quickly pro- whole life. The War Amps is a not-for-profit Dog Walk provided an opportunity to cele- Gizmo, who provides him with uncondi- claims, “I’m not different.” And he’s right. charitable organization seeking to improve brate the companionship and unconditional tional love and friendship. Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 14 ore than a promotional t-shirt A Microsoft Excel expert and graduate of company, Promo 21 is a Montreal Ometz’s Skills Enhancement Training pro- start-up with a purpose. Opening Promo 21: gram, Sabrina oversees the inventory and Mfor business in the summer of 2019 in the A t-shirt printing company with a social impact orders. She noted how employment oppor- Chabanel garment district, Promo 21 hires tunities such as this are not common. Busi- adults with intellectual challenges and trains By Randy Pinsky nesses such as Promo 21 are particularly them in the intricate art of silk screening. well-suited for people with autism; she mentioned, for instance, that she is sensi- The impetus to start Promo 21 developed tive to noise but comments, “Here people from Martin Gould’s realization that there don’t judge when I have to walk away. were few employment venues willing to They just let me do what I need to do.” accommodate adults with special needs such as his girlfriend’s son, Aaron, result- While operations came to a halt in March due ing in many capable individuals languish- to COVID-19, Gould is anxious to get the ing at home. team back to work. They are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment When he came across a New York printing and sanitizers, and have adapted their work- company that employs adults with autism, spaces to accommodate social distancing. he knew he had hit upon a winner. Beyond Gould even has plans to expand the opera- creating visually appealing memorabilia, tions into other areas of production. printing was the ideal venue for this clien- tele as the process involves repeated - yet Promo 21 is about teaching skills, fostering challenging - steps. “This is not just about empowerment, and helping young adults printing t-shirts; this is a tool to help Aaron with autism develop both personally and and other adults like him grow,” explained Promo 21 job coach Katherine Maharaj and veteran silk screener Tommy professionally. “Everyone has an ‘ism,’ Gould. “Because more orders equal more demonstrate the art of printing promotional shirts. and we just work with that,” said Gould. job opportunities, more jobs mean less adults staying home.” puzzle piece reflects the international sym- with Wagar Adult Education Centre of the The motivation to starting this project bol of the complexity of the autism spec- English Montreal School Board (EMSB), was to break the isolation of young adults L’école Peter Hall accueille depuis plus de Agence Ometz validated the idea and has trum, and the ‘21’ is intended to sensitize Summit School and the Centre de ressources over the age of 21 who were at home all Ensemble 80 ans des élèves de 4 à 21 ans ayant une helped place several of Promo 21’s employ- people to the reality that publicly funded éducatives et pédagogiques (CREP) and has day long with nothing to do. “Having self- déficience intellectuelle, un trouble du ees. Rather than the anticipated full year to support services end at adulthood. welcomed some stagiaires from their intern- isolated for months, we have now all lived spectre de l’autisme ou un trouble relevant get started, Promo 21 opened shop with five ship programs. a day in their lives,” said Gould. “We have on fait la de la psychopathologie avec ou sans employees in July 2019 - merely five months From printing shirts and sweatpants to tote experienced exactly what these young handicap associé. after the initial research and planning. The bags and hoodies, Promo 21 has worked adults were living before they were hired Veteran staff members Tommy and Sabrina Notre programme éducatif est centré sur company has now tripled in staff with 15 with dance and sports teams, organizations manage the printing component. A graphic at Promo 21. I plan to share this message différence part-time and full-time employees overseen and companies. Ranging from customized design graduate from Rosemount Tech- as we move forward.” les besoins spécifiques de chaque élève by a neurotypical supervisor, and has com- projects to huge rush orders, the company nology Centre of the EMSB, Tommy had dans un environnement sécuritaire et pleted numerous impressive contracts. has fine-tuned efficiency with fulfillment as previously worked in video-game testing Randy Pinsky is a freelance writer who propice à son développement. the employees are part of the process from but found full-time employment difficult. has edited several scientific and medical Together Their mission is well exemplified in their start to finish. They also now have a pack- Promo 21 challenges his skills and keeps articles and who recently completed an For over 80 years, Peter Hall School has logo, designed by Jason Goldsmith of The aging division and match each individual to him engaged while offering predictability in extensive report for a McGill conference we make welcomed students between the ages of Big Blue Hug glass paint art fame. The where they are best fit. Promo 21 partners the process. on disability rights. 4 and 21 with intellectual disabilities, a difference autism spectrum disorders or psycho- me believe I can reach even bigger accom- ourteen-year old Adam Coleman, of pathological disorders with or without plishments. I’m honored to represent my LaurenHill Academy’s Junior Cam- LaurenHill student triumphs associated handicaps. family, teachers and the school who helped pus in Saint-Laurent, is this year’s F me get to this goal.” APPELEZ-NOUS POUR Our educational program is centered on Quebec Provincial Champion of the “Scho- at provincial Scholastic Challenge the specific needs of each student in a lastic Challenge” contest. UNE VISITE INDIVIDUELLE By Mike Cohen For information about the “Scholastic safe and warm environment that promotes students have always performed well. This Challenge,” which also has a national CALL US FOR learning. The Scholastic Challenge is a Canada-wide is the fifth time that they have had a provin- I look forward to continuing in this program contest for Grade 6 students, visit AN INDIVIDUAL VISIT contest for Grade 8 students designed as an cial champion, notes Guidance Counsellor during the rest of my high school education.” www.schoolschallenge.com. enrichment activity to stimulate students’ Sherilyn Bell. interest in knowledge, thinking and learn- Anthony Coleman said that his son was ing, and to offer a challenge to top-achiev- Adam is an honour-roll student in Lau- diagnosed with high functioning autism at 514 510-2030 ing students. The contest has been offered renHill Academy’s STEAM (Science, age 4. “He was reading by age 2, before he nation-wide since 1998. Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math- could even speak,” he said. “He would read peterhall.qc.ca ematics) Program. Prior to attending Laur- out every number plate of cars he saw pass- The test consists of 100 on-line questions, and enHill Academy, Coleman was a student at ing by. My wife and I are extremely proud lasts one hour. The six categories covered in Cedarcrest Elementary School, also in St. of our son’s achievement and hope he can be the test are: General Knowledge (food, art, Laurent. Upon hearing about his success, an inspiration to others in their pursuits of L’enseignement y est dispensé en français sports, music, current events, entertainment, Adam responded: “I’m surprised, but I also academic excellence.” et en anglais. mythology, etc.), Language and Literature, feel proud of my accomplishment. The Lau- Instruction is offered in French and English. History, Geography, Science and Math. renHill STEAM Program has provided me “Winning this contest means a lot to me,” with an enriched knowledge base, which I says Adam. “It put me one step closer to 840, boul. de la Côte-Vertu, Saint-Laurent LaurenHill Academy invites 30 of its top- was able to draw on while I was competing success in achieving my goal of becoming Adam Coleman is this year’s Quebec Provincial Champion of the achieving Grade 8 students to participate in the contest. The STEAM Program is a a computer programmer and engineer. This Scholastic Challenge contest. in this contest each year. The LaurenHill great stimulator of intellectual curiosity, and is my biggest achievement so far and makes ÉCOLE PETER HALL | 1/2 PAGE V | JOURNAL INSPIRATIONS | OCTOBRE 2018 | PAOLA DE ANGELIS | 514 381-8891 P. 273 15 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
L’école Peter Hall accueille depuis plus de 80 ans des élèves de 4 à 21 ans ayant une Ensemble déficience intellectuelle, un trouble du spectre de l’autisme ou un trouble relevant on fait la de la psychopathologie avec ou sans handicap associé. Notre programme éducatif est centré sur différence les besoins spécifiques de chaque élève dans un environnement sécuritaire et Together propice à son développement. For over 80 years, Peter Hall School has we make welcomed students between the ages of 4 and 21 with intellectual disabilities, a difference autism spectrum disorders or psycho- pathological disorders with or without associated handicaps. APPELEZ-NOUS POUR Our educational program is centered on UNE VISITE INDIVIDUELLE the specific needs of each student in a safe and warm environment that promotes CALL US FOR learning. AN INDIVIDUAL VISIT
514 510-2030 peterhall.qc.ca
L’enseignement y est dispensé en français et en anglais. Instruction is offered in French and English.
840, boul. de la Côte-Vertu, Saint-Laurent
ÉCOLE PETER HALL | 1/2 PAGE V | JOURNAL INSPIRATIONS | OCTOBRE 2018 | PAOLA DE ANGELIS | 514 381-8891 P. 273 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 16
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Montreal Centre for MCLD/CMTA (514) 482-7196 Learning Disabilities 17 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS A new teaching tool facilitates experiential learning through growing plants By Jay Jones-Doyle been integrated into the school’s DÉFIS Program (Démarche éducatif favorisant he art of teaching has changed in l‘Intégration sociale), which focuses on recent years, in large part catalyzed functional academics, preparation for the job Tby the introduction of pedagogical market, and includes project-based experi- technologies in the classroom. Recently, ential learning. The Nutritower is dynami- L.I.N.K.S. students David Mouharzel, Matthew Costa, Emilio Ciale and Leanne three special needs schools – L.I.N.K.S. cally incorporated into her curriculum both Nguyen are seen tending to their Nutritower in class. Missing from the photo are and John Grant High Schools, and Galileo as a standalone pedagogical tool as well as Dimitris Friskas and Shihid Zuhair. (Photo, L.I.N.K.S. High School) Adult Education Centre, all of the English through a partnership with the EMSB’s St. Montreal School Board (EMSB) – adopted Pius X Career Centre’s Culinary Institute, this may be directly applicable to future work a new teaching technology to help their located in the same building as L.I.N.K.S. Marisa Guerrieri, teacher at Galileo, inte- or personal contexts,” he added. students acquire key skillsets. This teach- grates the Nutritower into multiple aspects ing tool is the Nutritower. Self-watering Daily tasks to maintain the Nutritower of everyday teaching. She reported that her Research has found that experiential learn- and producing its own light, the Nutri- include measuring, calculating growth, students have been extremely happy and ing approaches tend to yield high rates of tower is a clean, hydroponic system which checking the water level, and adding nutri- excited to interact with and care for the engagement across larger proportions of doesn’t use soil, pesticides or herbicides. ents. Bernstein explains that it inspires her tower, and that the fresh produce harvested students, which in turn yields higher rates It takes up no more than four square feet students to value the hard work it takes to is incorporated into their cooking class. of core-concept retention. That said, finding of floor space to simultaneously grow up build a small enterprise. “My students work “The Nutritower brings such positive energy effective tools that both facilitate student to 32 individual plants, yielding more than together as a team, encourage each other, to the classroom. The light and sound of it connection to immediate learning objectives 250 fresh fruits and vegetables per year. problem-solve and smile. The Nutritower is have helped my students diminish anxiety, and also to overarching life skills is not a the perfect tool to implement a cross-curric- and that has had a soothing effect on the simple feat. As classrooms begin to increase I was lucky enough to chat with the teach- ular element to teaching as students quickly classroom,” she said. everyday use of effective experiential learn- ers making use of the Nutritower at these realize that everything they are learning – ing tools like the Nutritower, the process of schools. I wanted to understand how the math, science, technology – has an impor- English teacher Derek Skeie of John Grant “learning” may become more enjoyable and tower has been integrated into the curricu- tant role in this venture,” she said. uses the Nutritower with a class of four stu- impactful for all involved. lum/classroom experience, and its impact dents with autism. He has found it to be a very on both the students and teachers alike. When the fresh produce is ready, the bud- impactful, hands-on tool in teaching his stu- Jay Jones-Doyle helps people and organiza- ding L.I.N.K.S. entrepreneurs sell it to bud- dents how to understand and follow instruc- tions achieve sustainable and meaningful suc- Gail Bernstein, teacher at L.I.N.K.S. High ding chefs at Pius who, in turn, create tasty tions. The fresh produce grown is shared with cess, one win at a time. He has cerebral palsy School, explained that the Nutritower has dishes with local, fresh ingredients. their cafeteria. “The lessons learned through and is the proud father of a 16-year-old.
Over the course of the pandemic, the horses visiting hours and open houses, visit A Horse Tale Rescue: have been doing very well, receiving regu- www.ahtrescue.org or contact lar visits from a minimum number of volun- [email protected]. teers who follow all needed safety protocols Who is rescuing who? to take care of the horses. We look forward Lise Sandstrom is the coordinator of AHT to offering modified open house visits, Experience Program. By Lise Sandstrom ifteen minutes from the West Island respecting all COVID-19 and at the end of a country road, you In 2017, the AHT Experience Program measures, and to safely will be greeted by the sight of horses (AHTE) was created to give back to the accommodate visitors with F community by sharing the pleasures and special needs when the grazing peacefully in their paddocks. The red “AHT Rescue” sign confirms that you benefits of “guided equine contact.” This time is right. In the interim, have arrived at A Horse Tale (AHT) Rescue, unique program offers an opportunity for we stay in touch virtu- a registered charity and a magical, peaceful special and specific needs groups (affiliated ally on the AHT Facebook place that currently provides a secure and with an accredited organization), to interact page. We also plan to offer loving home to 13 rescue horses. with their horses in a safe, nurturing and equine contact services to structured environment. the pandemic heroes who AHT rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes have been on the front horses in need. In offering them a second Together with the visiting group’s coor- lines of the pandemic. chance, the horses demonstrate that they dinator, the AHTE coordinator carefully still have a lot to “give,” and do so to AHT plans the visit which includes guided The life-enhancing value volunteers and the community. Horses are small-group interactions with the AHT of having contact with our naturally empathetic and the benefits of horses, and for some, an additional oppor- equine residents at AHT simply being around them is invaluable. tunity to help with various tasks at the res- are not soon forgotten. In the company of these large sentient cue. AHTE offers one time or regular visits Cheyenne and Zephyr enjoy their leisure days and beings, one feels calm, relaxed and in the based on the groups' needs. We also coor- For information about meeting visitors at A Horse Tale Rescue. moment (mindful). dinate visits for larger groups. A Horse Tale, their (Photo, Lori Rubin) Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 18
NOTEBOOK By Wendy Singer
y cal- Yet, amidst the challenges, the special needs endar community has shown collective resilience, Mfor moving swiftly online to offer services, March and workshops, support groups and lectures. April was I have attended many events over the past overbooked few months from my home office, cover- with events that I was looking forward to ing topics that we would not have imagined attending and reporting on. It was disap- discussing a few months prior, like “the new pointing when, one by one, events that the normal” or “the five stages of grieving.” community worked so hard to plan were This shift has given us new ways to connect, cancelled, like Steven Atme’s much antici- learn and cope together, and reach beyond Danielle Kasner, Max Kasner, Carly Goodman, Elizabeth Wiener, Max Levy and pated The Power of One premiere and Mon- our communities as issues of concern for the Shelly Christensen at The Gelber Centre on February 13. (Photo, Federation CJA) special needs community are addressed, and treal Autism in Motion’s conference, the n February 12, Federation CJA Kasner, his sister Danielle Kasner and opportunities for hope and change emerge. Spectrum Works Job Fair and the Montreal hosted a three-hour workshop led Max Levy shared their experiences. They Centre for Learning Disabilities workshop by Jewish Disability Awareness, educated attendees on the challenges and with Sarah Ward. We missed the C.A.R.E. To speak to the times, in this edition of the Note- O Acceptance and Inclusion Month founder stigma they face on a daily basis, sharing book, I share only a few pre-COVID-19 events. Centre’s fundraising dinner, the Social Tree’s Shelly Christensen. Amongst the many how upsetting it is to be excluded for no congress, the Lester B. Pearson School Instead, I too shift, from sharing the social to messages she imparted that day, Chris- real reason and how simple it is to remove Board’s resource fair and many more. more personal stories. I hope you enjoy it! tensen encouraged community leaders to barriers to inclusion. Max Kasner shared work together to move inclusion from dis- his thoughts on how living with a develop- The community mourns the passing of Steve Bletas cussion to action, and to involve stakehold- mental disability affects his life. “It makes ers in every step of their inclusion plan. (To me very interesting. I have a disability but devastating, and I rapidly discovered that n May 6, the community said read more about Christensen’s presenta- I don’t let it get in my way.” Kasner is an I people with mobility issues have a great goodbye to Steve Bletas. He was tion, consult our Winter 2020 edition.) Can Dream Theatre star, a member of the deal to contend with. Even in a society as the first Chair of the Sir Wilfrid Shira Choir and a Friendship Revolution O modern and advanced as our own, we have Laurier School Board (SWLSB), where The third hour of the workshop included a leader. His sister Danielle urged leaders to not done enough to facilitate individuals he sat from 1998 to 2012, and a member panel discussion where guests Elizabeth fight now for inclusion and spoke on behalf with physical impairments, and most loca- of the Board of Directors of the Societé Wiener, founder of Wise Women Canada of sibling-caregivers and their concerns for tions are not wheelchair friendly,” he wrote. de transport de Laval since 2015. He also and mental health advocate, and Max the future of their loved ones. sat on the Board of the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Laval and the Sir “Determination and tenacity,” he wrote, Wilfrid Laurier Foundation, the Executive kept him going and doing what he loved Let's Get Going! teams up with Inspirations Committee of the Quebec English School to do serving SWLSB constituents and the arcie Balaban, founder of Let's In searching for organizations to feature in Boards Association and was a member of English-speaking community of Quebec. Get Going!, is an expert sales Making a Difference, Balaban is initially the American Hellenic Educational Pro- He advocated for students and people with consultant and business match- drawn to leaders that she develops a connec- gressive Association. disabilities with heightened sensitivity and M maker. For the past 18 years, she has been tion with, similar to the way she seeks out awareness. Bletas’ closing remarks remain coordinating pairings of entrepreneurs and business partners. She is particularly pleased “While education was Steve’s passion, his relevant today: “While the road ahead will corporate executives by arranging small to be giving back to children with special professional experience within structures not always be an easy one and indeed, may boardroom meetings and VIP lunches needs through her donations to Inspirations. such as the school board, as well as per- be an uphill battle at times, it will nonethe- with owners or upper man- sonal health challenges made him an ideal less always point forward.” agement of companies. The We have been attend- advocate for the special needs community. idea is to make good matches ing Balaban's meet- Ultimately, he was appointed, and deserv- We join together in sharing our deepest sym- and create direct meetings ings and are impressed edly so, to the Societé de Transport de pathies with the Bletas family, the SWLSB, between organizations that with her acumen and Laval’s board of directors, where he played the STL and all of those that he touched. have a common purpose. wisdom in nurturing an integral role in improving accessibility partnerships. In these services for several years,” said his good In March, Balaban’s meet- meetings, we share friend Nick Katalifos, principal of Wagar ings went online, to great suc- Inspirations and the Adult Education Centre and chair if Giant cess. “Since the pandemic, concerns of the spe- Steps School. “Even with all of his profes- my business has evolved in cial needs commu- sional accomplishments, there is no doubt ways I never expected,” said nity. This outreach is he was most proud of his kids.” Balaban, excited that her cli- invaluable to us, and ents are embracing regular we thank Balaban for Bletas was a guest columnist in the Spring/ Zoom meetings and continue seeing the merit in our Summer 2012 edition of Inspirations, to connect. work, supporting the Marcie Balaban. where he shared the challenges he was fac- special needs com- ing due to serious health issues, particu- (Photo, Lawrence Clemen This year, Balaban is hon- Photography) munity, and providing larly spinal stenosis. He explained how the ouring Inspirations as a Let's us this opportunity to challenges of becoming a wheelchair user Get Going! Making a Difference organi- educate and match up with like-minded prompted him to make a conscious deci- zation. In doing so, she has provided us a executives from all parts of corporate sion to put his disability into perspective. Steve Bletas. platform on her website and a voice in her life. To learn more about Let's Get Going!, “The initial news of what I was facing was (Photo, Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board) corporate relationship building meetings. visit https://letsgetgoing.ca/ 19 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS NOTEBOOK “When I look back after 53 years of service By Wendy Singer Lew Lewis retires after an illustrious 53-year career in the field of education, I can say that it n October 18, after a remarkable will miss his guidance and thank him for his was a great learning experience. I feel so 53-year career in public education for contribution in growing Inspirations into fulfilled on both a professional and- per the English Montreal School Board the resource that it is today. sonal level,” shared Lewis. “I will fondly O cherish the close connections I made with and the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal, including 47 years within the Stu- On January 30, Lewis was celebrated at Le the wonderful Student Services staff, dent Services department, Lew Lewis retired Crystal Reception Hall in Saint-Laurent at administrative building personnel and my as director of Student Services. a warm and lively retirement dinner. Mas- dedicated management colleagues.” ter of Ceremonies Mike Cohen kept guests A psychologist by profession, Lewis laughing with tongue-in-cheek humour. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Lewis worked tirelessly to support his team of Lewis was serenaded by the Student Ser- traveled to Australia. He hopes to further his professional development and engage professionals as they helped students vices choir’s rendition of Elton John’s in professional counselling when the time overcome psychological, emotional, “Your Song,” rewritten with personalized is right. Mostly, he looks forward to spend- social, academic and physical difficulties lyrics, and found it touching. A team of ing more time with his family. and develop their sense of responsibility, specialists (psychologists, guidance coun- autonomy, initiative and feeling of belong- sellors, occupational therapists, special edu- The Student Services Department wel- ing to their school and community. cation consultants, spiritual and community comes Julie René de Cotret as the new animators, speech-language pathologists, to Lew Lewis (second from the left) with director of Student Services. Having Lewis co-founded Inspirations with Mike name a few of the professional services that his daughter Liane, wife Beatrice and served as Assistant Director for over nine Cohen 12 years ago and remained active as the department offers) conducted a Multi- son Shawn at his retirement dinner years under Lewis’ direction, she is well- a consulting editor until his retirement. He disciplinary Team Assessment on Lewis, at Le Crystal on January 30. prepared for the role. The department also was always available to provide his support which he described as “very humorous and (Photo, Lew Lewis) welcomes Sabrina Petrocco as the new and for that, we are immensely grateful. We especially accurate!” assistant director. Peter Hall welcomes worked with special needs students before, Heaven honoured she was sensitized; her mother is disabled new principal to and her 12-year-old son has autism. with Lieutenant Côte Vertu campus Inspired by the hands-on, team-focused Governor's leadership of Hal Hannaford, headmaster of Selwyn House, Arsenault has spent her Youth Medal first year at PH getting to know the staff This non-profit connects people with vary- and students and cultivating team spirit. ing special needs across the world to life- She declared January and February as changing technological products. The “self-care” months, organizing a variety of dynamic duo review and report on new and activities that encouraged this staff of giv- exciting products in a fun and engaging way. ers to care for themselves first. Born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral “Ms. Arsenault has brought a breath of fresh palsy, Heaven is non-verbal and uses a air to our school, and it is oxygenating the wheelchair. He now communicates through staff,” shared Leslee Shaheen, a teacher at the use of his Tobii 4C eye tracker. A Sur- PH for over 34 years. “She has a rapport face Book 2 tracks his eye movements to with staff, students, bus drivers and all the type on a keyboard and produce speech. attendants. She brings a smile to our faces.” Valérie Arsenault with her children This technology was gifted to Heaven in 2018 by the March of Dimes Canada. Roseline and Theodore at their home in President Director General of PH Jean Prévost. (Photo, Valérie Arsenault) Laliberté describing his new hire as a “I was overwhelmed with emotions when real coup. “The Peter Hall environment is I found out that I received this prestigious his past school year, École Peter completely different for Valérie. The work Bradley Heaven and Dan O’Connor. (Photo, All Access Life) medal. I am really honored to be selected Hall (PH) School welcomed Valérie we do here is difficult,” he said. “She has to receive it because of all my hard work TArsenault as the new principal of already formed an excellent partnership ongratulations to Bradley Heaven for and determination,” shared Heaven in an Administration and Social Services of their with her colleague Marie-Claude Forest being awarded the Lieutenant Gover- email. “There are no limits to what you can Côte Vertu campus. Along with Marie- and is working closely with the students nor’s Youth Medal, awarded by Que- achieve. I hope that people with disabilities Claude Forest, pedagogical principal, and all levels of staff. She is a fast learner, C bec’s Lieutenant Governor to students who see this and are motivated to do their best. I Arsenault leads a team of 100 teachers and intelligent, a hard worker and most impor- “demonstrate a sustained voluntary action at want them to see that anything is possible! I attendants at this specialized school for stu- tantly, is loyal and devoted, and we are the community and social levels.” want everyone to see that inclusion needs to dents with intellectual disabilities, autism delighted to welcome her to our school.” be up front and centre for the world to actu- or disorders related to psychopathology. Heaven, 23, attended John Rennie High ally have no boundaries.” “At a school like PH, the staff really need School of the Lester B. Pearson School Prior to her arrival at PH, Arsenault worked to rally together and feel supported,” said Board (LBPSB) and graduated from Daw- We also congratulate Eital Houedakor, stu- in leadership roles at École Montessori inter- Arsenault. “It is a tremendous experience son College in 2019 in Social Science. Dur- dent at Beurling Academy of the LBPSB, national de Montréal, Pensionnat du Saint- to lead such a large group and work with ing his CEGEP days, he co-founded All who was also award the Lieutenant Gover- Nom-de-Marie and spent 10 years at Selwyn this clientele. It is my goal to make them Access Life with his aid, friend and busi- nor’s Youth Medal. Read more about Houe- House School. While Arsenault had not all shine.” ness partner Dan O’Connor. dakor on p. 9 of this edition. Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 20 Polaris Enterprise provides employment hope for autistic adults Resource Centre, Wagar Adult Education the facility also offered invaluable informa- Centre of the English Montreal School tion regarding the needs of major employers Board (EMSB), and the Transforming as well as what steps had been taken to better Autism Care Consortium (TACC), which support autistic employees. is based at the Montreal Neurological Insti- tute and Hospital. Once at Wagar, students will work on social By Nick Katalifos and work-appropriate skills, be introduced Inspired by the Walgreens initiative in the to other adults on the spectrum who are suc- n a previous edition of Inspirations, I US – the world’s first mass scale, inclusive cessfully employed, and meet monthly online addressed some of the challenges faced employment initiative for people with a wide with professionals from a number of organi- by autistic adults when attempting to variety of disabilities including autism – the zations. Under the supervision of a Wagar I program is based at Wagar and offers stu- teacher and Jennifer Campbell (special edu- enter the workplace. The statistics remain a major concern as approximately 85 percent dents bilingual employment readiness and cation consultant in EMSB’s Adult Educa- of autistic people remain unemployed. There vocational training. The training includes tion and Vocational Services), as well as two have been some pockets of success, but the job sampling and fieldwork placement and employment support specialists, students in stark reality is that more programs are needed is designed to prepare students with autism the program will benefit from the use of mod- that are specifically designed to recruit, train or an intellectual disability (aged 21 and ern training tools which will include virtual and ultimately employ individuals who have older) for general or job-specific employ- tours of their future work environments. a great deal to offer to employers and, by ment with Loblaw Companies Ltd, in their extension, communities everywhere. distribution centre or retail environment. Finally, students registered in the program will be able to hone their skills in the cafe- The fundamental right to employment and To ensure the success of the initiative, Andre teria at Wagar where, for training purposes, Randy Lewis, retired Senior VP at its direct effect on independence as well as Pereira, the project manager from Giant a small section will be transformed by Walgreens and Andre Pereira, Polaris self-esteem is well documented. Indeed, Steps who oversees the program, flew to Loblaw into a “mini-market” to replicate Enterprise project manager, join Thomas most people would agree that the ability to South Carolina to visit the original Wal- their retail environment. Biggers,warehouse employee, on a tour support oneself has a profound effect on greens distribution centre that implemented of the Anderson, South Carolina Wal- mental health and overall well-being. With the initiative in 2007, as well as to meet with With the current COVID-19 crisis, every greens distribution centre. this basic principle in mind, several orga- Randy Lewis, retired senior vice president precaution and protocol will of course be (Photo, Rick Marrone) nizations came together to launch Polaris who pioneered the hiring policy. Several of respected, and timelines may change as a Enterprise, an industry-based autism spec- the original employees whose families had result. Having stated this, interested students Nick Katalifos is principal at the Wagar trum disorder adult education and employ- relocated from across the United States to are encouraged to contact Jennifer Camp- Adult Education Centre, chair of Giant ment initiative. The project includes the provide them with this opportunity spoke bell at [email protected] to register Steps School and Resource Centre, board Public Health Agency of Canada, Loblaw about the company culture and how it had (projected start is September), as spaces are member of Transforming Autism Care Con- (Weston Canada), Giant Steps School and transformed their lives. The visit and tour of limited and demand is expected to be high. sortium and special advisor to Inspirations.
isability Financial Assistance People are often unaware of what informa- Corporation/Société d’aide finan- DFAC experts untangle tion is applicable to each application, but Dcière aux personnes handicapées DFAC guides them throughout the process (DFAC-SAFP) serves Canadian children and can help the client collect retroactive and adults with special needs who may financial assistance programs benefits going back up to 10 years. DFAC be eligible for federal and provincial gov- takes extra care to ensure that all benefits ernment benefits. Established close to a for Canadians with special needs have been claimed. They become the cli- decade ago, the bilingual, Quebec-based ent’s representative and communicate with company’s benefits specialists, tax law- Isaac Hoch, director of Communications. By Elaine Cohen agencies. If a client is already receiving yers, accounting experts, and other experi- He discovered DFAC several years ago Hoch explains. To gain acceptance, it is benefits, DFAC can ensure that those ben- enced professionals work to ensure clients when seeking support for a family member. necessary to study the particular criteria and efits are being maximized. receive the maximum amount of benefits Hoch was so inspired that he became active comply with government regulations, fill to which they are entitled. Aside from a and subsequently sought affiliation within out specific forms, and provide answers that Hoch describes two recent examples in minimal application fee, DFAC does not the company. Eager to sensitize the special state precisely what the government wants which clients received credit as a result of charge any money to apply. DFAC is com- needs population, Hoch has welcomed a role to know. He refers to “hidden disabilities” DFAC’s efforts. In one instance, a nine- pensated with a percentage of the benefit in business development and marketing. (such as anxiety or ADHD) as grey areas year-old child with diagnosis of ADHD, a only once the client receives it. where it is difficult for one to figure out conduct disorder and a possible opposition Tax credits and child benefits are a sam- how to respond to the government criteria. disorder received retroactive benefits in the The company specializes in acquir- pling of potential resources. DFAC alerts For Quebec provincial disability benefits, amount of $11,212. In another instance, ing financial assistance for people with clients to what’s available and what’s new, simply indicating an auditory processing a 13-year-old diagnosed with ADHD, a autism, attention deficit hyperactivity dis- researching government benefits and ensur- disorder may not suffice, whereas joining learning disability and a conduct disorder order (ADHD), developmental learning ing that the client’s benefits are maximized. it with the negative effect of a hearing loss received $20,965 of retroactive benefits. delays, intellectual, physical, mental ill- It also supports disability advocacy. that has plummeted 50 percent may prove ness (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar more effective. “We have a very high suc- For information about DFAC, call 514- disorder), vision, neurological conditions “We’ve developed a particular niche for cess rate, well over 90 percent for close to 937-4223 or 1-855-382-3322, or email and other chronic disorders, according to [beneficiaries with] autism or ADHD,” 700 clients.” [email protected] or visit www.dfac.ca. 21 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
YOUR LIBERAL MPs PROUD PARTNERS OF INSPIRATIONS NEWSPAPER
VOS DÉPUTÉS LIBÉRAUX FIERS PARTENAIRES DE INSPIRATIONS NEWSPAPER
Randy Lewis, retired Senior VP at Walgreens and Andre Pereira, Polaris Enterprise project manager, join Thomas Biggers,warehouse employee, on a tour of the Anderson, South Carolina Wal- greens distribution centre. (Photo, Rick Marrone)
TRÈS HON. JUSTIN TRUDEAU RACHEL BENDAYAN HON. MARC GARNEAU HON. STEVEN GUILBEAULT ANTHONY HOUSEFATHER Député / MP Députée / MP Député / MP Député / MP Député / MP Papineau Outremont Notre-Dame-de-Grâce – Laurier – Sainte-Marie Mont-Royal / Mount Royal [email protected] [email protected] Westmount [email protected] [email protected] (514) 277-6020 (514) 736-2727 [email protected] 514-522-1339 (514) 283-0171 (514) 283-2013
EMMANUELLA LAMBROPOULOS HON. MARC MILLER FRANCIS SCARPALEGGIA SAMEER ZUBERI Députée / MP Député / MP Député / MP Député / MP Saint-Laurent Ville-Marie – Le Sud-Ouest – Lac-Saint-Louis Pierrefonds – Dollard [email protected] Île-des-Soeurs [email protected] [email protected] (514) 335-6655 [email protected] (514) 695-6661 (514) 624-5725 (514) 496-4885 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 22
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COVID-19 is isolating 6 million Canadians living with disabilities.
A Centre for the Community Adult Education for Everyone Social Integration Services and Sociovocational Integration Our teachers. Your school. Services for adults aged 21 and over with special needs Ask us and we will send our teachers into your • Life skills community. • Culinary arts • Work skills and stages Academic Courses • Art programs • English Literacy *Classes are for students that are specifically recommended to the school. • French as a Second Language
*Multicultural students with all levels of education and life experience *Learning features group work and field trips
Registration for general education French and English Montréal courses takes place several times a year. October 25th, 2020 | 9:00AM - 12:30PM
5785 Parkhaven Avenue [email protected] Côte-Saint-Luc, Quebec H4W 1X8 www.wagaradulteducationcentre.ca Donate now to help Register now at ASCwalk.ca (514) 488-8203 ConquerTheCurve.ca Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 24
We promote local and global citizenship through strong engagement. Promouvoir la citoyenneté locale et mondiale grâce à un engagement solide.
We reflect and celebrate diversity Refléter et souligner la diversité
We support creativity and a spirit of inquiry Appuyer la créativité et l’esprit de recherche.
We commit to honesty, equity and accountability Encourager l’honnêteté, l’équité et la responsabilité.
We foster a respectful, nurturing and safe environment Favoriser un environnement respectueux, stimulant et sécuritaire. 25 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS ASD teacher and behaviour technician at EMS shed light on effect of pandemic By Elaine Cohen Through training and experience, educa- connect with my students through Dojo, tors are accustomed to adapting to a myr- phone and video with Microsoft Teams,” iad of special needs from their students, said Goodings, who used her own programs but this unprecedented global pandemic and devices. surpassed them all. A proud mother of three, Goodings credits Goodings teaches the ASD senior ele- her two youngest children, Mila, 7, and Isa- mentary class (grades 4 to 6) at EMS. bella, 5, for their assistance and participation While schools were closed, she interacted in the projects. The girls are in the French online with students and parents. “I was Immersion program at EMS. Regarding the in contact with them daily, scheduled re-opening of school, Goodings sees it from morning meetings and posted them on our a parental and a pedagogical perspective and Teacher Alana Goodings and her daugh- ClassDojo platform,” she said. Goodings wants to make sure the environment is safe. ters Isabelle McRae (left) and Mila McRae collaborated with Megan Pimentel, who She observes a dire need for more supplies (right), both students at Edward Murphy, teaches the ASD junior elementary class to avoid communal and model sharing. Now, Alana Goodings and Megan Pimentel share their rainbow drawing. (grades 1 to 3). “Megan is great to work teachers can’t put out a box of facial tissues or dressed up as emojis for Halloween (Photo, Alana Goodings) with, and we have created accessible a package of markers for everyone to share. last year. (Photo, Mila McRae) modified materials that our students can ASD students rely on routine and are accus- utism spectrum disorder (ASD) do as well as posted visuals and videos tomed to communal seating and close con- the EMS team, delivered food packages to teacher Alana Goodings and plus added hard copies to a Google drive tact, which is no longer feasible. Schedules families. He also worked at one of the emer- behaviour technician Christopher so parents could print them.” The teachers need to be thought out and put into practice. gency day care centres.He has observed fear A dropped the hard copy packs off at homes Even handwashing involves more time and and uncertainty triggered by the pandemic Simeone, along with colleagues at Edward Murphy Elementary School (EMS) in where resources were limited. supervision. Children need to wait for turns and compares it to war. On a positive note, eastern Montreal, sought innovative paths at the sink and carry out the process. he added, “In the end, this shines a light on to provide pedagogical support and make Goodings received positive feedback from our flexibility as educators.” the transition as smooth as possible dur- parents. Sometimes, parents sought input Behaviour technician Christopher Sime- ing school closures caused by COVID- on situations that arose at home. She cre- one assumed his post at Edward Murphy in Follow Alana Goodings on her Instagram 19. Change is difficult for most, but can ated visuals with whimsical cartoons that 2014. He’s a graduate of Vanier College’s account @teachingforall to see some of be especially challenging for those with capture the children’s attention and relay the Special Care Counselling program. During the videos capsules she has shared during special needs. message. “I’m grateful to have been able to the COVID-19 crisis, Simeone, along with distance learning. Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island connect virtually CoteSaintLuc.org By Wendy Singer ing friends due to a special need,” said Megan Semenchuk, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island. “The first thing I notice in the youth is an increase in self-confidence and self- esteem. They know that they have some- body in their corner, and for many it’s the first time they have that (except for mom and dad!). And our volunteers report a great sense of fulfillment.” Donna (mentor) and Austin (mentee) enjoy some time together. (Photo, Big Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island Brothers Big Sisters of West Island) continues their intake and search for vol- unteers during the pandemic. Volunteers any children and youth in Canada must agree to a one-year commitment, face adversity in the best of times, begin virtually and transition to the tradi- Mlet alone during a pandemic. Big tional in-person relationship once public Brothers Big Sisters is a Canadian non-profit health directives allow for in-person meet- that matches young people with volunteer ings. Matches are made based on compat- Connect from home. mentors who help to ignite their power and ibility and while Big Brothers Big Sisters potential. Over the last few months, Big requires a commitment of one year, they Brothers Big Sisters of West Island has run hope the relationship will last a lifetime. their traditional face-to-face program virtu- ally, and it’s been a smooth transition. To enroll a young person or to apply to facebook.com/cotesaintluc youtube.com/cityofcotesaintluc volunteer (a rigorous application process facebook.com/csllibrary bit.ly/YT_BiblioCSLLibrary “We match youth that are struggling due to will be required for volunteers), visit wes- difficult family situations, socioeconomic tisland.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call facebook.com/recreationCSL bit.ly/YT_LoisirsCSLRecreation issues, problems at school or trouble mak- 514-538-6100. Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 26 Pensatout, l’outil indispensable pour tous les jeunes en transition à la vie adulte! a transition n’est pas toujours un plateforme dont les jeunes raffolent, leur Par Laurence Leser passage simple pour les jeunes. En appareil mobile. fait, beaucoup ne savent pas ce qu’est à se donner les moyens de voir loin. L Pensatout est un site Web mobile convivial Les jeunes auront l’occasion de la transition et ne s’y préparent pas ou peu. La transition c’est non seulement un passage et ludique pensé par l’Association de développer des plans d’action pour des soins pédiatriques aux soins adultes, spina-bifida et d’hydrocéphalie du Québec, atteindre leurs objectifs! mais c’est aussi une étape complète de la basé sur les meilleures pratiques qui ont vie d’un jeune. Les jeunes ont besoin d’être été observées en clinique pour faciliter la Pensatout, ce sont aussi des accompagnés. Tous s’entendent pour dire transition vers les soins pour adultes. Ce nouveautés. En effet, nous avons que le manque de préparation à la transition site est compatible pour les ordinateurs, les ajouté dernièrement une mission peut avoir toutes sortes de conséquences sur tablettes et les téléphones intelligents. « alimentation », c’est un outil qui la santé et la qualité de vie de nos jeunes. évolue. Pensatout propose 4 parcours comportant Outre la santé, les jeunes doivent chacun des missions. Les parcours sont Et Pensatout c’est encore bien plus : arriver à cerner leurs besoins, réunir les indépendants les uns des autres, les jeunes un bottin, l’occasion de planifier des renseignements et le matériel nécessaires peuvent tout faire ou simplement prendre ce conversations avec des personnes aux soins, établir des routines et de bonnes dont ils ont besoin. d’importance, des rappels par habitudes de vie, porter attention aux courriels… en français ou en anglais. signaux annonciateurs de complications et Pensatout, c’est une foule de ressources. Chaque savoir y réagir, planifier des rendez-vous, parcours renferme des fichiers ressources Pour en savoir davantage, visitez sa vie sociale, ses études… autant d’aspects dans lesquels les jeunes trouveront une foule https://pensatout.ca/ ou pris en charge par Pensatout, un outil qui d’informations. https://notes2self.ca/. allie fonctions « aide-mémoire », outils de planification et ressources pratiques sur une Pensatout, c’est aussi la possibilité de se Laurence Leser est directrice projeter dans l’avenir. Les deux parcours générale de l’Association de spina- Bien-être et Planification sont une invitation bifida et d'hydrocéphalie du Québec.
FollowI N the S P IRAT ION S INSPIRA TIONS News Podcast with host Mark Bergman Le stade olympique a été illuminé en vert pour marquer la Journée mondiale de la paralysie Sharing insights cérébrale le 6 octobre. (Photos, L'Association de beyond the written word paralysie cérébrale du Québec) earc or INSPIRA TIONS News on o n clo Search for INSPIRA TIONS News on le o casts an oo le la
INSPIRA TIONS 27 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS e 21 novembre dernier, l’organisme 10 ans au service des personnes en situation de handicap pour de travail pour les personnes en situation L’ÉTAPE célébrait les 10 ans de handicap qui en éprouvent le besoin. Ld’existence de son bureau de Laval Cette nouveauté assure un accompagne- lors d’une soirée festive où la bonne ment plus soutenu pour celles et ceux qui humeur et l’humour étaient à l’honneur. rencontrent de plus grands défis face à Sachant que 1757 personnes en situation L’ÉTAPE de Laval l’intégration en emploi. de handicap ont bénéficié des services Par Amélie Tremblay d’intégration et de maintien en emploi C’est donc avec la tête remplie de pro- de l’organisme sur le territoire de Laval jets que l’équipe de L’ÉTAPE continue, durant les cinq dernières années, il y avait année après année, à élargir et à améliorer effectivement de quoi fêter. ses services afin d’accompagner le mieux possible sa clientèle. Pour l’occasion, la direction, les employés et les clients de L’ÉTAPE ainsi que quelques Malgré la situation actuelle, L’ÉTAPE élus se sont rassemblés lors d’un cocktail continue de travailler pour l’intégration dînatoire. L’humoriste Angelo Schiraldi, et le maintien en emploi des personnes lui-même en situation de handicap et ancien en situation de handicap de la région de client de L’ÉTAPE, a présenté un numéro Montréal et de Laval. Les rencontres qui a, sans contredit, animé la soirée! aux bureaux ont récemment repris dans le respect de mesures de sécurité afin de Avec ses bureaux à Montréal et à Laval, protéger les clients et le personnel. Il est l’organisme L’ÉTAPE, subventionné également possible d’avoir un rendez- par Emploi-Québec, répond aux besoins vous téléphonique ou par visioconférence. des personnes en situation de handicap Quelle que soit l'option choisie, il vous suffit qui habitent l’île de Montréal et l’île de De gauche à droite : Jean-François Rivet (coordonnateur de L’ÉTAPE Laval), de laisser un message au 514 526-0887 Laval en offrant des services gratuits en François Lamarre (trésorier de L’ÉTAPE), François Huard (directeur de L’ÉTAPE), (Montréal) ou au 450 667-9999 (Laval) matière d’employabilité. Toute personne Michel Nadeau, Michel Poissant (conseiller municipal de la Ville de Laval). et nous vous retournerons votre appel en ayant une déficience entraînant une -inca (Photo, L’Étape) moins de 24 heures ouvrables. pacité significative et persistante et qui est sujette à rencontrer des obstacles dans Fort de plus de 40 ans d’existence à inspirants de quelques-uns de ses clients Pour en savoir plus, suivez notre page l’accomplissement d’activités courantes Montréal et maintenant 10 ans à Laval, et participé à une formation dédiée aux facebook.com/LEtapeLavaletMontreal/ peut y accéder. Les services de L’ÉTAPE L’ÉTAPE continue de développer des pro- employeurs à propos de l’embauche de per- Pour toutes demandes d’informations, sont offerts en français et en anglais, et jets pour mener sa mission encore plus loin. sonnes en situation de handicap. De plus, contactez [email protected]. pour les personnes sourdes ou malenten- En effet, en plus d’agrandir ses locaux laval- l’équipe s’est agrandie avec, notamment, dantes, l’organisme privilégie la langue des lois, l’organisme a récemment mis sur pied un poste d’agente d’intégration dont le rôle Amélie Tremblay est conseillère aux com- signes (LSQ/ASL) et la technique oraliste. une page Facebook, produit des portraits est d’offrir un soutien directement en milieu munications à L’Étape. 70 ANS DÉJÀ Moi, j’y crois! Par Joseph Khoury toute leur vie et, par ricochet, leurs parents mondiale de paralysie cérébrale à Saint- et aidants naturels aussi. Jean-sur-Richelieu. Nous sommes fiers de travailler avec l’Université McGill et la Fondée en 1949 à Montréal, l’APCQ Chaire de recherche en paralysie cérébrale œuvre à améliorer les conditions de vie et de l’Université Laval, que nous avons l’intégration sociale des personnes vivant cofondée il y a maintenant 28 ans. avec la paralysie cérébrale. Nous cherchons par tous les moyens à défendre leur dignité Il est vrai que nos efforts déployés au et à promouvoir leurs droits dans toutes les cours des 20 dernières années étaient sphères de l’activité humaine. indispensables. D’une part, les membres du conseil et les administrateurs de nos Le stade olympique a été illuminé en vert pour On estime à 22 000 le nombre de personnes bureaux ont fait un travail exceptionnel marquer la Journée mondiale de la paralysie cérébrale le 6 octobre. (Photos, L'Association de atteintes au Québec. Si on tient compte dans différents projets pour répondre aux paralysie cérébrale du Québec) de leurs familles et leurs proches, ce sont besoins quotidiens de nos membres et, 100 000 personnes qui sont touchées d’autre part, la transparence et la rigidité ’intégration d’une personne handicapée directement ou indirectement par ce de nos finances nous ont permis de réaliser dans une société active ne peut handicap. De plus, 140 nouveaux cas sont des projets majeurs. Notre fierté, c’est de Lêtre envisagée que si tout citoyen recensés chaque année au Québec, sans que n’avoir jamais fait l’objet d’une critique est conscient du rôle prépondérant qu’il la science puisse empêcher ou ralentir cette de la part des médias tout au long des 20 doit jouer afin de permettre à son voisin atteinte au cerveau. Seulement 10 % de dernières années de notre mandat. handicapé de participer à une vie sociale et ceux et celles qui vivent avec ce handicap Le papillon est le symbole de la humaine aussi riche et étendue que la sienne. e pourront mener une vie presque normale. Aujourd’hui, à l’occasion de notre 70 paralysie cérébrale. anniversaire, nous pouvons affirmer que La paralysie cérébrale n’est pas une Nous avons terminé récemment la création cette grande société que nous cherchons à Pour en savoir davantage, visitez maladie, mais bien un handicap lourd d’un réseau pancanadien de paralysie bâtir au profit des personnes handicapées www.paralysiecerebrale.com. qui touche des êtres innocents et, plus cérébrale regroupant toutes les provinces, n’est plus une utopie, mais bien une réalité particulièrement, des enfants dès la tendre et ce, à l’occasion de notre premier congrès « Pour que le soleil se lève à l’horizon pour Joseph Khoury est président de l’Association enfance. Ces derniers en seront affligés en octobre 2019, dans le cadre de la journée de meilleurs lendemains ». de paralysie cérébrale du Québec. Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 28 Edward Murphy School takes part in combined mindfulness language learning project indfulness is a wonderful By Pam D’Adamo, Anna Kij, Hailey Segal and Janet Silverstone Perlis way to help children manage or expanding vocabulary and incorporating hands-on mindful activities. The content of their emotions, reduce their what is going on, and breathe (pausing everyday tasks with your child. “M each session was linked to the classroom stress, improve their academics and even to take a few deep breaths) before jump- 6. Play games at age-appropriate levels curriculum and reinforced throughout the develop greater empathy,” says Randy ing into action. (e.g. Scrabble, Boggle, Headbands). week by Ms. D’Adamo. Taran, CEO of Project Happiness. Using 7. Use songs as a springboard for stim- this philosophy, Edward Murphy Elemen- ulating discussion of different words Due to the success of this project, a second 5. Make homework time distraction- tary School of the English Montreal School and meanings. block of sessions is being planned to take free Board (EMSB) in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve 8. Introduce less used or more place later in the year. Turn off all electronics. undertook a pilot project to pair mindful- sophisticated words. ness with stimulating language skills in the 9. Model curiosity by pointing out Junior Language Class. This effort was a Introducing 6. Take movement breaks things and asking questions. collaboration between the classroom spe- cial education teacher Pamela D’Adamo mindfulness at home 7. Be mindful with discipline For more information about vocabulary and EMSB Student Service professionals There’s no getting around it - discipline learning, visit https://www.readnaturally. Anna Kij, speech-language pathologist; Mindfulness can have great benefits at home. is part of parenting. It is helpful to see com/research/5-components-of-reading/ Hailey Segal, occupational therapist; and Taran offers some suggestions on how to discipline as teaching, rather than con- vocabulary Janet Silverstone Perlis, psychologist. implement it with your child. For more frontation. The first step is being mindful information about mindfulness, read Danika of what your child is feeling. In No- https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/ Language acquisition is about the implicit Swanson’s article on p. 11 of this edition. Drama Discipline, Dr. Dan Siegel and reading-basics/vocabulary learning of words, grammar rules and sen- Dr. Tina Bryson suggest: tence structures. This can be extremely 1. Breathing Randy Taran is the CEO and founder of challenging for students with language This is a great way to start. Sit on a chair • Communicate comfort so your child Project Happiness, a global organization acquisition difficulties including those or floor with your back straight but not feels safe to open up. Get down to your which specializes in emotional resilience- with Developmental Language Disorder tense. Close your eyes and use your other child’s eye level, and put your hand on building programs that are used by people (DLD). Students in the language class are senses, like listening. For two to three his arm or hug to give him a sense of of any age and endorsed by public schools, able to receive targeted instruction by their minutes, breathe slowly in through your reassurance. You can also tell him, “It’s private institutions and universities in the teacher, who focuses on stimulating their nose and out through your mouth. There hard, isn’t it? Can you tell me about it?” U.S. and 90 countries around the world. language skills. are also free apps and websites available • Validate and say something like, “If I Taran is also co-author of the Project to help guide your practice, which can be were in your shoes, at the same age, I Happiness Handbook and producer of the As the class is comprised of up to eight stu- great for beginners. might feel the same way.” award-winning film Project Happiness dents, the goals and objectives for each stu- • Listen, rather than lecture. Breathe. (https://projecthappiness.org/). dent are individualized and their progress • Reflect. Say back what you hear like, 2. Create a “Mindfulness Corner” “I understand that you’re upset because is closely monitored. Designate a special place in your home Pamela D’Adamo is a teacher, Anna Kij you don’t want to go to bed right now.” is a speech-language pathologist, Hailey that you turn into a “zone of peace.” • Redirect. After you understand what is Mindfulness is well-known for its abil- Make it cozy with pillows and blankets. Segal is an occupational therapist and ity to help learners retain new informa- happening internally to your child, you Janet Silverstone Perlis is a psychologist tion by reducing stress while being open can determine what you want to teach at the English Montreal School Board. to integrating new knowledge. Therefore, 3. Schedule a regular time and how best to do it. For example, using a combination of mindfulness and Practice sessions improve skills. Hav- you may want to say, “If you get your language stimulation strategies can have a ing a designated mindfulness time helps rest now you won’t feel tired at school powerful effect. make it a go-to habit. Before bed is a tomorrow. Would you like to read one wonderful time, as the mindfulness prac- more book and then we can tuck you in Our project included eight sessions, which tice relaxes everyone into a more peace- so you can go to bed?” focused on enhancing language skills while ful state. applying mindfulness strategies. Using Vocabulary boosting this two-pronged approach, students were 4. Apply mindfulness strategies provided with tools and strategies to self- during transitions The following tips will help boost your regulate with the objective of minimizing Getting out the door for school is stress- child’s vocabulary: intruding thoughts and feelings that could ful. Consider ways to de-stress, like wak- 1. Read together and discuss what you potentially interfere with their learning. As ing up a little earlier for some quiet time have read. a result, students were readily able to inte- or encouraging your children to help (as 2. Allocate a specific time to have grate new vocabulary that was targeted in they can) to pack their lunches the night “special conversation time.” each of these sessions. before. Dr. Christine Carter of Greater 3. Help your child create a personal Good Science Center prepares for the dictionary with new, relevant words. The theme of the first series of sessions morning rush by placing sticky notes on 4. Create a “word wall” as a reminder for was “Our Senses.” Each lesson focused her fridge. They are reminders to notice new words. on one of our five senses by introducing emotions, name the emotion, accept 5. Practice naming items during your Designed by freebik.com 29 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
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u e NA r u e e NA r u e NA r u e e NA r u e NA r u e e NA r -R Ou rem e m u -S - u ue - r er N re- me- e- r e Ar - ee A e Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle en Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle en Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle en Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle matière de relations avec les Québécois matière de diversité et d’inclusion, pour les en matière de lois professionnelles / matière de Relations en matière de transports / d’expression anglaise / clientèles vivant avec un handicap ou avec O cial Opposition Critic for intergouvernementales canadiennes, Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle O cial Opposition Critic for Transport O cial Opposition Critic for Relations le spectre de l’autisme et pour la Professional Legislation en matière d’enseignement supérieur / Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle with English-Speaking Quebecers de Francophonie canadienne, et de communauté LGBTQ2 / Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle en Santé mentale / O cial Opposition Critic for pour la Métropole / O cial Opposition Critic for Diversity and pour la protection de la jeunesse / matière de relations avec les communautés O cial Opposition Critic for Inter- Higher Education O cial Opposition Critic for the Inclusion, Persons Living with a Handicap O cial Opposition Critic for Youth autochtones / O cial Opposition Critic for governmental Relations, the Canadian Metropolis or Autism and LGBTQ2 Community Rights Protection Relations with Indigenous Communities Francophonie and Mental Health 514 341 1151 514 395 2929 514 697 7663 514 489 7581 514 488 7028 514 337 4278 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
u e NA r u e e NA r u e NA r u e e NA r u e NA r u e e NA r r ue e r uer e- ur e Ne S - ure e e e- e- er Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle en Présidente du caucus de Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle matière de lutte contre l’intimidation, de l’opposition o cielle / en matière de PME et d’innovation / en matière d’Éducation, d’Adminis- en matière de famille, de justice, en sports, de loisirs et de saines habitudes de vie / Chair of the O cial Opposition Caucus O cial Opposition Critic for Whip en chef de l’opposition o cielle / O cial Opposition Critic for Anti-Bullying, tration gouvernementale et du matière d’accès à l’information et Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle SMEs and Innovation Chief O cial Opposition Whip Sports, Recreation and Healthy Living Conseil du trésor / pour la réforme du mode de scrutin / pour la protection de la langue Porte-parole de l’opposition o cielle Responsable de la région de la Capitale-Natio- O cial Opposition Critic for O cial Opposition Critic for Families, nale et de l’Est-du-Québec / française / en matière de travail et d’emploi / Education, Government administra- Justice, Access to Information and O cial Opposition Critic for the Capitale-Natio- O cial Opposition Critic for the O cial Opposition Critic for Labour tion and the Treasory Board Electoral Reform nale Region and for the Est-du-Québec Protection of the French Language and Employment 514 634 9720 514 368 1818 514 695 2440 514 747 4050 514 648 1007 514 326 0491 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 30 that the pandemic has been stressful for kids, for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension; outdoors in front of local residences and Summer fun continued from p. 30 $100 for Canadians with a valid Disability the Y has added a roving Applied Behav- facilities. If you or someone you know is Summer fun Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible ioural Analysis (ABA) specialist to their interested in joining The Montreal Shira for the OAS pension and the Guaranteed staff roster, which also includes some thera- Choir, email [email protected]. with a virtual Income Supplement (GIS). This fund- pists, such as drama and music. They offer ing will benefit approximately 125 million a quiet space for anyone who would like Zoom-Zoo’s lizards and Canadians with disabilities who have had to have some quiet time. Campers will be twist! additional expenses due to the COVID-19 split into bunks, each with their own Zoom pythons slither online and By Cindy Davis and Wendy Singer pandemic. As of this writing the bill had account where they will enjoy a typical day in backyards at camp, but with shorter hours to encourage lanning ahead for summer might be not yet passed parliament. Contact your other activities. To learn more about the Y’s a little tricky this year. Sleepaway MNA or MP for information or visit https:// Reptizoo gives children and adults the day camp, their Leadership Camp for adults camps are cancelled in Quebec, and www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/ opportunity to interact with creatures they P economic-response-plan.html. with special needs and other family activi- would otherwise only be able to see in a though day camps are permitted to run, they ties, like Y Family Art, Family Fun Fitness, are faced with many restrictions and some zoo. With their new Zoom-Zoo, children can visit https://www.ymywha.com/y-day-camp- have chosen not to open. With many make- meet frogs, tarantulas, vinagaroons, snakes, Summit School’s Padlet at-home/ or email [email protected]. shift backyard camps and training programs turtles and tortoises and the occasional rab- popping up, some creative alternatives are shares endless fun bit, hedgehog, chinchilla and exotic bird taking shape to ensure a fun summer. To find Video production camps online in the comfort of their own home, or Summit School’s T.E.C.C. Program has out the status of your child’s favourite camp with Spectrum Productions with live backyard visits. While reptiles do or if they are offering a virtual camp, consult put together an incredible Padlet (a Post-it not have facial expressions, they will surely the camp section of our database of special board app) that contains videos, quizzes, change yours as you witness something fas- word searches, easy art projects, homemade Since 2010, Spectrum Productions has been needs resources on the Inspirations website, running a social enterprise model production cinating and magical! For information, to where you will find a comprehensive list of games, tips on exploring Montreal this sum- book Reptizoo online, at camp or in your mer, having fun with math, music, science, company that teaches people with autism all day and sleep-away camps, and respite care. aspects of film and media production. They backyard, or to sign your child up for Zoom- cooking challenges with greenhouse activi- Zoo, visit http://reptizoo.com/ email info@ ties. Wow - what a variety! uniquely employ individuals with autism. Locally, some Montreal outdoor pools, This year’s distance creation Summer Video reptizoo.com or call 450-452-4966. municipal playgrounds and outdoor sport- On the Summit Bistro-Fun Food Activi- Production Camp is open to ing facilities have opened. The City of Mon- campers up to the age of 16. treal website (www.montreal.ca) is updated ties you’ll find the Rainbow Grilled Cheese, Pizza, and Ice Cream Sandwich Challenges, It will mirror the structure of frequently with re-openings and gradual their traditional camp, with resumption of services by borough. The Willow’s sprouting project, how to make your own Rice Krispies squares and more! adjustments for a virtual format website also provides updates on city-wide and according to each camp- services like community gardens, outdoor ers’ available technology and tennis courts, seasonal markets, parks and Bloom and Grow with Summit Flora offers all things fun and flowery, from “Be a rebel capacity. For information, visit playgrounds, sport facilities, outdoor pools, productionsspectrum.com. dog parks, municipal golf courses and more. botanist” to “Making a flower rainbow.”
As of June 1, Parks Canada began a gradual We extend a special thank you to Chefs JJ Shira Choir raises reopening of some outdoor areas at national Heffring and Willow Stewart, chef instruc- spirits with song parks, historic sites and marine conservation tors at T.E.C.C. and Vicki Surplice, head areas. Camping has resumed at some parks, florist at T.E.C.C. for preparing this spe- cial Padlet for us. Please consult it and Even a pandemic has not however openings will differ across the stopped Cantor Daniel Ben- Grade 1 students Jamil Ndiaye, Zoya Alam and country. Visit the Parks Canada website at enjoy at https://summit-school.padlet.org/ Alexis Dimos befriend a Reptizoo python jj67/5hrdjr3fnk3zdqj0. lolo and The Montreal Shira www.pc.gc.ca for frequently updated infor- Choir from singing. The choir, at Sinclair Laird Elementary School. (Photo, Reptizoo) mation, and www.sepaq.com for information co-founded by Benlolo and about the beautiful parks in Quebec. his wife Muriel Suissa, is made up of over TacTics connects families 30 adults with special needs who all have and kids online The resources below are by no means a com- a passion for music. Usually, the group plete list, but just a sampling. Please check out meets in person and has a full repertoire of While this summer may look different, the websites of your favourite organizations to live performances throughout the year, but Linda Aber is going to make sure that it’s see what they are offering this summer. during this difficult time, Benlolo has kept still a blast! The TacTics Resource Services choir members connected through weekly Virtual Family Circle and Social Skills Supports for Canadians with Zoom rehearsals. He begins each Zoom Camp was created to fill the quarantine disabilities address challenges session by asking everyone about their feel- summer void and use it as a constructive ings, following which, they sing together time for children to have fun while gaining stemming from COVID-19 for approximately an hour. To Benlolo’s social skill competency. Aber’s program- The results of Willow’s Ice Cream Sandwich delight, every single member of the choir ming is based on the Theraplay® and Social On June 5, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Challenge. (Photo, Summit Bistro) has chosen to partake in the Zoom sessions, Thinking® curriculums. Children who par- announced support to help Canadians with and he says the feedback has been amazing. ticipate in the Social Skills Camp are invited disabilities deal with extra expenses dur- Y day camp at home to join the free weekly Kidz Connect Activ- ing the pandemic. This support includes a A select group of singers from the choir, ity Group, where they can interact with new special one-time, tax-free payment to indi- This year’s version of the Sylvan Adam’s along with Benlolo, performed in June dur- friends and play games, tell jokes and more. viduals who are certificate holders of the YM-YWHA inclusive day camp combines ing a virtual fundraiser for Mindstrong, a Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020. The Zoom and outdoor physical distanced pro- community-led, annual fundraiser benefit- This is an opportunity for multiple fami- benefits are as follows: $600 for Canadians gramming when possible and within provin- ting mental health services and programs at lies to come together and learn new con- with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate; cial guidelines. Each week will have its own the Jewish General Hospital. Benlolo is also cepts, tools and skills through fun and play. $300 for Canadians with a valid Disability theme, from superheroes to safari and talent in talks with Federation CJA to have The Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible week, with guest appearances. Recognizing Montreal Shira Choir perform for seniors Summer fun continued on p. 31 31 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS Summer fun continued from p. 30 ASC Connect shares to 22. The workshops are animated by Activities galore to do at home Aubreylyn Zazyczny, a recent graduate of Look out for guest speaker presentations at resources McGill University's Bachelor of Music/ ooay lists accessible activities on www.lindaaber.com. For information or to Bachelor of Education program with their app. They are now featuring register, call 514-487-3533. Autism Speaks Canada (ASC) is working experience teaching diverse populations, Jonline activities. If you have already hard with community and corporate partners including her last field experience at John downloaded the Jooay app, then simply to respond to the COVID-19 situation by pro- Grant High School. Classes will continue search for activities to do from home by Autism House offers viding relevant resources and relief programs through the summer. For information, typing “online” in the search box. If you weekly support groups with corporate allies. They have created two visit www.langmobile.com. don’t have the app yet, visit jooay.com or COVID-19 virtual communities on ASC download directly from the App store or Autism House has been operating as a non- Connect designed for youth, caregivers and RT21 is on the GO! Google Play. profit organization since it was co-founded adults. This national, bilingual, virtual plat- form aims to engage the autism community to Are you looking for a creative way to by Rosemary Maratta, occupational therapist, Regroupement pour la Trisomie 21 has and her team in June 2019, with a mission to navigate, learn and share resources, services, connect with loved ones and friends that tools and network with the public and profes- a fun-filled summer planned with a full you can’t see right now? Mypostcard. encourage autonomy and improve the quality schedule of online activities. Get moving of life of adults and adolescents with autism. sionals. Visit www.connect.autismspeaks.ca/ com offers a great way to let the people home for more information. with their Zumba workouts or join their you love and miss know you are thinking Located in St. Henri by the Lachine Canal, Movement and Well-Being get-togethers Autism House has been offering weekly about them. Send a photo and some text, for 18 and over, which focus on relaxation, and they’ll prepare and mail it for you! support groups, individual and group occu- The Canadian National managing stress, diet and more. Interactive pational therapy (OT) services, autonomy activities include quiz and game sessions, group classes and workshops for both autis- Institute for the Blind Virtual trips can lead you to fascinating and reading club, film club and karaoke groups. exotic places. While we can’t travel far from tic adults, and adolescents and their parents. (CNIB) offers virtual RT21 also offers personalized support and During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have home this summer, this could be a great way programming specialized services at all times. For infor- to have an at-home adventure. Check out: moved these services online and are reap- mation, visit trisomie.qc.ca. ing the benefits of continuing to meet. For Committed to combatting the negative *Google Earth at earth.google.com. information, visit www.theautismhouse.ca effects that isolation can have on Canadians RT21’s 13th annual “Three, 2, 1, GO!” or their Facebook page. *Wildearth Live Safaris YouTube chan- with sight loss and in response to COVID- fundraising and awareness race will take nel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ 19, the CNIB Foundation is offering an place virtually this year. You can compete UCV6HJBZD_hZcIX9JVJ3dCXQ/videos impressive schedule of free virtual pro- in a 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 kilometre race wherever *Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada’s live grams for this summer. It includes career you are and in whatever way you’d like, aquarium camera at https://www.ripley- support, yoga, tech training, book clubs, be it a walk, run, bike or kayak! You’ll aquariums.com/canada/live-cameras/ youth groups, family trivia, virtual bingo have from August 21 to 23 to achieve your and more. For information, visit cnib.ca. goal. Registration is $15 and all proceeds Apple Education shares a ton of fun, cre- go directly to RT21. For information, ative activities for children, like how to Langmobile shares music http://trisomie.qc.ca/ make a homemade colouring book with your own photos. Take a few fun photos, and mindfulness convert them to black and white and voila, you have your own colouring sheets. Use Langmobile's learning centres are located Markup to add colour. Follow Apple Edu- in Montreal, St. Lambert and St. Bruno. cation on Twitter for more activities. Dylan Hervé, project coordinator, and This summer, they are offering free music and mindfulness online workshops that Eric Caissie, an adult with autism who is If you’d like to learn about the world of are designed to support families and chil- RT21 member Frederique participating in the treasurer (Photo, Autism House) art, visit Google arts and culture online dren and youth with special needs aged 5 online activities. (Photo, Edward Dillon) exhibits:https://artsandculture.google.com/ our six wonderful nature parks on the island of Montreal, not to mention the hundreds of dren that is educational, close to nature, A birdwatching adventure with regular parks. You will just need a little bit of good for the spirit, and a bonding opportu- nity for both parent and child. By Steve Rosenstein patience! Please check in advance to be sure Captain Catalyst the parks are open before you go. ppreciating our local songbirds species of warblers on this one tree. In order You can find Steve Rosenstein teaching can start in your backyard, but to identify them, I had to catch a glimpse of The significant downturn in human -activ his craft in various schools, libraries and first you have to spend the time colour or hear their brief birdsong. ity has spurred the return of many different museums, such as the Redpath Museum. A To reach him, call 514-733-2048. looking for them. It’s a team effort; the types of birds, and in greater numbers than adults with the children. However, you do not have to leave your usual. So far this spring, I have counted house or apartment to observe birds. You can over 50 species, and just in my area alone. My own adventure started with a trip to my become a “couch-potato” birdwatcher by local park, where I had a close encounter simply looking out your window. Birds that Then there are the birds which stay all year with a small ruby-crowned kinglet. The I saw included the chimney swift, or “flying round. They are the birds that children can male likes to flash a red tuft of feathers on cigar” bird, performing its aerial acrobatics; watch with delight – some eating out of its head to show off. And it got as close as a low-flying great blue heron; turkey vultures birdfeeders, such as chickadees, cardinals, two feet from me. It cheered up my day. soaring high above; fast-moving merlin (a goldfinches, blue jays and nuthatches, etc. But things were only to get better! I discov- type of falcon); Canada geese in formation; Some chickadees are so friendly that they ered a “warbler tree,” in this case, an ash and mallard ducks in search of a pond (the will pick seeds, such as sunflower seeds, tree, where migratory birds visited to have males have beautiful green heads). right out of your child’s hand. a snack and take a break from their long migration from the tropics to the forests You can birdwatch while sitting under a tree This is but a little glimpse, the tip of the ice- Summer fun continued on p. 31 of the Laurentians. One morning, I saw 13 or on a tree stump in a local park. Or at one of berg, into what you can do with your chil- (Photo, Unsplash) Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 32 Arts & Entertainment When We Walk filmmaker reflects on navigating life with multiple sclerosis Tshuma, Louw launch
his movie is about you and me,” DaSilva confided to his son, “the day you By Randy Pinsky CripTalk Corner are the opening lines of the 2019 were born was the best day of our lives.” fter participating in the panel “Tdocumentary When We Walk. An active and engaged father, he wist- discussion for the film When We A narrated letter from a father to his son, fully commented, “but there were so many AWalk, Gift Tshuma and Aimee the film is a moving first-hand account of places I couldn’t take you.” Louw were inspired to launch CripTalk Jason DaSilva’s battle with multiple sclero- Corner. This is an informal online gath- sis (MS). From dealing with unpredictable For those with social mobility challenges, ering for exploring issues of accessibil- physical challenges, to his caregiver wife’s it is simply not possible to be spur of the ity where the duo reflect on their own burnout, DaSilva reflects honestly about moment as locations have to be carefully experiences and invite comments from this part of his life through the camera lens. assessed beforehand. In light of this reality, the audience. Screened by Cinema Politica Concordia on DaSilva and his wife Alice Cook launched April 6, When We Walk was followed by a AXS Map, a crowdsourcing platform to “Crip” is an inclusive term, which has been question-and-answer session with the film- rank the accessibility of businesses. As powerfully reclaimed by the special needs maker as well as disability activists Aimee noted on their website: “for many, inacces- community. Directly challenging its histor- Louw and Gift Tshuma of Accesibilize sibility is an endless source of frustration... ically problematic use (“cripple”), it “rep- Montreal. AXS Map aims to ease the burden of social resents the contemporary disability rights exclusion by providing people with dis- wave and is an ‘insider’ term for disability “Making this film was a form of therapy for abilities the freedom to be spontaneous.” culture” (“Breaking Silences, Demand- me,” confided DaSilva. “I was able to use Jason DaSilva and his son. ing Crip Justice” Conference, Sept 22-24, the medium as a way to confront what I was As DaSilva’s needs increased, greater (Photo, Jason DaSilva) 2019, Wright State University). going through.” A prolific filmmaker of short strain was placed on his marriage as Cook commented, “I feel that if I were not dis- films and documentaries, When We Walk was struggled to care for her husband, son and abled, things could have worked.” The first moderated discussion on May 4 2019’s Best Canadian Feature and Hot Docs manage her own career. In one scene, he centered around experiences in the cur- winner and the sequel to DaSilva’s 2015 asked her, “Do you ever wish you were When We Walk explores a heartfelt, no- rent pandemic. “It’s a challenge to not Emmy Award-winning When I Walk depicting with someone able-bodied?” to which she holds-barred account of a father struggling spiral down into my dark cave of negative his diagnosis with MS. In his Emmy accep- replied, “Yes, but I wish it were you.” to cope with his condition and be close to thoughts,” said Tshuma, adding that the tance speech, DaSilva dedicated the film “to his son. A forthcoming film in the trilogy emotional support of friends has helped all people with disabilities” and vowed to con- With his marriage crumbling, DaSilva called When They Walk will cover commu- him to manage. Participating from Van- tinue to give them a voice. sought external advice to come to terms nity initiatives for accessibility. couver, Louw commented: “I’ve become with the situation. His disabled colleague an adventurous wheelchair driver because The son of a filmmaker, there is a common reflected, “I don’t blame [partners] for To learn more about AXS Map, visit https:// I need to get my thrills somehow!” theme in the film where DaSilva teaches his wanting to leave,” continuing ruefully, “if www.wheniwalk.com/axs-map. Find out son the finer points of a camera as his father I could run away from myself, I would.” more about When We Walk at http:// Enthusiastic audience participation dem- did for him, but at a distance as he progres- In reflecting upon his own relationship, he wewalk.com. onstrated that this is a conversation with a sively loses mobility. following. With luck, CripTalk Corner will become an online series of support and ReelAbilities Film Festival goes online networking, “because we need each other,” noted Louw, “now more than ever.” By Cindy Davis — Randy Pinsky he ReelAbilities Film Festival show- In 1932, a controversial film called Freaks casing Canadian and international was released and portrayed the lives and documentary by 16-year-old Aiden Lee, Tshorts, features and documentaries relationships of the members of a carnival followed by a lively youth panel discus- about Deaf and disability communities sideshow. This film serves as a jumping sion with Lee and members of the Holland- moved online this year due to COVID-19. off point in the documentary, for the many Bloorview Youth Council. Lee’s film was The festival, now in its fifth year in Canada Hollywood movies succeeding it featur- the winner of the Inaugural Sandra Car- (it originated in the US in 2007), was held ing disabled characters. Clips from films penter ReelAbilities Toronto Film Festival from May 20 to 24. Filmmakers and actors including Rain Man, The Green Mile, Mil- Student Film Award. The film beautifully with disabilities or who are Deaf were lion Dollar Baby, and To Kill a Mocking- captures how Lee, who has autism, uses A still shot from the documentary behind the productions. bird, are used in Code to demonstrate that art to express himself and is able to convey Code of the Freaks, which was shown at the several key underlying stereotypes about the beauty of our differences through his ReelAbilities Film Festival. The festival featured a dozen feature films, disabled people have been perpetuated in work. Lee also goes into schools and men- (Photo, ReelAbilies) several short films as well as events, work- film – and continue to be to this day. The tors young children to embrace what makes shops and panel discussions throughout analysis is further broken down by race, Chasnoff; academic, advocate and public them unique and to follow their passion. the five days. It opened with a screening gender and type of disability. The conclu- speaker Carrie Sandahl; and moderated by “Being weird, special and different – that’s of the documentary Code of the Freaks, a sion by the analysts interviewed is that Dr. Angelo Murreda, who all agree that more what makes you you, and that’s what makes fascinating look at the way disabled char- these depictions further dangerous stereo- diversity in the storytelling is necessary to me me,” he says in the film. acters have been portrayed in Hollywood types and that more diverse stories about break harmful labels and imagery of the dis- films throughout the years, using hundreds and by disabled individuals must be told. abled in pop culture. Despite having to go online this year, the of clips from over a century of Hollywood Festival organizers did a great job of provid- favourites and analysed by disability activ- The film was followed by a Q&A period The Festival’s closing event was a screening ing a variety of engaging films and events ists, artists and scholars. with Code of the Freaks director Salome of From My Side of the Spectrum, a short for participants. 33 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS Arts & Entertainment Burnout to Unstoppable: An Autism Mom’s Memoir about Prioritizing Self-care, Becoming Stress Resilient and Unleashing Her Inner Badass BOOK by Claudia Taboada, Health and Wellness Press, 2020 REVIEW By Elaine Cohen In a recent interview, Taboada said people caring for a child with a long-term con- hen Claudia Taboada’s son, may not understand why parental caregivers dition;’ ‘Reclaiming my identity and pri- Nico, now 18, was diagnosed are unable to assume positions outside the oritizing self-care;’ ‘Running, racing and with autism close to 16 years home. “We must be available to tend to behav- becoming an unstoppable badass.’ A work- W iour and health issues,” she explained. “As a book on prioritizing self-care is available ago, a psychologist pointed out, “Parenting a child with special needs is not a sprint, lawyer, it would be impossible to just pick up for autism moms/caregivers. An introduc- it’s a marathon.” That was long before she and leave work, so I had to reinvent myself as tion precedes the memoir, and each section had become a runner. Now after success- an author/advocate working from home.” includes many chapters. Health profession- became affiliated with firms in Montreal. fully completing 23 marathons, Taboada als, educators and parents will appreciate Her former husband had to travel often can vouch for the validity of the statement. The author has another book on the way. It Taboada’s notes and bibliography. for business, and Taboada became the pri- Special needs moms must prioritize self- is geared to self-care for moms. “With all mary, hands-on caregiver. care and pace themselves to prevent burn- I’ve learned, I no longer feel overwhelmed. It's ironic that taking out Sicas, the ser- out, she advocates. I know I can help other moms. Eleven years vice dog, for a walk started off as a task Taboada takes pride in both her boys’ prog- ago, I was not this person. I had no self- Taboada resented but gradually their walks ress. Nico has a brother, Alex, who is 16. Taboada is a disability rights advocate. confidence, and I had been neglecting both turned into runs. Although Sicas lost inter- They both enjoy music. Nico plays the She is on the board of Giant Steps School my physical and mental health. I have now est, Taboada’s pace gained momentum and piano, and Alex is in a school music pro- and is involved in other organizations. She an arsenal of self-care and stress resilience served as the tool to turn her life around. gram. “Alex is a responsible young man aims to raise awareness of the dire need tools that I use on a daily basis to help me Readers can look forward to her revelation and loves his brother unconditionally.” for funding, so children with special needs parent my severely autistic son with grace. in Chapter 21. can reach their potential in self-sufficiency I have also learned to live for the moment, Visit www.amazon.ca to purchase an and productivity. She is also on a mission not dwell on the past or the future.” The author was 15 when she immigrated to eBook or paperback copy. If you want to help caregivers ask for more funding Edmonton from El Salvador. The trilingual to know more about Taboada’s upcom- for respite services so that they can have a The book is divided into four parts: ‘How I achiever adapted well and subsequently ing books, online courses and life coach- break and seek self-fulfillment in all areas lost myself in the autism whirlwind;’ ‘The earned a law degree from the University of ing services you can go to her website of their lives. physical, mental and emotional effects of Ottawa. She married an engineer, and they www.claudiataboada.com
aising Dion, a 2019 family-friendly delightful acting from the cast. One char- sci-fi Netflix show created by Carol acter who stands out in particular is Espe- RBarbee and Dennis Liu, follows the ranza, Dion’s wise and artistically gifted eventful lives of widowed mother Nicole REVIEW wheelchair-bound classmate who claims she (Alisha Wainwright) and her seven-year- By Ishini Fernando is his best friend despite Dion’s initial lack of old son Dion (Ja’Siah Young). After the enthusiasm about the friendship. death of her husband Mark (Michael B. Jordan), Nicole and Dion move to a new Sammi Haney, the child actress who portrays neighbourhood for a fresh start. However, Esperanza, is also wheelchair-bound and has viewers will learn in the very first epi- the most serious form of brittle bone dis- sode that things aren’t going so well for ease that is survivable, just like her charac- the mother and son duo. Nicole gets fired ter. Sammi hopes the show will help people from her job and Dion struggles to make see past her wheelchair to who she truly is friends at his new school despite his many as a person, eliminating the stigma surround- attempts to make a good impression. ing people with disabilities in television. Through her portrayal of Esperanza, Sammi Chaos quickly ensues after Dion mani- brings cheerfulness and unwavering confi- fests inexplicable superhuman powers dence to her character as she fondly looks he is unable to control. With the help of after Dion throughout the series. her late husband’s best friend who is also Dion’s godfather Pat (Jason Ritter), a fran- Raising Dion also explores important top- tic Nicole begins her search for answers, ics such as accessibility, respecting bound- desperate to protect her son from poten- cover that there is a lot more to Mark’s death that keep viewers at the edge of their seats aries, racial bias and accountability, among tial enemies who might want to exploit than they’d originally known. from start to finish. Apart from delivering a others. Fans of the show will be pleased to him, all the while keeping him from acci- great storyline focused on the development know that the cast will be back with a sec- dentally hurting himself and others. As The first season of Raising Dion counts nine of interesting characters and their relation- ond season on Netflix. secrets emerge and unravel, they soon dis- episodes packed with intrigue and plot twists ships with one another, the series showcases Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 34 Arts & Entertainment Introducing the QCSI Network:
mean. The Power of One will lift your spir- A new resource for specialized adult education practitioners From stage to screen: its high into the sky. Steven Atme is a pianist and composer, gives private piano lessons and is a pub- The making of The Power of One lic speaker, enlightening on his experience Lewis, Gabriel Fadda and Melissa Nower, With this quote that I treasure since child- growing up and living with autism. who I have known since my school days at hood, “The sky is the limit,” we also encour- By Steven Atme Summit School. As friends, we have encour- aged others working on the project to have a aged each other through the creative arts to say in the process and share anything: ideas, atching movies is one of the showcase our work as people living with feelings, and to be themselves and have fun. best ways to relax and get some autism and Asperger syndrome. We didn’t care about who’s position was Wmuch-needed downtime. To more crucial, who joined sooner or later, or actually make a movie, well, that’s some- We met weekly at Summit School to discuss who gave big or small contributions. Every- thing else! As a kid, I made movies for fun ideas for original skits/adaptations before one played a big role beautifully as leaders, with friends and family. I would say to my writing them down, and then we rehearsed. artists and inspirations. That goes to show father, repeatedly: “I would like to meet Afterwards, a search began for cinematogra- we happen to live in the diverse, inclusive Steven Spielberg one day.” phers, backup actors and singers. We were world that The Power of One portrays. fortunate that, through mutual connections, While thinking back after a major success we met people with and without disabilities The Power of One is entertaining while with my 2017 variety show, “Special People that could work with us in these areas. delivering a powerful message for society to Have Dreams 5th Anniversary Celebration,” realize we all face struggles in everyday life, came this question: “What will happen next?” During filming sessions, our team travelled being left out and not even given chances to An idea came to mind. Musical works and live across the island of Montreal to shoot our pursue one’s goals. No limitations! It also shows are one thing – but a movie lives on. skits. The production was completed on shares the major concept of willingness to November 23, 2019. Throughout December take on initiatives without thinking about After reliving many flashbacks of the whole until right before the holidays, I edited the general differences. Open those doors but process of the variety show, I decided to whole movie. It contains eight skits created more importantly, your heart and arms. make a movie titled The Power of One. The by five close friends and 19 supporting peo- first day of production was January 8, 2019, ple. We all had a wonderful time and did it Stay tuned for screening dates when we are with my four friends: Fareed Gul, Samuel together with pride, laughter, joy and tears. able to be together again, and see what we Jordan River Anderson, the Messenger: By Randy Pinsky Documentary sheds light on difficulties faced by Aboriginal children with special needs ccessing resources and therapy for ventilator and with little mobility, the little Jordan’s Principle was created to challenge a child with special needs can be boy connected well with music therapy, to the federal government’s underfunding of Achallenging under the best of cir- the delight of his dedicated caregivers. Aboriginal families and ensure that they cumstances but add having Aboriginal sta- have equitable access to public products, tus and it becomes much more complex. Jordan and his family required extensive services and support. As noted by Cindy specialized assistance for his condition. Blackstock, executive director of the First The documentary Jordan River Anderson, However, progress came to a stalemate Nations Child and Family Caring Society of the Messenger was screened at Cinéma when the federal and provincial govern- Canada, the fight is so that “no First Nations du Parc on January 21 to a packed theatre. ments continuously debated which juris- child will be denied what all other Canadian Created by renowned Abenaki director and diction was responsible for providing his kids have access to. They should not have to Order of Canada recipient Alanis Obom- services. Jordan never got the opportunity wait in line because of who they are.” sawin, the screening was co-sponsored by to go home to his loving family and com- Indigenous Access McGill and the McGill munity. He passed away while in a coma at Jordan’s legacy has helped pave the way for School of Social Work Reconciliation Fund. five years old. other Aboriginal children to get the assis- tance they require. At events and council The film documents the hurdles faced by And so ensued an almost two-decade-long meetings, Jordan’s baby blanket and a teddy Jordan River Anderson’s family of Manito- battle for change for other Aboriginal chil- bear with moccasins poignantly represent ba’s Norway House Cree Nation in access- dren with special needs. Progress in drafting the tragedy experienced by his family. As ing critically needed medical services. and passing motions were often agonizingly Blackstock put it, “It’s been years, and the slow. “There have still not been real, mean- government still calls for patience. The Jordan’s mother experienced complica- ingful changes for the Aboriginal children word patience is bound up in this blanket.” tions during pregnancy and had to be who need the help [in their own commu- transported to the Children’s Hospital of nities like other Canadian children],” said Spirit Bear and Children Make History by Tribunal called for the government of Can- Winnipeg. Jordan was born with a very rare Chief Ron Evans, former Chief of Norway Cindy Blackstock and Eddy Robinson is a ada to fully implement Jordan’s Principle by genetic muscle disorder known as Carey- House Cree Nation and former Grand Chief powerfully written book that commemo- May 10, 2016, those involved consider that Fineman-Ziter syndrome. Growing up on a of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. rates Jordan’s legacy. As the Human Rights as the ‘Bear Witness’ date of the struggle. 35 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS Introducing the QCSI Network: mean. The Power of One will lift your spir- A new resource for specialized adult education practitioners its high into the sky. By Jennifer Campbell and Matthew Kennedy dult education practitioners in the SIS teachers – particularly those at smaller The network is always growing, and the Steven Atme is a pianist and composer, a collaborative learning environment, with area of Social Integration Services centres – may feel isolated in this highly newest members include Emilie Bowles gives private piano lessons and is a pub- a focus on technology and innovation, cre- (SIS) are a unique breed of educa- specialized field of education. from the RÉCIT, Jennifer Campbell from the lic speaker, enlightening on his experience A ative problem-solving, as well as personal tors who operate within a unique teach- English Montreal School Board (EMSB), growing up and living with autism. and professional growth – all in the inter- ing context. Although these teachers are In 2019, a group of teachers and consultants and Marina Di Pratola from Riverside. est of ensuring that, collectively, we provide responsible for delivering a single program came together to begin to bridge gaps in the our wonderful adult learners with access to of study established by the Ministère de anglophone adult education sector through This type of professional development the high quality education that they deserve. l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supéri- the creation of a website which now pro- network can have a tremendous impact on eur (MEES), their students are incredibly vides SIS educators with a breakdown of teacher buy-in and student success, and Over the past few months, the QCSI Net- neurodiverse, with diagnoses ranging from the curriculum, valuable teaching tools and the team is very grateful for funding from work has been hard at work on developing autism to intellectual disabilities, learning resources. Most importantly, it is an online RÉCIT, which has made this collaborative and sharing resources during the COVID- disabilities, physical disabilities and men- community of practice which connects project possible. As Spector explains: “The 19 health crisis. tal health issues. This student population is teachers across the province. The co-found- goal of the RÉCIT National Service project also reflective of the province’s cultural and ers of the Quebec Social Integration Net- is to build networking opportunities and cre- For information, visit bit.ly/quebecsi linguistic diversity, and teachers and sup- work (QCSI Network), which include Avi ate digital resources that are appropriate for Check out the network website for new port staff provide programming to learners Spector and Tracy Rosen from Réseau Édu- our Quebec adult education learners.” activities and resources, and see what's from all socio-economic backgrounds. As cation Collaboration Innovation Technologie been developed by LBP Cont. Ed. here: bit. a result of this diversity, curriculum imple- (RÉCIT); Kim Grenier (Riverside School In the spirit of sustained collaboration, the ly/endeavouronline and at the EMSB here: mentation can vary greatly from one SIS Board); Matthew Kennedy and Julian Ver- network meets once a month at a different http://emsb-aevs.com/AST/ program to another. boomen (Lester B. Pearson School Board); adult education centre, which allows the and Katie Cashion, Michael Werenchuk and team to visit each member’s SIS program. Jennifer Campbell is the educational con- Special Education teachers and educators Christine Dussault (New Frontiers School The goal is not to standardize materials and sultant for special education in the Adult are well versed in modifying and adapting Board) saw an opportunity to collaborate on approaches; rather, it is to promote the best Education and Vocational Services depart- curriculum and have a wealth of experience lessons, units and teaching materials as well of every program by sharing ideas, experi- ment of the EMSB. Matthew Kennedy is a in differentiation; however, the day-to- as to share best practices, professional devel- ences and strategies to support SIS staff and consultant for Inclusive Adult Education day hurdles of meeting the needs of such opment resources, behaviour management their students. The group provides SIS edu- and Social Integration at the Lester B. a diverse group can be overwhelming, and strategies and motivation techniques. cators with the opportunity to participate in Pearson School Board. Camp Massawippi upgrades and adapts facilities over summer and offers virtual experience
amp Massawippi, located on positively and make lemonade from lemons By Elaine Cohen Lake Massawippi in Ayer’s during this unfortunate but necessary pause modern and multipurpose facility includ- CCliff, is in the heart of Quebec’s in camp operations. We are excited to share ing elements such as an adapted kitchen Eastern Townships. Founded in 1951, some of the great things going on at Camp for teaching life skills and encouraging and their mission is geared to perpetuate Massawippi. We will be maintaining and promoting inclusion and self-efficacy. In fun and friendships in a safe, secure, nurturing the link between campers, their addition, we will continue to nourish the bilingual environment for children camp and staff, by offering a virtual camp souls of our campers with the food that and adults with physical impairments with a variety of adapted online activities Camp Massawippi has become renowned - motor, visual, hearing. including dance, music, cooking, special for,” shared Richman. guests, meditation and yoga, to name just A dynamic dedicated team is in place a few,” he said. “These activities will pro- The Camp Massawippi team look forward to embrace and respond to campers’ vide our campers with a window outside of to reopening next year so campers can needs, enabling them to surmount confinement; a chance to interact with their have fun, feel and breathe the fresh air and challenges and gain self-confidence counsellors and campmates.” enjoy the freedom that the programs and with every success. community provide. The animation team will journal and share While registration numbers were up this the progress from camp this summer as A Capital Campaign has begun to fund year, respecting the Santé Publique’s they embark on much needed upgrades the much needed renovations at the camp strict guidelines regarding COVID-19 and changes to make the facility even safer and their dining room and kitchen. If you make it impossible for both the Ayer’s and more equipped. “We will be repairing, would like to help out or learn more about Cliff and Montreal Camp Massawippi renovating, rebuilding and revitalizing this the camp, contact Theodora Brinckman, sites to ensure the health and safety of amazing camp,” said Richman. executive director of Habilitas and Camp vulnerable campers. Therefore, they At the heart of Camp Massawippi’s com- Massawippi Board member at theodora. had to pause their 2020 camp season. munal setting is the dining hall and kitchen, [email protected] or 514-882-7550. Camper Noémie Gagné enjoys her time at which dates back many decades. “While Camp Massawippi. As Jed Richman, interim executive retaining its rustic charm and history, we are (Photo, Camp Massawippi) director explained, “It’s time to think rebuilding our dining room to be a modular, Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 36 Sports Special Olympics Québec Wheelchair boxer Barré inspires with her determination keeps athletes in shape during pandemic hen COVID-19 reared its With different themes every day, the goal is By Cindy Davis ugly head in early March, the to keep participants engaged with a holistic directors at Special Olympics approach. Their “Active Start at Home” pro- The SOQ online program has been so suc- W cessful that the Quebec Ministry of Edu- Québec (SOQ) knew that they had to act gram, for two- to seven-year-olds, encour- quickly in order to make sure their athletes ages the development of motor skills and cation has included the link to the SOQ’s and followers stayed connected and were movement. “FUNdamentals at Home,” for YouTube Channel on their “Open School” able to continue their training from home. eight- to 12-year-olds, aims to develop basic resource page for families with special Usually, the organization has approxi- sport skills. needs. One of the SOQ’s corporate spon- mately 8,000 athletes training with volun- sors, Wolseley, has been using the online teer coaches in local training centres across Francine Gendron, executive director of challenges with their contacts as well. Gen- the province. With over 1,200 volunteers, SOQ, says that the online classes and chal- dron has been very pleased with the reach summer and winter games to plan, and lenges are as important for the emotional of their virtual offerings, and has noticed competitions held throughout the year, they health of participants as they are for their many new faces participating. Despite their knew that the quarantine would dramati- physical well-being. “For many of them, Spe- efforts, Gendron estimates that between five cally impact their participants. cial Olympics is their social network – this to 10 percent of their athletes do not have is where they have their friends and where access to the internet at home, and they are As of March 12, SOQ ceased all on-site they go if they’re not in school. It’s kind of working hard to reach out to those individu- training, cancelled competitions and a little family,” says Gendron. “[The classes] als regularly by phone and by mailing print- Jessica Levitt working out at home with quickly began providing virtual videos, are really to make sure they will not be iso- outs of their exercises. Special Olympics Québec during the classes and challenges on their social lated and depressed during this period. Also, pandemic. (Photo, Monique Levitt) media platforms. Their “SOQ Challenge,” we want them to stay healthy. So, we know “We miss everyone, but we’re happy to meet which launched on March 23, includes that with the weekly training [online], first them online as well,” she says. “To see that Visit the SOQ Facebook page for updates at live activities on Facebook as well as daily it’s about seeing their friends, but it’s also to they are exercising, they are happy, they are facebook.com/olympiquesspeciauxquebec emails. They encourage followers to film train and make sure they move a little bit. We doing their best, it’s extremely rewarding for or their YouTube channel at https://www. themselves doing fun weekly challenges want them to keep up the habit of moving and our people and our employees. It’s an inter- youtube.com/channel/UCNuF7d2qEYe- to then share and cheer each other on. being healthy.” esting human experience for us as well.” H418EYU6PpRg ‘Living Without Limitations’; Noam Gershony, Israeli Paralympics tennis champion By Randy Pinsky The Paralympian emotionally shared how difficult it was to accept the extent of his ou can’t imagine what it’s injuries; “It’s a huge change to go from like to lose the ability to flying a helicopter to struggling to go up “Ywalk,” shared Noam Ger- 10 stairs.” A spinal cord injury left his Adapted boxing builds strength, shony, Israeli Paralympics tennis cham- left leg paralyzed, necessitating the use pion, at McGill University on February of a wheelchair. Through perseverance, 4 as part of Jewish Disability Aware- determination and extensive therapy, Ger- independence for Laval resident ness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month shony is now able to walk with the use of (JDAIM). The event was co-organized forearm crutches. by the Jewish National Fund, Hillel Mon- treal and Federation CJA in partnership After speaking with family and friends and with Masa Israel Journey and Canadian the parents of his late helicopter partner, Magen David Adom. The packed room Gershony vowed, “I got a second chance at attentively listened as Gershony related Kylie Huberman, Anna Kost, Naomi Mazer, Lauren Goodman, life and will make the most of it.” his story of courage and resilience after a Noam Gershony, Sam Moyal, Haley Brett and Jon Levine at the horrifying helicopter accident. Living Without Limitations event at McGill University. Beit Halochem (Israel’s organization for disabled veterans) and the Erez Foundation Gershony was serving as an Apache heli- able to make an emergency crash landing, The crash resulted in broken arms, legs and helped him to once again find fulfillment copter pilot as part of the Israeli Defense Gershony’s partner was killed instantly, and he back, and he required a tractotomy to assist in sports, and he soon discovered his fit in Forces during the Second Lebanon War in himself was severely injured. with breathing. Gershony wryly joked, “The wheelchair tennis. After intensive training, July 2006 when his team was summoned first solid food I was able to eat was Bamba he joined the 2012 Paralympics team and to the northern border late one night. The Israel’s first responders, Magen David Adom, [traditional Israeli peanut butter-flavoured represented Israel in London. Six years helicopter somehow lost its night vision flew into the danger zone and “risked their lives snacks] and they never tasted so good!” after his crash, Gershony scored Israel’s capabilities, and, compounded by tail to save mine,” noted Gershony. He was uncon- first gold medal, with the announcer accu- and rotor problems, collided with another scious for a week and woke up in Haifa’s Ram- It took months of physiotherapy for him to rately proclaiming, “That’s the smile of a Apache. While the other helicopter was bam hospital with no recollection of that night. re-learn how to sit, and eventually, to stand. winner, a winner in every field.” 37 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
Sports Wheelchair boxer Barré inspires with her determination t’s one thing to be one of the first two By Martin C. Barry could think about – going up against some- women ever in Quebec to compete one else who was in a wheelchair.” Iin a boxing match while seated in a wheelchair. But as if that weren’t enough, Finding a worthy opponent Jani Barré now also takes part in gruelling However, finding a suitable opponent marathons while rolling in her wheelchair turned out to be more of a challenge. After and has become a sought-after motiva- an exhaustive search of boxing clubs and tional speaker. associations in Quebec failed to find anyone else in a wheelchair who shared her passion To say she’s done a lot for someone who for boxing, she used Facebook to spread the faced a major barrier at one time tells only word. That’s how she met Tamara Bélisle, part of the story. She is a woman who over- who had been using a wheelchair since the came her challenges and has gone on to age of 19 when she became paraplegic fol- teach others how they can do the same. lowing a motorcycle accident. Bélisle didn’t know a thing about boxing at that time. Still, On May 18, 2019 – seven years to the day Barré was able to talk her into learning and after she lost the use of her legs due to a taking part in an event that she felt certain rare bone disease – Barré, 39, a Sainte- would make history by showing that two Hyacinthe resident, got into a boxing ring physically-challenged women could break in Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce with Tamara down yet another barrier for the disabled by Bélisle, 26, another wheelchair-bound climbing up into the ring and taking part in Jani Barré is seen here in her corner of the ring during the wheelchair boxing match on woman, for an amateur boxing match that a boxing match. would make history. May 18, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Jani Barré) absolutely fascinated by it,” said Barré, drug at the Shriners’ Hospital of Montreal. Rules of engagement Challenge accepted noting she was one of three girls in the It strengthened her fragile bones. Although there was still some risk Barré Visit the SOQ Facebook page for updates at family. Of the three, she was the only facebook.com/olympiquesspeciauxquebec In an interview with Inspirations, Jani might be prone to easy injury given her past one who suffered from the chronic illness Since physical exercise was recommended or their YouTube channel at https://www. Barré explained what motivated her to take medical problems, she said she felt confi- osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as by her doctors to accelerate the improve- youtube.com/channel/UCNuF7d2qEYe- on the boxing challenge. Raised in a fam- dent going into the ring because it had been brittle bone disease. ment, she decided to join her father at a box- H418EYU6PpRg ily in which boxing and other sports were more than 15 years since she last suffered a considered important by her father Bernard, ing club, where she would work out gently bone fracture. a sports commentator with Quebec’s TVA Rescued by the Shriners using a punching bag, and lifting weights network, Barré said she has been familiar Having suffered 157 bone fractures since and throwing weighted balls. “After this All the same, the two abided by some basic with the sport. “When I was still young, like birth (her father kept a detailed record of I started to become stronger,” said Barré. rules in order to avoid injuries: there would when I was just five, I was always seated all of them), her life changed drastically “When I saw that my health was improv- be three two-minute rounds; no uppercuts in the front row. My father would place my for the better after undergoing eight years ing, I started to think it would be really fun wheelchair at the edge of the ring. I was of experimental treatment using a new to take part in a boxing match. That’s all I ...continued on p. 38
Tipaldos is pleased with his student’s By Wendy Singer Adapted boxing builds strength, progress and that she is getting as equal an opportunity as anyone else to box independence for Laval resident and get in shape. He is encouraged, oxing was not on Claudia Bertrand’s walker, but balance issues made it challeng- seeing her punches get stronger and her radar until she serendipitously met ing. Tipaldos did a little research online and reach higher. Bertrand is not quite ready amateur boxer and coach Nick discovered that other boxers with CP were to hit the bag, so for now, she lands her B jabs in Tipaldos’ boxing gloves. Tipaldos on the floor of World’s Gym in kneeling while working out. Laval last November. With the walker pushed aside, Bertrand Bertrand is finding that boxing is A vibrant, friendly, determined 20-year-old, got onto her knees on the mats and began more than a great physical workout. Bertrand recently moved from Joliette to punching like a champ, throwing strong “If I’ve had a bad day, a few punches Laval to have more access to services and uppercuts and jabs upon cue. Over the five help relieve my anger and frustration, community, and in hopes of finding work. months, she developed more upper body and I feel a lot better!” she said. She has cerebral palsy (CP) and enjoys strength than she has ever had. This brought living on her own in an apartment with her more independence as she can do more Bertrand and Tipaldos are back at the her dog Frapuccino. around her apartment. gym after three-months of sheltering at home, and are very happy to con- Bertrand started boxing with Tipaldos “I never ever thought that I would be able tinue where they left off. last November. They were meeting twice to box, and I never ever thought I would be weekly prior to the pandemic, and she was this strong,” said Bertrand. “I recommend Tipaldos deeply admires his trainee, seeing encouraging results. Their work- boxing to anyone, whether you are handi- telling her: “You have a lot of cour- Claudia Bertrand and her trainer Nick Tipaldos outs began with Bertrand standing in her capped or not.” age, and you inspire me.” after a workout at World’s Gym. Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 38 Sports Galileo becomes the first adult centre in Quebec to offer a multisensory room Inclusion and sportsmanship score big Postponed 2020 Tokyo games puts Levine’s on the ice for Crestview students dreams on hold By Iris Erdile n the special feature edition about the impact of COVID-19 that Inspira- Itions released in May, we interviewed Alison Levine, number one boccia player in the world. This was supposed to be her year. We asked her about her journey to Paralympic fame and how she is adapting to sheltering at home and the postpone- ment of the 2020 Paralympic Games. In the article, Levine shares how her new home training regimen is giving her body a physical break and her mind time to focus on the mental side of the sport. Read more about Levine's journey in our special edition at www.inspirationsnews. com, click on the banner for our special edition and go to p. 7. Alison Levine is seen here concentrating as Listen to the Inspirations News Podcast she throws a boccia ball at the 2019 Lima with Mark Bergman as he chats with Ali- Parapan American Games last summer. son Levine. You can find it on Soundcloud, Levine won the bronze medal Google Play or Apple Podcasts. in pairs at this event. (Photo, Canadian Paralympic Committee)
The Crestview Elementary School hockey team celebrate Wheelchair boxer continued from p. 37 after their hockey game (Photo, Jason Bergola) includes Ottawa, Las Vegas and Havana. The ‘Royal Oasis’ provides calming space for Royal Charles Elementary students allowed so that the wheelchairs couldn’t She’s now planning to take part in her here are certain days that go down in hockey team. There was just one problem: be flipped backwards; no holding onto the sixth marathon next December in Hono- sports history: the time the Toronto Crestview needed new hockey jerseys. wheelchairs’ wheels; and punches only to lulu, Hawaii, with hopes of doing the Raptors won an NBA championship, the face. Tokyo Marathon in 2021. Her goal is to T Nicholas Limberis, a student at SWLSB’s eventually complete 10 world-class mara- when the Chicago White Sox finally won a world series championship after 88 years, Hillcrest Academy Elementary, heard Barré’s health has improved so much thons. “If my health is as good as it is now and the day that the Stanley Cup was cre- about Crestview’s need for new hockey since then, she said, she’s now expanded it’s because of all the sports I take part in,” ated in 1915. Though it is not well-known, jerseys. He acted quickly and selflessly, her sports and training interests to include said Barré. January 23, 2020 was also a very impor- using his own money to buy jerseys so marathon events, in which she participates tant day in the history of sports in Laval. that the Crestview team could represent in her wheelchair alongside regular runners. In the last four years, Barré has added It was also a very important day for the Sir their school proudly. He then came to the motivational speaking to her growing CV. Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) tournament to present the jerseys to the A seasoned marathoner Her message: “Regardless of your situa- and Crestview Elementary School. Crestview team. Even Hope, Crestview’s In September 2018, she became the first tion, when you want to do something you therapy dog, was happy to be sporting a woman in the Montreal Marathon to finish can accomplish great things.” This is the day that the SWLSB hosted an beautiful, brand new hockey jersey. the event while in a standard wheelchair. inter-board hockey tournament at Laval’s By early 2020, she had completed her fifth Martin C. Barry is a Montreal-based Bell Centre. Students from various Laval The acts of inclusion, generosity and team- marathon: an event in Miami, Florida. The writer/photographer with 23 years experi- elementary schools competed, including work did not stop there. During the Crest- list of cities where she has done marathons ence covering issues all over the region. Crestview. Members of the Laval commu- view vs. St. Vincent Elementary School nity know that Crestview is a very special hockey game, the St. Vincent team saw that place with a big heart. It is an inclusive Crestview needed a bit of a boost. Team St. elementary school that has three streams: Vincent sent three of their best players over two special education streams with closed to the Crestview team to help make it more classes and one regular education stream of an even playing field on the ice. When it that also includes special education stu- came time to score the winning goal, how- Advertising in Inspirations provides your business ever, all of the glory goes to Crestview. The or organization with excellent visibility while dents. No matter the stream, every student supporting a worthy cause at Crestview belongs and is a cherished players who worked together to win the Fall / Winter 2021 member of the community. game were Crestview students – from both eserve o r a vertisin s ace b the regular and special education streams. edition of INSPIRATIONS 5 2020 Students from all three programs repre- Iris Erdile is a special education pedagog- sented their school on the ice as mem- bers of the Crestview Elementary School ical consultant at the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. 514 483 7200 7244 39 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS Galileo becomes the first adult centre in Quebec to offer a multisensory room By Wendy Singer n January, after much hard work and ded- cation students will also benefit from the ication, Galileo Adult Education Centre room. Situated in a large classroom on the in Montreal North revealed its new state- school’s second floor, it can accommodate I six to eight adults at one time. of-the-art multisensory room, sponsored by Vanessa Grimaldi, founder of No Better You Foundation, Italiani di Montreal e Amici At the big reveal event, SIS students and and Chez Ma Tante Restaurant. Grimaldi teachers shared testimonials of their mul- was a former special needs teacher at Gali- tisensory room experiences. Alexis Gerin- leo before she went on to international fame Lajoie has been a student at Galileo for on the ABC reality show The Bachelor. “I three years and is overjoyed with the new am proud to say that Galileo is the first adult room. “It is a place to help me relax and centre within the English Montreal school leave all my troubles behind. The room Board (EMSB) to have a multisensory gives me my personal space where I can be room,” said Martina Schiavone, principal of alone with my thoughts. The sensory room Galileo, while addressing sponsors, EMSB means the world to us. We thank you for administrators, special guests and the your support,” said Gerin-Lajoie. Galileo community. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests A sensory room (technically called a toured the calming room, learning how the Snoezelen room and termed by Galileo equipment is used and seeing demonstra- as “the Snuggle Room”) provides a mul- tions of its effectiveness by Galileo students. tisensory environment that offers an array The culinary class prepared a delicious lunch of interesting and controllable sensory which event attendees enjoyed afterwards. Students enjoy the new multisensory room at Galileo. experiences. While initially created for the Grimaldi was touched and voiced how emo- school’s 150 Social Integration Services tional this day was for her. Galileo is where smiling at your neighbour and hanging out Galileo staff look very forward to next (SIS) and Socio-vocational Integration her vision for the No Better You Foundation with a student who may not have any other fall when they can all return to school and Services (SVIS) students, some 100 aca- began. “It does not take going on a TV show students to hang out with. So be kind to one their students can enjoy the sensory room demic and 400 common core basic edu- where they hand out roses to do good. It’s another,” she said. once again. The ‘Royal Oasis’ provides calming space for Royal Charles Elementary students By Jennifer McNeil and James Jordan ecognizing the changing needs of of materials to furnish and supply this the student population, the school space. Moving from a consequence-based Rteam at Riverside School Board’s approach towards the increased use of Royal Charles Elementary in St. Hubert preventative measures, the purpose of the felt it imperative to adopt a school-wide space and fuller understanding of the role approach to support certain students. With of the attendant and technician took place the assistance of professionals from our over several months. complementary services department, the “Royal Oasis” was born. The response from parents, students and the school team has been very positive. The Royal Oasis provides a calm, struc- More students have become proactive and tured space that is designed to offer a wide use the strategies that they were explic- variety of activities, both intervention and itly taught. Fewer students are seen at the prevention-based to promote social-emo- office for a consequence. tional learning. Through collaborative prac- tice, the Royal Charles team joined forces Plans for future development include refining with members of its school board’s comple- Zachary and Meaghan enjoy their quiet time in the Royal Oasis at Royal the quiet spaces within the classrooms, offer- mentary services team, not only to design Charles Elementary School. (Photo, Riverside School Board) ing academic support within the Royal Oasis the space, but also to identify and purchase and the development of interactive hallways. intervention materials. In order to maxi- it can also be used to offer respite to stu- said, self-regulation is promoted as students mize the benefits for students visiting the dents who are overwhelmed by the class- are encouraged to identify moments when As a result of school preparations to receive space, training on various research-based room environment. The space also serves time away from the classroom is necessary. students during the pandemic the space has interventions and approaches that promote as a lending “library” where teachers can Depending on their needs, the students that been temporarily reconfigured so that it Advertising in Inspirations provides your business social-emotional learning was shared by borrow intervention tools (i.e. fidget and the room caters to does vary over time. may be used as a location for a child who or organization with excellent visibility while professionals with the school team. sensory tools, alternative seating options, is exhibiting virus symptoms. As soon as supporting a worthy cause games, children’s literature, etc,) to gauge The path to the creation of the Royal Oasis possible the Royal Oasis will return as an Fall / Winter 2021 eserve o r a vertisin s ace b The space serves as a tier of support out- their effectiveness. was not obstacle-free. A small building important student support tool. edition of INSPIRATIONS 5 2020 side of the classroom and is to be used required a shift in the use of space used by when interventions within the classroom Teachers play a key role in determining the daycare. Special funding for Special Jennifer McNeil is special education con- do not suffice. Although the Royal Oasis who needs this level of support and actively Needs from the Provincial Government sultant, and James (Jim) Jordan is the is designed to offer guided support by a support those students in identifying opti- as well as donations of materials by the principal at Royal Charles Elementary 514 483 7200 7244 special education technician or attendant, mal times to visit the Royal Oasis. That school community allowed for the purchase School at the Riverside School Board. Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 40 ADAPTED TRAVEL DINING OUT IN THE BIG APPLE By Mike Cohen ries (True Premium Vodka, Chandon Brut, New York City is indeed the place to dine, award-winning burgers have gotten a lot of always new menu items hitting the tables St. Germain and fresh strawberries). We with an endless array of choices to please attention in a short amount of time, milk- here as Black Tap tests dishes for potential then moved to some appetizers: The Peking your palate. Here are some tips from my shakes have always been on the menu, and worldwide launches. All of the classics are duck spring rolls with hoisin sauce, the spicy latest trip. craft beer is part of their DNA. here too, from the All-American Burger tuna tartare on crispy rice and the salmon and the award-winning wagyu beef Greg sashimi followed by miso glazed Chilean Black Tap 35th serves as a core location for Norman Burger to the fan-favorite Korean TAO UPTOWN: sea bass, grilled 12-ounce imperial waygu global menu testing, and features all new BBQ Wings and addicting Crispy Brussels ribeye (served with crispy fried onions, and We were elated to get a reservation at TAO design elements, a private dining room, Sprouts. And it wouldn’t be a meal at Black wow, this was beyond amazing!) and lobster Uptown (www.taogroup.com), an upscale and more. There are also other locales on Tap without a CrazyShake. There’s some- and kimchee fried rice. Pan-Asian brand, located at 42 East 58th 55th Street and Soho as well as spots at thing for every sweet tooth from the origi- Street. There is also a TAO Downtown, as Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California nal Cotton Candy strawberry shake and the Ryan promised us a surprise for dessert, well as locations in Las Vegas, Chicago and and at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Inter- best-selling Cookie’s ‘N Cream Supreme and he was not kidding. Out came a very Los Angeles. They will open at Mohegan nationally you can find them in Bahrain, shake, to the newly added Cinnamon Toast large tray featuring a giant fortune cookie Sun casino and entertainment resort in Con- Kuwait, Singapore, Switzerland and the cereal-flavored Churro Choco Taco Shake (with white and dark chocolate mousse), necticut this year. United Arab Emirates. topped with a Choco Taco ice cream treat flourless mochi cake, sugar dusted donuts, and churros. Don’t forget the beverages. molten chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a I was impressed the moment I walked through True to its name (a nod to craft beer bar with chocolate syrup. Let’s just say we com- reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, the door. Tangible nods to Black Tap’s ‘80s tap handles), Black Tap 35th’s beer menu pletely ignored the calorie count. presides over the scene at Tao. A favourite and ‘90s hip-hop and pop soundtrack can features New York regional specialties like destination for celebrities and athletes, this be found throughout the space, including an The Bronx Brewery No Resolutions Impe- TAO has a magnificent sushi menu. Let me heavenly dining experience specializes in installation of 5,000 custom-designed cas- rial IPA and Greenport Harbor Beehave just state that merely stepping inside TAO is authentic Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese sette tapes and an oversized neon boombox. Summer Ale. At the stand-alone Shake Bar–the first in New York–guests can get a glimpse into the I started off with the Queso & Chips appe- magic of making one of Black Tap’s famous tizer – zesty cheese served with warm milkshake creations and be able to interact tortilla chips and a house salad. The Old with shake makers. Fashioned Prime Burger was my main choice, topped with cremini mushrooms, New York-based graffiti artists and twin melted swiss cheese, caramelized onions brothers How and Nosm were tapped for and horse radish with some crispy fries. Black Tap 35th’s signature street art murals. Known for their large-scale installations and I did my best to conserve some appetite unique, complicated compositions, How for a crazy shake and opted for the Cake and Nosm left their mark on the restaurant Shake. This is a cake batter milkshake with with their signature style of red-, black- and a vanilla frosted rim and rainbow sprinkles, white-based imagery with colourful pops of topped with Funfetti cake, whipped cream A look at TAO. pink, yellow, and purple. The brothers drew and a cherry. My server wisely recom- inspiration from New York City life and the mended that I gently move the cake portion Black Tap brand itself for two custom pieces to a plate, enjoying every morsel. For the an experience. This now represents a “must and Thai cuisines. Tao has three levels within the space. shake I used the spoon at the start before stop” for us. Hopefully next time out we can of dining including the prized "Skybox," switching to the straw. It was worth all of check out TAO Downtown. which offers views of this former movie Black Tap is always innovating and has kept the calories, especially knowing that I had theatre unparalleled in New York. In addi- the hits coming at Black Tap 35th. There are an 11-block walk back to my hotel. tion to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi There is easy street-level access by wheel- bar, lounge and two bars at which to enjoy chair. When making your reservation, ask the food and the show. for a table at the main level where there are no stairs. For reservations call 212-888- There is a wonderful ambiance here, with 2288 or do so via Open Table. trendy music and a charismatic serving staff. The menu is truly designed for shar- BLACK TAP: ing. Our waiter Ryan made life so much easier for our party by recommending a What fun it was for me to experience a series of courses “family style.” He was Black Tap (www.blacktap.com) restaurant right on the mark with each one. for the first time and no less their new flag- ship 35th Street location (known as Black We started off with some drinks: A signa- Tap 35th). Inspired by the old-school lun- ture Tao-tini (Belvedere Mango Passion, cheonettes we grew up in, Black Tap is Malibu Rum, cranberry and fresh lime), a touted as the new take on the classic burger glass of prosecco and a Bubbles and Ber- joint. Upscale but not fussed-up, their Black Tap. 41 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
As Assistant General Manager Amber midtown Manhattan, just a short walk from ter. A server came by and offered me some is the perfect place to stop by for pre/post- North showed me, there is a wheelchair Times Square and steps away from MoMA. mashed potatoes and vegetables. There theatre meal and drinks, or if you’re just access ramp to the left of the front door that Just before Christmas 2013, Fogo opened was not a moment during this dinner when shopping around town. goes into the hotel next door, where there this 16,000 square foot flagship location. either a server, chef or manager did not stop DINING OUT IN THE BIG APPLE is a side entrance door into the restaurant. The stunning architectural design includes a by to see if I needed anything else. I had tickets for a 7:30 pm musical close They have a few different seating places for 17-foot bas-relief sculpture of Antonio Car- by, so I arrived at 6 pm. The service was wheelchair accessibility as well including ingi’s, O Laçador, and a historical monu- As for my beverage, the guarana Antarc- impeccable, and I enjoyed my meal at a an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ment in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The three-level tica is the national soda of Brazil and con- good pace, finishing with more than suffi- bar seating area that meets the Americans facility features al fresco patio dining and a tains guarana berries found in the Amazon. cient time to be sitting in my seat 10 min- with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. lounge area that is perfect for gathering with The dessert menu fortunately had a calorie utes before the curtain went up. The ADA accessible bathroom is located in friends. Unquestionably this was a totally count, and I chose the Tres Leches Cake – the back of the restaurant off from the cas- new dining experience for me, and I was a rich cake soaked in three types of milk There is a regular menu as well as those sette room that is separate from the regular beyond impressed. For first-timers like me, then topped with vanilla mousse and salted for kids, late night, weekend brunch and bathrooms located in a hallway that is off you will need a little guidance in terms of caramel de leite. I enjoyed this with a cup of another just for the bar. They also have from the middle of the restaurant. how to navigate the menu. Manager Ricardo decaf cappuccino. daily specials. I started off with some pip- Oliveira and his staff did precisely that. This ing hot beef and barley soup, a delicious Black Tap 35th is located at 45 West 35th is a “fun” place to dine for sure. Next time I dine here, I will definitely try order of garlic cheesy bread with marinara Street and open from 11 am to midnight either the mango Chilean sea bass, pan- sauce, and a glass of prosecco wine. For the daily. You can call 646-943-5135. I opted in favour of the Full Churrasco seared salmon and if I dine with my family, main course I was debating between their Experience, which for $69.95 includes the the seafood tower. signature burger, one of the sandwiches and A BRAZILIAN DINING trained chefs coming to your table. All you the special chicken and mashed potatoes. I need to do is flip this small circular card to In addition to the Full Churrasco Experi- opted for the latter. The chicken was cut in EXPERIENCE: the green side and you will receive a visit, ence, Fogo offers its guests multiple ways to neat thin slices, moist and extremely tasty. Fogo de Chão (fogo-dee-shown) is a lead- getting a chance to select the precise cut of enjoy the experience at varying price points, I made the right choice. Did I have room ing Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, meat you want. Everything was so fresh and including weekday lunch starting at $15, for dessert? The homemade apple pie with specializing in the centuries-old Southern delicious, I found it hard not to keep flipping weekend Brazilian brunch and a Bar Fogo vanilla ice cream sounded like the perfect Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco my card over. The beyond impressive mar- menu that features smaller, sharable plates, way to conclude dinner. Along with a fresh – the art of roasting high-quality cuts of ket table and feijoada bar is included, featur- Brazilian-inspired cocktails and happy hour. cup of decaf coffee I finished every morsel, meats over open flame, all of which are ing seasonal salads, soups, fresh vegetables, leaving over just a bit of the ice cream. carved tableside by Brazilian-trained gau- imported charcuterie, hearts of palm, giant The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, cho chefs. There is Picanha (signature asparagus, fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, with an elevator on each floor. For more infor- There is a great atmosphere in this place. sirloin), Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Fraldinha sun dried tomatoes, fresh cut and steamed mation about Fogo de Chão, the new culinary You can call 212-997-2262 for reserva- (Brazilian sirloin) Cordeiro (lamb) and broccoli, marinated artichoke bottoms, tab- additions or to make dining reservations, visit tions. The restaurant is wheelchair acces- more. In addition to the main dishes, they bouleh, smoked salmon, an assortment of http://www.fogo.com. You can reach the sible, with a level entrance. boast a gourmet market table, authentic fine cheeses and much more. You can also West 53rd location at 212-969-9980. Brazilian side dishes, and an award-win- order this for $34.95, and it can indeed con- Mike Cohen is the editor of Inspirations. ning wine list. stitute a meal. A FINE IRISH PUB: He can be reached at mcohen@inspira- tionsnews.com Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, there Their market table is a fabulous way to get Located just up the block are currently 56 locations throughout your meal started. The server also brought from my hotel, The Algon- Brazil, the United States, Mexico and the a basket of cheesy bread to the table and quin, is O’Donoghue’s Middle East. I had a chance to experience a delicious jumbo shrimp cocktail appe- Restaurant and Pub this restaurant for the very first time at tizer in a bowl of ice. Each piece of meat (https://odpubnyc.com) the beautiful West 53rd Street location in seemed better than the last, cutting like but- at 156 West 44th Street. I have been walking by the place for several years now, intrigued by the lineups out- side. Well, this place indeed exudes Irish warmth. Man- ager Helen Moran is from Ireland and so was my charming server Sarah. With 24 beers on tap, 10 HD plasma flat screens and traditional Irish and Ameri- can cuisine, O’Donoghue’s is the perfect place to unwind after work (happy hour specialty drinks), for sporting events (showing all major sports channels) and private parties (party packages available). They Fogo dry age Tomahawk. are right in the middle of O’Donoghue’s Restaurant the Theatre District, so this Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS 42 Autism Speaks Canada funds initiatives on cyber security, virtual dentist visits and sport utism Speaks Canada is celebrating social decorum of what is and what is not By Randy Pinsky the 10th anniversary of its Fam- acceptable to ask and what information ily Services and Community Grant to share. “The cyber security program is itself. Specialized clinics are already in place A at See Things My Way and the Montreal Program. “We are proud to mark this mile- intended to teach autistic people to be safe stone,” said Krista Leitham, regional man- and independent on the web,” explained General Hospital. DAWN discusses ager for Quebec and Eastern Canada. “I Johnson. Scenarios are presented in a applaud the collaboration between non-prof- collaborative manner to educate and “People with disabilities have a lot of trouble barriers faced its and research groups working to expand empower, as opposed to shield and block. accessing health care appropriate for them,” the delivery and capacity of services.” said Lai. As a result, many practitioners must by women Using virtual reality to resort to measures such as restraints or anes- thesia. Here are the 2019 grant recipients led by reduce anxiety at the dentist with disabilities Quebec providers and their partners. he DisAbled Women’s Network In working with Chantal Czerednikow of Visits to the dentist are one of a parent’s (DAWN) of Canada was founded in the McGill Faculty of Dentistry, Lai proudly The Cyber Security/ most challenging tasks, but imagine how 1985 following a meeting between noted: “We are working to evaluate the best T it is for children with autism, who are 17 women from across Canada who came Cyber Secure Program system with the least possible stress and the faced with unfamiliar sounds, a stranger together to discuss issues of mutual con- most amount of dignity.” The Cyber Security/Cyber Secure Program being close to them and sensory over- cern including the barriers that women is led by the Giant Steps Resource and load. In addition, dentists often lack the with disabilities face. On May 19, they Training Centre, CANeLearn, and LEARN training to address particular needs or Special Olympics Québec’s hosted “Girls Without Barriers: A con- Quebec. Kelly Bron Johnson, project man- triggers. It was in response to this very Unified Sport program versation” online, covering topics such ager at Giant Steps School, explained that real problem that the Virtual Reality for as capacity building and identifying gaps autistic individuals are more susceptible Anxiety Desensitization for Dental Cli- Special Olympics Québec’s (SOQ) integrated in rights for young women with special to problems online due to difficulties in ents with Autism initiative was launched. sports initiative, “Unified Sport,” is an edu- needs. In the words of moderator Nelly decoding social cues. The American Cyber cational program introducing individuals Bassily, “Accessibility can’t be an after- Bullying Research Center reflects on this Joining forces were McGill University’s with special needs to team sports. The orga- thought – it needs to be centered at every “subjective blindness” which can lead to Faculty of Dentistry, the See Things My nization matches players with neurotypical step of design and delivery.” autistic individuals either falling victim Way Centre for Innovation Dental Clinic, counterparts of comparable levels, where all to or else unintentionally being complicit the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilita- can improve their skills, and even often beat The organization’s mission centres of inappropriate online behaviour. In both tion Hospital and Shaftesbury VR to cre- other teams. “In such a balanced competitive around the need for a greater focus on cases, instances are often underreported. ate virtual reality “dry-runs” of a typical environment, there are no glaring wins or “civil society’s ‘forgotten population,” visit to the dentist to reduce anxiety and losses,” said Madeleine Sinclair, SOQ Youth showcasing initiatives made for and led Cyber safety thus works in two ways: Pre- promote oral health. Programs coordinator. by leaders in the community such as the venting people with autism from being Black Girls Summer Workshop. The preyed upon, and conveying socially accept- The program focuses on autistic indi- In spite of the fact that their celebratory tour- event coincided with the launching of able (and non-acceptable) behaviours. viduals aged 14 to 65 who are less likely nament at McGill University had to be post- DAWN Canada’s 148-page report enti- to be insured under provincial plans. poned, Unified Sport has helped students tled “An Intersectional Feminist Analysis Johnson has created a variety of compre- Jonathan Lai, a researcher at The Miriam build confidence, think on their feet and of Girls and Young Women with Disabil- hensive scenarios (to be translated into Foundation, described how they simulate bounce back from mistakes. “Many are seri- ities,” and explored what an accessible, French and provided in American Sign the entire dental experience - from arrival, ous athletes with high expectations,” shared barrier-free world would look like. Visit Language) to explain the often perplexing to sitting in the chair, to the check-up Sinclair, and participants are eager to return dawncanada.net for more information. to the court once quarantine has been lifted. - Randy Pinsky Enabling Accessibility Fund - small projects component open for applications The Canadian government has launched its call for proposals under the newly modernized Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) small projects component. This initiative provides fund- ing to organizations for small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that enable persons with disabilities to live and work in more inclusive and accessible communities. Consult the This year, instead of the originally allotted 12 months to complete a project, organizations EMSB Database of Special Needs Resources www.inspirationsnews.com that apply for funding will now have up to 24 months. Additionally, projects approved for www.inspirationsnews.com/database 514-483-7200 #7244 funding will now be 100 percent funded to a maximum of $100,000. Applications will be Featuring over 500 resources in the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas
accepted until July 13, 2020, If your business has been a ected by the COVID-19 epidemic Enabling Accessibility Fund - Youth or relocated, please let us know.
The EAF's youth innovation component engages and challenges youth leaders to volun- We are keeping our database as up-to-date as possible teer and collaborate with local community based organizations, and apply for funding up to help you nd the resources you need. to $10,000 for accessibly projects. The call for expressions of interest for youth leaders Thank you in advance for your help and stay safe. will close on October 30, 2020. Do you have a resource to add to our database? For information, visit Canada.ca, search for Employment and Social Development Cana- Share it with us at [email protected] da and search for Enabling Accessibility Fund or Enabling Accessibility Fund - Youth.
43 Summer 2020 - INSPIRATIONS
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