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A Snapshot of Our Special Needs Community / Un coup d’oeil sur notre communauté aux besoins particuliersSpring / Summer 2015INSPIRATIONSFollow us onSuivez-nous surwww.inspirationsnews.com Vol. 7 No. 2INSIDE THIS ISSUEThe Dynamic Funds Caregiverof InspirationFrank Verpaelst on dwarfismLe désir de poursuivre saformationMarch of Dimes CanadaAdapted Use MusicalInstrument (AUMI)LEGO® Therapy at LBPSBStrength-Based ParentingJooay App for adapted leisureLocal sledge hockey teamPage 4Page 5Page 10Page 13Page 23Page 24Page 31Page 33Page 34A new ambassador forSpecial Olympics QuébecTwo-time Olympic free-style skiing champion Alexandre Bilodeau, the new Ambassador to Special Olympics Québec,with Valérie Gagnon Paradis and Andrew Perez, both swimmers from Laval who will be participating in theSpecial Olympics World Games in Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2, 2015. (Photo credit, Mélissa Vincelli)Read the full article on Page 34Adapted Travel byMike CohenUsing yoursmartphone, scanthis code to headstraight to the Inspirationswebsite!www.inspirationsnews.comPage 36 to 37A certified hot meal provider for the EMSB andSWLSB, providing over 1,000 meals daily.Healthier Diets...Healthier MindsBien Manger...Bien RéussirLe Doral Catering/Traiteur Le Doral, 4490 Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, QC H1S 1K1Tel: 514.630.6113 www.ledoral.com

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 2

The YCC Special Needs Family Campgears up for its second sessionBy Wendy SingerThe Y Country Camp (YCC)Special Needs Family Camp islooking forward to hosting itssecond summer session from August13 to 16, 2015. The only program ofits kind in Canada, this unique campexperience features one-on-one Buddiesfor special needs children, programmingfor siblings, and respiteprogramming for parents.3Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSINSPIRATIONSInspirations is produced by theCommunications and Marketing Division and theStudent Services Department of theEnglish Montreal School Boardand distributed across the Greater Montreal,Laval-Laurentians and South Shore areas.Editor: Mike CohenManaging Editor andCoordinator of OperationsWendy SingerLayout & Design: Yibing ShenConsulting EditorsLew Lewis, Julie René de CotretThe goal of the YCC Special NeedsFamily Camp is to offer children witha variety of physical and intellectual/cognitive disabilities the opportunityto experience camp, which they otherwisemay not have been able to do,and to benefit from the YCC’s facilities.Families are welcome to use all facilitiesfrom the indoor pool to the climbingwall, to lake and boating activities,campfire sing-alongs, and more. Theiraim is sound - to give families andcampers the full camp experience anda wonderful vacation break together.Camper and Buddy at the YCC Special Needs Camp. (Photo courtesy of The Ben WeiderYM-YWHA)“For many of our campers, opportunitiesto participate in such an array ofactivities and programs where theyhave the support of trained Buddiesand Specialists do not come alongoften,” says Matthew Selvin, SpecialNeeds Coordinator of the YCC SpecialNeeds Camp. “Our camp givescampers the amazing chance to makefriends with others, siblings thechance to bond with other siblingsof special needs children, and parentsthe chance to network with otherfamilies who share similar experiences.”The 2015 camp session promises tobe even better than last year. YCCcan now accommodate more families,the facilities have been physicallyimproved to accommodate allabilities, new and exciting programswill be offered, and several volunteersand professionals from the specialneeds field will share their expertisethis year.“In over 40 years as an educator, Ican honestly say that my time at theYCC Special Needs Family Camphas probably been the most meaningfulexperience of my professionallife,” shares Sid Milech, DirectorEmeritus of the Harry Bronfman YCountry Camp.The YCC Special Needs Camp iskeeping the camp experience aliveyear-round, hosting events to keeptheir camper families connected.Registration is open now, earlierthan usual so that before camp starts,families have the chance to socializeand meet the staff at organizedevents. For information contact(514) 737-6551, ext 267.Copy EditorsElaine Cohen, Kate MarienSports Editor: Daniel SmajovitsCoordinator of Educational OutreachLinda MahlerSpecial Advisor: Nick KatalifosCommunity Relations AdvisorConnie PrimianoAdvertising & SponsorshipRikee Gutherz-MadoffSuzie Epelbaum-LazarAdministrationCarmen RidentiPhone: (514) 483-7200, ext. 7245Fax: (514) 483-7213E-mail: mcohen@inspirationsnews.comWebsite: www.inspirationsnews.com6000 Fielding Ave. Suite 109Montreal, Quebec, H3X 1T4WWW.RQMO.ORG514 451-7482 or 1-855 543-0550 (toll free)info@rqmo.orgBILINGUAL

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 4The Dynamic Funds Caregiver of Inspiration 2015:Jesse Heffring, Summit School: Putting drops in the bucket of changeBy Cindy DavisJesse Heffring had never worked withstudents with special needs before hebegan volunteering at Summit Schoolin 2003. After taking a tour of the school,the filmmaker, who hails from Calgary, wasasked to help out with the production of adocumentary. The experience was so positivefor Heffring and the students, that hejoined the staff as Media Project Coordinatorin 2005.Throughout his years at Summit School,Heffring and his students have producedfiction, animation, and documentary filmsas well as highly acclaimed original playsin which the students are involved in everylevel of production. From researching, storyboardingand writing, he truly believes inthe importance of helping the students findtheir own voice through the arts.“Creative work gives you a type of confidencewhen you are truly involved in it. It’snot dictated to you but you are free to shareyour ideas,” says Heffring. Unlike in otherJesse Heffring with Summit School T.E.C.C. students Marianne,Piraveen, Jared, George, Michael, and Marjorie.subjects where students are taught concretefacts, he believes a creative concept broughtto life though performance teaches studentsthat their own ideas are valuable. “You havea creative idea – it could be an idea you havebefore you go to bed, then your classmatesaccept it, it’s then incorporated into a proj-Jesse Heffring filming a spoof commercial with students Piraveen and George.ect and eventually shown to an audience – itcomes full circle. It may not be conscious,but that direct connection is a really powerfulway of pushing forward the confidenceof these individuals.”Because the plays arewritten by the studentsthemselves, they oftendeal with hard-hittingtopics that allow themto communicate theirperspective of the world.With titles like Rachel atRisk and You’ll NeverWalk Alone, Heffringfeels the plays act asa bridge in society towhich the students mightnot otherwise have access.“The plays giveour students a chanceto break down barriers,”Heffring says witha smile. “We’re trying toput drops in the bucketof change.”“Jesse Heffring is a specialand remarkable individual who has won thehearts of the students and staff of SummitSchool,” says Herman Erdogmus, Directorof Summit School. “As a writer, director,media instructor, and volunteer programinstructor, Jesse challenges and brings forththe artistic talents of the students. His loveof his work is obvious, and reflected in hisstudents.”Heffring’s high-calibre productions are soldout year after year, and are put together byan army of dedicated staff members, parents,and professional musicians who donate theirtime. He believes that it’s the fusion of thestudents’ unfiltered passion combined withthe technique of the highly-skilled professionalsthat makes his productions unique.Though he is honoured to be receiving theDynamic Funds Caregiver of InspirationAward, Heffring says he is more excited thatthe recognition will highlight the efforts ofthe students, parents and the dedicated teamJesse Heffringof professionals at Summit School.Heffring was nominated as Caregiver ofInspiration by Inspirations’ own managingeditor Wendy Singer, who met him severalyears ago when he brought studentsto help with the packaging and distributionof Inspirations newspapers through SummitSchool’s T.E.C.C. program. Singer wasstruck by Heffring’s kindness and concernfor his students and she has delighted inwatching his theatrical success with his studentsever since. “Each show that Jesse produceshas an eternal shelf-life for both thestudents and audience. He gives his studentsthe opportunity to shine, tell their stories,and has a knack for bringing out the uniqueabilities of each student involved,” saysSinger. “Jesse has enormous talent and insight,which provide him with the ability tocreate such powerful and important piecesof theatre.”So what’s next for Heffring and his students?Aside from putting the final toucheson a documentary that he hopes to screen atfilm festivals in the fall, he and his team areworking on an original musical scheduledfor May 2016. “Picture Ferris Bueller’s DayOff meets The Breakfast Club,” he chuckles.With Heffing’s track record, it’s sure tobe a new classic all its own.Cindy Davis is the public relations coordinatorat the Jewish Public Library in Montrealas well as a freelance journalist.Dynamic Funds was established as a smallinvestment club in Montreal in 1957, whereit was a pioneer in providing professionalinvestment advice to retail investors. Sincethen, Dynamic has evolved to become oneof Canada’s most recognized wealth managementfirms. They offer a comprehensiverange of products and services, spanningevery major sector, geographic region andinvestment discipline. Dynamic’s financialsolutions include open and closed-end investmentfunds, fee-based, tax-advantagedand customized high-net-worth programs.If you have a Teacher of Inspiration to nominate,email mcohen@inspirationsnews.com.

5Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSFrank Verpaelst: On dwarfism and focusing on THIS and THAT abilityBy Frank VerpaelstIvery much dislike words like disabledand handicapped. For several years nowI’ve maintained that disability is in theeye, and mind, of the beholder. The realityis every single human being on the planethas a wide range of abilities and limitationswhich are constantly in a state of flux.A well-balanced and positive individualwakes up every day and focuses on whatthey CAN do, instead of getting hung up ontheir limitations.And while I totally support the notion of believingin oneself and having dreams, I alsounderstand that delusion is not a good thing.Having been born with dwarfism, I totallyaccept that in all likelihood, I will never bea professional athlete. But should I let thatstop me from participating in the sports thatI love, out of self-doubt and fear? Never!At a certain point in my life, I stopped heapingblame on my shoulders because I couldno longer walk up a flight of stairs. Was I reallydisabled, or was the entire constructionbusiness ‘design challenged’? With all thosecivil engineers, architects, and inventorsin the world, and billions of dollars spenton new homes and condos throughout theworld, are you telling me that absolutely noone can invent an inexpensive and safe wayto get grandpa up the stairs? In my opinion,we are not disabled; it’s the rest of societythat is lacking the moral fiber to make ourworld fully accessible.When you focus on your abilities, it opensup a world of possibilities. For instance, Inever played lacrosse, but I loved the sport.Instead of whining about it, I decided toget involved. I coached a peewee team,and those were truly the most exciting daysof my life. I also loved playing table tennis,but could never win a game against mytaller friends. So, I joined a local club andsigned up for a summertime training camp.Although I never won a match in any of thetournaments, when I got back to collegethat autumn, my friends sure were surprisedwhen those ping-pong balls started whippingpast them.Frank Verpaelst playing the hammer dulcimer. (Photo credit, Levi Verpaelst)Labels can be useful, especially in regardsto our rights and programs available to personswith disabilities. However, we must alwaysbe aware of the double-edged swordsthat labels represent. We might have a certaindisability, but we should never let thatdisability define who we are, or limit whowe can become. Rather than focusing ondisability, wouldn’t it be better if we all focusedon THIS ability, and THAT ability,(and the other, and so on, and so on).I thank you all for your attention, and nowreturn you to regularly scheduled programming.Frank Verpaelst is a blogger, musician, andpublic speaker, trying to make this world abetter place. To learn more about Frank,visit https://www.patreon.com/gutsydwarf.Centre de la Cité Pointe-Claire1, avenue Holiday AvenueSuite 635East Tower/tour EstPointe-Claire, Québec H9R 5N3Tel./tél. : (514) 695-6661Fax/téléc. : (514) 695-3708FrancisSCARPALEGGIAMember of Parliament for Lac-Saint-LouisDéputé de Lac-Saint-Louiswww.scarpaleggia.caFacebook/francis.scarpaleggiaTwitter/ScarpaleggiaMPfrancis.scarpaleggia@parl.gc.caÉdifice de la Justice BuildingRoom/pièce 801House of Commons/Chambre des communesOttawa, Ontario K1A 0A6Tel./tél. : (613) 995-8281Fax/téléc. : (613) 995-0528ADVERTISEIN THE FALL 2015 / WINTER 2016 EDITION OF INSPIRATIONSAdvertising in Inspirations provides your business ororganization with excellent visibility whilesupporting a worthy causeMontreal’s only English-language special needs newspaperInc ludes French-language contentProvides direct access to the special needs communityA resource for parents, teachers, caregivers, and therapistsOnline sponsor and advertiser pageDistributed widely across Greater Montreal and surrounding areasOnline version of Inspirations and the online EXPRESSReserve your advertising space by September 1, 2015Contact: advertising@inspirationsnews.com 514-483-7200 #7244

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 6The Regroupement québécois des maladiesorphelines (RQMO)/QuebecCoalition of Orphan Diseases is a coalitionof rare disease patient organizations and ofindividuals who have rare diseases of anynature that do not have organizations to turnto. A disease is considered to be rare whenit affects fewer than one in 2,000 individualsin the general population (for example,Fragile X syndrome, neuromuscular disorders,chromosomal syndromes, immunodeficiencydisorders, etc.).The RQMO’s mission is: to provide informationand support to individuals livingwith a rare disease, their families andhealth professionals; to share informationon issues surrounding rare diseases; to raiseawareness about rare diseases in the generalpublic and medical community; and to bringtogether patients and researchers to help advanceknowledge on specific rare diseases.The RQMO has the only Rare Disease Informationand Resource Center in Quebecwhere health professionals give official,Ometz Parlour Groups have been organizedfor parents for 18 years, withsmall groups meeting monthly with anOmetz professional facilitator to discuss theissues which impact parenting today. Fouryears ago, Ometz created their first parlourgroup for parents of children with a range ofspecial needs. Groups meet monthly and arefacilitated by an Ometz professional whoseexpertise lies in mental health, social workor psychology, depending on the needs ofthe group.“The parlour group is an opportunity to provideinformation, but the focus is on buildingstrong networks of support for parents,”shares Barbara Victor, Director of ClinicalServices at Agence Ometz. “In betweenmonthly meetings, parents are encouragedto touch base and share experiences. Thefeedback we get is unanimous in that theseare wonderful opportunities to find a placewhere you can get support and new information,in a safe and secure environment whileDisability Financial Assistance Corporationare experts who know aboutall of the provincial and federal governmentprograms that offer financial assistance andother benefits to individuals with disabilitiesand their families. These include tax creditsfor children and adults, monthly disabilitysupplements for children, additional programsfor computer equipment and educationalsoftware for people with learningtrustworthy and up-to-date information onany rare disease including information onthe disease, patient organizations, specializedclinics or experts, orphan drugs or othertreatments, research projects, clinical trials,etc. They can also find community and governmentorganizations to help with othermatters (financial, social services, etc.).Other services include connecting peoplewith the same disease and giving basic geneticcounselling in the case of genetic diseases.Do you or someone you know have a rare orundiagnosed disease and might benefit fromthese services? Are you a health professionallooking for information or resourcesfor a patient affected by a rare disease? Forinformation, contact info@rqmo.org, www.rqmo.org, (514) 451-7482, (819) 543-0550(Sherbrooke) or toll-free at 1-855-543-0550. Service is bilingual.connecting to other parentswith similar issues.”Resource Page“It is possible to runparlour groups in differentlanguages includingFrench, Hebrew and Russian,” adds CarolLiverman, Clinical Supervisor at AgenceOmetz.“Parenting is a really tough job. We knowthat one of the assets that children have ishaving effective parents. We also knowfrom research that parents learn from eachother,” says Victor. “The biggest validationof a group like this is that you want to besurrounded by other people who are facingsimilar challenges and sharing successes.”If you would like to learn more about theOmetz Parlour Group Program, or speak toa parent member of a group, contact CarolLiverman at (514) 342-0000, local 3846.For information, visit http://www.ometz.ca.disabilities, renovation grants for those withphysical limitations, and much more. DisabilityFinancial Assistance Corporation(DFAC) helps access government benefitsand funding for individuals and families thatlive with disabilities.There are so many different factors to considerwhen applying for benefits such asage, income and disability. DFAC, with itsThe LDAQ has changed its name to theMontreal Centre for Learning Disabilities(MCLD). Over 40 years ago, asmall group of parents got together to seekhelp and services for their children whowere doing poorly in school. Very little wasknown then about these “disconcerting”children who, despite their intellectual skill,had difficulty learning to read, write, calculate,socialize, communicate, etc.The Enabling Accessibility Fund is afederal Grants and Contributions programthat supports capital costs of constructionand renovations related to improvingphysical accessibility and safety for peoplewith disabilities in Canadian communitiesand workplaces.From installing automated dooropeners, constructing a universallydesigned office or retrofitting a washroomwith an accessible toilet, grab bars and taps,the Enabling Accessibility Fund works toenable Canadians with disabilities to participatein their community and the economy.Since its creation in 2007, the program hasfunded over 1,400 projects across the countryand has improved accessibility for thousandsof Canadians. The program includestwo streams: workplace accessibility, andcommunity accessibility.For more information and grant applicationdeadlines visit http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/index.shtml.team of experienced tax and disabilities professionals,develops a plan that is tailoredspecifically to you or your family’s needs,cutting right through the maze of red tapeand bureaucracy. With sensitivity and confidentiality,DFAC ensures that you receivethe maximum amount of benefits that youare entitled to.For information, contact 1-855-382-3322(DFAC), local 703 or 701.By Wendy SingerThis group grew to become the LearningDisabilities Association of Quebec-MontrealChapter 1. In 1995 after recognizing aneed, they expanded to encompass AD/HD.In April of 2014, LDAQ-Montreal Chapter1 went through a major transition. They separatedfrom their head office L’Associationquébécoise des troubles d’apprentissageand became the Montréal Centre for LearningDisabilities/Centre Montréalais pour lestroubles d’apprentissage.For information about MCLD’s services,including programming for adults andchildren with ADHD, LD or Mild AutismSpectrum Disorder, Nurtured Heart® ParentWorkshops, Theraplay®, Social and Thinking,and Life Skills groups, Adult Employment,Aqua K.I.D.S. and the Ambassadors,visit www.ldmontreal.ca.The Opportunities Fund for Personswith Disabilities (OF) program helpspeople with disabilities prepare for, obtainand maintain employment or self-employmentthrough funding for organizations.Employment andSocial DevelopmentCanada (ESDC) acceptsOF applicationsfor local and regionalprojects on an ongoing basis.Eligible applicants include: Not-for-profitorganizations; municipal governments;aboriginal organizations (including bandcouncils, tribal councils and self-governmententities); for-profit organizations; and,provincial and territorial governments, institutions,agencies and Crown Corporations.Participants are recruited by the contributionrecipients. To participate in the OF,individuals must: self-identify as having apermanent physical or mental disability thatrestricts his or her ability to perform dailyactivities; be legally entitled to work accordingto the relevant provincial and federallegislation and regulations; be a Canadiancitizen, permanent resident, or person whohas been granted refugee status in Canada;not be eligible for assistance under EmploymentInsurance (EI) employment benefitsor any similar programs that are the subjectof agreements with provinces, territories, ororganizations entered into pursuant to Section63 of the EI Act (unless approved bya departmental official); and, require assistanceto prepare for, obtain and keep employmentor self-employment.For more details about the OF, visit http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/of/index.shtml.

7Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSImproving school climate through disability awareness programsBy Karen MorrisonThe Rick Hansen School Program isa comprehensive set of resources foradministrators, teachers and studentsdesigned to increase disability awareness,accessibility and inclusion, and empoweryoung people to make a difference in theirschool, community and the world.Teachers and administrators say that theprogram decreases bullying, improves studentattitudes and perceptions of peoplewith disabilities, and results in student initiativesto improve classrooms, schools andcommunities.Recent research has demonstrated the importanceof [a] positive school climate forimproving behavioural, academic and mentalhealth outcomes for students 1 . Positiveschool climate increases student learningand achievement, reduces high school dropoutrates and prevents bullying 2 . It is alsoeffective in risk prevention, learning 3 andmotivation to learn 4 . Clearly, school climatematters.1 Thapa et al., 2012, Cohen & Geier, 2010,Gregory et. al., 2010, Lee et al., 20112 National School Climate Center http://www.schoolclimate.org/3 Najaka, et.,al., 20024 Eccles, et al., 1993, Goodenow and Crady1997So what is this magical ‘thing’ we call positiveschool climate? A positive school climateexists when all members of the schoolcommunity feel safe, included, and accepted,and actively promote positive behavioursand interactions 5 . It is the recognitionthat education goes beyond the function ofcurriculum to include social, moral, ethicaland prosocial behaviour.Sometimes, however, the challenge is notdefining a positive school climate or agreeingit is important, but finding the time andresources to make it a priority.The process for developing a positiveschool climate is ongoing. It involves makingpositive relationships a priority, providingstudents with opportunities to developand practice empathy, compassion and conflictresolution skills, and to take a leadershiprole 6 .Not-for-profit educational resources, suchas the Rick Hansen School Program, provideeducators with a range of practicalteaching tools that support the developmentof a positive school climate.Two key aspects of the Rick Hansen School5 Ontario Ministry of Education, Policy/Program Memorandum No. 145, “ProgressiveDiscipline and Promoting Positive StudentBehaviour” (December 5, 2012)6 Weissbourd, Bouffard and Jones, 2013Program support the development of a positiveschool climate:• Disability awareness programs promotekey characteristics of a positive school climate,such as equity, fairness, caring andsensitivity. They dispel myths and improveknowledge, reduce bullying 7 and createmore favorable attitudes towards peoplewith disabilities 8 . By supporting acceptanceof diversity, respect and understanding ofdifferences, disability awareness programsencourage positive interactions among allstudents.• Encouraging students to create positivechange. Students learn to set goals, supportothers, and take leadership. Studentsdevelop and apply knowledge, skills andattitudes to become informed, responsiblecitizens and improve schools and communitiesthrough social action projects.Current research shows that a positive climatethat emphasizes high expectations forcaring relationships and respectful interactionsplays a key role in effective schools andacademic success. Investing time and effortin creating such climates leads to positiveoutcomes for all students and school communities.Programs such as the Rick HansenSchool Program promote understanding ofdisabilities, differences and inclusion, andencourage students to become responsible7 Milson, 20068 Ison, et. al. 2010; Moore & Nettelbeck,2013; Rillotta & Nettlebeck, 2007Rick Hansen showing school kids an accessibleplayground. (Photo courtesy of TheRick Hansen Foundation)citizens, creating positive outcomes for all.The Rick Hansen School Program is a comprehensiveset of free resources for K-12educators to increase disability awareness,accessibility and inclusion, and empoweryoung people to make a difference. Ninetyninepercent of teachers and administratorswho responded to a recent survey reportedthat the program has made a positive differencein their school. Program materialsalign with provincial curriculum expectations.Materials are available online atwww.rickhansen.com/schools.Karen Morrison is the Curriculum Developerfor the Rick Hansen School Program,Rick Hansen Foundation.New Director General at Giant Steps SchoolBy Wendy SingerJoin us in welcoming Seiun ThomasHenderson into the position of DirectorGeneral of Giant Steps School. Hendersonhas over 25 years of experience teaching,training and administering programsdirected at young, teen and adult studentswith disabilities, and specifically autismspectrum disorders (ASDs). He is an experienceddirector of community outreachprograms and social innovation initiativessupporting and representing the needs ofindividuals with developmental differences,difficulties or disabilities.Henderson returns to Giant Steps fromCRISPESH (Centre de recherche pourl’inclusion scolaire et professionnelle desétudiants en situation de handicap) at theCégep du VieuxMontréal and DawsonCollege wherehe was Director.Henderson previouslyworked atGiant Steps as theTraining Coordinatorand Social Skills Specialist.Henderson’s areas of professional interestand expertise include; autism and learning,social and pedagogical innovation, inclusiveeducation, strength-based curriculumdevelopment, universal design for learning,educational technology, accessibilityin education, supporting self-advocacy andself-determination, strategic planning, projectmanagement, training, research development,and community partnerships.Edward Murphy Elementary School walksduring Autism Awareness MonthBy Wendy SingerStephanie Napolitano and Pamela D’Adamoteach Edward Murphy Elementary School’stwo specialized classes for students withautism. In April, they organized an autismawareness walk, which all students, teachers,and some parents participated in.In preparation for Autism Awareness Month,Tania Piperni, Autism Spectrum DisordersConsultant at the English Montreal SchoolBoard, presented workshops about autism toeach cycle of students at the school, givingthem the opportunity to ask questions aboutautism and better understand it.Students came prepared for the walkdressed in blue and waving signs that sharedPamela D’Adamo with students Ralph,Italia, and Samuel, and Stephanie Napolitanoafter their autism awareness walk atEdward Murphy Elementary School.messages about autism. CongratulationsEdward Murphy Elementary, and all otherschools that took part in autism awarenessactivities during the month of April.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 8The Dynamic Funds Teacher of Inspiration:Leslie Levinson celebrates with teamBy Wendy SingerThe best way to honour a DynamicFunds Teacher of Inspiration is whenthe recipient is surrounded by hercolleagues. And if this celebration coincideswith Teacher Appreciation Week, even better.The Inspirations team was delighted to attendthe Mackay Centre School and PhilipE. Layton School for the Blind’s luncheonin honour of Teacher Appreciation Weekto share words, gifts, and a delicious Italianlunch with the Dynamic Funds Teacherof Inspiration 2014 Leslie Levinson and hercolleagues.Levinson developed and now runs the AugmentativeCommunication Class at TheMackay Centre School. “It is a specializedclass for children with disabilities whose receptivelanguage is better than their expressivelanguage,” says Levinson. “They canunderstand and process things but have nomeans of expressing them. We teach themcommunication systems.”The award ceremony came as a surpriseto Levinson, which is just the way principalPatrizia Ciccarelli planned it. Her colleaguesprovided a resounding reception asshe was called up to receive her honours.We gave her passes to Cinemas Guzzo, andthe Big Blue Hug’s painting Love is all youneed, presented by the artist himself, JasonGoldsmith. Also in attendance were Inspirationseditor Mike Cohen, and Inspirationscoordinator of educational outreach LindaMahler.After Ciccarelli presented Levinson with aframed copy of the Teacher of Inspirationarticle that we ran in our Fall 2014 / WinterLinda Mahler, Jason Goldsmith, Wendy Singer, Patrizia Ciccarelli, and Leslie Levinson at the Mackay Centre School Teacher of Appreciationaward ceremony.2015 edition, we asked her to share a fewwords. She addressed her colleagues as “mybest friends,” and was quick to give credit tothe entire MacKay team who she says havealways supported her. Congratulations toLeslie Levinson and the entire staff!Dynamic Funds was established as a smallinvestment club in Montreal in 1957, whereit was a pioneer in providing professionalinvestment advice to retail investors. Sincethen, Dynamic has evolved to become oneof Canada’s most recognized wealth managementfirms. They offer a comprehensiverange of products and services, spanningevery major sector, geographic region andinvestment discipline. Dynamic’s financialsolutions include open and closed-end in-vestment funds, fee-based, tax-advantagedand customized high-net-worth programs.If you would like to nominatea Teacher of Inspiration, emailmcohen@inspirationsnews.com.www.cinemasguzzo.comA proud supporter of Inspirations NewspaperSee our new commercial on the Guzzo screen

Josée Di Spaldro : une Aspergergastronome parmi nous9Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSL’Association de Montréal pourla déficience intellectuelle(L’AMDI) fête ses 80 ans !Par Emmanuelle AssorJosée Di Spaldro, autiste Asperger, aun cheminement unique : diplômée ensciences infirmières de l’université deMontréal, elle a travaillé comme infirmièreet termine ces jours-ci son doctorat dansce même domaine. Diagnostiquée avec unTSA-TDAH en 2012, Josée avait toujourssu qu’elle ne fonctionnait pas comme les autres.«Depuis que je suis petite, la gestion demes émotions a été compliquée pour moi. Lamaladresse des relations et l’impossibilitéd’enrober les choses ont souvent désarçonnémon entourage. Ainsi, mon parcoursprofessionnel a été parsemé d’embûches, dedéceptions et j’ai souvent vu mes amitiés etliens amoureux brisés.»Dans ce contexte, recevoir un diagnosticde TSA (anciennement appelé syndromed’Asperger) a été un soulagement. «J’aienfin compris ma différence et surtout commentla gérer au quotidien avec l’aide depsychoéducateurs et autres intervenants.J’ai un franc-parler «autiste» mais aussi unenthousiasme pour plusieurs choses, commepour la cuisine et pour mon chat Safran».D’origine italienne et québécoise, Josée agrandi dans une maison où ses deux parentscuisinaient avec plaisir. La gastronomie n’aJosée Di Spaldro avec son chat Safran.plus aucun secret pour elle qui concocte unexcellent osso bucco aux parfums d’orangeet de safran accompagné d’un délicieuxrisotto aux pleurotes marinés dans du vinblanc. Depuis quelques mois, Josée a prêtéses talents au Dépôt alimentaire de NDG oùelle prépare un atelier de cuisine une foispar mois. Dans ce lieu où elle seule est Asperger,cela n’est pas toujours facile de socialisermais la passion des bons petits platsa pris le dessus. «J’aime beaucoup partagerma passion pour la nourriture et contribuerainsi aux cuisines collectives. A choisir entreun menu trop «santé» et de simples chosesbonnes au goût, je préfère manger duyogourt grec plutôt que du poulet bouilli!»dit-elle en riant.Quel avenir pour cette gastronome brillanteaux défis particuliers? Tout d’abord, en mai,elle soutiendra sa thèse, un projet qu’ellepoursuit depuis plusieurs années et qui luitient à cœur. Parallèlement, Josée a plusieurs idées liées au domaine de la gastronomieet pense déjà à des ateliers d’échangesculinaires où chacun amènerait de bonsingrédients qui seraient utilisés pour desplats collectifs. Des cours de cuisine en petitgroupe de personnes TSA pour les aiderà socialiser dans un contexte agréable sontaussi à envisager. Quant aux «recettes de Josée»,c’est un projet qui ne saurait tarder àvoir le jour…. A suivre!Par Nathalie GoudreauEn 1935, des parents pour qui il étaitessentiel d’offrir une vie « normale» à leur enfant ayant une déficienceintellectuelle ont décidé de fonderl’Association de Montréal pour la déficienceintellectuelle (AMDI). Nous sommesfiers de souligner cette année les 80 annéesd’existence de l’AMDI ! C’est grâce à tousceux et celles qui se sont serré les coudes en1935 que l’AMDI est la plus ancienne associationdédiée à la déficience intellectuelleau Canada.Jeudi le 4 juin dès 18 h, à la TOHU, l’AMDIprésentera la deuxième édition de la soiréeenCirquez-vous!, un événement-bénéficeoù plus de 150 personnes du milieu desaffaires sont attendues. Cette soirée, animéepar le comédien Daniel Brière, lancera lesfestivités soulignant le 80e anniversaire del’Association et promet d’être haute en couleur.Au programme : cocktail, réseautage,encan silencieux, remise des Prix JanineSutto et de la bourse de la Fondation deMontréal pour la déficience intellectuelle.Grâce à une collaboration exceptionnellecette année, les invités auront la chance devoir le spectacle du tout dernier tournant dela formation des 29 circassiens de l’Écolenationale de cirque. Ces artistes investirontla TOHU avec leurs talents exceptionnelsavant de rejoindre les compagnies de cirqueles plus en vue de la planète. Toute unesoirée en perspective et une belle occasion deAncestors GenesBy Abhishek Salunkesauter dans l’arène pour soutenir les famillesdont un membre vit avec une déficienceintellectuelle.Nous vous invitons à participer en grandnombre à cet événement. Pour réservervos billets (au coût de 60 $) ou pour faireun don, contactez le (514) 381-2300, poste34 ou écrivez à communication@amdi.info.Des reçus seront remis pour fins d’impôts.Pour tous les détails sur la soirée,visitez le http://amdi.info/wp/2013/03/15/soiree-encirquez-vous-au-profit-de-lamdi/.Depuis 1935, l’AMDI offre des servicesqui répondent aux besoins des personnesayant une déficience intellectuelle et deleur famille afin que chaque personne ayantune déficience intellectuelle puisse prendresa place dans la société. Notre mission estde favoriser la participation sociale desadultes ayant une déficience intellectuelle etd’offrir des services de soutien aux famillesdans l’exercice de leurs responsabilités.I have C.P. but I do not blames my genes.I live with it like a beggar.I deal with it like a millionaire.I cried because of it, like a newborn child, but I do not blame my ancestors.I know for a fact it is not a curse or spell put on my soul,that can be fixed with hocus pocus.My soul is a hole with a scratch,like an accident in a car crash.I live with it like a beggar,I deal with it like a millionaire.I cry because of it like a newborn child.Abhishek Salunke is a student at Place Cartier, Lester B. Pearson School Board.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 10Le désir de poursuivre sa formationPar Julie René de CotretMon fils Louis-Mathieu estactuellement en deuxième annéedu cours de formation préparatoireà l’emploi, dans une école secondaire.Le programme de formation préparatoireau travail dans lequel il est inscrit s’adresseaux jeunes ayant des besoins particuliers.À 16 ans, il vit une expérience de stagede deux jours semaine en milieu de travailet fréquente son école secondaire les troisautres jours. Le but de son stage est de luipermettre de développer des compétencesde travail et d’autonomie.À l’heure actuelle, Louis-Mathieu adoreson stage d’aide-boulanger dans une épicerie.Les gens qu’il côtoie l’assistent dans laréalisation de ses tâches. Il aime les jours destage et est toujours très motivé. Il me ditse sentir à sa place et respecté. Il reçoit égalementle soutien du personnel de son écolequi vient l’accompagner quelques heurespar semaine. Si Louis-Mathieu répond auxexigences de son milieu de stage, il serapromu en troisième année du programmeen septembre prochain. D’ici là, il doit continuerde bien faire ce qu’on attend de luitout en progressant dans ses apprentissages.J’ai demandé à mon fils ce qu’il aimeraitfaire une fois qu’il aura terminé son coursen formation préparatoire du travail. Il m’adit que s’il termine l’année prochaine, il setrouverait trop jeune pour finir l’école. Pourlui, il est important de poursuivre sa scolaritétout comme son grand frère. Il veutaméliorer ses apprentissages en lecture,écriture et en mathématiques. Il désire aussiparfaire ses connaissances générales. Il aimeraitaméliorer ses habiletés afin d’avoir untravail qui saura le valoriser. Plus tard, ilse voit travailler avec le public parce qu’ilaime les contacts humains. Tout comme sonfrère, il désire devenir autonome et obtenirun emploi qui lui permettra d’avoir une vied’adulte.The English Montreal School Board is proud to havebeen the initiator of Inspirations, a snapshot of ourspecial needs community.Angela Mancini, ChairmanRobert Stocker, Director GeneralCongratulations to our Student Services Department andthe Communications and Marketing Division for showingthe vision to introduce such an extraordinary publicationto our educational landscape.Louis-Mathieu pendant son stage chez Metro. (Crédit photo : Jean-Sebastien Beauchenes)Il est important que les jeunes ayant unhandicap puissent avoir l’opportunité depoursuivre leurs études comme les gens deleur âge. Bien que le secteur des jeunes leuroffre la possibilité de poursuivre leur scolaritéjusqu’à 21 ans, certains obtiendrontleur certification avant d’avoir atteint cetâge. Que ce soit à l’âge de 19, 20 ou 21ans, plusieurs n’auront pas atteint la maturiténécessaire pour intégrer le marchédu travail. Leurs apprentissages scolairesne sont pas terminés; ils ont besoin de plusde temps. Si vous discutez avec des parentsd’enfants qui arrivent à la fin de leurscolarité dans le secteur des jeunes, vousconstaterez que tous vivent la même insécuritéà savoir quelle sera la suite.Il existe de nombreux programmes pour cesjeunes, mais il faut égalementprévoir qu’il y aura deslistes d’attente. Rien n’estautomatique comme pourles jeunes dits «ordinaires»qui ont accès aux cégeps,universités et écoles de métiersspécialisés. La route estdifférente et parfois cahoteuse.Les parents de cesenfants doivent faire desrecherches et faire preuved’originalité afin que leursbesoins soient comblés.Il est certain qu’à 16 ans, Louis-Mathieurêve d’avoir l’occasion d’occuper un petittravail d’été. Nous verrons si cela sera possiblepour l’été qui vient.Pour l’avenir, j’ai confiance, mon cher filsque tu sauras trouver ta voie. Ton père, tonfrère et moi serons toujours auprès de toiafin que tu puisses t’épanouir comme adulte.Julie René de Cotret est la directrice adjointedes services aux élèves, Commissionscolaire English Montréal.

11Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS«Ce n’est pas toi que j’attendais», une bande dessinéetouchante pour parents d’enfants différentsPar Emmanuelle AssorDerrière le titre très dur «Ce n’est pastoi que j’attendais», se cache un livreessentiel pour tout parent d’enfanthandicapé. Ecrit par un Français nomméFabien Toulmé, qui n’était pas bédéiste demétier mais plutôt ingénieur de formation,cette jolie bande dessinée s’adresse bel etbien aux adultes. En images monochromestoutes simples mais si percutantes, l’auteurnous raconte l’histoire de la naissance desa deuxième fille. L’histoire touchante etintrospective d’un futur papa terrifié parl’idée que sa fille puisse naître avec une trisomie21, ce qui finit par arriver. Dur couppour un père qui avait si peur de mettre aumonde un enfant différent!Au cours de ce récit autobiographique de250 pages, l’auteur nous fait part de sesémotions, sans filtre ni jugement, de sonimmense déception, de sa peine qui semblePar Fabien Toumé (Delcourt Paris, 2015)sans fin, de sa colère face aux autres quiont mis au monde des enfants «normaux»,de son cheminement vers l’acceptation desa fille et finalement de son amour grandissantpour elle. Ce récit, si cru parfois maisteinté d’autodérision, fait rire par moments,comme lorsque l’auteur se retrouve dans desforums de parents d’enfants trisomiques surinternet, cherchant à se rassurer puis finissanten larmes à cause des témoignagesterribles d’autres parents vivant des chosesencore plus difficiles que lui.Dans un chapitre intitulé «Bienvenue àHandicapLand» l’auteur se rend d’un édificemédical à l’autre à la recherche de servicespour son enfant, dépassé par les événementset inquiet de ne pas trouver les professionnelsdont il aura besoin pour aider sa filleà se développer. Voilà un petit morceau devie que tous les parents d’enfants différentsont vécu dans le plus grand stress, loin duregard de leurs amis et de leur famille. Maiscomme ce livre le souligne, la plupart desparents donneraient tout pour leurs enfantset ce, malgré les difficultés quotidiennes.Probablement sans le vouloir, Fabien Toulméa écrit l’histoire de tous les parentsd’enfants différents, qu’ils soient autistes,trisomiques, gravement malades, handicapésphysiques ou déficients intellectuels.Cette histoire d’étapes d’acceptation d’uneréalité autre que celle dont on avait rêvé,d’une vie plus facile pour notre enfant etpour nous, c’est notre histoire. C’est celledu choc de la différence, des hauts et desbas, des luttes et des sacrifices, des succèsinespérés et de l’espoir retrouvé au détourd’un chemin, mais surtout de cet amour quel’on porte en soi malgré tout.Après deux ans à apprivoiser sa fille et sanouvelle vie, l’auteur conclut candidement:«Ce n’est pas toi que j’attendais… mais jesuis quand même content que tu sois venue.»Un livre universel sur les rêves que l’onentretient, la perte des illusions et l’amourqui est plus fort que tout. A lire et à prêter àceux qu’on aime.Les éditions Regard9 : un nouveau regard sur les différencesPar Caroline LebeauTous les enfants sont uniques. Petits,grands ou en fauteuil roulant,timides ou expressifs, drôles ousympathiques, c’est cette diversité d’êtreshumains qui a inspiré les éditions Regard9à intégrer des personnages avec des personnalitéset des habiletés variées dans seslivres.Au Québec, peu de littérature jeunesse inclutdes personnages vivant avec une déficiencemotrice, intellectuelle ou visuelle, lasurdité, le trouble du déficit d’attention avecou sans hyperactivité, le trouble du spectreautistique, le syndrome de Gilles de laTourette et certains troubles d’apprentissagetels que la dysphasie et la dyslexie.Les éditions Regard9 ont ainsi choisi defaire briller toutes les compétences et lesqualités de personnages différents qui participentà l’action en tant qu’individu à partentière. Le résultat : des histoires imaginaires,colorées et dynamiques.Dans le premier livre Les Champions dansl’espace, Kevin s’imagine que son fauteuilroulant se transforme en vaisseau spatialet qu’il s’envole vers la planète guimauveentourée de nuages de barbe à papa. Àpartir de ce moment, plusieurs péripétiess’enchaînent. Heureusement, Kevin est accompagnéde ses amis qui joindront leursefforts et leurs habiletés afin de trouver dessolutions!Dans le deuxième livre Les Champions auzoo, le père de Francis raconte une histoirespéciale qui se déroule au zoo. Grâce à sespictogrammes, Francis, un jeune garçon autisteainsi que ses compagnons vont unirleurs idées et leurs habiletés afin ramenerl’ordre dans le zoo.Afin de créer ces histoires imaginaires,nous avons embauché, entre autres, despersonnes vivant une situation de handicappour favoriser leur employabilité etdémontrer leurs compétences artistiques.Merci Chantal, Valérie, Christopher, Amélie,Amine, Katy, Amélie et Jonathan. Tousaussi différents que vous êtes, vous avez apportéde la magie dans ces histoires !Les Éditions Regard9 produisent égalementdes guides de sensibilisation permettant àun adulte d’échanger avec un enfant sur lesdifférences individuelles. Leséchanges par la discussion etles jeux favorisent l’ouverturevers de nouveaux horizonset l’acceptation de l’autre sefait par une meilleure connaissance.Les illustrationssont accompagnées de ficheséducatives qui permettent demieux comprendre le quotidiendes personnes vivantdes situations de handicap.Afin de créer ces guides,plusieurs collaborateursdu réseau la santé et del’éducation ont uni leursavoir-faire : nous remercionsles commissionsscolaires, les centres deréadaptation, les hôpitaux,les organismes communautaires,les parents et lesenfants qui nous ont aidéset inspirés.Pour en savoir plus oupour vous procurernos livres, visitez :www.regard9.caLes personnages en vedette dans les livres dedivertissement et les guides de sensibilisation.L’équipe des Éditions Regard en pleine création, Chantal,Valérie, Christopher, Amélie, Amine, Katy et Caroline. (Créditphoto : Jonathan B. Béland (www.prod.bbeland.com))

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 12Peter Hall School’s Gateway Program paves wayfor productive lifestyle filled with prideBy Elaine CohenPeter Hall School is a private school, locatedin Ville St-Laurent, recognizedand subsidized by the Ministère del’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS).The school provides specialized educationalservices to French and English-speakingstudents, aged four to 21. Students who attendPeter Hall School have intellectual disabilities,pervasive developmental disordersand psychopathological disorders, with orwithout associated disabilities. Currently,236 students are enrolled in the elementarydivision and 246 attend the secondary level.Peter Hall School provides a student-centerededucational program that is guided byan Educational Profile and the IndividualizedEducational Plan (IEP). To complementthese documents and to better preparethe students for adulthood, Ms. SherilynAmi, Vice Principal, alongside the Directorof Educational Services, resource teachersand other pedagogues designed and implementedthe Gateway Program.“The primary goal of the Gateway Programis to open opportunities for our students’ futureby teaching skills that can be applied indifferent residence and community settingsand that instill a sense of purpose to the students’everyday life,” Ami said.By Caroline PhaneufStudents participate in the Gateway Program at Peter Hall School.(Photo courtesy of Peter Hall School)Shriners Hospital patient strives to overcome obstaclesSpartan Races are all about big obstacles,fitness, adventure and outdoors.Some serious competitors train formonths. But 16-year-old Shriners Hospitalsfor Children - Canada patient JeffreyBeausoleil proves that you can do anythingyou set your mind to. He will be running aSpartan Race on May 23 - with mud, waterand obstacles - with prosthetics on both hisright foot and hand. “I ran a race last yearand realized it was 90 percent mental and 10percent physical,” he says. “I know that if Iwant to do it, I can.”Jeffrey was born with a congenital malformationand his limbs did not properlyform. He was first seen at Canada’s ShrinersThe program is divided into three subprograms.The Daily Living Subprogram reflectsskills that students need to developtheir autonomy and to be active participantsin the family/home unit. For instance,students learn how to properly brush theirteeth, take care of their appearance, dust aroom, load a dishwasher and sweep a floor.They also learn about public transportation,pedestrian safety and the role of differentcommunity members.The Play and Leisure Subprogram, developsthe student’s interests in a variety of leisureactivities. One way this goal is achieved isthrough the implementation of lunchtimeclubs, such as the Girls Club, where participantslisten to teen music, learn how to dotheir hair and apply makeup.The Pre-Vocational Subprogram providesstudents with internships that representwork opportunities and/or day program activitiesthat may be available to Peter HallSchool students when they graduate.Peter Hall School Garden and Green Houseenthusiasts are budding horticulturalists.They play an active role in all aspects of theinternship from purchasing plants and nurturingbulbs indoors to planting and tendinggardens outside the school.Hospitals when he was five months old. Heunderwent his first surgery at 16 monthsto correct webbed fingers on his left hand.He continues to be followed at the hospitaland each growth spurt is equipped with newprosthetics.“A lot of people are surprised hearing I’mdoing a Spartan Race,” Jeffrey admits.“Even friends ask me whether I can do it.But I plan to try every obstacle, and try itagain if I can’t the first time. If I realize Ireally can’t do that obstacle, I’ll just keepgoing and try the next one.”Thanks to the Peter Hall School Cantine,the staff room is a gourmet paradise everyWednesday.The participants’homemade bakedgoods and freshbrewed cappuccino,espresso, latteand hot chocolateare for sale inhouse.The pre-vocationalprogramalso explorescommunity-vocationaltraining.This year, twoyoung adults, accompaniedby aSpecial EducationTechnician,are completingan internship ata nearby grocerystore, where theystock shelves andprepare fruit andvegetable items.It’s this message: ‘obstacles can be overcome’that Shriners Hospitals for Children– Canada wants to highlight in its new partnershipwith Spartan Race. They’re encouragingeveryone to follow Jeffrey and try thechallenge of a Spartan Race. There are evenkids’ races, starting at the age of four.Money raised for Shriners Hospital for Children– Canada through the Spartan Race thisyear from May 17 to 24 at Mont Tremblant,will go towards the new state-of-the-art hospitalbeing built at the Glen site that will allowthem to welcome thousands more patientsevery year.Anyone who agrees to raise money forthem by participating, can email moncommunications@shrinenet.orgto get a SpecialShriners Promo Code, reducing an adultentrance fee significantly to $60 (insteadof $90 to 150, depending on the race). Goto www.spartanrace.ca to learn more aboutTeam teaching isessential in the program.It represents how most high schoolsfunction and benefits the students by providingopportunities to experience differentteaching styles and to apply knowledge tonew situations. One student became so adeptat loading a school dishwasher that hebegan doing it at home. His parents werepleased because the young adult now participatesin his family life. For informationvisti peterhall.qc.ca.Spartan Races and to view the upcomingrace schedule. If you’d like to make a donationto Shriners Hospitals for Children –Canada Spartan Race, visit their website atwww. www.exceptionalcare4kids.com.Jeffery Beausoleil(Photo credit, Benoit Desjardins)

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS13March of Dimes Canada looks to grow in MontrealBy Ruth KapelusFor many people, the name March ofDimes is synonymous with polio.And it is true that in the 1940s and‘50s, our Marching Mothers fundraiseddoor-to-door to raise money towards thediscovery of a polio vaccine – which waseventually founded in 1955, virtually eradicatingthe scourge of the sometimes deadlyand disabling virus in North America. Butcertainly, the work of March of Dimesdidn’t end with the discovery of a polio vaccine,it began.In 2015, March of Dimes Canada will celebratethe 10th Anniversary of its Rock forDimes fundraiser in Montreal, a battle of thebands event that has allowed the charity toexpand its programming in the city, includingpast offerings of Conductive Educationin partnership with Centre Hyperbare.In November 2014, for the first time, to helpQuebec residents with physical disabilities,March of Dimes Canada, through the Istvanand Barbara Haas Assistive Devices andVehicle Retrofit Fund, provided $10,000 toMontreal resident André Bougie to acquire anew powerchair.For over 60 years, March of Dimes has beenon the forefront of the disability movementin Canada. Today, March of Dimes providesa variety of important programs andservices to over 55,000 Canadians with disabilitieseach year, and in Quebec providesprograms like Conductive Education®,which helps improve mobility and self-confidence,employment supports, support forpolio and stroke survivors, their loved onesand healthcare professionals, advocacy andmore. We offer One Stop: Opportunities forIndependence to children and adults withdisabilities.Montreal Conductive Education session. (Photo courtesy of March of Dimes Canada)Montreal West children’s librarian makes a difference forGiant Steps studentsBy Carole BoubalosIam an assistant librarian at the MontrealWest Children’s Library. I manage theFrench collection, tell stories to visitingstudents from Elizabeth Ballantyne Schooland The Little Red Playhouse, and animateprograms for babies and toddlers. I believethat the story of how I became an animatorfor visiting groups from Giant Steps Schoolis a compelling one that proves it takes a villageto raise a child.In September of 2013, Amanda Dandy, aneducator from Giant Steps, dropped by ourlibrary asking if she could bring a smallgroup of children with autism spectrumdisorders (ASDs) for planned library visits.She was so earnest and sincere in her wishto help the children in her care. How couldI refuse this fresh-faced and enthusiasticyoung lady?I discussed the possibility with LindseyAndré lives with spina bifida, is a doubleamputee and uses a manual wheelchair.Declining health and strength have made itharder for him to pursue the sports and recreationalpursuits he so loves. He will usethe funding towards the purchase of an electricwheelchair to play modified soccer. Heis also the new President of Powerchair SoccerCanada, and the funding will help himgrow this sport across Canada.Funding from Rock for Dimes and otherfunding sources will allow March of Dimesto continue to expand its programming,and offer more French-language services inSkeen, head librarian, who accessed a troveof pertinent information in the LISA (Libraryand Information Studies) database atMcGill University. One article in particularstood out: Autism, Literacy, and Libraries:The 3 Rs = Routine, Repetition, and Redundancy,by Lynn Akin and Donna MacKinney(2004).The authors described possible programmingideas and ended with this call to action:“Librarians have an opportunity tomake a real contribution to the lives ofchildren who face many challenges. Seizethe chance and make a difference (Akin &MacKinney, p. 41, 2004).” This became mymantra for the year.Thus was born the successful collaborationbetween Giant Steps and the Montreal WestChildren’s Library. Throughout the year,I animated a variety of stories using puppets,stuffed animals and drawing boards. IMontreal. The charity has a local volunteercommittee that is seeking new opportunitiesfor expansion and partnerships with otherdisability organizations.For more information about March of DimesCanada, please call 1-800-263-3463, visitbrought fresh fruit in to animate CharlotteZolotow’s classic story Mr. Rabbit’s LovelyPresent.This year, I thought that the children wouldbenefit from having service dogs, so I purchased10 small stuffed puppies. These“stuffies” now wear their owners’ namesaround their necks and patiently wait forFriday mornings in a special crate.Several children are non-verbal, so I teachthe group some basic elements of sign language.We play guessing games and whenneeded, my volunteers join me in animatinga story. These programs require planningand a good deal of imagination, but the rewardsare great.I do hope that these experiences will encourageother librarians to follow my leadand make a difference. You won’t regret it!www.marchofdimes.ca and follow us onTwitter @modcanada and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/marchofdimescanadaRuth Kapelus is responsible for Media andPublic Relations, March of Dimes Canada.Carol Boubalos with stuffed service dogsat the Montreal West Children’s Library(Photo courtesy of Carol Boubalos)ReferenceAkin, L., & MacKinney, D. (2004). Autism,literacy, and libraries: The 3 Rs= routine,repetition, and redundancy. Children andLibraries, 35-43.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 14The Spring/Summer 2015 edition of Inspirationsis packed with inspiring newsand new collaborators. We are excited tointroduce you to Frank Verpaelst, whoshares his insights on dwarfism and focusingon abilities, and Christopher Simeone,who explains how his learning disability becamehis greatest strength. Don’t miss JayJones-Doyle’s popular column that impartsgreat wisdom on the correlation of selfesteemand success. This edition informsabout exciting initiatives like Jooay, AUMI,LEGO® Therapy, The Pirates - Montreal’ssledge hockey team, and the many reputableresources in our community.We appreciate the support of our loyal advertisersand sponsors, and urge you to takea look at their websites, which you can findon their advertisements and on the sponsorpage of our website. We are proud to partnerwith The March of Dimes as they reach outto the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas,and welcome our new sponsor, CJAD800 AM.In collaboration with the Montreal CommunityCares Foundation, the CJADHeroes segment with Andrew Carter highlightsindividuals who are making specialefforts to give back to the people and cityof Montreal.We provided CJAD with a long list of ourcommunity members that are heroes in oureyes (it was a very long list…). They choseto recognize L’Étoile de Pacho, a supportgroup for parents of children with multiplephysical disabilities spearheaded by CarolineElias and Nathalie Richard, both parentsof children with special needs, and NickKatalifos, chairman of Giant Steps Schooland Rescource Centre, principal of RoslynSchool, special advisor to Inspirations, autismadvocate, and parent. Visit www.cjad.com/heroes to view videos of these CJADHeroes segments. Congratulations to all ofour heroes!The YM-YWHA Indoor TrYathlonraised over $13,500 for special needsprogramming. This inaugural event whichtook place on February 21, brought 24 participantteams and individuals together tocompete in a 15-minute swim, 30-minutebike, and 20-minute run. A spirited crew ofvolunteers was on hand to cheer everyoneon, encouraging a fun-filled and friendlycompetition.Inspirations NotebookWendy SingerAnthony Housefather, Mayor of CôteSaint-Luc, Liberal Candidate for MountRoyal riding and reigning Maccabiah GamesMasters Swim champion, aced the swimportion, with Ann Walling a very close second.Laura Telio shined in the cycling leg,and Elise Levinoff was the top runner. Theoverall winner and woman’s champion wasCheryl Polansky. Mayor Housefather camein second place and was the men’s champion.The true winners of the day were thepeople who participate in the YM-YWHA’svibrant special needs programming.Congratulations to all who participated, includingtop fundraiser Steven Lach. Lookout for the Y Cycle for Special Needs comingup on September 27, 2015 where ridershave the choice of a 100km or 50km routeand then enjoy a delicious lunch at the HillsdaleGolf and Country Club. Visit cycle.ymywha.com to join the ride or to make adonation.Open Access: The Art of Inclusion,Concordia University’s Art EducationGraduate Symposium, took place on February6 and 7 to rave reviews. This year’ssymposium focused on social inclusion andaccessibility for the arts. The organizingcommittee, spearheaded by graduate studentAnna Timm-Bottos, M.A. in Art Educationand President of the Art Education GraduateStudent Association, welcomed keynotespeaker Judith Snow, a social innovator,visual artist and advocate for social inclusionwho has pioneered education and trainingprograms that have changed the lives ofthousands of people.We attended a presentation that mergedtwo art programs that are currently underwayat the Mackay Centre School: Luca“Lazylegz” Patuelli’s Projet RAD, andAUMI (Adaptive Use Musical Instrument),presented by Professor Eric Lewis, McGillSite Coordinator for International Institutefor Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI)and Dr. Keiko Shikako-Thomas, School ofPhysical and Occupational Therapy, McGillUniversity.After formal presentations, the two groupsmerged for what turned out to be the danceparty of the year. Mackay students createdlive music using AUMI, to which ProjetRAD dancers showed off their moves.It was not long before the entire audiencewas on the dance floor with them. It wasan incredibly joyful moment as these organizationspowered the message home thatanyone with the will can create music, anddance. To read more about AUMI turn topage 23 of this edition.The Arthritis Society and ConcordiaUniversity’s PERFORM Centreshare a common mission: to prevent andtreat chronic illness through lifestyle changes,including fitness and nutrition.The first of its kind in North America, PER-FORM is a state-of-the-art research platformthat unites scientists, students and the publicto discover and test new ways of thinkingabout disease prevention and making betterhealth choices. The Arthritis Society is currentlyfunding the research of Dr. ShawnRobbins, who uses PERFORM’s facilities.On April16, The Arthritis Society and PER-FORM celebrated their collaboration ata reception at the Loyola Jesuit Hall andConference Centre. Guests enjoyed viewingthe beautiful and vast collection of watercolourart and sculptures created by retiredart teacher, artist and Laval native GeorgeE. Russell, who, for many years, has generouslyoffered his works for sale for the benefitof The Arthritis Society.On hand were Alan Klinkhoff, former curatorof contemporary art at the MontrealMuseum of Fine Arts, former Habs favouriteChris Nilan, who shared his lifelongbattle with arthritis, and Elizabeth Kennelland Diane De Bonville from The ArthritisSociety. Guests were treated to a tour of themagnificent PERFORM Centre by AxelBergman, Manager, Research Developmentat the PERFORM Centre.The 3rd Montreal Autism in MotionConference and Exhibit, spearheadedby Tracy Pennimpede and Andre Periera,took place on March 22, and was a resoundingsuccess, with over 350 people, includingparents, health care professionals, students,individuals with an ASD, educators and exhibitorsin attendancePresented in collaboration with McGillUniversity and Giant Steps School, speakersincluded John Elder Robison on howhe overcame enormous odds to lead a fulfillinglife with Asperger’s Syndrome, popularhost and actor Charles Lafortune, andRandy Lewis, past Senior Vice President ofWalgreens’ logistics division.Lewis shared his unparalleled disabilityemployment initiative at Walgreens whichsaw 40 percent of the workforce in their distributioncentres comprised of people withdisabilities of all kinds. This centre becametheir most efficient one. Visit the MontrealAutism in Motion Facebook page for excellentvideo clips that share more about thisfascinating initiative.The Gold Centre’s Current Trendsin ASD Conference 2015, held fromMarch 31 to April 2, welcomed 650 attendeesover the three-day span of the conference.Targeted to teachers, this conference welcomedparents and professionals who workwith children and adolescents with an autismspectrum disorder. The conference featureddistinguished experts in the field, includingJed Baker, who discussed social skillstraining, local expert Isabelle Hénault, whoaddressed sexual education for adolescentswith an ASD, Catherine Faherty, on selfknowledgeand self-advocacy in school-agedchildren with ASD, and Peter Vermeulen,who addressed autism as context blindness.We had the opportunity to hear BrendaSmith Myles, author of The Hidden Curriculum:Practical Solutions for UnderstandingRules in Social Situations and many otherbooks on the topic, speak about The HiddenCurriculum, which refers to the set of rules orguidelines that are often not directly taughtbut assumed to be known, such as unspokenrules, slang, metaphors, body language, andothers. Through her humour and engagingexamples, Smith Myles provided practicaltips for teaching children and adults the hiddensocial curriculums.Students from The Mackay CentreSchool’s grades 1 and 2 classes participatedin the FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL) Robotics Competition in Montrealon March 20. Sponsored by FIRST and TheLEGO Foundation, the competition is aThink Tank Challenge that aims to redefinelearning through the use of LEGO and play.The project was a great success thanks toSara Iatauro, Education Consultant, Science& Technology Elementary, RoboticsK-11, EMSB, Principal Patrizia Ciccarelli,Gaye McConnell, resource and mediateacher, teachers Jessica Palmer and KathleenTimney, and all students involved.On April 23, the team welcomed CasparAarlit Jensen, Program and PartnershipsOfficer at The LEGO Foundation, who camein from Denmark to see the models thatMontreal students created using LEGO pieces,motors and machines. Highly impressed,he explained that LEGO donated all of theWeDo kits and charity boxes of LEGO.Also on hand for the visit was Paul LeBrun,President, Brault & Bouthillier, DonaldGaudreau, Education Consultant, Science& Technology, Commission Scolaire de laPointe-de-l’Ile, and Brigitte Coulombe,Principal of École Pie XII.

15Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSL’Étoile de Pacho’s Caroline Elias, Program Coordinator,and Nathalie Richard, Founder, at CJAD. (Photo credit,Paris Mansouri, @CJAD800).Grade 1 and 2 Mackay Centre School students at the FIRST® LEGO® League(Jr.FLL) Robotics Competition in Montreal (Photo courtesy of RobotiqueMayor of Côte Saint-Luc and Liberal Candidatefor Mount Royal riding Anthony House-FIRST Québec)father and Neil Uditsky, Director of FinancialResource Development, YM-YWHA atthe YM-YWHA Indoor TrYathlon (Photocourtesy of the YM-YWHA).Sara Iatauro, Donald Gaudreau, Brigitte Coulombe,Patrizia Ciccarelli, Caspar Aarlit Jensen, Paul LeBrun,Gaye McConnell, Jessica Palmer, and Kathleen Timneywith The Mackay Centre School’s Sweeter Than HoneyLego® Education WeDo model for the School of the Futureprogram.Mackay Centre School students, Luca “Lazylegz”Patuelli, and Projet R.A.D. dancersat Concordia University’s Art of InclusionSymposium.Axel Bergman giving a tour of ConcordiaUniversity’s PERFORM Centre.Steven Lach at the YM-YWHA IndoorTrYathlon.Andre Pereira, Nick Katalifos, Randy Lewis, and TracyPennimpede at the Montreal Autism in Motion Conferenceand Exhibit.Elizabeth Kennell, Alan Klinkhoff, George E. Russell,Chris Nilan, and Diane De Bonville at The Arthritis Societyand Concordial University’s PERFORM Centre reception.Julie Klucinskas, Program Coordinator atThe Gold Centre, and Brenda Smith Myles atthe Current Trends in ASD Conference 2015.Jessica Palmer and Gaye McConnellwith one of the LEGO® models exhibitedby Mackay Centre School studentsat the FIRT® LEGO® League(Jr.FLL) Robotics Competition inMontreal.Dr. Keiko Shikako-Thomas, AssistantProfessor at McGill’s School of Physicaland Occupational Therapy, andEric Lewis, McGill Site Coordinatorfor the International Institute for CriticalStudies in Improvisation (IICSI).

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 16How my Learning Disability became my greatest strengthBy Christopher SimeoneIam a human, diagnosed with a LearningDisability (LD) and because of thisdiagnosis, I have had my share of hardships.An LD affects the process of taking inand expressing information, which is donein many ways, including talking, using ourhands, hearing, seeing, and many more.Growing up, I felt as though I was worthlessbecause of my flaws. For example, whowants to be friends with someone who can’ttalk or someone who can’t read? Over time,I learnt that I had these flaws because ofhow my brain is wired. I also learnt that Ican overcome these flaws by adapting to theworld around me.Speech-language pathologists helped mewith my speech. Assistive technologyhelped me with my reading. Having an LDmade me see the world for what it really is; aworld where people are in pain, pain for notbeing able to meet the social quota.At the age of seven, I was forced to see myflaws because that is when I was diagnosedwith an LD. But at the same time I embarkedon a journey; a journey to accepting myself.I learnt about what I cannot change, whatI can change, and through experience, discoveredthe wisdom to know the difference.My flaws have now become my greateststrengths. They have taught me to be empatheticand a good listener instead of someonewho judges and insults others for theirflaws. In my favourite movie, titled MusicWithin, there is a statement that has becomemy mission: “You don’t have to change theirminds about people’s disabilities, you needto change their minds about themselves.”I have an LD, but I am truly human. We areall humans and we all have flaws.The difference is that some of usare diagnosed and have an officiallabel for our flaws. There isa quote by Lao Tzu about peace.He says, “The only way to havepeace in the world is for everyoneto be at peace in their own heart.”The answer to all of our questionsis found within ourselves. I hope Ihave opened your heart and mind.Christopher Simeone is a graduateof Special Care Counsellingat Vanier College, a student in theInclusive Education Certificateprogram at McGill University,an Ambassador for the MontrealCentre for Learning Disabilities,speaker and Laughter Yoga Leader.Christopher Simeone was one of four alumni honouredfor his accomplishments at Edward Murphy ElementarySchool’s 50th anniversary event on April 24, 2015.LBPSB and Camp Bosco bring the Snoezelen® approach to studentsBy Alison Reichert and Mireille AbadieAnew partnership brings an excitingnew resource to our off-island community.The Lester B Pearson SchoolBoard, in collaboration with Camp Bosco,have developed two rooms inspired by theSnoezelen® approach to provide multisensorystimulation sessions followed byrelaxation sessions. The rooms are equippedwith specialized lighting, textured material,different scents, colourful tubes, fiber-opticmaterials, different size and coloured patternsand shapes.This project was developed to allow childrento have an experience where they arenot told what to do, what not to do, andare allowed to just be. This provides momentswhere each child can build on theirstrengths, develop autonomy, discover andexplore the environment freely.In these dedicated rooms, the children areencouraged to touch and feel the differentequipment. They experience moments ofstimulation and discovery during the stimulationsession, and during the relaxation sessionthey experience soothing and calmingmoments.Camp Bosco has provided a resource forchildren to have time and space to reflect,explore and build the capacity to better selfregulate.The Camp Bosco special educationtechnician is specifically trained to base herinterventions using the Snoezelen approach,which consist of intervening minimally toencourage the development of independenceand exploration of freedom.A third aspect built into the sessions atCamp Bosco is an activity centre wherestudents have an opportunity to play collaborativelyor on their own using hands-onactivities. A LBPSB special education technicianaccompanies the children at CampBosco and plays an active role during playtime.At school, she encourages students toimplement what they’ve learned at Camp.We recognize the importance of this type ofcollaboration; the children learn many importantskills needed to be successful in theschool environment.Pierre Elliot Trudeau (PETES) and EdgewaterElementary Schools are involved in thispilot project. Their students attend CampBosco weekly, and both staff and studentsreport enthusiasm for going to Camp Boscoand their enjoyment in participating in thesessions.The need for theresources at CampBosco are wellrecognized. Somuch so, PETESwill begin to dedicatespace andaccumulate equipmentto recreatethe experience ofCamp Bosco rightin their schoolbuilding. To betterintervene usingthe Snoezelenapproach, PETESstaff will attenda training session.The studentsparticipating in themulti-sensory stimulationproject have shown progression inseveral ways. We recognize the students’ familiarizationwith this new environment andthe trust built with the new staff members.The students are following a routine andhave been better able to collaborate witheach other and play cooperatively. The relaxationsessions bring the students to a levelwhere they are able to remain calm and restfulfor extended periods of time. The changeStudents Antony, Joel, Zachary, and Keiran having fun at Camp Bosco.(Photo credit, Susan Scallon)of pace at Camp Bosco gives the studentsan opportunity to experience relaxation, toexplore and enjoy their surroundings.Alison Reichert is a Consultant for SpecialNeeds, and Mireille Abadie Prevention is aHealth Promotion Consultant, at the LesterB. Pearson School Board.

17Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSDéputé de Lafontaine /MNA for LafontainePrésident de la Commission de lasanté et des services sociaux /Chair of the Committee on Healthand Social ServicesDéputé de Saint-Laurent / MNA for Saint-LaurentMinistre responsable des Affaires intergouvernementalescanadiennes et de la Francophonie canadienneMinistre responsable de l’Accès à l’information et de laRéforme des institutions démocratiquesLeader parlementaire du gouvernementMarc Tanguaymarc.tanguay-lafo@assnat.qc.ca514-648-1007Jean-Marc FournierJean-marc.fournier-sala@mce.gouv.qc.ca514-747-4050Députée de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce /MNA for Notre-Dame-de-GrâceMinistre de l’Immigration, de laDiversité et de l’Inclusion /Minister of Immigration, Diversityand InclusivenessDéputé de D'Arcy-McGee /MNA for D'Arcy-McGeeAdjoint parlementaire du premierministre /Parliamentary Assistant tothe PremierKathleen Weilcabinet@midi.gouv.qc.ca514-489-7581David BirnbaumDavid.Birnbaum.dmg@assnat.qc.ca514-488-7028Député de Robert-Baldwin /MNA for Robert-BaldwinMinistre des Finances /Minister of Financeministre@finances.gouv.qc.ca514-684-9000Député de Nelligan /MNA for NelliganMinistre responsable del'Administration gouvernementaleet de la Révision permanente desprogrammesPrésident du Conseil du trésorCarlos LeitãoMartin Coiteuxcabinet@sct.gouv.qc.ca514-695-2440We are proud to supportInspirations Newspaper, which isfulfilling an important rolein our communityNous sommes fiers d’appuyerInspirations Newspaper, qui joue unrôle important dansnotre communauté.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 18Featuring artist Sky GagnierSky Gagnier is from Oka,Quebec, and is currentlya student at John GrantHigh School. Her interestsinclude anime, manga, art,music, and singing, andshe aspires to be an illustratoror cartoonist. Skyhas been drawing for 13years.Soon to be Romance (pencil, watercolor,pastel, sharpie, fine point marker) Iris (pencil, sharpie, watercolor) Amethyst (watercolor)By Marina BresbaAdam’s PACE began with a dream:Adam Taylor dreamed of attendingCEGEP. As a young man withDown Syndrome, Adam had always attendedinclusive schools. As his classmatesprepared for graduation and college, Adamwondered: Would he be able to go to college,too?It was Adam’s dream, supported by hisparents’ perseverance and the vision of theRiverside School Board and ChamplainCollege in Saint-Lambert, that resulted inthe establishment of the first PACE class inAugust 2005.What makes Adam’s PACE special is thefact that it is an inclusive program where 17to 21-year-old students with intellectual ordevelopmental disabilities study alongsidetheir same-age peers in a college environment.Adam’s PACE Work-Oriented TrainingPath Program celebrates 10 yearsAdam’s PACE is a Work-Oriented TrainingPath program, helping students developacademic skills with real-life applications.Through community work-stages, studentsalso learn the behaviours and skills necessaryto succeed in a variety of trades.PACE students study at Champlain College.They choose one college course to auditeach semester, join clubs, participate inextracurricular activities, organize events,make friends, and participate in college life.They are college students. And after threeyears, they walk across the stage at convocationwith all the other college graduates.Parents of new students are hopeful andapprehensive: The college seems big and“grown-up.” But the move from high schoolcan have a significant impact. Emmett Zentner,a first year student, says that “Bullyingstopped [since coming to PACE]. It helpsme think more straight about moving on toother stuff.”Parents of graduating students regularly remarkabout the positive change and growthin their child – who is no longer a child, buta young adult, pursuing a successful adultlife. “PACE has prepared me for when I finish…There is so much to be proud of… andthanks to the program, we get to be a part ofcollege life as well,” says Christopher Dymond,a graduating student.The next year is a big one for Adam’s PACE.We will be using our 10th anniversaryas a chance to celebrateour successes, to promoteawareness of the program, andto look toward the future. Weare planning an Open House, afundraiser featuring the I CanDream Theatre Group, a conferencefor and by youth withdisabilities, and an alumni dinner.Marina Bresba is the ProgramCoordinator and Core Teacherof the Adam’s PACE program.You may contact her about applyingto Adam’s PACE or forinformation about their eventsat mbresba@rsb.qc.ca, (450)672-7360 ext. 350, or (514)220-8463. More informationabout Adam’s PACE can befound at http://tinyurl.com/infoPACE.Jeremy Karzon and Kelly Pinardprepare to graduate alongsidetheir peers at ChamplainCollege’s convocation. (Photocourtesy of Marina Bresba)

19Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSNOUSPRENONSLE RELAISPOUR VOUSWE’RE HERE FOR YOUPETERHALL.QC.CAOne Stop:Opportunities for IndependenceMarch of Dimes Canada offers a wide range of programsand services to maximize the independence, personalempowerment, and community participation of peoplewith disabilities.Learn more about our program and servicesat www.marchofdimes.caTel: 416-425-3463 I Toll-free: 1-800-263-3463/MarchofDimesCanada @modcanada @marchofdimescdaCharitable Registration No.: 10788 3928 RR0001L’école Peter Hall accueille depuis plus de 75 ans des élèves de4 à 21 ans présentant une déficience intellectuelle ou des troublesdu spectre de l’autisme. Notre programme éducatif est centré sur lesbesoins spécifiques de chaque élève. L’enseignement y est dispenséen français et en anglais.For over 75 years, Peter Hall School has welcomed students betweenthe ages of 4 and 21 with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrumdisorders. Offered in French and English, our educational program iscentered on the specific needs of each student.840, boul. de la Côte-Vertu, Saint-Laurent514-748-67274521, clark street, montréal (québec) H2T 2T3t. 514.286.9696 f. 514.284.9152 espressocommunication.comDate: April 13, 2015Client: École Peter HallProject: EPH1501Proof number: FINALMagazine InspirationFormat: 5,125” x 10,167”Bleed: SANS bleed

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 20Jeremy is part of the Sunshine Class at theHuntingdon Adult Education & Community Centre.To learn more about our Centre and our SFIS and SVIS programs visit:MAY IS SPEECH AND HEARING MONTH!SLP’s help students with communication difficulties who have:Problems understanding othersand following instructionsDifficulty expressing thoughtsand ideasSpeech/articulation difficultiesDifficulty learning to read and write@EnglishMTL during May MonthDid you know?Language and speechare two different things!LANGUAGE = comprehension & expressionSPEECH = articulationSPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS ARE CELEBRATING!

21Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSSCHEDULE ACONSULTATION TODAY.514.631.9745IS homeworkA CONSTANTSTRUGGLE?THIS SUMMER HELP THEMsucceed IN SCHOOLWE can HELP!With our unique ability to analyze learningproblems and recommend appropriateprograms, we can address all types oflearning issues.Since 1989WE OFFERone-on-oneinstruction to helpstudents preparefor MELS exams.189 HYMUS, SUITE 201 POINTE-CLAIRE, QC H9R 1E9 | WWW.STRATEGICLEARNING.CALD, ADHD & Mild ASDPrograms for Parents, Youth,Young Adults, Adultswww.ldmontreal.caAQUA K.I.D.S. Swim, Gym & Art ProgramTheraplay® Social Skills GroupsParent, Adult & Professional WorkshopsGuest Speaker PresentationsAdult Employment ProgramFeaturing The Ambassadors ProgramEmail: info@ldmontreal.ca(514) 482-7196The Queen Elizabeth Health Complex2111 Northcliffe, 2nd floor, room 212Programs forADHD, LD, & Mild ASDTheraplay® Social Skills GroupsNurtured Heart® Parenting with PositivityHeartMath® Anxiety, Anger & Stress Reduction GroupsTogether, children, teens and their parents learn toolsto build social competency, emotional self-control &friendship skills for both home & school.www.lindaaber.comLinda Aber (514) 487-3533Certified HeartMath®,Nurtured Heart® & Theraplay® Practitioner

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 22Private sessions availableCustomized workshops for pedagogical days or educationnal conferences.Please contact Lisa Marcovici514.341.1677lisa.marcovici@rekinexion.comLiving with ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities,physical disabilities, dementia, depressionor a chronic disorder?We’re here to help you qualify fordisability benefits worth up to $40,000Get the government benefits you deservetax refunds • annual credits • child benefits • computer equipment • educational softwareContact us today for a free consultationwww.dfac.ca • 1 (855) 382-DFAC

As he turns his head to the left, Phillipcreates the sound of a G chord.A look to the right, a rich C chord.Looking straight ahead, Phillip’s eyes andface light up with satisfaction.A music lover all his life, the 17-year-oldwith cerebral palsy is for the first time playingtwo chords that form the backbone of asong. And not just any song. As yet untitled,this is the first song from Bacon Blue Deer,the group he and his Mackay Centre Schoolclassmates have formed that uses AUMI,or the Adapted Use Musical Instrument, tomake their music.AUMI, a software interface for PC, Mac,iPhone and iPad, uses a computer’s webcamto translate movement and gestures intomusic. It’s an accessible, customizable, andversatile way to make music for those withdeficits that may limit their ability to participatein musical activities.Since its development in 2007, AUMI hasbeen used primarily as an artistic tool for exploringmusic via improvisation. Sensing itspossibilities, a McGill University researchteam is investigating its further uses.In collaboration with the Mackay CentreSchool, the McGill team is studying ifAUMI can contribute to the achievement ofthe educational goals of students aged betweenfive and 17 with physical and cognitivedisabilities.23Adapted Use Musical Instrument (AUMI):Making music at Mackay Centre School“By beginning with afocus on socialization,communication, andwhat matters to them,we’re seeing very positivechanges in areassuch as social engagement,the ability to completemulti-step tasks,self-esteem,” says Dr.Keiko Shikako-Thomas,Assistant Professorat McGill’s School ofPhysical and OccupationalTherapy. “Theseare key elements to succeedingat school.”“AUMI has also contributedsignificantly toour students’ emotionaland creative growth,”says Patrizia Ciccarelli,Mackay Centre SchoolPrincipal. “This givesthem a chance to participateactively in musicmaking, improvising,and feel part of acommunity.”Shikako-Thomas and her team work incollaboration with Professor Eric Lewis, amember of the international AUMI researchteam, who oversees the AUMI developmentwork done at McGill in his capacity as theMcGill Site Coordinator for InternationalInstitute for Critical Studies in Improvisation(IICSI).Phase 2 will begin this summer as a group ofMcGill Occupational and Physical Therapystudents will develop guidelines for AUMI’suse in school and rehabilitation settings. Thelong-term goal is for AUMI to become ago-to tool to help achieve a wide range ofphysical and cognitive objectives, as well asto promote creativity, community building,and cultural enrichment.Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSMackay Centre School-McGill University project aims to discover if adapted music instrumentsoftware can help kids with disabilities reach rehabilitation and learning goalsBy Russ CooperPhillip (third from right) was one of five Mackay Centre School students demonstrating AUMI at ConcordiaUniversity symposium The Art of Inclusion, a showcase of current research exploring art and accessibility heldon February 6. (Photo credit, Wendy Singer)WE ARE LOOKING FOR MOTHERS OF ADOLESCENTS WITH OR WITHOUTDISABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY ABOUT THE TRANSITION FROM HIGHSCHOOL TO ADULTHOOD. EARN UP TO $175 FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.Contact us at: (514) 848-2424 ext. 2206 or parents.fwb@concordia.caCette étude sera également menée en français.In support, the effort has recently receiveda generous grant of $9,500 from the RickHansen Foundation for the purchase of newAUMI-equipped iPads and computers.Learn more about and download AUMI atwww.deeplistening.org/site/adaptiveuse andon iTunes.Is your child in high school and between the ages of 12 and22 years old?

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 24LEGO® Therapy at the Lester B. Pearson School BoardBy Ruth SchwarczThe LEGO® Therapy pilot projectwas launched this year at the LesterB. Pearson School Board due to generousgrants from the Pearson EducationFoundation and Entrepreneurial Grant.LEGO Therapy supports inclusion of studentswith autism and other social communicationdeficits by improving social competencies.This intervention capitalizes onchildren’s natural interest and enjoymentwith the LEGO building system. Threeschools have initiated LEGO Therapy pilotgroups with students ranging from grade 3to grade 5. Our project trains staff in the basicsof LEGO Therapy so that schools canbegin new groups in the 2015-16 schoolyear.During each session, group participants aregiven a specific role - Supplier, Builder orEngineer. The Supplier collects the materialsand shares them with the Builder. TheEngineer gives the builder step-by-step instructionsbased on visual cues. The Builderfollows each direction to achieve the finalproduct. The roles are then switched. Thishighly structured format encourages turntaking, initiation with peers, giving and receivinginstructions as well as organizationand leadership skills. Students learn problemsolving strategies as a result of workingthrough a variety of challenges associatedwith the LEGO Therapy format. Each sessionis collaborative with inherent interdependenceon peers.Social competence is the long-term goalof this project. Students whose communicationskills and self-regulatory skills areenhanced become more fully included intheir classroom environments. Each sessionincludes ‘Social Thinking’ concepts such as‘Whole Body Listening’ and ‘Expected andUnexpected Behaviours’ (concepts developedby Michelle Garcia Winner). WholeBody Listening and Social Thinking encouragestudents to understand the basiccomponents of communication.By keeping their bodiesin the group they showthat they want to be partof the group. By listeningand being quiet they showthat they are interested inwhat others are saying. Inorder for participants tounderstand and give directionsthey need to learn torespond to body languageand gestures. The studentsare supported and cuedregarding how to interpretand respond to body language.Group leaders usethe terms ‘expected andunexpected’ to reflect onbehaviors and to create anenvironment of respectwithin the group. And thenthey get to practice theskills while having someLEGO fun!Students participating in LEGO Therapy at ChristmasPark Elementary School.For more information regarding LEGO Therapy, contactRuth Schwarcz at (514) 422-3000, ext: 32417.Ruth Schwarcz is a Special Needs Consultant at the LesterB. Pearson School Board.New SEEDS class supports students at the EMSBBy Lori RubinFor some elementary school children,going to school every day, gettingalong with peers and following basicrules and routines, can be a daunting task.Add to that a history of a traumatic eventin their life, possible attachment issues, andinconsistencies within their family situation,and you have the makings of a child whosimply cannot cope with the demands of aregular classroom environment.An alternative type of grade one/two classroomwas set up at St. Gabriel School inPointe St. Charles in August 2012 to meetthe needs of these students. SEEDS standsfor Supporting the Emotional and EducationalDevelopment of Students. After experiencingsignificant success, Jim Daskalakis,the principal, opened a second SEEDSclass at St. Gabriel School for children ingrades two/three the following year.As the school year progressed, administratorsand teachers expressed the need for thistype of environment for kindergarten childrenwho fit the same criteria, and in January2015 a third SEEDS class was openedat Pierre Elliot Trudeau School (PET) in theRosemount, Petite-Patrie district, in order tosupport students at the kindergarten/gradeone level in the east end. Although the staffinvolved with the PET SEEDS class onlyhad two weeks from the time the class wasapproved to the time they received theirfirst student, with the unwavering supportof principal Anna Sanalitro, they managedto put together a clean, well-structured andwelcoming classroom complete with a wellstructuredresearch-based program whichfocuses on social-emotional learning usingattachment-based theories of education.Students are taught to be accountable fortheir actions which helps them to ultimatelyincrease self-regulation and reduce disruptive,acting-out behaviours.Each SEEDS class consists of a maximumof eight students, with a teacher and specialeducation technician who are specializedin and committed to working with childrenwho display behaviour/emotional/socialproblems. Both schools have a speciallydesignedsensory room where students cango to for short periods of time if they needto “chill out”, reflect on their actions, or deescalatewhen in a heightened state of emotion.SEEDS program at Pierre Elliot Trudeau School, with Amanda Collet, special educationtechnician and Jessica O’Meara, teacher.The ultimate goal is to eventually re-integratethese students back into a regular sionate SEEDS teams put their heart andever long it takes, the skilled and compas-classroom setting where they can apply the soul into supporting the children who areself-control strategies they have learned lucky enough to participate in this program.while in the SEEDS class. For some students,that can happen within a relatively Lori Rubin is a Behaviour Managementshort period of time, while with others, who Specialist at the English Montreal Schoolmay have ingrained maladaptive patterns of Board.social interaction, it can take longer. How-

25Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSParkdale Elementary School’s ASD Community Evening:Connecting students, families and the school communityBy Tania Piperni, M.Ed.Parkdale Elementary School, of theEnglish Montreal School Board(EMSB), is an English Core school inthe St. Laurent area that has a large populationof students with autism spectrum disorders(ASD). The school has four specializedclasses for students with ASD, and both thestudent body and the teachers are very sensitizedto interacting with them.The teachers have formed the Parent andFamily Involvement Committee in orderto unite teachers, parents and students. Asubgroup of these teachers organized anASD Community Evening to help Parkdaleparents that have children with ASD.Along with the school principal, MarylènePerron, this subcommittee was spearheadedby teachers Jennifer Poupart, Janna Maggio,Shelley Sokoloff, and Alba Cano Juarez.Each of these teachers has a particular interestand specialty in working with studentswith ASD. “With such a large population offamilies with children with ASD, we want torecognize them as an important part of ourschool community,” explains Poupart. “Wewant to empower parents to begin forminglinks with one another, as we know how importantit is to feel supported both within thecommunity as well as at school.”The ASD Community Evening began withfamilies enjoying pizza together. While thechildren watched a movie, parents were freeto ask teachers questions and peruse throughbooks, materials, and visuals that were ondisplay. Parents were also welcome to speakto me in my role of ASD Consultant at theEMSB.Alba Cano Juarez, Janna Maggio, Shelley Sokoloff, Jennifer Poupart and principalMarylène Peron at Parkdale Elementary School.Parents were also offered a tour of the newSnoezelen® room that was created at Parkdale.This room offers a multi-sensory environmentspecially designed to both sootheand stimulate various senses. Fiberopticlighting, soothing music, and textured manipulativesare all included in this room inorder to allow students with special needs,especially those with ASD, a soothing environment.This room was made possiblethrough the collaboration of the daycare departmentat the EMSB.The ASD Community Evening for parentswas a great success. The organizing committeewas very happy with the turnout ofparents and they hope to hold this eveningannually.Tania Piperni is the Autism Spectrum DisorderConsultant at the English MontrealSchool Board.Marymount Adult Centre offers Services (SIS) andSocial Vocational Integration Services (SVIS) programsspecifically designed to help adults acquirethe necessary skills to be able to integrate and participatein society to their fullest potential.THREE TYPES OF PROGRAMSProgram for individuals with psychiatric disabilities living in the communityProgram for individuals with cerebral palsyProgram for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual and learning disabilitiesand/or with an autism spectrum disorder.5785 Parkhaven AvenueCôte Saint-Luc, QuebecH4W 1X8T: 514 488-8203 F: 514 488-8458@marymountadultwww.emsb.qc.ca/marymountadult

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 26Registered Disability Savings Plans benefit familiesBy Nathan LeibowitzThe Registered DisabilitySavings Plan (RDSP) canprovide up to $90,000 ofbenefits for families coping withdisabled individuals. This plan,implemented by the governmentback in 2008, has had a very slowuptake rate mainly because it isnot easily understood.This plan can be set up for a Canadianresident with a valid SocialInsurance Number who qualifiesfor the federal disability taxcredit. There are generous bondsand grants that the governmentwill contribute which can add upto $4,500 each year. The bond isworth up to $1,000 per year whichthe government will contribute tothe plan if the beneficiary’s net familyincome is below $43,561. If thebeneficiary is over 18 years of age,this threshold is based on their incomeeven if they are dependant ontheir parents. To benefit from this, aplan must be opened.The grant is a matching programbased on family income. If familyincome is below $87,123, the governmentwill match up to $3,500 foryour $1,500 contribution. If incomeis above, they will match dollar fordollar on the first $1,000. Theseamounts carry forward from 2008,so if you have not maximized, therecan be a small windfall waiting foryou.Because the government mandatedthese plans to help care for theseindividuals for the long-term, thisplan should be used for long-termsavings only. If you make a withdrawalwithin 10 years, you willhave to repay the government 300percent of the withdrawal. Also,you must ensure that the beneficiarywill remain eligible for the disabilitytax credit. Otherwise, the planwill have to be collapsed and governmentmonies repaid. Also, if theindividual is over 18, he/she has tobe the one to manage the plan. Thegovernment has put in a temporaryprovision that parents can still openthe plan for their children of majorityin certain situations.Withdrawals from the plan must beginwhen the beneficiary turns 60years old. You can begin earlier butthere is a maximum of either 10 percentor a predetermined governmentformula which is based on age.If you are at a certain incomelevel, your $1,500 annual contributioncan attract an additional$4,500 from the government. Ifyou multiply that by 20 years,that is $120,000 of investmentvalue before any earnings on theinvestment, with only $30,000contributed by the families.This is a simple explanation toa complicated product. As withany investment, it should be apart of an overall comprehensiveplan to ensure that it fits withother pieces of what you are tryingto accomplish.Nathan Leibowitz is an InvestmentAdvisor with Manulife SecuritiesIncorporated. For informationcall 514.798.0470.2015 ANNUAL EMSB NIGHTThank you to the English MontrealSchool Board and The MontrealImpact for a fabulous fundraisingevent on May 6.Some of the proceeds from ticketsales went to Inspirations.It was a great night!If you would like to donate, or raise funds forInspirations, contact us at info@inspirationsnews.com.Special thanks to Inspirations Sports Editor DanielSmajovits for his hard work planning this event.

27Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSInspirational Book Review“Hey What Happened To You?”: My Victory Over Leukemiaby Bernard Gotlieb (Privately published, $19.95)By Stuart NulmanIn 1977, 19-year-old Bernard Gotliebwas living a happy middle class existencein his native Côte Saint-Luc.However, during a plane trip home from awinter vacation in Florida, Gotlieb experiencedsome blockage in his ears, and wentto see a doctor.Because the doctor was seeing Gotlieb forthe first time, he was subjected to a batteryof medical tests, including a blood test.When the blood test results looked slightlyirregular, the doctor requested another onefor Gotlieb; however, the end result was arather startling one: he was diagnosed withleukemia.Back in the late ‘70s, leukemia was practicallya death sentence, and any treatmentsthat were available were debilitating, painfuland had no guarantee of success. However,such a dire diagnosis did not deterGottlieb, as he decided to embark on a sixweektrip to Israel, pursued a degree in tourismmanagement and established his ownScrabble club (which is still in operation).In June of 1979, Gotlieb decided to take amajor step in his battle against leukemia: abone marrow transplant (which was still inthe experimental stages) that was only availableat the Princess Margaret Hospital inToronto. And on top of that, his sister Gloria’smarrow was a compatible match, andshe was more than happy to take that riskymeasure of donating it towards increasingthe chances of her brother’s survival againstthat dreaded disease. As a result, he becameone of the first leukemia patients to undergo– and survive - a bone marrow transplant inCanada, a treatment that is so common thesedays.The story of Bernard Gotlieb’s up and downroad to successfully battling leukemia istold in honest, personal detail in his privately-publishedmemoir “Hey What HappenedTo You?” He chronicles his struggles with alot of humanity and humor, and the messagethe reader gets is that through the more than30 years since his diagnosis and subsequentbone marrow transplant, Gotlieb has nevergiven up on the idea of beating this disease,and restoring himself to his normal way oflife and pursuing the passions that have kepthim going through such difficult times.Vice-Principal Christina Celzi with Bernard Gotleib and students at Royal Vale School.And what difficulties he has endured… infections,a series of extended hospital stays,injuries, accidents, operations, medical procedures,financial strains, a brain tumor, anda worsening skin condition that led to theamputation of both his legs. Yet somehow,through the love and support of friends andPerforming arts for individualswith special needsfamily, Gotlieb has managed to maintain anormal life, in which he runs a games classat Royal Vale elementary school (and fourother schools in the city’s east end), tutoringstudents in math, French, English andSpanish at his home and being director ofthe Scrabble club he established more than30 years ago.“Hey What Happened ToYou?” is a memoir of anindividual who valiantlyfought back against leukemia,no matter whatsetbacks and obstacleswere thrown at him, andserves as a true inspirationfor anyone who hasto face their own battlesfor their lives. If suchan individual can define“courageous” and “survivor”,Bernard Gotlieb certainlyis that individual.Upcoming Performance:The Tale Of Macbeth(ish) Nov. 6 & 7, 2015Help ICD get to NYC this summer by supportingour Pasta Dinner and DanceTickets: $20 adults $10 children 12 years and youngerSaturday, May 23, 2015If you’re interested in purchasinga copy of BernardGotlieb’s book, contacthim at bgotlieb@gmail.com.Info: icandreamtheatre@gmail.com

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 28Arts & EntertainmentChoir founders tap talent, transcend tribulations and triumphBy Elaine Cohenyou can do, it inspires them to lend support.”Singing is part of their daily routine.One need only listen to the UnitedTribulation Choir’s repertoire ofR&B, Gospel and jazz accentedwith African rhythms to admire Paul andGift Tshuma’s ingenuity. The choir has blossomedsince the brothers founded it in 2007.The 18-member choir features vocalistsand a cadre of skilled bass, piano, drums,saxophone, trumpet and harmonica players.They perform original and cover songs forevents and fundraisers at churches and centres.The journey from Zimbabwe to Montrealbegan in 2001, when Paul and Gift, alongwith their mother, Zibusiso, relocated tobenefit from motorized wheelchairs andsupport unavailable in Africa. Born withmuscular dystrophy, Paul, 36, and Gift, 25,have never had use of their legs and havelimited control of their hands.“We acknowledge our limitations but don’tallow them to inhibit us from what we wantto achieve in life,” Paul says. ”Now we aimto inspire others by sharing our love of Godand music through choir.”Gift concurs. “When you show people whatPaul’s mother gave him a harmonica whenhe attended King George Memorial Schooland he formed a band. He also began writingpoetry. Five of Paul’s seven books havebeen published.Gift attended Mackay and Westmount Highschools (EMSB) in Montreal. “I was surroundedby people that encouraged me,”he relates. At Westmount High, Gift honedhis public speaking skills, entered and woncompetitions.After high school, Gift enrolled at DawsonCollege to attend CEGEP, continued publicspeaking and became a motivational speaker.A newspaper article on Gift’s achievementsdrew the attention of marketing guruRobert Soroka, who teaches at Dawson andConcordia University. “Professor Sorokaoffered to mentor us,” Gift recalls. “Ourplan included applying to perform at theJazz Festival.” Soroka’s guidance led to ademo CD and a web site. Mira Choquetteassumed the managerial role in 2014.The brothers are immersed in degree programsat Concordia University. Gift is slatedto earn a BA in December 2015 and Paulfollows suit with a BMus in 2016. “Momen-Paul Tshuma, singer, founder and leaderof the United Tribulation Choir. (Photocourtesy of UT Choir)tarily, we are focusing on school and recordings,so concerts are on hold,” Paul pointsout.Paul transcribes compositions throughcomputer notation. The system synthesizessounds enabling him to orchestrate pieces.Gift composes rough drafts before brain-Gift Tshuma, singer, founder and vice-leaderof the United Tribulation Choir. (Photocourtesy of UT Choir)storming with Paul, who integrates arrangements.Paul and Gift are regulars at TrinityPentecostal Church in LaSalle. They startedout at Evangel Pentecostal Church downtown.To learn more about the United TribulationChoir, visit www.utchoir.com.The Guzzo Family supports mental health research for childrenBy Wendy SingerMaria Guzzo, Vice-President andhead of charitable donations, andVincenzo Guzzo, Executive Vice-President and head of operations, are shiftingthe Guzzo Cinemas’ and Guzzo family’scharitable energies from research in thefield of environment-cancer to child mentalhealth research. Profits will be distributedprimarily to the non-profit organization, theKids Write Network (KWN), which is anintervention based on a narrative and therapeuticprocess involving five stages.Founded and directed by Helen Georgaklis,KWN aims to get children to write booksfor children while sharing their experiencesthrough the exploration of life lessons. Dr.Danielle Groleau, associate professor in theDepartment of Psychiatry at McGill Uni-versity and senior researcher at the LadyDavis Medical Institute of the Jewish GeneralHospital, will be responsible for the researchevaluating the intervention.In conjunction with this new fundraisingmission, Maria Guzzo will launch her children’sbook, “How to train your dreams”, onMay 16. which she wrote in collaborationwith the KWN method. All moneys fromher book sales will be donated to KWN.“As parents of five children, their well-beingis our priority. This is why we would like tohelp improve the lives of as many childrenas possible who may be affected by mentalhealth issues. We would like to do thisthrough the use of preventative measures, sothat they never have to experience the negativerepercussions of mental illness,” sharedVincenzo and Maria Guzzo.Dr. Danielle Groleau, Maria Guzzo, Vincenzo Guzzo, and Helen Georgaklis at a pressconference at Guzzo Cinemas.

29Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSArts & EntertainmentOutstanding new Broadway play’s central character has Asperger’s syndromeBy Alexandra CohenThe Curious Incident of the Dog in theNight-Time, the best-selling novelturned play, has been seeing immensesuccess on the stage. It began its run on theWest End, winning seven Olivier Awards,and then transferred to Broadway in Octoberof 2014. It received six Tony nominationsand is sure to receive some love at theaward ceremony in June.The story revolves around a 15-year-oldboy named Christopher with Asperger’ssyndrome who investigates the murder ofhis neighbor’s dog. What begins as a simplemurder mystery becomes a story about hisadventure into the unknown.I went to New York City in December, andhaving read the book, I was eager to see howthe words written by Mark Haddon wouldbe brought to life in front of me. I was not atall disappointed. In fact, the play exceededall of my expectations.The story is presented almost like a playwithin a play. Christopher’s teacher narratesby reading a play that he wrote about his experiencesout loud to the audience. This issimilar to the book within a book approachtaken by Haddon in the novel, which welcomesus into Christopher’s world.Arriving in the theatre, I was immediatelyintrigued by the set. The stage is quite literallyan empty box, and the walls, ceiling,and floor look like a mathematical grid. Thestage is an analogy for Christopher’s mind:its inner workings are revealed to be out ofthe ordinary and complex throughout theplay.Squares of the grid open up to reveal boxeswhere props are hidden. Christopher writesmath equations on the floor, and his writingis projected onto the grid behind him. Thesemake for some awe-inspiring visual effects.A unique stage is the perfect setting for aunique boy to tell his story.Many have tried to theorize on Christopher’sexact diagnosis, but when writingthe novel, Haddon was purposefully vague.Following publication of the book, Haddonwrote on his blog that “Curious Incident isnot a book about Asperger’s… if anythingit’s a novel about difference, about being anoutsider, about seeing the world in a surprisingand revealing way.”Both the play and the book are incrediblypowerful. They were able to move me totears, silence me in fascination, and provokemy laughter, all in the course of around twoand a half hours. What I particularly love isthe fact that this is not a story about a disorder.This is a story about an intelligent,Helen Carey, Mercedes Herrero, Jocelyn Bioh, Alex Sharp (kneeling, Richard Hollis,David Manis, Ben Horner in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. (Photocredit, Joan Marcus, 2014)witty, and very original boy who also happensto have a disorder. That message aboutindividuality is something that the worldneeds to see.Alexandra Cohen is a first year Health Sciencesstudent at Marianopolis College andan active volunteer in many community organizations.Créatability Expo: A celebration of special art and artistsBy Wendy SingerMontreal’s first ever special needs artisan marketpresented creative professionals with specialneeds the opportunity to promote and selltheir handmade creations. Arts and crafts on exhibit includedphotographs by Eli Adams from Vermont, jewelryby Kenza’s Kreations, home-made dog food andbowls by Peter Hall School students, pencil drawingsby Heidi Vormer, candles and soaps by Light a Dream,and paintings by 10-year-old Kirk Davidson, to namea few.Organized by the Big Blue Hug and Rekinexion, andsponsored by Inspirations News and Investors Group,Créatability aims to encourage a paradigm shift of howsociety views what special needs people can achieveand the role they have in our society.“The vision begins with the artisan market and continueslong term in supporting any person with an intel-lectual, developmental or physical disability in findingand maintaining meaningful employment,” shared JasonGoldsmith, Founder of Créatability, and The BigBlue Hug.There are few words to describe the joyful feeling atRekinexion, where the event was held on May 8. Theover 150 visitors got to know the artists, appreciatedtheir talent and the courage it takes to share personalworks and stories, and left with their artwork of choicein hand. Artists connected with one another, bondingin their shared accomplishment and experiences.“The event surpassed our expectations on so manylevels,” said Lisa Marcovici of Rekinexion. “We arealready excited to plan the next one!”Read more about Créatability on our blog: The InspiredBlogger: Special needs in Montreal. To viewphotos of the event, visit the Inspirations Facebookpage. For information, contact creatabilityexpo@gmail.com or visit www.creatabilityexpo.com.Leanna and Zach from Light a Dream at the Créatability Expo.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 30Learning Associates of Montreal:Summer Reading Program becomes a full-day summer campBy Amanda Light DunbarFrom her desk in the administrativeoffice of the Learning Associates ofMontreal (LAM), Sharron Gersovitzhas seen hundreds of kids pass by her door.They come for a variety of reasons. Someneed help with organization, others withverbal expression, others with math, andmany come for help with reading.“A lot of parents call us because they’veheard what we can do, just through word ofmouth,” says Gersovitz. “They might havea neighbour or a friend in the school whosechild we have helped. It’s amazing howmany kids go through school strugglingto read, and for parents, it can be a scarything.”For those families, LAM’s Summer ReadingProgram provides an important booster duringa season when school seems eons awayand academic skills are easily forgotten.The Summer Reading Program has beenaround for many years, but this summer isthe first time the program will run as a fulldaycamp, incorporating both indoor andoutdoor activities, and lots of reading, ofcourse.“Families we’ve worked with in the pasthave enjoyed the program, but they’ve hada hard time scheduling their days aroundpicking up their kids at noon,” says Marie-Ève Sauriol, one of the program’s coordinators.“We’re happy to offer a revampedprogram that involves educational and funactivities all day long to please both kidsand their parents.”Planning for the Summer program beginsearly. Materials are ordered, from regularcamp supplies like glitter glue and soccerballs, to highly specialized tools like therapeuticpencil grips for small, unsteady handsand air-filled plastic seat cushions designedto allow kids to wiggle a little bit, but nottoo much.As well, each student wanting to registerreceives a one-on-one session with readingspecialists before they are placed in the program.“We assess students in order to have adeep understanding of their needs,” Sauriolexplains. “This way we can create an individualizedplan that addresses those needs.It allows each student to feel like they’re inthe right place, and that they can overcomethe challenges we setfor them, because thechallenges are at theright level. If we knowtheir strengths andweakness very specifically,we can help themthe most.”One thing LAM isknown for besides readingis this commitmentto individualized instruction.It’s what hasBy Wendy SingerThe Montreal Walk Now for AutismSpeaks has appointed 16-year-old JenniferRomano as the local Honorary WalkAmbassador for this year’s walk takingplace on Sunday, May 24, 2015. A studentat École Père-Marquette (Commission scolairede Montréal), Jennifer is helping toraise autism awareness and vital funds forresearch and grants. Jennifer and her familyhave been supportive volunteersfor the Montreal WalkNow event since its inceptionfive years ago. Theirfamily team, named Team ofLove and Hope, pretty muchsays it all.Join our team! I am excitedto be heading up Team Inspirationsthis year. To makea donation or join our team,log onto our team page onthe Montreal Walk Now forAutism Speaks Canada website(www.autismspeaks.ca),click on Walk, then head tothe Montreal page). We lookforward to seeing you there.kept families coming back for almost 25years.For more information on the Summer ReadingProgram, which runs in both Frenchand English, call (514) 989-9360 or visitwww.learnmtl.org.Montreal Walk Now for Autism Speaks updatesCongratulations to Spectrum Productionsand The McGill University HealthCentre’s (MUHC) Autism Spectrum DisordersProgram for being two of the threeorganizations in Quebec to receive AutismSpeaks Canada’s Family Service CommunityGrants 2014.Spectrum Productions received $25,000 fortheir Employment Opportunity Programwhile the MUHC was awarded $25,000 forThe Autism Family Navigator Toolkit.Jennifer Romano (back row, second from left) volunteeringin 2014 with members of her walk team ‘Love andHope’, and volunteer Angelika Moore (standing in thefront). (Photo credit, Philip Ross White)

31Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSPutting your self-belief to the testJay Jones-Doyle is currently the Presidentof Confidence Driven Coaching,the Chief Financial Officer with theCentre for International SustainableDevelopment Law, and worked withthe UN’s Business and Biodiversityprogramme. He holds two advanceddegrees and was named one of Quebec’stop three graduate students of2011 as well as Concordia’s OutstandingStudent of the Year. He sits on theBoard of Directors of the ConcordiaUniversity Alumni Association, is anaccomplished motivational speaker, achampionship-winning junior hockeycoach, the proud father of a ten yearoldboy, and has cerebral palsy. Findout more at www.confidencedrivencoaching.com.By Jay Jones-DoyleI have realized that there are two stagesto success, each of which poses its ownunique set of challenges. In the first stageyou battle yourself, which is incrediblyhard as your opponent CHEATS! He/she knows all of your secrets, your deepestfears and insecurities, and can usethem to hurt you if allowed. It often takesyears of sparring with your reflectionbefore you can consistently defeat thenegative self-talk that prevents so manypeople from realizing their dreams, oreven feeling worthy of having them.For those who emerge victorious fromthis stage, armed with a genuine senseof self-esteem that is resilient when challenged,the next stage awaits. This stageis where battle-hardened reinforcementsare tested against the realities of theworld. The main question answered atthis stage is: “While I now think that Iam worthy, what else do I need to succeedand can I get it?”Success is, more often than not, a collaborativething. Few ever achieve success(whatever that may mean to the person)without convincing others along the waythat they are worth following and believingin. This aspect of success can be hard,or easy, depending on circumstance andpersonality. In this, belief in one’s self isimportant - even critical - but it is in theapplication of that self-belief that definesthe overall outcome. This execution is oftenriskiest when people decide to base aprofessional undertaking on a particularaspect of them that also underpins theirself-esteem (such as a gift for helping people),because failure would involve a needto evaluate both personal and professionalfactors. But the converse applies as well. Ifyou are able to become professionally successfulby leveraging something that youfeel makes you special and valuable, youstand to have a very happy career and beone of the lucky few for whom work is notwork. This is the risk that I am taking now.I have just started a personal, professional,and life coaching practice called ConfidenceDriven Coaching (www.confidencedrivencoaching.com).I have beencoaching friends and acquaintances foras long as I can remember, and I havebeen told over and over that I need topursue it professionally. I have alwaystaken great pleasure in positively impactingthe lives of those around me, and nowI am taking the leap to see if I can makethis source of pride into a career. WhileI do have a niche cornered in terms ofguiding individuals with disabilities, andtheir loved ones, I am also fully qualifiedto coach non-disabled individuals in bothpersonal and professional realms. Joinme on this journey, as needed, and thankyou for your support.Sincerely,Strength-Based Parenting:It’s all about the attitudeBy Despina VassiliouParenting is one of the most challengingjobs out there. A large part ofa parent’s role is to ensure that ourchildren will develop life skills that willhelp them adapt to the challenges life willinevitably throw at them. Charlie AppelsteinM.S.W., among other credentials, contendsthat a strength-based approach to parentingcan have a positive impact on children,including those with special needs. He arguesthat there are two major componentsin a strength-based approach: attitude andaction. We need to convey certain attitudesand we do so by taking actions.The most important attitude a parent canconvey is ‘I believe in you’. After all, if weas parents don’t believe in our children, inall that they can accomplish, who will? Everytime we convey through our actions andwords that we genuinely believe they canaccomplish a task it’s a way of providingthem with the mental ‘vitamins ‘which buildconfidence. Children and adults accomplishmore when they feel confident. We do betterwhen we feel better. Focusing on strengthsleads us to focus on what a child can do andreframe those areas that we feel that he orshe may have yet to master. Changing thevocabulary from can’t to can or stubbornto determined has a tremendous impact onthe motivation of a child. By focusing ona child’s numerous accomplishments andstrengths, no matter how small or large, thisstrengthens and builds up the list of skills achild can use when needed.Another method to change up the vocabularyis to reframe how ‘errors’ or ‘weaknesses’are perceived. For instance, when a childfails an exam or has problems with reading,instead of focusing on these problems wecan reframe them as roadblocks. When confrontedwith roadblocks as drivers we haveto find a way around them. For instance, alltoo often we hear people refer to childrenwho do not do their homework as lazy. Oncebranded as lazy, what can a child do? Thechild then does not feel good and will lackthe motivation to do better. If, however, wereally look at the situation carefully and reframea child’s inability to do homeworkas a roadblock, then we can find options ofwhat to do. Some alternate routes for thischild may be that he needs help breakingup the tasks into smaller chunks, or organizingthe desk to ensure it is clear of distractions,or making a checklist to ensure thatall work goes to and from home and schoolevery day. These are all strategies and skillswe can teach that can help him accomplishhis work.In summary, by focusing on a child’sstrengths we build them up. It is our attitudesas well as our actions that will have animportant impact on a child’s development.When we focus on the strengths, we build achild’s self-esteem and confidence. When achild faces a challenge, reframe it as roadblockthat can be overcome. The result willbe stronger and healthier children.Despina Vassiliou is a psychologist at theEnglish Montreal School Board.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 32New Frontiers School Board: In the ZoneBy Loretta LabrecqueHeritage School in Huntingdon, partof the New Frontiers School Board(NFSB), began implementing theprogram The Zones of Regulation, a frameworkand curriculum designed to fosterskills in self-regulation, including emotionalcontrol, sensory regulation, and executivefunctions (Kuypers & Winner 2011) withtwo grade 1 classes in January 2015. LorettaLabrecque, Readaptation Officer (NFSB),works with the classes every two weeksintroducing a new concept of the programthrough lessons, discussions, stories andhands on activities.Given the fact that students respond so wellto technology, it is being used during thelessons to engage the students and reinforcethe skills. By connecting the Zones of RegulationApp to the Smart Board, students taketurns with the different learning activities.In addition, Kahoot.com, a game-basedlearning tool to create interactive quizzesprojected onto the Smart Board, is used. Thestudents connect their iPad to the game anduse it as their responding device to answereach question by choosing the appropriateZone from the four choices on their iPad.The responses are stored in Kahoot, allowingfor the evaluation of the student’s levelof comprehension of the program and tailorlessons based upon their responses. The excitementin the room soars and the studentsdon’t even realize they are learning. Theyalso learn strategies through exploring differenttools and sensory activities to helpregulate their state of alertness and remainwithin the ‘green Zone’.The goal of this program is to make studentsaware of identifying and regulating theirZones and actions, which in turn leads toincreased control and problem solving abilities.Besides classifying their emotions intoZones, students are learning about expectedand unexpected behaviors and perspectivetaking skills. They learn that it is okay tobe in different zones sometimes but it is ourunexpected behaviors that can get us intotrouble.As one student stated: “It’s okay to be madwhen my brother breaks my toys, but hittinghim would be an unexpected behavior.”Students are using the language of theprogram and concepts throughout the day.“Since we started talking about the Zonesof Regulation, we feel that the studentshave a good understanding of the conceptsand are labeling their emotions and Zonesindependently,” state the staff. The teachersreinforce the skills through activities,labeling and discussions throughout the daywith their students andare working with themon staying in the GreenZone or helping themto get back to the GreenZone using the regulationtools they have learnt.According to the teachers,the students are veryenthusiastic about learningabout the Zones ofRegulation and are surprisedto see how quicklythe students grasped the concepts and startedusing them right away.Kuypers, L., & Winner, M. (2011). Thezones of regulation: A curriculum designedto foster self-regulation and emotional control.San Jose, CA: Think Social Pub.Loretta Labrecque is the re-adaptation officer,working with our students with autismwithin our 10 elementary schools and twohigh schools.

Developing personal interests, interactingwith peers, and increasingskills are universal benefits of recreationaland social activities. For childrenand youth with disabilities, there are addedbenefits of participation, including bettercoping skills and physical health, and reducedfamily stress.“Services that promote functional independenceand engagement in activity are mostintense in the first five years of a child’s life,and then things start to fall off as childrengrow older,” says Dr. Annette Majnemer,Director and Associate Dean, School ofPhysical & Occupational Therapy at McGillUniversity.Children and youth with disabilities facenumerous barriers to participation. Researchexists that identifies those barriers and suggestways to overcome them, but few mechanismsexist for translating that knowledgeinto action.Together, Dr. Keiko Shikako-Thomas, AssistantProfessor at the School of Physical &Occupational Therapy at McGill Universityand Dr. Majnemer, have developed Jooay,an App that can be accessed via smartphoneor the web, that helps families and cliniciansconnect children with disabilities to adaptedand inclusive leisure activities in their com-33Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSJooay: An App for adapted leisure activities for childrenBy Bethany Beckermunities.The idea for the App came about at a RehabilitationKnowledge Translation Symposiumthat was held at McGill University andhosted by the School. Developed by Shikako-Thomas,Majnemer and her occupationaltherapy (OT) colleagues, the Jooay conceptgained the interest of developers after it waspitched at the Hacking Health 2014 Hackathonin Montreal. This Montreal-basedorganization aims to improve healthcare byinviting technology creators and healthcareprofessionals from across Canada to generatelow-cost, innovative concepts that canbe rapidly prototyped and refined. The OTsjoined forces with the tech team who createdthe user interface, graphics and designfor Jooay.“It’s an interesting example of integratedKnowledge Translation (KT),” observesShikako-Thomas. “The idea, whichemerged from interviews with youth withcerebral palsy, parents and others, evolvedwith the participation of public and industrypartners, then came back to the universityas part of the CHILD LeisureNET researchproject, and is now returning to the community…quite the complete KT cycle!”The development of the App was made possiblethrough research funds from the CanadianInstitutes of Health Research and NeuroDevNet,and the Rick Hansen Foundation.Community partners include the TrevorWilliams Foundation and the MontrealChildren’s Hospital Foundation.“We came up with idea for the App whenwe heard that people didn’t know wherethey could go for activities such as adaptiveyoga, swimming or camps,” saysMajnemer. “We’ve been told ‘we’d loveto do it [leisure activity] but we haveno idea where to go for it’. We thought,‘that’s an easy fix’.”Jooay’s success will depend on user engagement- their additions to Jooay’sgrowing database will help keep programscurrent and information up-to-date,providing the most relevant resources forfamilies to access leisure. “So many peopleare engaged and excited, from occupationaltherapists to technologists, kids,Lakeshore Super Sonics Soccer without limitationsand parents,” Majnemer adds.“The interactions are really powerful,” saysShikako-Thomas. “It’s awareness and desirefor change, coming together with realisticsolutions.”Jooay is now available for free in the Appstore for iOS and Android. The web-basedversion is available at jooay.com. Formore information on promoting leisure forchildren with disabilities, to participate onCHILD LeisureNET and find a range of resources,programs ideas, and a communityof support visit childhooddisability.ca/leisure.Bethany Becker is the communications managerfor NeuroDevNet, a national Networkof Centres of Excellence focusing on braindevelopment.There are no limits to learning basic soccer skills, getting fit and having fun while discovering a healthy appetite for competition and strengthening achild’s cognitive and gross motor skills.Our ambitions are to fine tune and further develop each individual child’s abilities so that they may discover their inner athlete and live life to the fullest.For who: all children aged 4 - 17 years who are intellectually challenged, or who suffer from poor social skills or low self-esteem due to behavioral orlearning difficulties.When: Summer outdoor season - Saturday mornings from May through August.Winter indoor season - Saturday mornings from January through April.Cost: $50 per season.Ratio of coaches to children varies between 1:2 and 1:4 – depending on the needs of the participants.We also have a Young Coach Mentoring Program; for aspiring young coaches aged between 14 - 20 years.Coaches and players alike learn valuable life skills that help overcome any challenges life throws at them.Getting involved with Super Sonics is when the magic begins!Kelly-Anne Soutter – Director Generalwww.lakeshoresoccer.ca or dg@lakeshoresoccer.ca

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 34Sports by Daniel SmajovitsBy Daniel SmajovitsLocal sledge hockey team scoreson and off the iceEvery Saturday morning the Piratesgather at centre ice of Howie MorenzArena in Park Extension, ready toplay the game they love.However, only a few years ago, these Saturdaysseemed like an impossibility.Despite the overwhelming popularity ofhockey in Quebec, the sport of sledge hockeyhad garnered little interest and even lessattention.“The original program in Quebec did nothave enough players to make a junior team,”said Maria Colavita, current team manager.“So, a few years ago, tryouts were held totry and spark some interest.”While the two original coaches, one an occupationaland the other a physical therapist,managed to field a group of players, callingthem a team would prove to be a stretch.In fact, with 11 players ranging in age fromsix to 16, the team looked more like GordonBombay’s District 5 than an organizedsledge hockey team.“We were all different levels, age groups andwith different disabilities, but it worked,”said Maria.Yet, piece-by-piece, player-by-player, theprogram slowly came together. For theplayers, their weekly time on the ice hasundoubtedly proven to be incredibly beneficial.“A lot are very limited in what they can dowith varying degrees of mobility, but thefact is that being on the ice once a week istremendous therapy,” said Maria. “We hadone player who started off only being ableto handle a stick with one hand, now he canuse both hands.”“There is a tremendous social aspect to thetime together as well,” she added. “Being onthe ice with older players is important forthe kids. The older ones stay on ice to helpout. These are Paralympians playing withthem, they are great role models on and offthe ice.”Even for Maria, little did she know that afterstruggling to find a sport for her son Jason toplay, not only would he fall in love with thegame, but her whole family would as well.Jason shines on the ice, Maria takes care ofmanagerial duties, while her husband Rossand her older son Jonathan serve as assistantcoaches.However, the Pirates’ story doesn’t endthere, as after all, at the heart of these athletesis a desire to compete.Without a proper sledge hockey league inQuebec, games and tournaments are fewand far between. Occasionally, they hit theice against an Ottawa-based team and all theplayers across Quebec are mixed up for atournament in Quebec City, but their ultimategoal is competing in the annual CruiserCup in Brampton.In fact, their first Cruiser Cup experience in2012 doubled as their first organized game.“It was amazing just to see their faces,” saidMaria. “We didn’t win anything, the kidswere just wowed to be on the rink, they hadno idea what to expect.”A year later, the Pirates returned and theteam skated away with a bronze medal.With a year more of experience under theirbelts, this past November, they had silverdraped around their necks.“For some players, this is the one activitythey have per week,” added Maria. “Oneplayer made the Quebec team, and representedthe province in different tournaments.I think some will be invited to teamCanada, this is a very promising sport forour region.”But for now, these players have a goldengoal, as the next Cruiser Cup is only eightmonths – or 24 Saturdays – away.For more information, please visit www.hockeyluge.ca or e-mail hockeylugejunior@hotmail.com.Les Pirates de Montréal Sledge Hockey team (Photo courtesy of Hockey Luge Montreal)Continued from Cover PageLaval resident Andrew Perez isheading to L.A. for the SpecialOlympics World Games. At theage of nine, Perez began swimming withSpecial Olympics Quebec. The more heswam, the more he progressed, and in2007, he participated in his first Jeux duQuébec. That is where he connected withhis coach and Club de Natation Laval,where he continues to train six times aweek.Now 25 years old, Perez’ integration intoFrench-language swim clubs and teamswas not an easy feat. But with effort fromhis coaches and team mates, they havemade it work. This young man who hasautism, is one of three swimmers fromQuebec attending the Special OlympicsWorld Games in Los Angeles this summerfrom July 25 to August 2.On February 27, his family hosted a spaghettidinner fundraiser to help financeAndrew’s dream. Funds raised will supporthis personal trainers, massage therapists,competitions and equipment.Continued from Cover PageTwo-time Olympic free-style skiingchampion and friend to InspirationsAlexandre Bilodeau is thenew Ambassador to Special OlympicsQuébec, a non-profit organization thatencourages Quebecers with intellectualdisabilities to take part in sport. Hejoins Annie Pelletier, who has been anAmbassador to the organization for 18years.The Special Olympics is very close toBilodeau’s heart. He has been involvedin the organization with his brother Frédéric,who has cerebral palsy, for manyyears. Bilodeau told Global News thathe aspires to increase accessibility ofsport to people with intellectual disabilities,and increase the movement bymaking people aware of what the SpecialOlympics are. “It is very differentfrom the Paralympic Games but at thesame time, these people are real athleteswho train very hard and represent Quebecand Canada in national and worldcompetitions,” said Bilodeau.

THE VOICE OFMONTREAL35Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSUnleashing one’s innerartist at Galileo AdultEducation CentreANDREW CARTERWEEKDAYS 5:30 - 9 AMBy Lisa TrottoStudents with special needs at GalileoAdult Education Centre undergolife’s challenges with an open mindand a positive attitude. Their passion forlearning, drive for success and joie de vivreare truly an inspiration.The Social Integration Services(SIS) program atGalileo exposes students todiverse learning practices,including social, personaland work experiences. Whileself-expression and visualrepresentation are not typicalstaples in a program ofthis nature, art class quicklybecame a favorite amongststudents when Anna Persichilli,a Galileo SIS teacherintroduced the Artist of theMonth project. Studying artistslike Van Gogh, JacksonPollock, and Leonardo DaVinci while deconstructingtheir work and connecting tothe artists was something studentsgrew to be very interested in.The Galileo staff began to notice just howdeeply the diverse forms of art were positivelyaffecting students. Notably, the workof Chuck Close, an artist they share commonground with, captivated them. Close,prominently recognized for his photorealism,is confined to a wheelchair due to aspinal artery collapse. Witnessing the vividimmense-scale works of art produced by aman who is paralyzed empowered studentsto create their own masterpiece.Because of this initiative, Joe Cacchione,vice-principal of Galileo, along with otherstaff and board members, began pilotingGalileo’s first ever Special Needs Trip toone of the most famous art capitals: NewYork City. Cacchione’s idea was embracedwith open arms by Martina Schiavone,principal of Galileo and Cosmo Della Rocca,director of AEVS at the EMSB.Fundraising, from bake sales to garagesales, began in order to fund the trip. ASpecial Needs Comedy Fundraiser, held onFebruary 21 at Buffet Colosseo, included adelicious meal, inspirational speeches, anauction, raffle prizes, dancing, live musicby singer Ana Graur, and comedy by GuidoGrasso and none other than Galileo’s JoeCacchione!Students with special needs that were atthe event expressed their gratitude to theirschool community and those who helpedSIS students recreated Einstein art work in ChuckClose’s style (portraits). (Photo credit, Lu Termini)attain their goals, realizing that dreams docome true.In her speech, Schiavone thanked the teachers,staff and students for their constant dedication.She shed light on the importance ofbuilding strong collaborative learning communitiesand the importance of equity for allstudents. The fundraising paid off, and the$30,000 required for the trip was surpassed.On March 30, students embarked on a voyageof a lifetime. The city that never sleepskept students wide-awake through this adventure.Words cannot describe the joy thatthese students expressed about this uniqueopportunity. Galileo’s resilient team efforts,encouragement for student success and supportfor learning outside of the classroomhas made what was once a dream, a realityfor these outstanding students.I believe Chuck Close said it best, I quote:“Never let anyone define what you are capableof by using parameters that don’t applyto you.”

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 36Adapted Travel by Mike Cohenwith files from Ilana SpectorLAS VEGAS – There is no questionthat Las Vegas (www.lasvegastourism.com)ranks as one ofthe most exciting and entertainingcities in the world.WHERE TO STAY: Looking for a placeto stay? We took the advice of MontrealerMitch Garber and chose Planet HollywoodResort and Casino (www.planethollywoodresort.comto make reservations). Garber isthe President and CEO of Caesars AcquisitionCompany (CAC). He oversees the entireoperation, which includes their groupof hotels and casinos. Planet HollywoodResort & Casino is one of the newest additionsto the Caesars Entertainment family inLas Vegas and is a full partner in Total Rewards.It has 2,500 beautifully designedguest rooms and suites showcasing someof the best views in town and encompassesmore than 100,000 square-feet of gaming,several lounges, 10 restaurants, includingGordon Ramsay BurGR, KOI, Strip House,the award-winning Spice Market Buffetand LA’s Pink’s Hot Dogs, and the PlanetHollywood Spa by Mandara. The resort isalso home to one of pop music’s biggest superstarsBritney Spears and her show, Britney:Piece of Me. The property is encircledby Miracle Mile Shops with more than 170specialty stores and restaurants.Accommodations here are fit for the celebrityA-List, and perfect for Hollywoodbuffs. Every one of its rooms and suitesfeatures one-of-a-kind movie memorabiliaset against a backdrop of stylish, modernluxury. If you’re a hardcore Hollywoodfan, the Panorama Suites will truly feel likeheaven on earth. Measuring 1,255 squarefeet and offering a 180-degree view of theStrip, each Las Vegas room features itsown Hollywood theme. Ours featured actressDemi Moore. The floor plan includesa master bedroom with a 36-inch plasmatelevision and a separate living area, a masterbathroom with an oversized soaking tub,a separate dining area with refrigerator andwet bar, and a 52-inch plasma television inthe living area. An additional bedroom andbathroom with 500 square-feet can be addedto any Panorama Suite – something weopted for. Our party of three really appreciatedthe individual privacy this arrangementfacilitated. In fact we could have fitmore than double the amount of peoplecomfortably. There were three, count them“three,” bathrooms. You can connect twoWiFi devices at no charge. There is a fee ifyou go over that.Planet Hollywood is fully wheelchair accessible.Stop by the Bell Desk when youarrive at the hotel and they will be happy toset you up with a scooter or wheelchair. Thedaily rental fee for non-motorized wheelchairsis $20 per day. Motorized scootersare available for $45 per day. Multi-daydiscounts are available.Hats off to the hotel for its commitment tospecial needs. Last October they hosted animpressive fundraiser for Special OlympicsNevada, offering individuals the opportunityto rappel more than 300 feet from thehotel’s rooftop in an event called Overthe Edge. To participate, individuals hadto raise or personally donate a minimum of$1,000 to Special Olympics Nevada.The Cirque de Soleil’s Michael Jackson One has lots of action.Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is the ideal place to stay.Las Vegas has more accessible guest roomsthan any other city in the United States.Hotels have rooms with roll-in showers,transfer showers, tubs with built-in seatsand tubs with portable seats. It is recommendedyou talk to the reservation operatorabout your specific requirements. If youneed additional details, ask for the hotel’sADA coordinator. For an overview of roomavailability, call the Las Vegas Conventionand Visitors Authority Reservations Center:Voice/TTY - 1-800-884-2592.Most hotels have assistive listening devicesfor hearing-impaired persons available atthe showroom or lounge entrance. Wheelchairseating is also available in most restaurants,lounges and showrooms. Callahead for details.All hotels have accessible slot machinesand many have sit-down table games.Many hotels also have accommodationsfor wheelchair users to play craps. Gamingpersonnel are well-trained in assisting visionand hearing-impaired persons to playtable games. If you need a sign languageinterpreter for the gaming schools offeredat many of the casinos, just ask in advance.Most bingo rooms have Braille cards andlarge-print cards. A few larger rooms haveelectronic bingo, enabling visually impairedplayers or persons with hand-dexterityproblems to play up to 100 cards atonce!All taxi companies in Las Vegas have liftequippedvans accommodating one wheelchair.Call from your room, use any dedicatedtaxi phone or ask the doorman at yourhotel for an accessible taxi van.BOOKING A SHOW: My family has becomea big fan of Viator (www.viator.com).Their team of travel insiders are obsessedwith finding the best things to do everywherefolks travel. We discovered Viatorlast summer while in Europe and took advantageof its amazing list of options, sowhen it came to booking a trip to Vegaswe turned to them again. Viator made ourjob of selecting a live show so easy. Therewere simply too many options and goingthrough their website really helped us narrowdown our choice which was the Cirquede Soleil’s incredible Michael JacksonONE (http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-one/show/about.aspx), a sonic, tonic fusion of acrobatics,dance and visuals that takes the audienceon an immersive journey through the musicand spirit of Michael Jackson. Showstake place at the Mandalay Bay Resortand Casino Friday, Saturday, Monday andTuesday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Sundaysat 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dark days areWednesdays and Thursdays. Driven by thelate King of Pop’s powerful, multi-layeredmusic – heard like never before in a riveting,state-of-the-art surround-sound environment– ONE takes the audience througha series of seamless visual and musicaltableaux, at the heart of a world that is inturn majestic, playful, magical and heartwarming.Jackson’s spirit is channelledthrough the vibrant energy of the cast of63 dancers and performers, underscored byaerial performance, driving acrobatics, andvivid choreographies that use the urban/hiphop idiom as a springboard for exploration.When the day comes for a return trip, weare eager to experience some of the otherlive shows they offer, helicopter tours, bigbus and city tours, monorail tickets, airporttransportation in style, Grand Canyon adventuresand much more. Log on to http://www.viator.com/Las-Vegas/d684-ttd.EIFFEL TOWER EXPERIENCE: TheParis Hotel, right next to Planet Hollywood,is also a Caesar’s property. Twomembers of our party had been to Paris,France, and went to the top of the realEiffel Tower. We just had to do the samein Las Vegas. An icon of the city skyline,the high-altitude Paris Hotel Eiffel TowerExperience attraction is located 46 storiesup and is a half scale replica of the worldfamousParis landmark. The observationdeck features 360 degree city views andknowledgeable ambassadors point outLas Vegas landmarks. A popular spot forweddings, the Eiffel Tower Experience isespecially romantic at night. The views ofthe bright, colourful lights and the lit watershow are unmatched. This attractionis wheelchair accessible. Individuals in

wheelchairs who wish to visit the Towerare escorted to the elevators on the CasinoFloor and are either taken to the Bridge forpictures or straight to the top. The Tower isopen Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to12:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. You can call 1-888-266-5687 for more information or log onto http://www.parislasvegas.com/things-todo/eiffel-tower.HELICOPTER JUST MAVERICK:Here is an experience we strongly recommend.Maverick Helicopters (www.maverickaviationgroup.com)offer an unforgettable12 to 15 minute ride, departing fromthe Las Vegas terminal. A complimentaryshuttle provides transportation to and fromhotels within five miles of the Strip so thatwas incredibly convenient for our party.Make sure to bring a camera, and photoID (for anyone 18 years or older). The costis $124 per person. Upon arrival you willenjoy a fabulous glass of champagne. Theirbig draws are trips to the Grand Canyon,something which is at the top of our “to do”list for any future visit.Guests are treated to the plush interior ofMaverick’s ECO-Star helicopters, as wellas personal narration by highly qualifiedpilots. The helicopters are equipped withseven leather passenger seats plus one forthe pilot. The seating arrangement is determinedby the pilot based on the passengers’weights. Maverick’s VIP check-in loungesare located on the Strip, only minutes awayfrom the hotels, and at the Henderson ExecutiveAirport, just 15 minutes from thecity.Maverick offers a personalized DVD recordingof the flight. Those in wheelchairscan enjoy this experience. To fly and beaccommodated, you will need to have acollapsible wheelchair with removablewheels. You must also be accompanied bysomeone who can assist you with boardingand disembarking the aircraft. Maverick isADA compliant. Guest in wheelchairs flywith Maverick often. For more informationyou can call 1-888-261-4414, (702) 261-0007 or log on to www.flymaverick.com.BODIES AND TITANIC EXHIBI-TIONS: We strongly recommend you takethe time to visit two spectacular exhibitionsat the Luxor in Las Vegas: Bodies and theTitanic. Experienced by more than 15 millionpeople worldwide, this Exhibition offersan intimate and informative view intothe human body. Using an innovative preservationprocess, the Exhibition allows visitorsto see the human body’s inner beautyin educational and awe-inspiring ways.The Exhibition features over 200 actualhuman bodies and specimens meticulouslydissected and respectfully displayed, offeringan unprecedented and wholly uniqueview into the amazing body. Meanwhile,if you loved the 1997 movie Titanic, thenthe Titanic exhibit at the Luxor will blowyou away. Featuring more than 300 artifacts,as well as breathtaking replicas fromthe famous ship, the Titanic exhibit trulybrings history to life. The exhibit features20 never-before-seen artifacts includinggaming chips, passenger papers and evendecorative sections from the Titanic’s famousGrand Staircase. In addition, thereare many personal pieces within the exhibit.Our party was completely blown awayby the fact they could mount such a largeexhibition indoors. For anyone who hasseen the movie, this is a “must,” visit. Ifyou have not seen the film, this will promptyou to do so. Hours of operation for bothexhibits are daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ata cost of $32 per person. The last admissionis sold at 9 p.m. This venue is wheelchairaccessible, with elevators.WHERE TO DINE: Having previouslyexperienced TAO Restaurant in New YorkCity, our party had only one dining spotin mind for Las Vegas and that was the40,000 square foot, $20 million designdrivendining and entertainment complexTAO at The Venetian-Resort-Hotel Casino(www.taolasvegas.com). TAO opened inNew York City in 2000 and has retainedits status as a hot spot, attracting celebritiesand sports figures and catapulting therestaurant and lounge to iconic status. TAOLas Vegas, which debuted in 2005, is amulti-faceted and multi-story “Asian City”housing a restaurant, banquet facilities, ultra-lounge,nightclub and a seasonal beach.Maverick helicopters are wheelchair accessible.37The restaurant features a twenty-foot Buddhathat “floats” peacefully above an infinitypool complete with Japanese Koi. It is afrequent hot spot for A-list celebrities andculinary connoisseurs.Corporate Executive Chef Ralph Scamardellashowcases a menu incorporatingculinary components from China, Japanand Thailand, along with a full sushi barand perfectly paired cocktails to complementthe authentic Asian cuisine. Signaturedishes include offerings from sea, sky andland, including Chilean Sea Bass Satay withWok Roasted Asparagus, a preparation ofPeking Duck that consistently receives accoladesand Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu alongwith a full sushi bar. TAO Beach offers anabbreviated version of TAO Asian Bistro’sdinner menu throughout the day, as well asa brunch menu that boasts specialties likeSesame Berry Pancakes with tempura bananaand mandarin butter, Fortune.Service starts when the server delivers twochina bowls, one empty, and the other filledwith chilled edamame. The edamame istossed with mustard oil, thinly sliced shallots,and black sesame seeds.Our group considered this to be beyond exceptional,sampling a good portion of itemson the menu. We recommend the following:Roasted Shishito Peppers with Yuzu;Edamame; Satay of Chilean Sea Bass,with Edamame Hijiki Salad (shitake mushroomplus seaweed); Spicy Tuna Tartare onCrispy Rice; Chinese Five Spice Short Ribs(beef); Salmon Sashimi, with Avocado andCrispy Onions and Sweet and Spicy SesameSauce; Shrimp Tempura; Spicy Tuna;Avocado and Soy Paper Roll; YellowtailSashimi, with Jalapeno and Ponzu Sauce;Crispy Snapper in the Sand; VegetableFried Brown Rice; Spicy Hoi Yin Eggplant;a Giant Fortune Cookie (white anddark chocolate mousse); and Yuzu SugarDusted Doughnuts with a trio of dippingsauces. As for alcohol, consider the TAOtini,Orchid and Sake flight. Our waiterYorke convinced us to try the restaurant’sSpring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONSThe Kensington Hotel is a fabulous place to stay.The sprawling TAO Las Vegas is a culinary dream.three most popular sakes: DY-50; DrunkenSnapper; and Demon Slayer. A big shoutout to Assistant General Manager Eli Micaiahand his extraordinary team.At TAO Beach, they offer a range of frozencocktails, like the signature Par-Tee withTito’s, iced tea and frozen lemonade, inaddition to updated classics like the CitrusBlossom Mimosa with Ketel One Citroen,sparkling yuzu sake and lemongrass.Guests are transported from the City of Sinto the Pacific Rim with TAO’s lush velvetsand silks, waterfalls and century-old woodsand stones. A Monk Bar is decorated witha wall of almost 300 hand carved monksand candles. TAO Beach’s outdoor oasisfeatures luxury cabanas, daybeds and a 30-foot bar within its 18,000 square foot space.Since its opening, TAO Asian Bistro andNightclub has garnered worldwide acclaimas the hottest restaurant, loungeand nightclub in Las Vegas. TAO Beach’sdebut in April 2007 increased capacity toover 60,000 square feet of space to hostboth indoor and outdoor events. The venueconsists of seven full service bars, fourfully equipped DJ booths, and multiple areasthat can be utilized both separately andcollectively for corporate parties, productlaunches, weddings, birthday celebrations,bachelorette/bachelor parties, CD ReleaseParties, holiday receptions, movie premieresand more.There is complete wheelchair access atTAO Las Vegas.For reservations call (702) 388-8588 forspecial events email sales@taogroup.com.The restaurant, is open Sunday throughThursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Fridaysand Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.Mike Cohen is the editor of Inspirations.He can be reached at mcohen@inspirationsnews.com.Follow him on Twitter @mikecohencsl.

Spring / Summer 2015 - INSPIRATIONS 38ONE OF THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT AND COMPELLING NEW PLAYS OF THE DECADE514.739.7944 / SEGALCENTRE.ORGINTRODUCINGJACKVOLPEAS BILLY201529 20NOV/DECDIRECTED BY Sarna Lapine // Presented with ASL InterpretationTRIBES is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.WITHSUPPORT FROMBEING A SEGAL SUBSCRIBERIS WORTH CELEBRATING.MAKE THE SEGAL CENTRE YOUR HOME FOR THEPERFORMING ARTS AND ENJOY FIRST-CLASS THEATRE!+++++SAVE MONEY!FREE INDOOR PARKING!THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE!Before they go on sale to the general publicCAN’T MAKE A SHOW? NO PROBLEM!We offer free ticket exchanges by phone with 24 hours’ noticeSPECIAL SAVINGS!Exclusive discounts on additional Segal tickets and culturaloutings offered by our partnersSUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR BEST PRICES AND BEST SEATS!– – Single tickets on sale July 20 th – –5170 ch. de la Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3W 1M7While the Segal Centre for thePerforming Arts has not yet completedits present season, Artisticand Executive Director Lisa Rubinopened the curtain for the mediaand the VIP crowd recentlyfor what’s in store in 2015-2016.It has been a great year for the Segalso far on stage, highlighted byblockbusters Les Belles Soeursand Forever Plaid. Still to come,of course, is Mordecai Richler’slandmark coming of age novelThe Apprenticeship of DuddyKravitz, which will be gettingthe all-star musical treatment ina world premiere musical adaptationfrom June 7 to 28. DuddyKravitz has an original score byAlan Menken, the Tony and Oscar-winningcomposer of Beautyand the Beast, The Little Mermaidand The Little Shop of Horrors.The legendary composer isresponsible for some of the mostbeloved songs and musical scoresof our time.From November 29 to December20, 2015, the Segal Centrewill present British playwrightNina Raine’s internationallyacclaimedplay Tribes, a powerfullook at the meaning of language,love and what it meansto be understood. Jack Volpe(Seeing Voices Montreal) makeshis professional theatre debut asBilly, the only deaf member ofan eccentric, intellectual family.Volpe, who works by day at theMackay Centre School in NDG,is deaf. He attended the pressconference and delivered wordsof appreciation for getting therole via American Sign Languageinterpreter.“When Jack completed his audition,the electricity in the buildingwas palpable,” said Rubin. “Thisshow will be done with AmericanSign Language. We are very excitedto see how the Deaf andHard-of-Hearing communitycan be involved and see whatthe story can bring to them.”Inspirations Newspaperis proud to be an officialsponsor of this production.Segal subscribers enjoyworld-class theatre plusmany outstanding benefits,including freeindoor parking, up to30 percent off ticketprices, free ticket exchangeand exclusivesavings.Log on to www.segalcentre.orgfor ticket information,Deaf actorJack Volpeto appearin muchanticipatedSegal CentreproductionBy Mike Cohen

39Spring / Summer 2015- INSPIRATIONSSummit School has been educating students withdevelopmental disabilities for over 50 years. Weservice over 550 special needs students from theGreater Montreal area.We are a private school that is recognized and subsidized by the Quebec Ministry ofEducation. We offer 7 different educational programs to meet our students’ needs.Main Campuslocated in St Laurent.Lauren Hill Campuslocated in St Laurent.The dynamic team of professionals that makes up theover 180 person staff of Summit School includes:Classroom TeachersOccupational TherapistsPhysiotherapistsNursesVocational/ Life Skills CoachesSpecial Education ConsultantsInformation Technology SpecialistsSpeech and Language TherapistsPhysical Education TeachersCreative Arts TeachersTeaching AssistantsSocial WorkersPsychologistsBehaviour TechniciansDowntown Campushouses our WorkOriented TrainingProgram.Summit School Contact Info1750 DeguireSt Laurent H4L1M7514-744-2867www.summit-school.comDirector General: Mr. Herman ErdogmusVice Principal: Bena Finkelberg

Dynamic FunDsis prouD to sponsorthe caregiver oFinspirationawarD.dynamic.caDynamic Funds ® is a registered trademark of its owner, used under license, and a division of 1832 Asset Management L.P.13DWD175_DF_Inspiration_Award_Sponsor_EN_V2.indd 102-03-14 11:01 AM