Stepping Ahead!

WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

2011

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT GIANT STEPS A SCHOOL AND THERAPY CENTRE FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Another busy year at Giant Steps

Here at Giant Steps, we remain highly focused on our mission of enabling children with Autism Spectrum Disorder through specialized programs of academics, therapies and integration. With little steps and big leaps, our kids have achieved much this year, thanks to the generous support of our donors, friends, volunteers, staff and families. We appreciate you all! We invite you to read on to catch up on our news, and to visit us at www.giantstepstoronto.ca...

Technology opens doors for kids with autism

Speech and communication disorders are one of the primary challenges experienced by children with ASD. At Giant Steps, under the direction of our Speech and Language Pathologist, we use a wide variety and combination of strategies including speech and voice output therapy, sign language, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and augmentative communication devices. Now with the widespread availability of the iPod and iPad, specialized communication software, and the appeal computers and devices have with children with ASD, iTechnology offers exciting new opportunities for our kids beyond music and gaming. Whats the attraction? iTechnology is modifiable, predictable, visually appealing, portable and, compared to many augmentative communication devices, affordable. With touch screen capabilities, the iPads bigger screen, and specialized software like Proloquo2go and its voice output feature, iTechnology is an excellent communication option for many children. The camera on the iPad 2 enables users to quickly incorporate photos, personalizing the library of symbols and pictures that they can use to communicate. Thousands of apps offer unlimited programs and activities. And then theres the COOL factor; this is technology for everyone, helping kids with autism fit in with typically developing children. Here at Giant Steps, it is amazing to see how instantly engaged many students are when shown an iPad. Our kids use iPods and iPads as expressive communication tools, enabling them to communicate their wants and needs, make choices and greet others. Our teachers and therapists use them as tools to focus a childs attention and reinforce positive behaviours.
Technology...page 2

Diana with her iPad

WWW.GIANTSTEPSTORONTO.CA

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KIDS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

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Andre and his iDevices

by Deidre & Yves, Andres parents

Technology opens doors from page 1

Scheduling and timing apps help ease the transition and anxiety issues our students often experience moving to a new activity or setting. Our kids also make simple journals on their iDevices, enabling them to share what has happened at school or home. Number, money and calendar skills are practised, helping them achieve academic and social skill goals. And in their neighbourhood schools, the use of iPods and iPads by our kids provides a wonderful natural link between them and their classmates. For children, families and staff alike, the use of iTechnology is new and so our teachers, therapists and Program Assistants are busy keeping on top of developments in its use with children with ASD. In March, we were delighted to welcome David Neimeijer, Founder and CEO of AssistiveWare in the Arya using a Dynavox Netherlands and the developer of the Proloquo2go communication software program, to Giant Steps. David spent time observing our staff and kids, teaching us the fine points and capabilities of the program and getting feedback on features we would like incorporated in the future. An evening with Dana Sahian of the Childrens Treatment Network provided our families Kyle at our SMART Board with the most current information on augmentative communication strategies and software options. Beyond iPods and iPads, technology is in use in many ways at Giant Steps. For some of our children, augmentative and voice output devices like the Dynavox and the Springboard are integral parts of their communication plans. Desk and laptop computers and our SMART Board are well used in all our classrooms. The SMART Boards large screen and interactive design provides unmatched visual input and limitless learning activities for our kids. Technology is everywhere at Giant Steps!

Our son Andre is a mild-mannered 7 year-old who loves reading, music and any and all electronic gadgets. Andre also has autism and Down syndrome, and is largely nonverbal. After an extensive search for a school that would build on Andres abilities rather than focus on his disabilities, Andre is now completing his first year at Giant Steps and we are thrilled with his progress. At age 2, Andre started using PECS, the Picture Exchange Communication System, and while he did very well, his bulky picture binder was not very portable or easily modified. All that changed with iTechnology and Proloquo2go, an augmentative communication application that is used on an iPod Touch or iPad. Now Andres iPad is his workbook and his iTouch his voice. With his love of electronics, the iPads large screen and portability, and the immediate ability to add words, photos and new options, Andres academic and communication skills have greatly expanded. With his iPad, he proudly shares his new abilities to identify money, his experiences at school and on field trips, and the new social skills he is learning through the Circle of Friends program. Some of his favourite activities are his weekly journal presentation to his class via his iPad and using the videoing and voice recording capabilities on his iTouch to practise using his voice. We are in awe of what our son can now do, communicating his abilities, wants and needs, and practising skills with much more ease and detail. We are aware that the opportunities provided by iTechnology are dependent on the expertise, creativity and encouragement of the teachers and therapists who work with our kids. Giant Steps staff have embraced technology in their mission to bring out the best in our children. We are sincerely grateful for their compassion, dedication and hard work, and feel blessed to be part of the Giant Steps family.

Can you help?

If you can help us improve the lives of kids with autism through technology such as iPads, computers or software, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at info@giantstepstoronto.ca

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KIDS

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Special Siblings
Giant Steps siblings group Dining & Climbing was in full swing this spring, with siblings and friends of our students enjoying pizza, crafts and exploring our KRG Childrens Charitable Foundation Climbing Centre. Led by our staff, the group provides the opportunity to connect with other siblings of kids with autism, learn about ASD, share common experiences and gain a better understanding of their brothers and sisters.

Giant Steps student says Yes I Can!

Nominated by teacher Stacey Shuster, Liam Donnell received a Yes I Can Achievement Award from the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children in May. Liam was recognized for his athletic achievements in our KRG Childrens Charitable Foundation Climbing Centre. Twelve year-old Liam is hearing impaired and uses speech, sign language and his iPod to communicate. Liam has always struggled with an extreme fear of heights, but this year he conquered his fear, climbing our rock wall and sailing through our gym on our team swing. Full of pride, Liam shared his accomplishments with his mother on his iPod, a huge communication achievement for Liam. Liams newfound self confidence is enabling him to communicate more effectively, to try new activities and to fully participate in physical education programs. A big thank you to KRG Childrens Charitable Foundation and the opportunities their climbing centre provides our kids. WAY TO GO LIAM!

LOOKING

AHEAD

RECENT

EVENTS

The Bridle Bash Foundation Resource Centre

Thanks to the exceptional generosity of the Bridle Bash Foundation, our makeshift library has been renovated. May and June have been busy with the delivery of new furniture, touch screen computers, listening centre equipment and augmentative communication devices for our kids. Finishing touches will include bean bags, reading chairs, floor cushions and artwork. We cant wait for the many opportunities our new resource centre will provide; stay tuned for an Open House in the fall!

Partylicious
Saturday, August 13 This unique food tasting party features some of Toronto's top chefs and was a smash success again this year. Guests enjoyed fantastic food and entertainment under the stars at Jump Bar & Cafe. Our thanks go out to organizers George DiPede and the Remember Me Foundation, a group of entrepreneurs dedicated to raising funds in support of less recognized charities.

FORE Golf Tournament

Saturday, July 23 Held at Richmond Hill Golf Club, golfers tackled the course using just 2 clubs in acknowledgement of the challenges that kids with autism face every day. Thank you to Matthew Stallone, host Capital Drywall Systems and all their sponsors and golfers for their generous support of Giant Steps.

The Autism Speaks Calming Centre

As the recipient of a 2010 Family Service grant from Autism Speaks Canada, we are busy preparing a new therapy room that will feature Temple Grandins Squeeze Machine. Our new equipment will enable our Occupational Therapists to use controlled deep pressure to treat the sensory, behavioural and anxiety issues experienced by our children. This new therapy will be implemented as part of our treatment strategies in September, and we look forward to sharing our experiences with the greater autism community.

Artists for ASD

Saturday, April 30 An enthusiastic and talented group of artists and musicians joined forces at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto to raise awareness of ASD. Sponsored by Quillsoft Ltd. and hosted by Mike and Teresa Brown and Julie Brestovansky, proceeds from the event and art sale were generously donated to Giant Steps.

APPRECIATING

OUR DONORS, AUGUST 2010 TO AUGUST 2011

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Our donors of $500 & more - your gift makes a difference!

Agostino DeGasperis AMD Canada Genworth Financial Canada George Klein Creations Munro Ltd. North American Produce Buyers Ltd. North Rock Group Ltd. Nortrax Michel Paradis & Arlene Kern Parente, Borean LLP Pave-Al Limited Peter Rocca Daniele Ponzi Richard Porter John Proctor Progressive Anodizers Inc. Rabcon Contractors Ltd. Radiant Fine Jewellers RCK Properties Inc. Rocca Dickson Andreis Inc. Mary and Michael Rolland Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. Craig & Beverley Scott Sil-Dom Holdings Ltd. John & Stella Siu St. Marys Cement Inc. (Canada) Tridica Holdings Vaughan Metal Polishing Limited VLogics Investments W. Alan Hill Celeste Yu AMD Foundation Employee Giving Halton Crushed Stone Limited Program Harry Bowes Children's Centre Angus Glen Golf Club Homelife/Superstars Real Estate Artists for ASD Aurora Home Hardware Axxess Logistics Bayley Family The BBQ Gourmet Bell Canada The Bitove Foundation Blair Building Materials Inc. Bondfield Construction Douglas Cannon Capital Drywall Systems Caralco Holdings Ltd. Limited The Honey & Leonard Wolfe Family Charitable Foundation Intercity Realty Inc. Brokerage Jack & Anne Mollenhauer Family Foundation at the Toronto Community Foundation Labatt Brewing Company Limited Gordon Lam Megan Lam Peggie Lam

Honouring our major gift donors

KRG Children's Charitable Foundation Prodex

Lancorp Construction Co. Ltd. Cedar Infrastructure Products Inc. Lee Tak Wai Foundation Century Brick Ann Leibel Stephanie & Kenneth Chau Cheung Atkinson Family Clearway Construction Inc. Bernie Conti The Country Day School Digitek Dynex Construction Inc. Earth Boring Co. Ltd. EMCO Corporation Pamela Liegler Little Morello Vettese Segreto LLP Anna & Lidio Mancuso Manulife Financial Mariani Metal Fabricators Limited Markham Golf Dome Stephen Marsh The Medicine Shoppe Memme Construction

The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation

Walk, run, donate!

Sunday, October 16
A prominent presence in our lime green t-shirts and a top prize winner again amongst 125 charities in the 2010 marathon, Giant Steps has now raised an amazing $572,000 at the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge since 2004. Thanks to each and every one of our walkers, runners and donors, an outstanding accomplishment for a small local charity! Our largest annual fundraising event, the money we raise at the marathon plays a critical role in our ability to provide exceptional therapy programs to children with autism each year. Visit us at www.giantstepstoronto.ca to help us reach our $100,000 goal this year!
Giant Steps Toronto/York Region 35 Flowervale Road, Thornhill, ON L3T 4J3 Phone: 905.881.3104 Fax: 905.881.4592 info@giantstepstoronto.ca www.giantstepstoronto.ca Donations to our therapy programs can be made by cheque, VISA, Mastercard or at www.CanadaHelps.org Charitable # 89836 2579 RR0001

The Remember Me Foundation

Please contact us to receive this newsletter and other correspondence electronically. SERVING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, GIANT STEPS IS A SCHOOL & THERAPY CENTRE AFFILIATED WITH THE YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD