OUR INITIATIVES
All together, we're Making it Matter.
Make it Matter is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support inclusive education initiatives for neurodiverse persons and empower them and their families to break through existing barriers that limit their opportunities in the educational sector.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
In our community, we Make it Matter.
The inclusive community will provide a safe and inviting space to the neurodiverse community whereby workshops, classes and professional development would take place. As well, programs such as inclusive & low ratio summer camps and events would take place in this space. This community will also help provide our neurodiverse partners with employment in order to keep the day to day tasks and duties running. Employment and inclusion in the community will help develop skills such as problem solving, communication, socialization, task management, etc.
OUR INITIATIVES
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROJECTS
Make it Matter is enormously implicated in the specific special education projects that LEAD learning center and ADE preschool holds for our neurodiverse community. Below are examples of the projects that are currently taking place:
CAMP INTEGRATION PROGRAM
SUMMER 2022
LEAD LEARNING CENTRE
LAVAL, QUEBEC
The Camp integration program enabled neurodiverse children who are unable to attend a group camp setting without individualized intervention and support. Make it Matter provided funding for 10 children to attend summer camp for a period of 8 weeks, through a federally obtained grant. Without this funding, these neurodiverse children would not have the opportunity to integrate socially with other children, a skill that is critical to their holistic development.
PRESCHOOL INTEGRATION PROGRAM
SUMMER 2022
ADE PRESCHOOL
LAVAL, QUEBEC
The Preschool Integration program supported neurodiverse children and their families who required 1 on 1 intervention to function in a group classroom setting. Make it Matter funded the participation of 3 children in this program for a period of 10 weeks, through a federally obtained grant. Without this funding, these children would not have had the social, emotional, cognitive and developmental support to allow for their successful integration into preschool.
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES
2021 - 2022
ADE PRESCHOOL
LAVAL, QUEBEC
Make it Matter provided critical therapy services to neurodiverse children in preschool with exceptionalities. The program allowed for children to access Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Behavioural Intervention, and other interventions at no cost to parents. Without this funding, these children would not have access to these services that are critical to their successful and holistic development.
DEBATE WORKSHOP FOR KIDS
MAY 2022
DEVICHY AVOCATS +Â LEAD LEARNING CENTRE
LAVAL, QUEBEC
Devichy Lawyers and LEAD Learning centre have teamed up to offer a free public speaking and debate workshop for students aged 8 to 12 years. The students were introduced to public speaking strategies through interactive games and presentations. Students participated in a "Mock Trial", whereby they will be given a problem in the form of a trial and will use skills they learned to problem solve in a way that is organized and insights critical thinking and peer collaboration!
FUN 15 INITIATIVE
2018 - 2019
EDWARD MURPHY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Alana Goodings is a special education teacher at Edward Murphy Elementary who started the Fun 15 initiative last April for Autism Awareness month. Her goal was to provide an inclusive space during recess time for all students. This initiative was to increase autism awareness and social interaction through fun and interactive activities where befriending peers with autism is its primary focus.
STEVE ATME PROJECT
2018
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
After being diagnosed with autism at the age of four, Steven Atme faced many difficulties speaking, understanding, and following directions. Despite his diagnosis, and thanks to the dedication of his teachers, friends, and family, Steven eventually learned to read, write, but most importantly: he learned how to play the piano. From the moment his parents bought him an electric keyboard, he was hooked. Steven started taking lessons and eventually was granted a scholarship to study at McGill University's Conservatory of Music.
ST-GABRIEL PROJECT
2017
ST-GABRIEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
A true community school which cherishes heritage while embracing diversity. Staff, parents, volunteers, and community personnel work together, to guarantee that all children succeed in life and develop to the best of their abilities in a safe, secure, and respectful environment. Saint Gabriel believes in offering a variety of activities in order to meet our students’ academic and social needs. Due to financial restrictions, the funds supported the creation of an at-home reading program for their students, as their resources were lacking. Additionally, the funds went towards improving their creative arts programs, as many of the students struggled with various learning and social disabilities.
INSPIRATIONS NEWSPAPER
2017
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Inspirations Newspaper shares the challenges and celebrates the accomplishments of children and young adults with special needs while providing information about educational, therapeutic and recreational services in our communities that are often difficult to find. Via their publications, outreach, events, and a Special Needs Resource Database which shares over 500 resources, Inspirations reaches out to parents, caregivers and teachers who are searching for support and community when they are most in need. These tools break down barriers in an effort to educate the public at large and foster acceptance and inclusion. The funds supported this non-profit organization which helped the resource data base to keep growing, and supported a speakers series over the course of several weeks, free of charge to parents with children and adults with special needs.