Shared by Jennifer Martin, Gabriele’s mother.

Gabriele and I had an amazing experience at Spiral Garden! Gabriele loved all of it! What makes it unique truly is the staff! They are helpful and energetic and engaging and very resourceful finding ways to get each and every child into it!

Gabriele’s favourite part was the woodworking! He developed a collection of pieces throughout the week, all of which are still displayed in our home for people to see. Even when projects weren’t finished when the day was done, the staff remembered the next day and continued to work with him the following day. Gabriele felt included and we even had the opportunity to explore “Brain Computer Interface” while we were there. Gabriele was painting, playing the drums and watering the flowers!

Gabriele also loved singing songs, and playing instruments and was very much engaged throughout the day. He experienced things like imprinting on fabric and using a saw despite his fine motor challenges. I think all the different creative outlets he was exposed to really made his time there enjoyable.

Oh, and the volunteers! It was very clear to me that it wouldn’t be the way it is without them!

The Spiral Garden is impactful and important because it gives kids opportunities they probably wouldn’t have otherwise. I think it’s important for kids to be with other kids in environments like this as much as possible. Even if they are non-verbal or have intellectual challenges, they are having new experiences they will cherish for years!

Spiral Garden is the most wonderful place for kids and young people alike right here in Toronto! Wonderful caring staff take every chance to ensure kids’ and families’ needs are met. Lots of choices and lots of different things to choose from make it the place I will take my child to again and again without hesitation! It’s an outdoor classroom where kids want to return to day after day! They are doing math and science and art and technology all at the same time.

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