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Toronto NAIOP REX Awards
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Geneva Centre for Autism
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October 23, 2008 -- Toronto NAIOP is pleased to present a cheque for $100,000 to the Geneva Centre for Autism to help fund the Centre's newly acquired resource and education building for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This donation is possible thanks to the the supportiveness of Toronto NAIOP's 700-plus members, and corporate sponsors, who contributed generously at NAIOP events throughout 2008. Pictured left to right are: Graeme Young, NAIOP President Elect; Marg Whelan, Geneva Centre Executive Director; Kathy Harder, NAIOP President; Mark Murski, NAIOP Director and David Costello, NAIOP Director and Chair of the 2008 REX Awards Committee.
The Toronto NAIOP Board of Directors has selected the Geneva Centre for Autism as the designated charity again for this year. The Geneva Centre for Autism (GCA) is a clinical and resource centre serving individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families since 1974. It is the only Centre of its kind in Canada, and an international leader in the autism field specifically in the area of designing and delivering social skill building programming and training other professionals. The Geneva Centre for Autism’s mission is to empower individuals with autism, and their families, to fully participate in their communities.
GCA provides direct intervention, counselling, information and support services to more than 4,200 individuals with autism and their families in the Greater Toronto area. Over 10,000 professionals count on our support to enhance their capacity to serve individuals with ASD in their communities.
Autism is a complex lifelong developmental disorder that seriously affects the way individuals communicate and interact with others. More than one in 165 Canadians currently has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. A range of services for children currently exist; however the necessary supports for adults are scarce and poorly funded.
GCA is unique in its ability to deliver flexible age-appropriate services to adults with ASD. GCA’s adult programs help provide the infrastructure for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live more independently, acquire job skills and develop an improved quality of life. Geneva Centre for Autism is positioned to deliver these services but requires a space designed for adults, separate from the chaotic atmosphere of our children’s programs.
To provide optimal opportunity for development, adults with ASD need areas that simulate natural environments that they will encounter during daily living to help teach and transfer skills acquired into other settings. Colour schemes, programming design, furniture, decorations, and layout must be typical for adults. This builds self-esteem, confidence and provides natural environments for skills acquisition. Providing them with their own space is a respectful statement about their place in our community.
To fill a void in much-needed adult transition services for people with autism, Geneva Centre has a dream to build a new resource centre in Toronto which will provide education and support services to adults, especially young adults. The purpose of the centre is to provide individuals with autism with the ability to continue living as independently and productively as possible in the community. Net proceeds from the 2008 REX Gala will be contributed to the Geneva Centre capital campaign involving ongoing funding for a newly acquired building that is a resource, education and support centre for adults with ASD.
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