Meet Daniel

Daniel is 3 years old and has Downsyndrome. Since shortly after his birth, he has benefited from the services at Surrey Place Centre. A Developmental Therapist visited him and his family weekly starting when he was only 4 months old. And since then, he has seen an Occupational Therapist, hearing specialist and attended a weekly music class. At 9 months, Daniel started signing and was reading words before he was 2 years old.

Today, Daniel is a sociable boy with a great sense of humour who loves books and playing ball. He’s gentle with other children and pets and loves to give hugs and kisses. The support he received at Surrey Place Centre has allowed him to live to his highest potential – and now, the sky is his limit!

“Daniel’s Occupational Therapist, Patti really inspired us. She opened the doors to so much. She taught us that it’s about the whole family – not just Daniel.’”
           - Daniel’s mother, Pina

Meet Paul

Paul is 28 years old and has Down syndrome. Shortly after he was born, a service coordinator from Surrey Place Centre met Paul’s parents at the hospital. The Centre has been a part of his life ever since. From birth to age 6 he received support from a Developmental Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Psychologist.

Today, Paul is outgoing, enthusiastic and has a positive attitude. He works four days a week at Coffee Shed, a shop at Surrey Place Centre run by Common Ground Co-op a non-profit company supporting employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. He also works at an employment training centre, is a Leader in Training at a Parks and Recreation summer camp and speaks to University of Toronto medical students who visit Surrey Place Centre for a day of learning about developmental disabilities.

“Surrey Place Centre has been very helpful at all transition points. They helped Paul when he started daycare, entered a regular school, switched from regular school to a special education class and also when he graduated and prepared for life as an independent adult.”
           - Paul’s mother, Mrs. Wong

Meet Anthony

Anthony is 15 years old and has cerebral palsy, a developmental disability that left his muscles weaker on the right side. His speech is slow and limited, and he communicates with picture cards. When Anthony was 13, his mother Sandra turned to Surrey Place Centre for help with his behaviour. A Behavioural Therapist from the Centre visited Anthony at home in an effort to understand why he bit his own hand in frustration and pushed and hit others. The therapist gave Sandra tangible ways to reduce this behaviour.

Today, Anthony is a fun-loving and active young man. He has stopped his aggressive behaviours towards others and the biting of his hand has significantly decreased.

“Without taking care of his biting and hitting, Anthony’s life would have come to a stop. We are thankful and grateful that Surrey Place Centre is there.”
           - Anthony’s mother, Sandra