WHO are we?

        D.A.N.I. Developing and Nurturing Independence is a non-profit organization formed in 2005 by parents of young adults who are experiencing physical and/or cognitive challenges. D.A.N.I. provides a valuable service in creating a nurturing learning environment promoting self-development and independence amongst these treasured young adults who often are left behind by social support systems post high school.

The parents, volunteers and stakeholders in D.A.N.I. work to provide the same choices for their children with challenges as their peers or siblings. The route may be different, the challenges may be tougher, but the need is great and our rewards mean so much. By creating individual plans for each young adult, we continue to challenge them, devoting our energies to create a life for them...with their input and their voices, to fulfill their wishes and their dreams.

D.A.N.I. YOUNG ADULTS - Who are we?

         We are simply your children, your niece or nephew, your neighbour, your grandchild, your friend. Inside, we have the same soul as you - just a different outside shell. All we ask you for is a chance to learn and grow, a chance to contribute, to be valued, to experience the full wonders of life. We only need your patience, acceptance, allowance, kindness and inclusion. We all have gifts - we seek to explore ours.

 
We are not special needs young adults, but we are…young adults...who have special needs.

WHAT do we do?

             D.A.N.I. fills a true void in our social system. Its services allow our young adults to begin to reach their full potential by creating a living, working and social environment which fosters inclusion, acceptance and integration into the community. Typically, a 21 year old with additional needs will lose all contact or connection to schools, camps and other social networking. D.A.N.I. founders, parents and skilled volunteers recognized this and work to establish and maintain connections by purposefully integrating with activities at D.A.N.I.'s Place (Near Earl Bales Park, Bathurst Street north of Lawrence Avenue), local high schools, places of worship and community centres.

Our dedicated staff and sensitive volunteers encourage and mentor our children, to develop the process of community integration and true inclusion.

"Children learn to read by reading,

Children learn to write by writing,

Children learn to include by including"

- Marsha Forrest, Jack Pearpoint and Judith Snow

 
            At D.A.N.I., parents are heard, respected and supported. We understand your challenges, your isolation, your frustration, your exhaustion, your emotions, because we ourselves have experienced them. D.A.N.I. unites parents by sharing information and supporting the daily parental roller coaster we have all experienced for years. Being a parent-driven organization is an integral part of the D.A.N.I. experience. We are stronger, together, for our kids.