footprints4autism.org

our mission:

FOOTPRINTS’ mission is to provide respite for families with children 13 years of age and under who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Respite is provided in a happy and safe environment.

Interested in volunteering? Read our volunteer position descriptions in PDF or Word formats

Read our Volunteer Newsletter:

our coordinator:

Denise Wilson has been employed at FOOTPRINTS since November 2004. She is a qualified Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) Instructor, and is certified in Emergency First Aid and CPR. She is also a qualified social service worker.

Denise is continuing her eductation at Trent University, working towards a BA in psychology.

For general information and inquiries about registering a child for the program, contact Denise at
denise@footprints4autism.org

For information about marketing, or about volunteering for the program, contact Heather at
heather@footprints4autism.org

Our new phone number is: (905) 420-0388.

New: We are now able to accept Shoppers Optimum Points as donations

Trillium Foundation Grantee:

FOOTPRINTS has received notification from Ontario Trillium Foundation
that we have been successful in applying for a 5 year grant, beginning
January 2007. With this money, we plan to expand our Sat. hours,
purchase new toys, make our surroundings more user-friendly, and
develop ideas on fundraising in order to sustain ourselves past the
grant.

click for more info

Download our annual report

our clients:

Our clients are children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Respite is provided for children ages 13 years of age and under. Our clients have a wide range of language abilities and sensory differences. While they share a diagnosis in common, each client is a unique individual with unique needs. We maintain observational files on all of our clients, so that as different volunteers discover what works best and is most enjoyable to each child, this information can be kept and shared with the next volunteer who supports that child.

our facilities and equipment:

Our respite program is offered in a large auditorium-style room with stained glass and clear windows.

We provide a variety of activities for our clients, including scooters, a trampoline, toys and building blocks, colouring and painting supplies, fidget toys, a jungle gym, and various toys designed for children with sensory issues.

We aim to provide a wide variety of engaging activities.

We offer a respite program, which is geared towards recreation rather than therapy for the children. Respite time allows parents to pay extra attention to their other children, or spend some time together, run errands, or have some down time.

Hours of Operation:

Every Saturday from 10:00am – 3:00pm and every other Friday evening from 5:30pm – 7:30pm

FOOTPRINTS is an official charity in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

To register as a member of Team FOOTPRINTS, click here
Charity List

autism in the news

A full life in defiance of naysaysers - Yvonne Spicer proves we all lose by limiting people with disabilities - thestar.com

RDSPs - RDSPs (Registered Disability Savings Plans) are expected to become available December 2008 - learn more in the current Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (www.Plan.ca) newsletter. [PDF]

Calling all Volunteers!!

FOOTPRINTS is looking for Volunteers to work our Friday evenings respite shifts. Volunteers are required from 5pm – 8pm on Friday evenings and training is provided. These positions are suitable for teens aged 16+ and their hours would count towards their required community hours.

SCC won't hear appeal for autism treatment funding - CTV.ca

Senate committee urges national autism plan - CTV.ca

[archives]

our volunteers

Our respite staff are trained volunteers from the community, who have received training in the specific problems that individuals with ASD experience, along with First Aid, CPR, and CPI training and certification.

If you are an energetic individual who enjoys children and wants to make a difference in someone's life, we are always seeking new volunteers. Volunteers must commit to provide 5-hours of volunteer time per month - usually in one Saturday shift or two Friday evening shifts – for a 12-month period, and training in first aid, CPR and CPI is provided.

[Ontario Trillium Foundation Logo]

what do parents think?

One parent commented about the FOOTPRINTS program "Our child loves FOOTPRINTS. It provides a safe, loving environment to play with others. It allows our child an environment in which to generalize the skills she haslearned at home in her therapy program."

autism and the Goverment of Ontario

New Initiatives on Autism Spectrum Disorders Announced By Health Canada Minister

Services for children with Autism

Respite programs

Special Services at Home

where are we?

FOOTPRINTS is located at:
1066 Dunbarton Road in Pickering, ON.