Page 3 - Annual Report 2020-2021

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GIANT STEPS IL

MISSION STATEMENT

Giant Steps is committed to providing
individuals with autism spectrum disorders,

and their families, superior educational and
therapeutic services focused on improving

the quality of daily life from early childhood
through adulthood.

ABOUT GIANT STEPS

DAY SCHOOL
Since our inception in 1996, Giant Steps has focused
on serving the autism community. As a leader in ABOUT CHRISTINE’S DREAM
the field of autism, Giant Steps provides quality EQUESTRIAN CENTER
education, therapeutic, and recreational programs Christine’s Dream Equestrian Center at Rich Harvest
for Kindergarten through Transition (up to 22 years Farms is a Professional Association of Therapeutic
of age) students, their families and the community. Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Center.
Giant Steps Day School is designated as a therapeutic All program activities are conducted under the
day school licensed and certified by the Illinois instruction of a PATH International-certified instructor.
State Board of Education (ISBE) to exclusively serve Therapeutic riding helps individuals with physical,
students with a primary diagnosis of autism.
emotional, behavioral and cognitive challenges by
utilizing the movement of the horse to benefit the
ABOUT CANOPY
rider. Additionally, Equine Assisted Activities provide
ADULT PROGRAM opportunities for experiential education, vocational
The program began in May 2012 as a response to the skills development, and recreational skill development.
growing needs of the adult autism population in the
Chicagoland area. The Canopy Adult Program serves ABOUT GIANT STEPS
young adults who have aged out of the public school AFTER SCHOOL REC PROGRAM
system at 22 years of age. The program’s goals include The Recreation Center offers after school focused
providing individualized programming that recognizes programming and seasonal camps for children and
the strengths and interests of each participant, young adults with autism. The interactive activities are
providing meaningful opportunities to interact with specially designed to keep participants engaged during
the broader community, and supporting participants the school year after school hours and during school
in lifelong learning and engagement.
holiday breaks. The Rec Center’s specialized programs
offer opportunities for enjoyable age- appropriate
community engagement and social interaction in a safe
and gently structured environment.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020/21