AIM - Ability In Me

The AIM Program is really all about what our name stands for: Ability In Me. Children with Down syndrome have many abilities, and when specific learning strategies are used to target the skills required for successful life-long inclusion, those abilities are brought out and strengthened within the learner. Our future hope and organizational vision is that individuals with Down syndrome will have the opportunity to reach their unique potential. For this to happen, we need to provide consistent, ongoing, direct, individual, and expert treatment therapy. AIM is modeled after the very successful PREP Program, founded in Calgary Alberta in 1988 by Barbara Tien, a registered Speech Language Pathologist. PREP has offered progressive programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The PREP Program was chosen as our model because our research and parent feedback tells us it is the best model in North America. The PREP Program is unique in that it offers direct therapy in small group and/or individual sessions to children with Down syndrome. AIM was founded because we believe that children in Saskatchewan deserve the same quality of service that is available in other provinces. Mission We provide individuals with Down syndrome and their families specialized services in Saskatchewan that will empower and support lifelong inclusion. Vision To build a community of inclusion where all individuals reach their full potential. Values Respect We value respecting the rights, needs, and aspirations of each individual client and others with whom we interact. Integrity We value acting with honesty in all decisions and dealings. Excellence We value innovation, creativity and commitment to excellence in everything we do. Inclusion We value the right of individuals with Down syndrome to be fully included in all aspects of the community. Accessibility We value access to specialized programming and services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. History Starting in the fall of 2012 a group of dedicated parents made great strides in identifying the needs of individuals with Down syndrome. From these endeavors came the formation of the board and incorporation of AIM on January 17, 2013. AIM is a provincial non-profit, charitable organization located in Saskatoon offering specialized therapy and innovative programs that support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. AIM began offering services on January 19, 2015, for all Saskatchewan families who require additional services beyond what is currently available to them within the province. After opening our doors in January 2015, the program has continued to expand. This shows a growing need for these type of services as approximately 19 children with Down syndrome are born in Saskatchewan each year. Legal Structure The AIM Program is a registered non-profit corporation as well as a registered charity. Our charity number is 808798243 RR0001. Our legal name is 101226544 Saskatchewan Ltd. While AIM has no legal connection to The PREP Program, and is 100% Saskatchewan based, The PREP Program has provided permission for us to use their model, and offered support, information and ongoing training from Barbara Tien and her team. We embrace this Canadian connection with our neighboring province that will help us reap untold benefits for families in Saskatchewan. Parent Involvement The AIM Program offers direct therapy in small group and/or individual sessions. Parent involvement is crucial to successful outcomes. It is essential that parents engage with the program alongside their child with Down syndrome. This focus on parental engagement from preschool to high school is truly unique, but with this, AIM will empower families to help their child, youth or young adult excel in inclusive school and community settings.

Workshops to support teachers, the education system, parents and others providing therapeutic and educational services to children with down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome

Children with Down syndrome

Call (306) 381-6246, email admin@aimprogram.ca, or use the website.

Phone

(306) 381-6246

Email

admin@aimprogram.ca

Website

http://aimprogram.ca/