Autism Awareness Initiative: Fun 15 with Friends is back at Edward Murphy

FUN 15 is back!! Following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff and students at Edward Murphy Elementary School (English Montreal School Board) are once again running reverse integration social groups, organized by WINGS teachers Alana Goodings and Pamela D’Adamo, to help educate and support autism awareness and acceptance within their school and community.

WINGS (Working on Individual Needs to Grow and Succeed) is a self-contained (or closed) class within a regular school designed for elementary aged students with autism spectrum disorder allowing them to grow and develop to their full potential.

The goal of Fun 15 with Friends is to provide an opportunity for students within the closed WINGS classes to integrate and socialize more within the school, develop and support friendships, and to increase awareness and understanding about autism within the school.

This social time takes place during the lunch recess where WINGS students, alongside student mentors and a staff volunteer can spend time together on a fun game or activity! This offers the opportunity for all of our students to get to know one another and build new friendships, understanding and compassion towards each other.

Activities started on March 27 and will run for five weeks until the end of April. Each student will be assigned one day a week with a teacher volunteer and a couple of student mentors. 

We are so pleased to have over 65 staff and students participating in this year's activities which include social games, and various hands-on art and STEAM activities. 

If you have any questions or would like to replicate Fun 15 with Friends in your school, contact Alana Goodings agoodings@emsb.qc.ca