Three lucky and deserving children with disabilities are getting help to communicate better, thanks to the lasting legacy of a local boy.
Community Living Chatham-Kent said the winners were awarded with electronic devices to expand their world, thanks to a fund created by Jonathan Daniel Stone’s family to celebrate his life. He had autism and passed away suddenly at home at the age of 11 in 2013.
Graceon Copland is four years old and received an iPad and educational tools to assist him with communication. He participates in the Children's Respite Program at Community Living.
Ten-year-old Aiden Day received an iPad, noise-canceling headphones, and a keyboard to increase his communication skills and promote engagement with peers. Community Living said his world will expand with the opportunity to explore educational resources and increase his confidence while communicating with others.
Jack Blondeel is is described as an energetic seven-year-old who participates in the Children’s Respite Program at Community Living. The agency said Jack’s father received the funding to participate in parent education services through the Learning and Behaviour Clinic and Pyramid Educational Consultants.
The annual funding supports initiatives to assist children who have been diagnosed with autism and/or other disabilities, and their families.
Community Living Manager of Community Relations Angela Corso said the number of applications vary each year, but this year they received 12.
"It was wonderful to see 12 applications this year, making the decision very difficult for the committee," said Corso.
She said the applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of Dr. Jonathan and Sarah Stone, a person supported by Community Living Chatham-Kent, two Community Living Chatham-Kent Managers, and a Community Living Chatham-Kent Board Member, who then select the recipients.
A call for nominations to the fund went out in October 2021 and applications were accepted between November 1 and 30, 2021.
"In December, 2021, the committee had the difficult task of reviewing all twelve applications and selecting recipients," Corso said. "Typically, the fund selects two applicants, however this year the selection was so close, three people were awarded."
