ThriveAbility's Empowerment Curriculum
Our Mission
At the core of ThriveAbility's learning curriculum is a mission to provide adults with special needs a dynamic, inclusive learning environment where they can thrive. We focus on enhancing literacy, numeracy, and life skills, while also fostering growth in areas such as hand-eye coordination, practical skills like cooking, and exploring subjects like math, science, art, art history, and cultural geography. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives, while celebrating creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Digital Literacy: Unlocking the Power of Technology
Our Com-Tech class is designed to equip students with essential technology skills for the digital world. Each student is provided with a dedicated, state of the art PC laptop, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. In this class, students learn how to use Microsoft Office software gaining valuable skills for personal and professional tasks. We also focus on internet navigation, teaching students how to use search engines like Google, manage email communication, and online marketing. A highlight of the class is the opportunity to create digital art, as well as exploring avenues for digital entrepreneurialism. By combining technology, creativity, and practical applications, our Com-Tech class prepares students for success in the digital age.
Artistic Journeys: Exploring Fine Arts
ThriveAbility’s Fine-Art classes offer students a unique opportunity to explore their creativity through guided painting sessions. Many classes are led by professional artists, these classes allow students to develop their artistic skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. Each session is designed to nurture individual creativity while encouraging teamwork as students work together on large-scale projects, producing artwork that leads to a common goal. At the end of each year, we host a vibrant art show where students’ creations are showcased, and all proceeds generated from the event go directly back into supporting our program. This not only helps fund future classes and materials but also empowers our students, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in their artistic achievements.
THRIVEABILITY'S EMPOWERMENT CURRICULUM
Digging In: Hands-On Gardening Experience
At ThriveAbility is an immersive, educational program designed to connect students with the natural world. Each spring and summer, we come together to build and cultivate a vibrant community garden, where students learn about the fundamentals of plants, horticulture, and gardening. Through hands-on activities, they gain practical knowledge in planting, nurturing, and harvesting a variety of crops. This program fosters teamwork, patience, and an understanding of the environment, all while providing students with the opportunity to see their efforts come to life. From soil preparation to harvesting the fruits of their labor, students experience the full cycle of gardening, making this a truly enriching and educational journey..
Culinary Classes: Cooking for Life
ThriveAbility’s cooking classes teach essential life skills through hands-on cooking and kitchen safety. Students learn to chop, prepare nutritious meals, and use kitchen tools like knives safely while practicing food-handling hygiene. They also create shopping lists, budget their purchases, and make smart choices at grocery stores by understanding expiration dates and selecting fresh ingredients. In the kitchen, students safely use ovens, stovetops, grills, and griddles while learning about nutrition and preparing balanced meals. Working together, they foster teamwork and independence, cooking delicious, healthy meals that empower them to make informed decisions and build valuable life skills.
Discovering Science: Uncovering the Wonders of the World
At ThriveAbility, students explore the wonders of science through engaging lessons and immersive field trips. Our curriculum covers a range of topics, from environmental science to marine biology and wildlife conservation. Educational trips to places like the Ontario Science Centre, Arcadia Earth in downtown Toronto, and Ripley’s Aquarium bring these subjects to life. At the Science Centre, students delve into astronomy with interactive exhibits that explore the universe, planets, and stars, while also learning about environmental science and sustainability. At Arcadia Earth, they experience an immersive journey into environmental issues, and at Ripley’s Aquarium, they discover marine biology up close. Trips to the zoo allow students to learn about wildlife conservation in a hands-on, exciting way. These field trips make science fun, helping students connect classroom learning to the real world while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its wonders.
THRIVEABILITY'S EMPOWERMENT CURRICULUM
Handmade Creations: Crafting with Purpose
ThriveAbility’s crafting classes provide students with the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn valuable skills from a professional crafter who leads each class. In these hands-on sessions, students create beautiful, artisanal crafts using dynamic tools like irons, hammers, sewing machines, and Cricut machines. Crafting not only nurtures creativity but also improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, providing a hands-on learning experience. Students have the chance to showcase and sell their creations at ThriveAbility Cafe events during our craft sales, where all proceeds go directly back into supporting the program. Fun fact: Last year, the craft sale raised enough funds to purchase season passes for every student to enjoy a summer of fun at Wet’n’Wild waterpark, proving the power of creativity and teamwork in making an unforgettable summer for our members.
Art History & Cultural Enrichment
At ThriveAbility, our Art History & Cultural Enrichment program offers students an exciting blend of education and creativity. Through experiential trips to renowned institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and the Museum of Contemporary Art, students explore diverse cultures, historical artifacts, and a wide range of artistic styles. These immersive experiences deepen their understanding of art and global heritage, sparking inspiration and curiosity. Back in the classroom, students apply what they’ve learned to their own artistic creations, experimenting with new techniques, styles, and cultural influences. This program not only makes learning about art and culture fun and engaging but also encourages students to express themselves creatively through the lens of their enriched knowledge.
Fit for Life: Thrive-Fitness Program
ThriveAbility’s Physical Education program is all about making fitness fun, engaging, and educational. Our students participate in gym sessions, where they learn how to use a variety of gym equipment and machines to build strength, improve endurance, and stay active. We also have memberships at local community gyms, giving students the chance to explore different workout environments and develop personalized fitness routines.
To enhance the experience, we occasionally work with personal trainers who provide expert guidance on proper techniques and effective exercise strategies.
THRIVEABILITY'S EMPOWERMENT CURRICULUM
Literacy Skills for Lifelong Learning
ThriveAbility’s Literacy Program is designed to help students develop & improve reading, writing, and comprehension skills through personalized, student-centered learning. We use a blend of in-house educational techniques and proven homeschooling curricula tailored to each student’s unique strengths, needs, and learning styles. Our person-centered approach allows students to learn at their own pace, ensuring they feel supported and confident as they progress. The program focuses on key literacy areas, including reading fluency, writing structure, and critical thinking, while also encouraging creative expression through storytelling and personal writing projects. By fostering a supportive, inclusive environment, we empower students to build their literacy skills, gain confidence, and develop skills that will ensure a brighter future.
Understanding math for real-world problem-solving
Building Practical Math Skills for Daily Life is ThriveAbility’s numeracy program designed to make learning math fun, engaging, and meaningful. Our program focuses on helping students develop essential math skills that they can apply in everyday situations. We cover basic math concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, while also exploring real-world topics such as money management, understanding currency, budgeting, and making smart financial decisions. Students also learn to tell time, manage schedules, and apply math in practical ways that build independence and confidence. Through interactive activities, hands-on lessons, and real-life scenarios, we make math both educational and enjoyable.
Navigating Independence: Transit Skills for Life
Moving Forward: ThriveAbility’s Transit Training Program empowers our members to confidently navigate the city using various transportation modes, including buses, trains, subways, streetcars, and even rideshare services like Uber. Through hands-on learning, students discover how to use smartphones and transit apps to plan and manage their trips effectively. Our program not only focuses on reading maps and planning logical routes, but also teaches crucial street smarts for navigating public transit safely. Members learn how to act responsibly on transit, recognizing appropriate behavior, staying alert to their surroundings, and understanding safety protocols. We help students develop essential time-management skills by factoring in travel time, scheduling, and meeting deadlines for activities and field trips. Through a combination of technology, real-world experience, and safety awareness, our program builds independence, confidence, and practical skills for navigating the city safely and efficiently.
Cultural Awareness & History
Indigenoues Studies
At ThriveAbility, we make history engaging, hands-on, and fun! Our Cultural Awareness & History learning-units explore diverse cultures through interactive activities, storytelling, art, and music.
This year, we focused on Indigenous history, learning about pre-colonial life, the impact of colonization, residential schools, and Land Acknowledgements. Through group discussions and creative projects, participants gain knowledge, reflect on history, and celebrate cultural resilience in a fun, supportive environment.
Black History Month
During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month through learning, reflection, and fun. Participants explore historical leaders, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black cultural achievements through storytelling, creative projects, music, and discussions. These interactive experiences deepened understanding, honored resilience, and fostered appreciation in a supportive, engaging environment while highlighting Black innovators in science and activism.