An Innovative Project

Linda Alonzi has worked with other educators to develop an innovative transitional experiential program called “ A Place of Belonging.” It helps graduating students with intellectual disabilities establish valued relationships that continue after they graduate. In their final years of high school, students with intellectual disabilities are assigned to experiential placements assisting teachers and educational assistants (teaching assistants) at an elementary school near where they live. If the placement is successful, the plan is that the student retains the position as a regular volunteer after graduation. The students become known and form relationships in their placements while they still have support from their high school. Because the schools are selected to be near where they live, the students may actually be remembered from their elementary years by some of the staff. In this project Principal Alonzi was inspired by Kim, who is a full-time volunteer in a kindergarten class. The experiences of Kim and of some of the educators who have worked with Principal Alonzi to develop this project are related in the videos and stories lower down on this page.

Linda Alonzi, Principal, Toronto Catholic District School Board