Community Living Chatham-Kent is pleased to announce the recipients of the Jonathan Daniel Stone Fund.
The first Jonathan Daniel Stone Fund Award was presented to Thomas Palacios. Thomas is fifteen years old. He lives with his mother, and receives support through the Children’s Treatment Centre. Thomas is an ambitious teenager who strongly seeks a world of independence, and employment. He has a love for cooking/baking, music, movies, video games, dramatic arts, and educational YouTube videos that all contribute to positive development, advancement of skills, and of course, quality time spent with his mother. He will utilize the tablet device and the corresponding headphones to promote positive emotional regulation/stimulation. He will utilize the multiple applications and device features to gain skills of independence, time management, finances, and other knowledge that contributes to independent living. His mother is especially looking forward to using the device for positive interactions and quality time together (i.e., looking up recipes to make).
The second recipient was Sebastian Campbell. Sebastian is fourteen years old. Through support from Occupational Therapy, it was recommended for him to utilize a durable laptop for educational purposes. From reducing stress and anxiety, to being able to complete assignments quicker and easier, Sebastian will benefit tremendously from the laptop and computer programming. The funding will allow for a happier working environment for Sebastian, which will hopefully lead to an enjoyable high school experience.
Congratulations to Thomas, and Sebastian!
This fund created by Jonathan Daniel Stone’s family, celebrates his life. Daniel was a child who had autism and died suddenly at the age of 11 in May of 2013. The purpose of the fund is to annually support initiatives to assist children who have been diagnosed with autism and/or other diverse abilities. Daniel’s fund can be utilized for but is not limited to recreational activities, educational workshops for parents and siblings, advocacy, vocation and life skills development, assistive devices and equipment that promote and facilitate learning or communication. The recipients were selected by a review committee comprised of Dr. Jonathan and Sarah Stone, a person who access services by Community Living Chatham-Kent, two Community Living Chatham-Kent Managers, and a Community Living Chatham-Kent Past Board Member.