Bliss Learning Centre Moves to Permanent Home, December 2003

We have wonderful news and want to share it with all our students, friends and supporters. The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy has agreed to support us in the establishment of a year-round program at The Blissymbolics Learning Centre- Muskoka. At the Board Meeting following their Annual Meeting, the OFCP made the decision to support our proposed year-round program for the next five years and in so doing become our major partner. Financially this means the OFCP will contribute between 60-70% of our annual budget. We are indeed grateful for this very generous support and appreciate the confidence they are placing in us. We welcome the opportunity of partnering with OFCP and benefiting from their many years of experience and knowledge.

Our Board and Staff are very excited as we begin the process of preparing for an extended student program. Students will be able to attend for two weeks rather than one, and further their communication, literacy, technology skills in Muskoka from April to mid-November. During the months when weather conditions make it difficult for students to travel north, seminars and training sessions will be held at The Bliss House and Learning Centre, and further follow-up support in students’ home communities will be offered.

Being able to establish a year round program is another step towards fulfillment of our dream of providing a learning environment and support network where people who are non-speaking are given the opportunity to develop their full potential. We look forward with confidence and enthusiasm to developing a program that responds to the student needs we have identified through our first two summers. We count ourselves fortunate to be able to play a part in their journey toward greater independence and directing their own lives.

During our first two years we have developed many relationships in Muskoka and throughout Ontario and we deeply appreciate the help and financial support we have received from them and from our long time Friends of Bliss. As we move forward and take on this larger commitment in support of those who are non-speaking, we are ever mindful that we have a major task ahead in generating the remaining funds and in extending our base of support. In the months ahead, we will be calling upon all Friends of Bliss to continue their support and to help us use the next five years to ensure financial stability for our work with Bliss users and through them, for the language of Blissymbolics..

Thank-you for all you are doing to support us. We wish you a happy holiday season and send our best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year.