Extraordinary People 

This CCA will be a student-led initiative in partnership with Extraordinary People (EPL) that attempts to bridge the gap between the neurotypical and neurodivergent communities. EPL aims to support young children and adults with autism, down syndrome and other intellectual and physical disabilities. This organization depends heavily on community support as 90% of costs are absorbed to alleviate financial burdens on families and depends heavily on financial support from communities to remain operational. It also serves as a platform for spreading awareness, and we aim to spread awareness within our school community through conducting workshops and hosting talks in partnership with EPL, as well as raising funds for the NPO. Furthermore, if logistics allow it, we want to create volunteering opportunities where selected students can go down to the EPL centres to engage and buddy up with some of the children that EPL supports.

Training is provided before hand including the overview of disabilities, expectations and support methods for the children. EPL also provides talks about disabilities and inclusion for students teaching them the do’s and dont’s as well as sensitivity and empathy.

Another central area is our participation in the annual Teddy Bear Campaign, a seven to eight week initiative running from November through December. This campaign serves a dual purpose: for every $50 donated, a donor can receive a teddy bear that is either kept or gifted to another charity. The focus is to spread awareness about disabilities and fund for the special needs community. 

CAS Strand: Service

This initiative links directly to the Service strand of CAS by addressing an authentic community need through a reciprocal partnership. Our service plans to move beyond simple fundraising and instead, create commitment toward social responsibility. Our partnership with EPL fulfills this through three distinct levels of engagement. First, through Direct Service, we act as classroom assistants. By facilitating social interaction and supporting the curriculum, we apply our own communication skills to meet the developmental needs of the beneficiaries. Second, the Teddy Bear Campaign represents Indirect Service, as our logistical and promotional work sustains the financial model that allows families to access essential therapy at a subsidised rate. Finally, the CCA engages in Advocacy by leading inclusion talks at SJII. By teaching our peers the "do’s and don’ts" of disability sensitivity, we are serving the special needs community by dismantling social stigmas and building a more empathetic environment. Ultimately, the link to Service is solidified by the reciprocal learning that occurs; through training and hands-on interaction, we develop a sophisticated understanding of social justice and the ethics of our actions, ensuring a lasting benefit for both the students and the neurodivergent community.