Giant Steps Inc.

Giant Steps' Day School Located in Lisle, IL, Giant Steps’ mission is to provide individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and their families, with superior educational and therapeutic services focused on improving the quality of daily life from early childhood through young adulthood. From its founding, Giant Steps has given individuals with ASD opportunities to participate in the outside community, access to educational and vocational opportunities, and a chance to exist in a structured and supportive environment that will lead to increased independence. Founded in 1996, Giant Steps is a non-profit organization that serves individuals from over 60 public school districts throughout the Chicagoland area. Students in Giant Steps’ Day School range in age from 5 years old to 22 years old. Giant Steps' Canopy Adult Services Program Targeting the specific learning, social, emotional and vocational needs of this rapidly growing population, Giant Steps created the Canopy Adult Services Program, which launched in May of 2012. Located in Sugar Grove, IL, this re-imagined community serves individuals ages 18 and up by providing unique, research-based programs that provide purposeful opportunities for lifelong learning and enrichment. Giant Steps’ Canopy Adult Services Program is specially designed to meet the individual and specific needs of adults with autism. Canopy has adapted best practices and incorporated lessons learned over the course of the past 20 years in the Giant Steps Day School which allows adults from across the spectrum to participate and engage in a meaningful, safe, and supportive environment. Canopy provides therapeutic services, as well as community inclusion opportunities and life skill training, helping participants to continue to grow and develop throughout their lives.