Our Mission

To create a support network for Muslim children with disabilities, and their families.

Programs

Some of the Smile Programs Include:

• Integrative Events:

  Integrative Events are designed for children with and without disabilities to get together and have a good time. Smile hosts six events per year. Each event is full of fun activities, yummy food and prizes. While the kids are having fun, experienced volunteers conduct educational workshops for parents and caregivers.

• Smile Scholarships:

  Smile Scholarships are a means to support children living with disabilities while they await funding. Support includes Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy and Respite. For more information on the Smile scholarships please contact dada@smilecan.org.

• Annual Assessments:Smile executive members meet with families annually to discuss issues that prevent their children from fully integrating into society. Issues that often arise include funding opportunities, barriers and challenges that prevent children from socially and physically accessing services and supports within the community.

Smile Team

• President: Sukaina Dada

  Sukaina Dada is a certified Occupational Therapist. She holds a Masters of Occupational Therapy from McMaster University. Prior to her certification, Sukaina worked as a support worker for over five years assisting adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. In addition to her Canadian experience, she has volunteered internationally with children with physical and developmental disabilities in Egypt in 2006 and Tanzania in 2009.

• Vice President: Bilal Khan

  Bilal Khan is Manager of Administration with the Ministry of the Attorney General – Crown Law Office – Civil. He received an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and went on to receive the designation of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

• Secretary: Akila Dada

  Akila is completing a Child Life Specialist program at McMaster University. Prior to this, Akila worked as a grade school teacher at the Olive Grove School. She received her Bachelor of Education from Trent University and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ryerson University.

• Treasurer: Hafiza Elsohemy

  Hafiza is currently a teacher at the Olive Grove School. She attended York University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English. Hafiza also attended Medaille College in Buffalo, New York where she received a Master of Science in Education. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. In addition she has completed a certificate course in Whole School Approaches to Educating for Sustainable Development.

• Volunteer Coordinator: Dena Amara

  Dena is a Support Facilitator at Montage Support Services – facility for adults with disabilities. She received an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and is pursuing her Masters degree in Critical Disability at York University.