About Us
Founded in 1973, the Miriam Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding comprehensive clinical, educational and leisure programs offered through the Gold Learning & Research Centre. The Foundation is committed to improving the lives of individuals, as well as families, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), with or without diagnosis — at all stages of life.
By fostering inclusion, independence, and personal growth, Miriam encourages every individual to reach their full potential and become active contributing members of society.
We fundraise to:
- Ensure affordable services and programs
- Finance clinical research and innovation
- Maintain infrastructure and support equipment acquisition
In Quebec, public services for individuals with ASD and ID are impacted by a concerning fragmentation. Access to tailored support, and consistent services is hampered by waiting lists, limited resources, and regional disparities. The high costs associated with access to these services also represent a significant obstacle and challenge for many families.
It is in this context that the Miriam Foundation has been operating for over 50 years, addressing these shortcomings by providing effective support that makes a tangible difference to the quality of life of these individuals and their families.
The development of a range of services, extending from early childhood to adulthood, aims to bridge the gap left by the public sector. This includes assessment, counselling, skills development, behavior management, social inclusion, recreation, vocational support and housing, to meet the specific needs of each individual and promote self-fulfillment.