Miriam programs work together to provide library lending and work opportunities

By Olivia Integlia 

Founded in 1973, Miriam (formerly Miriam Foundation) has developed many programs specific to providing support for neurodivergent individuals.  

One such program is Miriam MateriaTech, an educational library with over 3,000 resources for loan. 

Their repertoire contains occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology materials, social games, pretend-play toys, puzzles, among many other things, said Jordanna Vamos, the manager of MateriaTech. 

“Anything you can think of that can help people integrate, we have it,” she said, adding that the organization loans items specifically curated for adults. Most notably, the library has a section of special resources for individuals looking to practice skills such as sorting, packaging, shelving and filing, in anticipation of entering the workforce. 

MateriaTech caters to a wide range of clients. “We do service the therapists within our building, but we also work with community organizations, schools, parents from our programs, but also outside of [them],” she explained. Materials are available for rent at a monthly fee of $25. 

MateriaTech is not only providing resources for neurodiverse individuals, but they provide employment opportunities as well, Vamos said. 

“I think a lot of people may be overlooked if they’re neuroatypical, not realizing that they have a ton of value,” she shared. As such, Vamos strives to make the hiring process at MateriaTech as inclusive as possible. “There’s no reason to not try to hire people who otherwise wouldn’t be given opportunities because of discrimination,” she said. 

One approach she uses is hiring candidates through EmploymentWorks (a Senneave Family Foundation Initiative working out of Miriam) that equips neurodiverse individuals with essential workforce skills and provides real-world practice. 

Vamos explained that individuals are regularly sent from EmploymentWorks to work for a few hours at MateriaTech. She then almost exclusively hires employees from the program. 

This approach has been invaluable, said Lina Gharibah, the program coordinator of EmploymentWorks. “MateriaTech has consistently been the top choice for all my participants [...] this is due to the warm welcome from the staff, the structured environment, the valuable skills they gain and the inclusive, open-minded atmosphere.” 

Vamos said MateriaTech is a hidden gem in Montreal and hopes to see it reach more and more people, recognizing that the neurodiverse community will be a big part of its growth. 

For those interested in joining, contact: materiatech@goldlearningcentre.com.