The Meaning of Under The Banyan Tree
The banyan tree is a sub-tropical plant grown in subtropical rain-forests generally found in south-east Asia countries like the Philippines and in southern China. A literature titled, "The Beautiful Bearded Banyan Tree" which described a Banyan Tree growing in the country of Dong Goon, China. It grew into a big tree extending its aerial roots into the ground that later gave rise to other tree trunks and gradually spread around to become a small forest reputed as "A Paradise of Birds".
Our organization “Under the Banyan Tree” takes the essence of the banyan tree as being sturdy and strong, firmly-rooted, confident, and provides a shady and safe surroundings. It is a shelter for providing a place for people to take a break after a long day of stressful work, and enter into the Utopia they longed for.
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History and Background
Under The Banyan Tree (UTBT) Centre is a registered charity for people with exceptional needs located in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It serves intellectually and/or physically challenged individuals of all ages with multicultural backgrounds living in the York Region and the Greater Toronto Area since 2003.
UTBT Centre provides quality services in behavioral modification, cognitive development, social and communication, speech and language, adaptive daily living training and academics to individuals with exceptional needs. With expertise, experience and care, each member of the UTBT team provides every client with the individual attention needed for them to reach their maximum potential. Registration No. 861466209RR0001 Our quick view page and detail page on Canada Revenue Agency's Charities Listings |
Mission Statement
To ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities live an independent and enriched life in the community; we strive to promote and enhance their personal well-being through a range of community-based training programs and support services.
Our Vision
People with development disabilities lead an independent and enriched life in their community. The Structured Teaching Approach is a strategy and The Banyan Paradigm is the path for fulling our vision.
Our Belief
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Our Philosophy
We adopt a structured teaching approach, a close-knit family-like atmosphere and a small group learning environment with a ratio maximum of only 4-5 students to one instructor. We offer a variety of programs to suit the unique needs of each individual. In order to promote a nurturous and harmonious place for them to establish their concepts and skills for promoting their independent living as well as community inclusion.
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Our Clients
We serve individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. We serve individuals with different medical diagnoses such as :
A) Challenges such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Epilepsy, Learning Disabilities & more. B) Physical and motor disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurological Disorders, Congenital Deformities, Spinal Cord Injury & more. We also serve individuals with dual diagnosis as long as one is a mental challenge. |
Our Board of Directors & Advisory Board
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Honorary Patrons
Mayor Frank Scarpitti John Man Honorable Advisors David Cohen Esther Wong Sam Cheng Advisors Carol Chan Jeff Leung Ki Kit Li Benjamin Wu JianZhao Li Ambassador Jessica Deng Sabine Ho |
Youth Ambassador
Selena Wang Board of Directors Michael Lee (President) Una Tsang (Secretary) Andy Chan (Treasurer) Jim Baird (Director) Teresa Lau(Director) Amy Go (Director) Executive Director David Yung |