While there are more programs available for children with special needs such as those with learning delays, autism spectrum disorders and developmental
delays, there is often a lack of support and services to meet the needs of adults in that situation. A Kitchener special education teacher and mother of a daughter with autism decided to do something about it.
Heather Barrow told the CBC News that she heard from other parents that they have similar concerns to her own, and this led her to co-founding Light House Programs, which now provides both services and a supportive environment to adults with special needs and their families.
Light House Programs caters to people with a wide variety of issues ranging from those who just need some very specific and targeted programming to those who require much higher levels of assistance. There is help with volunteer job placements to gain employment experience, as well as lessons in handling money and finances, cooking, getting around the city using public transportation, and other areas that can help develop the skills someone needs to live as independently as possible. Social stories, Calendars that have been pre-marked with important dates and other teaching aids can make it easier for the clients to pick up the skill sets they will need in their daily lives.
This support is offered for anywhere from just a few hours a week to all week long. There is also programming for after school, scheduled events and weekend activities.
Further information about Light House Programs can be obtained on their website.
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