from K-12, focuses on social/practical/life skills, has an altered environment, and limited student enrollment. When you enter the centre you immediately notice there are no pictures on the walls, the lights are covered, and the floors are carpeted. “Many of the students are sensory sensitive,” Carrie points out, “these small changes make a huge difference in being able to function throughout the day.” “There are quiet rooms that allow for self regulation, as well as work spaces with things like wiggle chairs and fidgets. Everything is designed and built with the intention of student success. This is a place where there are no bullies and the high functioning autistic child can be themselves. The philosophy of the centre is that every day is a new day, so if there was an upset the day before, it’s done and gone…you start fresh every single day.” “In our Learning Centre, the children are assessed daily and their Individual Education Plans (IEP) are adjusted accordingly. In addition to the academics, they learn skills like personal hygiene, cooking, taking public transit, and grocery shopping.” Tucker is now almost thirteen years old and is thriving. He still has a lot to learn, but he’s a very fortunate young man to have such tenacious parents who believe in him and didn’t close the door to his future potential. They found their normal by opening the door, not hiding behind it. b
Faye Arcand is an award winning freelance writer and author. Her vast life experiences through work and travel have provided fodder and endless characters for her writing. Faye also has 48 nieces and nephews and has spent years giving them advice, encouragement, and sometime a knock upside the head. This led to her popular newspaper column, Auntie Says… which is published by Black Press. Faye lives in the South Okanagan with her husband, teenage son, dog, and two wayward cats. www.fayeearcand.com
www.OkanaganFamilyMagazine.ca
Through the arts I learn... IF YOU BELIEVE THAT ART SHOULD BE A PART OF YOUR CHILDS LIFE EVERY DAY. IF YOU BELIEVE THE ARTS IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE...
IMAGINE BEING HERE...
www.studio9.ca 250-868-8816
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