Inclusions East launches Best Program

Kings County youth with intellectual disabilities can gain life skills

A new program in Kings County aims to provide youth with intellectual disabilities life skills and independence.

The non-profit organization Inclusions East Inc. announced the Best Program, which will take place during evenings and is open to people aged 17-30.

The program was created to address the organization’s waiting list of potential clients and to offer engaging programming to youth in the hours following a typical school or work schedule.

It also offers respite for parents or guardians and gives the participants the opportunity to socialize with their peers.

“During the pilot stage of the program, participants were excited to explore activities like grocery shopping and cooking, personal finance, and time management,” site lead Katie McEachern. “They also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in community outings like visiting the gym and the library.”

Inclusions East executive director Nancy Anderson said the program allows the organization’s staff to suggest suitable future support options to parents or guardians looking for a roadmap for their children who are approaching or have reached adulthood.

“We named the it Best Program as we feel it offers the best next step for intellectually disabled persons who are leaving the school system and entering a more independent phase of their lives,” said Anderson.

To learn more about the program, email McEachern at katie@inclusionseast.com, or call Kimberly MacLennan at 902-838-2516, ext. 7.