‘He has friends and a social life’
L’arche Avalon bringing people with intellectual disabilities into a community of caring
Having a son with an intellectual disability was often a challenge for Marilyn Andrews, but more so when he became an adult.
“When (Mark) was in school, it wasn’t as bad because he had his routine, teachers and support workers there,” she said. “But once he finished school, there really wasn’t a whole lot of programs for adults.”
It was sometimes difficult to find long-term respite workers.
“When Mark is with his worker, it is often a one-on-one relationship with limited interaction with others,” Andrews said.
Now 38 years old, Mark has come a long way, she said, thanks to L’arche Avalon.
The charitable organization was founded in 1964 by Jean Vanier in France.
In this province, L’arche Avalon began in 2012 under the name Cornerstone Housing Society, but has grown to receive recognition from L’arche Canada in November 2016 and becoming a member of the worldwide L’arche Federation.
The group focuses on establishing communities, programs and activities and homes, eventually, for adults with intellectual disabilities — from those with autism spectrum disorders and Down Syndrome to those with severe intellectual disabilities.
“It’s wonderful. Now he has friends and a social life,” said Andrews, who said Mark particularly loves L’arche’s music activities. “He has a place where people accept him for what his abilities and disabilities are.”
Andrews said the organization is helpful for aging parents who find it more difficult over the years to take care of their adult children.
Sarah Parisio, a member of L’arche Avalon’s board of directors said the goal is to have homes on the Avalon, where adults with intellectual disabilities can live together with their assistants as a community that fosters trust and social well-being.
For the time being, she said, there are daytime get-togethers and activities, which include monthly walks, music jam sessions and pot lucks.
“We’re really in the process of building that community of people who have inclusion as a number one priority,” Parisio said, “taking their needs into account and valuing and celebrating what they have to offer.”
Parisio said not everyone sees just how much people intellectual disabilities have to offer.
“I feel there’s a lot of misunderstanding around the gifts that these people actually have, what they actually can contribute,” she said.
“We’re used to thinking in this economic model, where if you don’t work or don’t produce something, then your life doesn’t have a value.
“Whereas, L’arche is really about allowing each person to contribute, whatever it is they can and to build community around that, to try and highlight those gifts that each person has.
“We’re all different.” L’arche Avalon will have its official launch, celebrating having attained project status through L’arche Canada, on Sunday afternoon at The Lantern on Barnes Road.