Program helps adults with Down syndrome
There aren’t always a lot of places to go for those with developmental disabilities after they graduate school and reach adulthood.
A new program on the city’s east end — Dignified Day — is seeking to help change that.
Two sisters, Erin White and Stephanie Moore, opened their centre six months ago in the 3200 block of Walker Road hoping to convert their labour of love into a support system for families unable to find care for their adult children with disabilities due to wait lists at other support services in Windsor.
Dignified Day held an open house Saturday to get the word out about their new service.
“We both have background in long-term care and we saw a need,” White said. “There are a lot of people in long-term care who are younger and have more abilities.
“We wanted to help those who may have adults at home with developmental disabilities who could use somewhere to go,” White added. “When the school system ends for them at 21, they can get lost in the system.”
The open-concept centre includes recreational activities, art lessons, exercise, meal preparation, teaching independent life skills and bathing services. There’s also a rear patio for gardening.
“A lot of our clients went from having somewhere to go Monday to Friday to no place,” White said. “Starting our day program they can come socialize with each other and have programming they can look forward to.
“It helps improve their quality of life and also gives the family some relief from caring for them 24 hours a day because that can be a tough job.”
Among those who attend are adults with autism or Down syndrome. There are also a handful of seniors who have some struggles and also attend. “I come on Tuesdays,” said Bev Bownes, a senior who lives downtown. “I really like their program. They are great here. I play (cards). They make me oatmeal for breakfast. It’s adult day care and it’s wonderful.”
Half-day or full-day options are available with the centre open between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for anyone 18 or older. For more information look online at dignifiedday. com or call 519-997-4224.