Preparing Adults With Developmental Disabilities to Be Independent
For adults living with developmental disabilities, uncertainty can loom over future employment and social life in general. The Salvation Army’s Broadview Village in Toronto offers a program designed to support those navigating this stage of life.
For Renate Steiner, this service has been life-changing for her son Daniel, who has participated in Broadview Village programs for more than 20 years.
Daniel is part of the Community Engagement & Pre-Employment (CEPE) program, which focuses on providing participants with life skills, routines and opportunities to develop socially.
“My son has been learning how to cook, does art and has reading exercises. It is all well-rounded,” Renate shares.
She adds that the atmosphere at Broadview Village enhances the experience.
“It’s a nice space. They have a little lounge for them to relax in, a lunchroom and a gym. It’s well designed,” she says.
“It gives me peace of mind to know he is in a safe environment.”
Daniel has autism. Before coming to The Salvation Army, he struggled with time management and had some personal habits that Renate felt he needed support with.
Since joining the CEPE program, Daniel has become more independent and feels at home at Broadview Village.
“He is much more mature and responsible now,” Renate says.
In addition to improving his daily life skills, Daniel is more social. He has made a close friend in the program and now spends time with her outside of The Salvation Army. For Renate, this is proof of how independent her son has become.
“They talk on the phone, they meet up, take the subway or bus to wherever they want to go.”
As a mother, knowing Daniel is learning how to care for himself helps Renate feel at ease.
“I think the service is essential.”
“It’s the respite for me. It gives me peace of mind to know he is in a safe environment,” she shares.
Having this program available also gives Renate time to care for herself.
“Without this program, I would be lost. I think the service is essential.”
While it was tough for Daniel to adapt at first, he is now eager to attend CEPE each day, years after joining Broadview Village.
“I think he had the realization that he needs special care and that helped him understand and feel that he belongs at Broadview,” Renate shares.
The sense of belonging the program gives Daniel is what Renate finds most valuable.
“This gives them a meaningful day and out of the house.”
Broadview Village also offers housing, residential, day supports and spiritual care programs. Its goal is to build bridges for people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.
By Juan Romero
