Cooking, laundry, hygiene, parenting classes and more will be part of the individualized programs provided for clients and their families at the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre’s new Cariboo Autism Centre.
To go along with the individualized programming the centre has been created in a separate building from the regular CDC offices and activity rooms.
This is to provide clients with the feel and sense of a regular home since many of the skills that will be taught there are life skills that clients can carry into their futures to live as independently as they are able, explains operations manager Vanessa Riplinger.
She says the CDC develops individualized service programs for all children in their programs and also tries to establish group support programs. Programs for parents are also provided.
In developing the new autism centre she says they looked at what other centres around the province are doing.
The new centre, which officially opens today, is wheelchair accessible and includes a large foyer, quiet room, large bathroom, laundry facilities, and a large kitchen with an adjacent large open-plan dining and activity room featuring large windows.
The $1,262,972 project also included an addition to the main CDC building to provide more office and program activity space.
These costs have been covered by donations, grants, and loans but the CDC still needs more help to complete furnishing the autism centre.
The wish list includes an upright freezer, chairs, portable sink, diaper changing cabinet, Hokki stools that rock, towels, and shower curtain and more.
The grand opening today runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and tours of the new facilities. People planning to attend the opening are asked to reserve a place by calling the CDC reception at 250-392-4481.