asain STE OW wa SRN Ir AX EAE 0 Ain " % Home for the autistic Warmth of Scott's Place (From page 12) munity even know about Scott's Place, no one is trying to keep it a secret. On the contrary, Susan Repa says her staff attempts to introduce the residents into the community as much as possible. LIKE A HOME Totally unlike any of the institu- tions where autistic people were once housed, Scott's Place is more like a school or a home. The residents are like family, doing chores like dishes, cleaning, laun- dry, gardening, and playing together as well. At night, you can find them gathered in the huge liv- ing room, watching television, en- joying the fireplace, playing games or just relaxing. "I think on a regular basis they have tickle fights,"" Susan laughs. "What we try to do is provide a family-like atmosphere." And while enjoyng the at- mosphere, they are learning domestic and life skills, getting vocational training, and plenty of exercise (they access the Lindsay pool and are making plans to use the R.H. Cornish Public School gym). "I feel it's a well-rounded pro- gram,"' Susan says. Soon, that program will also be in effect in Seagrave. With Scott's Place open since February 1987, Susan and her assistant program director, Daniel Smith, are busy set- ting up an adult-only program in Seagrave's historic Ocean House, next to the community's general store. oo They purchased the property in September (with financing through the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Child and Family Services, and Family Benefits Association -- all of which govern and supply funds for the six pro- grams like Scott's Place across the province), and are planning to 1nove-in early in January. OCEAN HOUSE It will be called Scott's Place at Ocean House, and will house five adults. At that time, Scott's Place in Caesarea will handle only children. The search for a house like Ocean House has taken a long time but both Susan and Daniel are thrilled with the results. "We like the fact it is a fairly small, and friendly community," she says, comparing it to Caesarea. And while a few Seagrave residents (Susan and Daniel knock- ed on nearly every door in the village) aren't happy about their future neighbours in Ocean House, most are pleased. Already the local church has ask- LEM SAL BROKERS ; LIMITED 193 QUEEN ST. PORT PERRY, ONT LOB 1NO (416) 985-7306 ALL LINES OF GENERAL INSURANCE VICTORIA 8] ance Since 1844 107" 5 Year Annual Interest 10% Semi-Annually Rates Subject to Change without Notice EE --_-.--------.p ed for resident's help at special functions, and have even provided the home's first donation (extra funds are always needed, Susan says). Arrangements have also been made for some residents to do some snow-shovelling in the winter. "We're really big on community involvement,' she explains. "It's a matter of taking things one step at a time." The ultimate goal for all residents, of course, is to have them living on their own, with help. PARENTS ROLE Parents play a big part in the treatment programs as well, and are invited to visit and help out whenever they want. For most, it is a traumatic experience sending their children to Scott's Place, or places like it, but they realize, in many cases, they just can't help their children as well as people like Daniel or Susan. Scott, by the way, is an autistic boy who lives in a place similar to his namesake. The first such home was started 13 years ago by concerned parents, who named it after a girl named Kerry. Kerry's Place, in Maple, On- tario, is still thriving, as more and more homes for the autistic are created. Each new 'Place' (such as Adam's in Orangeville and Melanie's in Thomasburg) create a better living condition for the autistic, and a little more understan- ding about this unusual affliction. Autism Awareness Week, December 6 to 12, has already been declared by Durham Regional Councillors. To celebrate, the staff and residents of Scott's Place will be hosting an Open House. Anyone who ventures up the pic- turesque farmer's lane, will be pleasantly surprised by the warmth and caring of a very special family. auto glass & treim 1a. » ll Windshields BE Auto Upholstery # Marine Upholstery BH Sunroofs Bl Convertible Tops HB Vinyl Tops HB Safety Glass 139 WATER STREET -- PORT PERRY Call for your appointment: 985-8507 Free Mobile Service | With this Coupon ... INSURANCE | CLAIMS " i" i" 0 i" v Til ¥ Settlement House i! {i " li i ... a Country Store k i" K1! " i " Cm fe--=y [1% 4 " H1,! {| ; qd " Cy Cm LE J (LLL "" " 5 " H].! " Thursday Nov. 12 Saturday Nov. 14 Sunday Nov. 15 12-5 holiday prices on selected Christmas gifts, a free i' draw, plus a daily turkey give away, and as our special gift to you we will pay the sales tax on all i of your purchases at this event. i r Come share our tenth country Christmas and explore NEXT DOOR, our new addition to u SETTLEMENT HOUSE. Country Folks Make A Warm Christmas. 9:30 - 9 Friday Nov. 13 9:30 - 9 9:30 - 5:30 LT] 1] ' 13 Imagine yourself a child again, at Christmas Time, Rt in the country. This Christmas SETTLEMENT HOUSE and FROM MY HEART invite you to i celebrate the beginning of a magical Yuletide I t season at their 1987 OPEN HOUSE, Nov. 12 to " " [iy d t Rs | 5 15. We welcome you to browse through our . A, i wonderous gift selections, to admire our Christmas i] | 4 I: | finery, and savour our sugarplums. ly " i) As part of the festivities you'll enjoy hot mulled li Todi cider and tasty Christmas treats, a free gift with in i every purchase in SETTLEMENT HOUSE, special mh, fim] . Ii +} i " a" mh b 1 i vB Settlement House gir P.O. Box 1485, 185 Queen St., 24 Port Perry, Ont. LOB INO Ii (416) 985-8234