Helping teens face the challenges of independent living by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 9 | Friday, July 18, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville's Richard Tiedgens had a helping hand transitioning into adulthood, thanks to the Independent Living Program (ILP). Supported by the ErinoakKids Foundation, in partnership with Able Living, ILP teaches youths aged 16-19 with physical or developmental challenges to live independently for two weeks in a supported environment in order to develop life skills. Tiedgens was one of 12 participants who graduated from this year's program at a ceremony held Wednesday at Oakville's Sheridan College Residence and Conference Centre. "I was afraid that I wouldn't like it, but I did. The experiences I gained are very beneficial for later in life. For people without disabilities, it's easier to make that leap between childhood and adulthood," said Tiedgens. "I've been taken care of by my family for all my life. One day, my family is not going to be able to take care of me, so I need to learn how to do things by myself." Participants learn a number of essential skills such as meal preparation, attendant care services, directing their own care, laundry, cooking, banking, transit and managing money. While Tiedgens has done laundry before, ILP added to his existing knowledge and taught him to sort his clothes by colour. "It's good to know how to do it because I would like to do it myself. It's relaxing, I find. The program showed me how to apply those skills to real life," he said. Tiedgens' favourite activities were watching a movie and going out for dinner because it was an opportunity to "explore the community a little bit more," the Oakville resident said. Participants also went on a scavenger hunt downtown, where they used Oakville Transit to travel to different locations to find information. "I've grown up in Oakville, so I sort of know my way around. I get around pretty easily and know a couple of shortcuts. I learned how to use Information sessions educated participants on accessible housing options, recreational equipment and opportunities, community safety skills, advocacy skills and relationships, among other resources. "Many of its (the program's) graduates have gone on successfully to higher education and levels of independence (that) many people would never expect them to achieve," ErinoakKids communications officer David Silburt told the Oakville Beaver. "One ILP graduate from 2006 is a serving member of our board of directors now." Tiedgens plans to stay in school another year after he finishes Grade 12 to pick up additional credits. His long-term future plans include taking art-related programs at Sheridan and OCAD University in Toronto to "hone my artistic skills," he said. He aspires to become an art teacher, with the possibility of selling his original work on the side. "The thing I like the most about teaching art is watching the child smile when they've made something and the parents say, `Wow, I'm so proud of you.' I enjoy watching them get lost in their artwork and be happy about it," said Tiedgens, who likes to draw and paint. ILP was a "life-changing" experience for Tiedgens because it gave him the confidence to be independent, he said. "It's given me a chance to see if I can live without my parents, but there are many people there to help you. You're not by yourself. Friends are there to make each day easier and help you enjoy your time at ILP ." For more information on ILP and ErinoakKids, visit www.erinoakkids.ca. ErinoakKids Independent Living Program (ILP) graduate Richard `Rickie' Tiedgens prepares his own meal -- an important life skill he has learned thanks to the program. | photo by Michael Ivanin special to the Beaver Expert service always comes standard. 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