Monday 1 February 2016

Let's Be Honest...
Transitioning to Adulthood is Scary

A year ago I wrote a post Phase 2: Adulthood…“In Progress” and was excited to start sharing with you some of the plans we had brewing for Riley World: Adulthood.

And then…

I got all overwhelmed and did the old rocking in the corner, breathing into a paper bag thing.

That was a year ago.

Now before I lose any more of you, at least watch this video clip of R's fitness class (part of his new program). Guaranteed to make you smile! 



Feel better??  Good.  

*Pats seat*  Come sit by me. I’ll even share my wine with you.

If you have a teen or are fast approaching the teen years, you are probably getting asked those “I-don’t-want-to-think-about-it” questions while plugging your ears and humming incoherently to yourself.

What happens when your son/daughter finishes high school and may not be ready or want to go on to a post-secondary institute? 

What happens if your son/daughter may not be ready for a paying job?

Am I right???  

*Grabs wine bottle*  Here…let me fill your glass up again.


I remember hearing “There is NOTHING out there!”

I remember thinking surely these people were exaggerating. There had to be something out there. Right?  RIGHT??

Well…there are programs out there. Only…the sad truth is there are not enough programs out there. And…what is available may or may not be appropriate, suitable or a good fit for your son/daughter.

So then what?!??!  

*Opens new bottle*  More wine???

Quick recap for you…

Four years ago this September Riley World started school for the last time.


Two years ago at a Transition Committee meeting I attended, another parent found a program on the Island that sounded like a good fit for Riley. The program is a family governance model called InclusionWorks! It is an individualized, age appro­pri­ate, community-based pro­gram started by a group of parents for their young adults with developmental disabilities.

In September 2015, after over a year of planning, organizing and an enormous liquor bill…we (a group of parents) formed an InclusionWorks! “grouping or pod” in our community.  

We all had the same goals in mind for our young adults…

Being a part of their community
Getting to know people in their community
Becoming involved in their community.


We started our 2nd semester in January. It’s been stressful and exhausting to say the least. But to see our young adults getting out there in their community in a meaningful way……keeps us motivated and the liquor stores in business.  

Coming soon...programming and the partnerships we have formed. 


6 comments:

  1. Look at Riley go!
    Seriously? It's been three years since he graduated? I'VE KNOWN YOU FOR FOUR YEARS??!?! Wow. Time flies. It's been a great four years getting to know you and your family. :)

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    1. You know what that means right??? We're coming up on our 5th Anniversary!! Who knew it would last so long. :P

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  2. Thanks for all the oh-so-needed wine! We're back in transition mode, no longer satisfied with K's current program. Okay... *never* satisfied but no longer willing to accept the status quo. :P There's one possibility. If that doesn't work out, we may follow in your footsteps to create our own! *breathe* *breathe* ;) I look forward to hearing more about what you've created.

    P.S. His dancing makes me so happy!!

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    1. Oh noooooooo!!! :( UGH...I'm so sorry. Keeping fingers crossed for the other possibility that it will be a good fit for the both of you. Please keep me posted.

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  3. Seriously, he's got better rhythm than me. :)
    What a great thing you all did though. It sounds like an amazing program.

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    1. Hahaha! Oh he's got some moves alright. ;) We are all pretty happy (kids included) with the program so far. Thanks!

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