Developmental disabilities Archives

08Oct

Breaking Grounds Debuts at Witches Ball!

The Witches Ball was a smashing success this year, thanks in large part to the local businesses like Breaking Grounds Coffee & Cafe! As part of the soft opening, Breaking Grounds could not disguise their presence at the ghoulish event. Excited to get started in Mill Race Village as an official coffee shop in November, Breaking Grounds made their debut Saturday. The results could not have been better!

Over 5,000 people showed up – biggest crowd ever! Breaking Grounds Coffee gave out over 200 samples! People were lining up for it! So proud to be a part of the resurgence of downtown Mount Holly!

Autism after 21: Parents worry about who will care for children with autism after parents

08May

Autism After 21: Parents Worry About Their Child’s Future As An Adult

Geri Bohn knows her 12-year-old son Kaleb is never going to live on his own. He’s never going to drive a car, or go to college, or get married. Bohn’s even hesitant to say that Kaleb, who has autism and is on the low-functioning end of the spectrum, is at the same level as a 2-year-old child. He’s nonverbal, in diapers and experiences moments of aggression.

“He’ll be our baby forever,” Bohn said. But as Kaleb gets older, taller and bigger, it’s becoming more and more apparent that he’s physically not a baby.

“It’s just hitting true that he’s going to be a lot bigger kid and I don’t know how long I am going to be able to handle that,” Bohn said.

11Jan

Accessory Dwelling Offers Bridge To Independence

Yung Ting Engelbrecht lounges on his couch watching “Barney” on a tablet. He can scan QR codes taped to the wall that connect him to some of his favorite YouTube videos.

“Where are you going to sleep tonight?” asks his mom, Jacqueline Noel. “New house,” Yung Ting says.

His 288-square-foot accessory dwelling unit is attached to his parents’ house in east Vancouver. Even though he’s lived in the unit for a little over a year, Yung Ting still calls his place “new house” and his parents’ “big house.”

When people initially heard that Yung Ting was getting his own place,