Student with disabilities enjoys independence

Patrick McLauchlan, like many twenty-somethings, holds down a part-time job, attends school, and lives with a roommate in an apartment.

He likes going to the movies and playing computer games, and is saving for a trip to Australia. He prefers eating out to preparing his own food.

Patrick has successfully moved from his parents’ home to his own apartment instead of seeking a more traditional placement in a group home.

Patrick, who attends Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Powell River campus, is typical of several young people living with developmental disabilities who do not require constant supervision. He’s benefiting from the Powell River Community Living Association’s (PRACL) ‘supported apartment model of service’ for people with disabilities. The service has increased not only his independence, but his connection to the community.

Patrick walks from his apartment to his work at Rainbow Feeds, or to VIU where he attends classes in the Access program. Soft-spoken Patrick enjoys the work, but it is a bit harder in the summer when he takes on the added workload of attending to the Rent-a-Flower blue boxes that beautify the community.

Yvonne Russell of PRACL coordinates the Crossroads youth program that oversees the supported apartment model of service. She is proud of Patrick’s success. “As these young people transition from high school to adulthood, they need some support but don’t necessarily need to live at home or under 24-7 scrutiny,” Russell said “Independence, quality of life and a choice of service are vitally important.”

Russell, a graduate of VIU’s Community Support Worker program, sees changes coming in her field of work.

Although budget cuts in community living are difficult for some individuals and their families, Russell recognizes that some changes are leading to new opportunities. Program cuts have also left many people with the impression that work in the Community Support Worker field is diminishing, but Russell sees opportunity to stay positive.

“From the time I stepped out of the classroom to now, I have had full-time work,” she said. “In fact, there are still not enough people to do the work. There is an aging population of support workers who plan to retire. We need people in the field who are flexible and ready to provide a wider range of services than ever before.”

Alison Taplay, coordinator of the Disabilities Studies diploma program at VIU, agrees. “It’s not that there is no work—it’s different work. As there is a shift in changing residential services, there is also a shift toward services that support employment and the development of personal networks. We need to increase citizenship and help connect people to the community.”

Russell sees the value of pursuing further education, and praises PRACL with being proactive in supporting its employees.

“PRACL offered us opportunities to train us in leadership, mental health, food safe, and more. These skills can be used in this and other work,” she said.

Meanwhile, Patrick enjoys going to school and work, hanging out with friends and enjoying his own space. The supported model of apartment living, attending VIU and working allows an inclusive quality of life for him and many others in Powell River.


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Cutline: VIU student Patrick McLauchlan (right) attends the Access program at the Powell River campus. Alumna Yvonne Russell graduated from VIU’s Community Support Worker program and now works for the Powell River Association of Community Living. She helped Patrick find his own apartment so he can enjoy independence and quality of life.