Publication Date
An Inclusive Living Environment for Autistic Young Adults in Rivière-du-Loup
The Doris-Dickner Residence of La Maison L’autnid opened its doors last February in Rivière-du-Loup. It has a fourfold mission to support young adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities and their families: it offers a living environment for eight residents, a day center, an after-school daycare service, as well as a new respite service. Thanks to the support of the ITI Foundation, the home is equipped with a comprehensive technology space, and with computers, touchscreens, and tablets that support the development and autonomy of the beneficiaries.
A project dear to the ITI Foundation team, the technology implemented at the Doris-Dickner Residence perfectly illustrates how digital tools can support autistic individuals in many ways:
- Using software to support memory, concentration, or language skills
- Communicating via keyboard for those with verbal limitations
- Developing new skills with adapted digital tools
- Listening to videos or music for comfort at the end of the day
- Searching for pictograms to facilitate daily routines
- Playing online games, where they can feel like everyone else and break their isolation
Technology is a guiding thread in learning, communication, and sharing for our young adults. It is a lever with countless possibilities, truly making a difference in their daily lives, and in those of their families.
A technology assistant to foster independence in the kitchen
Thanks to the tablets provided by the ITI Foundation, La Maison L’autnid will participate in a research project with Laval University aimed at increasing autonomy for autistic individuals in the kitchen. With a technological assistant in the form of a specially designed application by researchers, residents will be able to acquire new culinary skills, while being supported by staff members who will assess the tool based on observed learning outcomes.
For some of our young adults, the Residence is a springboard to the outside world, a way to achieve a certain degree of independence tailored to their needs. This research project is a perfect example of what we can offer them to help them become more autonomous, when we have both technological and human resources.
Technology to bring dreams to life and break down barriers
The residence’s technology space is ideal for recreation, where young adults can play online in the presence of others and staff members. It provides wonderful moments shared among the residents.
One of our young residents returned from a family stay with the desire to put on a show, inspired by a little cousin. A great admirer of Marie-Mai, and with a slower pace of language formulation, he was accompanied by a staff member through every step: searching for videos, preparing his choreography, and so on. Other residents made posters to encourage him. He seemed so happy! His little performance in front of the big screen and the Marie-Mai video created a beautiful moment of sharing and camaraderie in our technology space.
La Maison L’autnid is already planning new uses for digital equipment to help autistic youth gain independence and experience success.
We have a resident who dreams of driving a car. Unfortunately, this will never be a reality in his life. We are planning to soon test a driving simulator with our virtual reality headsets, so he can realize their dream in a certain way. Since these immersive devices can be unsettling for autistic people, we will make sure to provide close support.
Thanks to our partner Cisco for their support in this project, and long life to La Maison L’autnid.
