Children and families gathered with staff and board members Wednesday to celebrate the official opening of the Comox Valley Child Development Association's new Accessible Parking and Play Project.
Special guests Owen Crumpler and MP John Duncan together cut the ribbon to mark the event.
Owen and his family access services at the CVCDA and accessible parking will make a big difference for them.
No longer will Owen's parents have to circle the block looking for a safe parking spot. No longer will a minor snowfall mean that Owen's parents have to cancel precious therapy appointments because it is just too hard to manoeuvre a wheelchair through the banked snow left by snowplows.
Thanks to local fundraising efforts and a grant from the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund, families and visitors to the CVCDA now have safe accessible off street parking.
Included in the project was the creation of an accessible outdoor play area. Therapy programs and the Autism Program will make very good use of the new play space as it provides multiple opportunities for learning and development.
Therapists will be able to set-up outdoor activities and demonstrate to families strategies that they can use in their own back yard or neighbourhood play area. Parents and siblings can be shown activities for the whole family that they can incorporate into daily living.
For children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, social learning is a vital component of their program and an outdoor play area means that children can be introduced to and practice a wide variety of typical play activities that help build acceptance and friendships in their neighbourhood, at school and out in the community.
Safe and accessible parking has been on the CVCDA's wishlist for many years and it is with great satisfaction that a giant tick mark has been placed next to it.
MP Duncan was on hand to mark the occasion and celebrate financial help from the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Enabling Accessibility Fund.
The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) provides services for children with developmental delays and disabilities including physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional and behavioural needs. Family-centred services include assessments, individualized supports and intervention.
For more information, visit www.cvcda.ca or call 250-338-4288.
— Comox Valley Child Development Association