Luminosity

This month marks 16 years since my son was diagnosed with autism. Every minute of these past 16 years has been a journey—some good, some difficult. Each moment has shaped who we are today. But this February, an entirely new path opened on a journey I thought I had started to master.

It became clear that my son wouldn’t be able to access post-secondary education due to the severity of his intellectual disability. While that possibility may have faded, what didn’t disappear were his dreams and desires. His inability to access advanced academics didn’t change the fact that he still wants to have a job, earn his own money, and work toward as much independence as possible. Yet, in this province, it feels like learning often comes to an end at 21 if you’re unable to follow a predetermined path.

Daniel and I don’t need respite; we need continued learning. His dreams deserve to come into sharper focus, no matter how long it takes—those dreams shouldn’t fade into the distance or sit forgotten in the rearview mirror.

For years, I have admired the incredible work being done at The Els Centre of Excellence. Their programming is world-renowned, and for reasons close to my heart, their story deeply resonated with me. When it felt like doors were closing this past February, I found myself at a crossroads.

In that moment of uncertainty, I reached out to their leadership team—an act that may well be the most profound decision of my entire journey.

What I found wasn’t just expertise or a program, but a community that understood, embraced, and expanded my vision for what was possible. It reignited a sense of hope that I thought was slipping away.

The Els for Autism Adult Day Training (ADT) program, which The Lighthouse is proudly naming Luminosity, is designed for autistic adults and neurodiverse individuals with related disabilities who have transitioned out of the school system.

Luminosity will be the first program we are launching. Luminosity is built on a foundation of behaviour analytic and evidence-based practices, providing individualized learning experiences that meet the unique needs of each participant. We are passionate about empowering individuals to grow and thrive, focusing on fostering meaningful social interactions and communication through a blend of structured educational and recreational activities. Our mission goes beyond the classroom.

Luminosity is committed to promoting independence in daily living and adaptive skills, both in the centre and within the community. Participants don’t just learn—they apply these skills in real-life settings, navigating public spaces independently and safely. Every goal is tailored to reflect the unique strengths, needs, and abilities of each participant, ensuring that they continue to grow toward their fullest potential.

We are thrilled to announce the pilot phase of Luminosity, launching in January 2025 for a select group of 7 participants. This full-time program is designed to be transformative, offering personalized support and development for neurodiverse adults. This is more than just a program—it’s a journey toward independence, confidence, and a fulfilling life.

We are now taking names for our interest list, and we can’t wait to embark on this new chapter with those ready to shine. If you are interested in more information or be placed on our interest list email Antonietta Siciliano our Luminosity Program Coordinator.

Antonietta.s@lhldc.com