Adult Services
Empowering Neurodiverse Adults in the next stage of their journey.
Our vision for these programs is to support and empower adults who are neurodiverse with diverse needs, striving to foster independence, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose. We believe in capitalizing on each person’s unique strengths, addressing their individual needs, and nurturing their passions. This is lifetime learning—an ongoing journey that doesn’t stop when school ends.
Our goal is simple yet profound: to help individuals develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible, leading rich, fulfilling lives that honor their dreams and potential.
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 Lighthouse has partnered with the Els for Autism Foundation® to bring two new programs to the Lighthouse! Els for Autism® was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els, and Marvin R. Shanken. The Els Center of Excellence® campus is located in Jupiter, Florida and serves as a hub for disseminating innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan.
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 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.
01 Learning Skills
Luminosity is committed to promoting independence in daily living and adaptive skills, both in the centre and within the community.
02 Real Life Results
Participants don’t just learn—they apply these skills in real-life settings, navigating public spaces independently and safely.
03 Growth
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.
The Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre is proud to be recognized as a designated educational institution approved by the Government of Canada, allowing students to use their Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) funds to cover eligible training and tuition costs.
Conditions to use RESP
Minimum: An educational program at post-secondary school level that lasts at least 3 consecutive weeks, and that requires a student to spend not less than 12 hours per month on courses in the program.
We welcome visits from parents and children at The Lighthouse seeking the proper foundation for their future. Our staff will gladly show you around and answer any questions you have about our school and support for students.
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