Ability centre up and running
Steven, who was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and autism, was born deceased due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck too tightly.
Bedfordview resident, Mrs Vanessa Dos Santos has opened a new world to young adults living with Down’s syndrome.
In February this year, Mrs Dos Santos said after struggling to find a suitable centre for her son, Steven, who is also living with the condition, she vowed to open a centre in his name where he would interact with others in a similar condition.
“We have kept Steven at home since he left school because we could not find any schools or workshops that offer programmes suited for him. Most of them have depressing environments. I visited a centre once and found they keep the children against the wall and feed them morning and afternoon. No activities at all and they leave home without being stimulated,” said Mrs Dos Santos.
On May 3, Steven’s Ability Centre and Coffee Shop opened its doors for the first time.
The centre accommodates eight young adults and offers a variety of activities throughout the day.
The NEWS caught up with the young adults at the centre last Wednesday before they went to the cinema for a special movie day outing.
Mrs Dos Santos said the daily routine at the centre involves starting the day with a cup of hot chocolate and a chat about the previous afternoon.
“After that we do a little bit of maths and then painting and beading. On other days we go to the tennis court for sporting activities,” she said.
She said members of the public visiting the coffee shop are served by the young adults themselves.
“As far as the coffee shop is concerned, they helped to choose items on the menu as well as the prices of the items. They also serve customers. We also plead with residents to support the coffee shop because all proceeds go to the well-being of these children. This outing was also made possible through money they raised from tips at the coffee shop,” said Mrs Dos Santos.
Activities at the centre also include baking for the coffee shop.
Mrs Dos Santos said the centre would be grateful for a volunteer to help out for their 45-minute sessions on sport days.
She said in the near future she hopes to buy more educational material as well as get an internet connection for the centre.
Twenty-one-year-old Steven is also part of the group and has made friends among them.
Steven, who was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism, was born deceased due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck too tightly and had to be resuscitated.
His caregiver, Ms Cassie Yolwa, said Steven has defied all odds and has a lot of love to give.
The centre is situated on 23 Nicol Street and the coffee shop is open from Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 2pm.
