Independent Living Support
Independent Living Support (ILS), offered through Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based living support program that is available for Autistic adults to access one-on-one support from a Community Living Coach to live on their own. Through a person-directed approach, Community Living Coaches support Autistic individuals in meeting their goals to live more independently.
Location:
Across Nova Scotia in the community in which the participant chooses to live more independently.
Please note: We are currently only able to support participants living in the Halifax Regional Municipality. If you live outside HRM, please contact us to learn more about when you can expect ILS through Autism Nova Scotia to be offered in your community.
Description:
Through a person-directed approach, Community Living Coaches support Autistic individuals in meeting their goals to live more independently.
A participant has the opportunity to complete a PATH, which is a visual recording of what is most important to the person, goals, strengths and the people who can support them to reach those goals. With the PATH guiding the goals, the individual and their Community Living Coach collaboratively work from a strength-based approach using evidence informed practices in the areas the individual has set for themselves to achieve within the ILS program.
Areas of Support:
Daily personal health activities
(i.e. personal hygiene, healthy living, sleeping or taking medication)
Daily living activities
(i.e. Making meals, setting an alarm, grocery shopping, doing laundry or housework)
Safety skills
(i.e. what to do in a fire alarm, how to manage household chemicals, when to contact police and emergency services)
Community living activities
(i.e. expanding social circles, healthy relationships, gaining employment or volunteer opportunities, navigating transportation)
Financial management skills
(i.e. paying bills, saving money, budgeting, going to the bank)
Other goal areas as indicated by the participant (may include internal referrals within Autism Nova Scotia and collaboration with community partners)
Additional Information:
The ILS program is currently a referral-based service through the Department of Community Services, Disability Support Program.
Registration criteria:
- Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum
- Must be a Nova Scotia resident
- Must be either a Canadian citizen, a Landed immigrant, or a Protected Person
- 19 years or older
- Eligible for the Disability Support Program
Please note:
- Participants may apply for funding from the Disability Support Program through the Department of Community Services general intake process
- You may be eligible if you are completing the diagnosis process
Kathleen Watson, Program Director (she/her)
– Kathleen supports the ILS Manager and operational needs of the ILS program
Rachel Whynot, ILS Manager (she/her)
– Rachel supports the ILS Coordinator and the day to day operations of the ILS program across the province
Rebecca Pope, ILS Coordinator (she/her)
– Rebecca supports Community Living Coaches and ILS participants across the province
rpope@autismns.ca
902-209-1953
Contact:
Rachel Whynot, ILS Manager
rwhynot@autismns.ca ● 782-321-6520
