Finding a space that accepts young people for WHO they are can be challenging. Not only do they want to feel connected to their group, but parents want the people who work with them to be supportive and accommodate their specific needs. We don’t expect people to change and work to be neurotypical or mask. We want the colour that comes with a vibrant space of many different brains and brain types.

While Passages wasn’t opened specifically for neurodivergent youth, we’ve found that many young people who join us need an alternative school for a reason – the mainstream system just isn’t meeting their needs.

Many, but not all, of the Learners at Passages have:

• ADHD

• Autism - low support needs

• Mental Health challenges like OCD, Anxiety, Depression

• Learning Disabilities such as slow processing, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia

A space like Passages allows them to “find their people” and receive personalized mentoring. Have you noticed neurodivergent people tend to find each other, and relationships are easy? Brains on a similar wavelength jive. We see this first hand.

People with ADHD can work within their needs – lessening overwhelm because there are no due dates, tests, or pressures.

Autistic youth can enjoy their special interests for as long as they’d like - they control how long they spend working on something.

Mental health challenges can be reduced due to low pressure, flexible scheduling, autonomy and a safe space to take a deep breath.

Learning Disabilities may need accommodations, but because the learner decides what to learn and how our centre is one big accommodation, they adapt quickly!! If they need support finding ways to learn, we will work with them to narrow down their needs.

All of this allows for a space that is inclusive and respectful of the individual.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Passages is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for learners respecting the dignity and independence of neurodivergent people and people with disabilities. We want to ensure we are compliant with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the "AODA"). We are still a small centre with limited staffing and expect learners to be able to be in the space with large amounts of independence. We are willing to discuss a teens needs with all families and work within the AODA to see if we can support them.