Renewed support champions special needs

Every two years the centre accepts 20 adults with a range of special needs into the three-year program. Therapists help participants improve their autonomy, self-confidence and social skills and enhance their overall quality of life.

Wells was first introduced to the centre through her sister, whose daughter has special needs and was enrolled in the CAHD program. At the time the centre had only been open for two years. It had little funding and remained in operation largely thanks to the hard work and determination of Lenore Vosberg, the centre’s co-founder and the current director of Clinical Services and Public Outreach.

“She’s an amazing woman,” says Wells. “And it’s her dedication that has kept this thing going for all these years. I think most people would have given up.”

Vosberg acknowledges the early days were difficult, but she credits the CAHD’s survival on the support of the Lloyd Carr Harris Foundation. “I’ve had to show determination to keep this program in operation,” she says.

Research, education and public outreach

For more than two decades the CAHD has produced research on a variety of topics. “We’ve been doing important research that has a direct impact on the community,” Vosberg says.

Its research has focused on the benefits of creative arts therapies on the communication abilities of participants, the value of drama therapy on social skills for children on the autism spectrum and the effectiveness of dance/movement with people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 

The centre also has a mandate to provide educational opportunities, which it does through internships for graduate students enrolled in Concordia’s Department of Creative Arts Therapies and Department of Education.

Interns are given clinical training with onsite supervision from professional arts therapists. Many of the therapy sessions are led by graduate students, providing them practical clinical know-how.

There are various volunteer opportunities for students and Montreal-area residents who want to participate in this special program while gaining experience working with adults with developmental disabilities.

The centre also holds public performances, art shows and concerts featuring the creative talents of the program’s participants as part of its outreach and fundraising efforts.

Since its opening, the CAHD has helped more than 250 people with special needs. Vosberg says the program has a significant positive impact on the participants and their families.

“It’s very rewarding because we see improved self-esteem, self-confidence and interpersonal skills,” she says. “We also see positive impacts on the families and across the board with our staff, volunteers and students. We’re offering important, life-changing services to the community, and they’re services that no one else is providing.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or wishing to give to the CAHD, please visit the centre’s website or call 514-848-2424, ext. 8619.

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Related links

• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Department of Creative Arts Therapies
• Department of Education
• The Centre for the Arts in Human Development
• The Lloyd Carr Harris Foundation
• CAHD Benefit Concert Fall 2017