Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL), Milton NS

Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL) is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for individuals with challenges. QASL expanded from offering care to children with disabilities in 1969 to an association for all age groups, providing residential services, life skills training, family support parent groups, educational opportunities, recreational programs and pre-vocational and vocational training for approximately 40 people.

Residential services include supported homes and apartments that help individuals create a homey environment and encourage interaction with the community; day programs take place at Penny Lane Enterprises. Pre-vocational and vocational training programs assist people in making the transition from education to work, while developing life and social skills. Pre-vocational services include stuffing, sealing and labeling envelopes, collating and sorting, packaging items, assembling products and crafts.

Vocational activities consist of woodworking projects (Adirondack chairs, survey stakes, furniture repair, caning, kindling); recycling; Christmas wreaths and garland; promotional buttons; and food service kits.

Since June 2001, QASL has offered the Snoezelen Room, originally developed in Holland, to its clients. The word “Snoezelen” is derived from the Dutch words “sniffing” and “dozing.” It is designed to provide multi-sensory stimulation—touch, sight, smell and movement—to severely impaired people who display sensory deprivation.

The goals for the team of approximately 70 full-time and part-time staff, residents, parents, guardians and volunteers include improving and expanding the services, promoting public awareness and realistic attitudes in the community about people with challenges, as well as raising funds to support QASL’s programs.

Support comes from private donations and local businesses including NF Douglas Lumberyard, Woodpile Carvings & Café and Sobeys. Fundraisers include a St. Patrick’s Day event with music, door prizes and a silent auction; grocery bagging at Sobeys; an online wreath auction; an auction for an Adirondack chair painted by a local artist; and citrus fruit sales. The bulk of the money raised is used to supplement trips and celebrations for the clients.

Information:
QASL
44 Pleasant St.,Milton, NS   B0T 1P0
(902) 354-2723
www.qasl.ca
qasl@eastlink.ca

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