A SOCIAL skills support group in Ballarat is seeking to provide a safe space for children and adults who are on the autism spectrum.<\/p>\n
Eb\u2019s Rainbow allows people on the spectrum to come together, build friendships, and learn life skills while having fun and playing games.<\/p>\n
There are a range of programs available that focus on different areas such as fitness, creativity, and Lego.<\/p>\n
Group founder Kerry Tuxworth started Eb\u2019s Rainbow in memory of her daughter.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy daughter Ebony passed away quite suddenly last year so as a legacy for her Eb\u2019s Rainbow has come about,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s simply because at the time of her death Ebony was working in disability support, absolutely loved it and she was a person who was extremely non-judgemental and would help anyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am wanting to create a space for the community to be able to come, feel welcome, feel wanted and feel at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about working on their social skills so incorporating challenging conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of Eb\u2019s Rainbow, participants can work on a range of skills that help them in everyday life.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the moment in the Lego group we are working on taking turns when talking because they are excited and the want to talk,\u201d said Ms Tuxworth.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso fine motor skills, how to share and interact, adjusting to new social situations and building independence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Tuxworth said part of the Eb\u2019s Rainbow mission was to address an shortfall in support for people on the autism spectrum in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a huge gap unfortunately for people with Autism,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s only one other group that I\u2019m aware of in Ballarat but otherwise there\u2019s nothing else.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have big hopes a dreams to one day have a farm and a cafe and be able to employ people with disability.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope this encourages the local government and support services to get behind and create more opportunities like this for people with disability to build that connection.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A SOCIAL skills support group in Ballarat is seeking to provide a safe space for children and adults who are on the autism spectrum. Eb\u2019s Rainbow allows people on the spectrum to come together, build friendships, and learn life skills while having fun and playing games. There are a range of programs available that focus […]<\/p>\n