Parents of children with autism in the Ottawa Valley now have a facility right here in Pembroke and no longer have to travel to Ottawa or farther for expert care and services.
Empowered Academy, located at 169 Lake Street in Pembroke, opened its doors last November but celebrated its grand opening this past Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Bethea Summers of the BIA, Mayor Ron Gervais, and MP Cheryl Gallant.
Empowered Academy offers individualized applied behaviour analysis (ABA) programs built on a range of evidence-based curricula and assessments. The academy emphasizes creative and engaging learning approaches, with therapy extending beyond the classroom to focus on real-world skills, communication, and independence in a supportive environment.
Dr. Jeff Sherman, a registered behaviour analyst, launched the Ottawa-based organization in 1991 and says that branching out to Pembroke has been a long time coming, citing a number of underlying reasons for the length of time it has taken.
Another challenge has been the lack of private funding to offset the high costs associated with providing the level of care children with autism generally require.
Amanda Graham is the owner and director of the Pembroke facility and says she is particularly excited to make services more accessible to families in need of supports closer to home. Graham notes the roster of registered children is already growing, with many more expected once word spreads that the academy is open and ready to work with local families.
Programs are available for children of all ages and abilities and can be accessed on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the needs of the child and their circumstances. Graham also takes steps to ensure the environment is not overwhelming by limiting the number of children receiving instruction and care at any given time.
Late-afternoon and Saturday sessions are also available. For more information, visit www.empowered-academy.com or call 613-907-4052.
(Written By: Richard Evans)