Since its inception in 2017, Inclusion Weyburn's program participants would gather together with typical groups of kids and enjoying activities in groups, in public.

Enter 2020, when the world changed for everyone, but it didn't stop for anyone. Those with intellectual and physical disabilities were also left without their regular programming, which was an important part of routine.

"A lot of our youth, in particular, really have a tough time when the stability of routines is gone," said Inclusion Weyburn president Jackie Wilson. "And when schools closed in March, that just pulled the rug right out from under them, so we knew that, more than ever, they needed support, so we provided the Repite Care program."

"Respite care is for the parents, to give them a break, and it's also for the individual to get some one-on-one time that our Respite Care Provider can give them. Their sole responsibility is to meet the needs of the youth that they're assisting."

Wilson said the Respite Care program was able to be facilitated by the same staff that they had prepared to work at the camps.

"So we just changed their jobs, so that they went one staff was paired with one child and that staff person went to the private home to provide care in the home," she explained.

"That was seen as a very positive move on the part of parents. We got really good feedback from families on that, and from staff."

"A large part of our board is a group of professional educators who are so committed, and do so well at training our staff and mentoring our staff throughout the life of the program, that our staff is prepared and has activities that are fitting and ready to go, and it makes for the most enjoyable time possible," Wilson said.

"They are to come prepared, to bring in activities if they can, and we help them with that," Wilson noted. "And, they're to make the most of their time."

"A lot of our staff, all of our staff actually, has a drivers' license and they'd take them out take them out during the summer, as things relaxed in our province, they were able to take them to the pool, or they were able to take them to parks, and they were out and about a lot, and that was really nice for the individuals, and nice for parents, too

She said this year hasn't been easy for anyone, anywhere.

"A lot of parents, and their children, have experienced a lot of difficulties through COVID, because all young people, in fact, all of us, I think, really do best when we're in a routine. And for sure, a lot of people with intellectual disabilities really need routine and structure to have them comfortable and relaxed," she commented.

Wilson said they have had about 15 children in the program this year, ages four to 16, and their club is also currently resuming their swim events.