Why theSpace?

Many neurodivergent adults often find themselves to be at an impasse, and particularly at a critical point in their lives.  
  
As they prepare to graduate from secondary school, or from supportive day programs, and seek to transition and participate in the world of jobs, they may find themselves faced with few choices.  
  
They may also find that there is a lack of options that enable continued, progressive engagement in their community, and indeed, their own personal development and connection.

At the same time, there is currently little action-based research that would support finding viable and inclusionary strategies for these adults in transition--whether they are new graduates, or approaching retirement from occasional work, volunteer or recreational day programs.

At theSpace we believe that the most important forms of value and belonging, both social and personal, emerge organically, and particularly, when individuals are enabled to find a lifelong interest  which motivates learning, and through creative contribution.

What makes theSpace unique?

Our members have the opportunity for real involvement and engagement, and a sense of social belonging, through their creations and co-creations.
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Not only is theSpace a gathering place for artist members, it is a platform for building lifelong community networks, which in turn harness new resources and innovation.

theSpace also supports individuals who are often not fully represented or given a platform to express personal agency, within so many mainstream programs---introducing instead, an approach which moves away from traditional notions of 'a job', and toward an embodiment of more broad forms of social citizenship and identity.

We want to prepare people for the future. 

In a world of accelerating change, traditional jobs have an ever shorter shelf-life. Learning is becoming the key challenge to our ability to adapt.

Meeting this challenge successfully, requires conditions that awaken an intrinsic motivation that can unleash a lifelong passion for learning and growth.

As a result, theSpace supports our members to find not only their own voice and creative identity, but also to build a lifelong foundation or career, to inspire a robust sense of well being.