Ryan Twiss loves to cook, often making food for his parents. He enjoys preparing meals like hamburgers, hot dogs, and bacon—sometimes with his dad. This has helped bring them closer together, thanks to a program called Pivot Point.
“I love it. Pivot Point is awesome for me,” Twiss said, adding that he enjoys working with the staff.
Pivot Point started its Life Program in Milton last December at Country Heritage Park—its first location outside of British Columbia. The program helps people with autism, Down syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, and other neurodiverse conditions by teaching important life skills.
At the Milton Life Program, participants learn both simple and complex skills, from making crafts to improving social interactions. The program is run by Kathleen Nesbitt Daly and Sarah Burgess, both trained behavioral analysts.
Using data from staff reports and participant surveys, they adjust the program based on individual needs.
“We love data,” Burgess joked. “But most importantly, we want to improve people’s quality of life while making it fun.”
Nesbitt Daly agrees.
“Our clients tell us how helpful they find the program and the staff. This helps us make sure we’re providing what they actually need,” she explained.
During a recent Tuesday session at Country Heritage Park, the environment was warm, social, and fun. Despite being a place of learning, participants were able to enjoy themselves and go at their own pace. That day, they even practiced how to apply for jobs.
Pivot Point was founded by Crystal Thompson and Steve Cunningham after they saw that many programs were not meaningful.
“In some places, people with disabilities were given pointless tasks like putting nuts on bolts, only for staff to remove them so they could do it again the next day,” Thompson said. “It wasn’t real learning.”
Instead, Pivot Point creates personalized programs for each person.
Local advocates Mary Barnes and Elaine Cray, both mothers of neurodiverse adults, helped bring Pivot Point to Milton.
Cray described the program as a “refreshing way to teach life skills.” Barnes added that her daughter Laura loves it so much, she never wants to leave at the end of the day.
Pivot Point’s grand opening will take place on February 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Country Heritage Park.
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