Novalis House gives adults with intellectual disabilities a place to thrive

Adults living with intellectual disabilities often face challenges that are far beyond their condition, including misunderstanding, social isolation and little to no access to appropriate support services.

These challenges they face have shown the need for safe and structured environments where they can receive the care, guidance and opportunities they need.

Read more: Halls donation helps Mayibuye woman continue feeding vulnerable residents

Novalis House is a residential home that also has a workshop that provides structured day programmes to help adults with intellectual disabilities live safely while developing practical skills and building confidence.

Novalis House general manager Mary Owen spoke about how the home brings about change in the residents’ and volunteers’ lives.

“When they get together [residents and volunteers] and have some fun, it really makes a difference to them, and you can tell. I mean, they form strong bonds. They were even able to get together to write cards for one of the members who is in the hospital, and that just shows the amount of unity and love they have for each other.”

The structured day programme allows members to learn occupational and life skills through activities such as packaging and assembly work, food preparation, cleaning, laundry, recycling and gardening.

Beyond developing practical skills, these activities encourage independence, establish a routine and create a sense of purpose for the members.

An intellectual disability means that you have significant limitations in reasoning, learning, problem-solving and adaptive behaviour.

These limitations can affect a person’s daily living, social interactions and conceptual skills, which makes a strong support structure necessary for many people living with intellectual disabilities.

For some adults, the need for support becomes greater when family members are no longer able to care for them. Whether due to the loss of parents or changing personal and health circumstances, many require full-time residential care and assistance with everyday activities, and this is where Novalis House comes in.

Also read: Tiny scientists tackle natural disasters at Summerhill Nursery

Novalis House social worker, Fanafuthi Pule, said these circumstances are usually what lead most of the house members to end up staying at the home rather than just coming in every day for a period of time and leaving.

“It also just stems from some of the parents wanting to keep their children safe and secure because when they grow older, they worry that they might die and leave their children needing a family and support, hence they bring them here,” added Pule.

Being a part of the Novalis House also means members get to socially interact with their peers, with relationships nurtured under the guidance of professional staff.

They even get to be a part of community social events that further promote inclusion and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement.

The organisation believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose and a sense of belonging, regardless of their level of ability.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!