Families raising children with disabilities face unique challenges and often require specialized support, including accessing specific resources. This can be challenging and expensive with little resources available for families.
Many across the Province and Country will remember a little autistic girl, Oaklynn Schweder, who went missing in the dense bush in Northern BC this past September and was miraculously found safe and sound 3 days later. The family of Oaklynn was able to access Jordan’s Principle for some Security items to keep this little girl safe in and around their home. This has had a substantial positive impact on her protection and peace of mind for the family. Security Cameras, Window and Door locks and alarms were purchased for the home through Jordan’s Principle. This has had a massive impact for security for the Oaklynn and her family. The parents no longer need to take turns sleeping to ensure Oaklynn’s safety with the Security cameras, Window, Door locks and alarms in place.
Having the indoor security cameras has also provided Oaklynn the ability to roam within the home and play in her room or the playroom at her content with the parents being able to view her virtually as she plays independently or with her siblings.
Oaklynn’s Mom said the Hotel door alarm has worked well when they have had to be away for appointments as it alerts them immediately with a loud alarm if Oaklynn tries to open the Hotel room door.
Oaklynn’s Dad said that Oaklynn continues to pack a backpack with food and a blanket and head out the door on a regular basis. He is concerned about her eloping again but has been (so far) able to catch her and lead her back inside due to the alarms on the windows and doors and the Security Cameras.
Another security measure that was submitted to ISC through Jordan’s Principle application process was for the family to build a fence around their residence. This item in the application was verbally approved by ISC BC Region office; however, we have not received the written approval to proceed with this security barrier request to date. Upon request for updates regarding this item, we have been notified that the written approval has been sent to headquarters for wording.
Once we get the written approval from ISC Headquarters, the family can proceed with building a fence that will provide another much-needed safety measure for Oaklynn to play outside and safely remain in the family’s yard.
2 Extraordinary financial costs related to children with disabilities with equipment and care can place significant burdens on families as there are few resources available. Jordan’s Principle has played a crucial role and helped close the gap in providing these specific supports for Oaklynn and her family to keep the children safe within their home and in their rural community and in the prevention of Oaklynn eloping again.
This is shared with the full consent and gratitude of Oaklynn’s family.