By Heather Bennett Eye
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or have recently moved to the Emerald Coast, finding the right resources for a child or family member with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) can feel overwhelming. Knowing where to turn for therapy, education, social support and recreational opportunities can make all the difference. Our community offers several resources to help you connect, advocate and thrive.
Lindy Wood, founder of Westonwood Ranch in Freeport, was once in your shoes. Her 15-year-old son Weston was diagnosed with autism when he was two. “It’s overwhelming. You do not get a lot of guidance from the diagnostic physician. They tell you that you need to start therapy, but you walk away, and you don’t know where to turn to,” said Lindy.
In rural Alabama, where they lived, extensive therapy was limited. After visiting several schools, they decided the Emerald Coast Autism Center in Niceville was the best choice for Weston, and they moved to Freeport to give Weston better opportunities. Here, they navigated a new community and new opportunities.
Now Lindy and her family work to help others. “The most important, or critical thing, when they’re young, is that you’re more aggressive with therapy. It’s shown to have the best outcomes as they continue to age,” stated Lindy. “Take advantage of that time ahead of the game. Be proactive. You have to advocate for alternate learning opportunities. Because those are critical.” Westonwood Ranch started as a vision of a place where individuals with disabilities could learn, grow and thrive, and since opening in 2019, they’ve worked hard to help teens and young adults with IDD realize their potential and develop life skills to foster independent and productive lives.
While there are numerous therapy and skill-building opportunities available for young children with autism and other developmental disabilities, resources tend to become more limited as children grow older. For adolescents and young adults, access to developmentally appropriate services, such as life skills training, social development programs, or transition support, can be significantly harder to find. Additionally, insurance coverage for these types of services may be restricted, leaving families to navigate financial barriers during a critical period of growth and independence.
Westonwood Ranch works hard to raise money and find community support to help offset costs for participants through financial aid. “We never want finances to be a barrier to obtaining this higher level of programs,” said Lindy. They also have an aquaponic farm where they grow and sell produce. They currently have seven local restaurants sourcing lettuce from them regularly. They also have a bakery where they produce their own Brew Chews Gourmet Dog Treats. Proceeds from those businesses are reinvested back into the ranch.
There are several programs to assist children and young adults with IDD offered at Westonwood Ranch. The Transitional Services Day Program is full-time, year-round for those 12 and up, providing opportunities to gain critical skills to be more independent. The LIFT OFF Program for those 18 and older is designed to help those exiting the school system and focuses on developing soft skills with real hands-on learning at the aquaponics farm and pet treat bakery. The program culminates in an internship and an opportunity to be employed. The ranch also provides an Afterschool Equine Therapy on Mondays and Wednesdays for ages four to adult.
“No matter where you are on your walk with autism or other developmental disabilities, don’t let their age be a limit on their ability to learn. No matter what age you are, you’re still capable of learning whether you have a disability or not,” added Lindy. “They are still able and capable of learning and capable of doing amazing things if given the right opportunities and pathways.”
Many cities and counties face the challenge of affordable housing for people with IDD, and the Emerald Coast is no different. Westonwood Ranch is looking to change that. They are currently working on securing funding for a supportive living community for 44 young adults that will include apartments, townhomes and tiny homes with a pool and a clubhouse. This community will be 180 degrees from the traditional group homes.
In addition to Westonwood Ranch, there are a variety of resources available along the Emerald Coast to support individuals with IDD, as well as their families and caregivers. These resources span early intervention services, educational supports, therapy providers, community programs, and advocacy organizations. Notable organizations include the Emerald Coast Autism Center, Great Gains Behavioral, Project 10, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities, Autism Society of Florida, Walton County Arc, Grace Rides, and the Special Olympics of Walton County.
If you would like to learn more about Westonwood Ranch, visit www.westonwood.org or contact them at info@westonwood.org or (850) 880-2220.
