Above: Maddy Keyes (right) shares a smile with Kathryn (left), proudly holding up the paper pumpkin they made at Creative Connections.
As a third-year nursing student at UNBSJ, I was excited — but also a bit uncertain — about starting my community clinical rotation at L’Arche Creative Connections. I hadn’t heard of L’Arche before, so I did a little research and discovered it’s a place where adults with and without intellectual disabilities come together to create a unique, supportive community. From the moment I stepped into Creative Connections, I knew L’Arche was more than just a support system — it was a loving family!
As a student, my experience at L’Arche has taught me so much, particularly about patience and adaptability. Working with individuals who have different disabilities, each processing information at their own pace, has helped me adjust my communication style to better support them. I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of person-centered care, as L’Arche emphasizes recognizing each person’s unique needs and abilities, reinforcing the importance of individualized care.
From the perspective of the community members, L’Arche has impacted my life by teaching me the value of slowing down and living in the moment, as well as building confidence through creative expression, like art. The sense of connection and companionship fostered at Creative Connections ensures that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This has been essential not only for my personal growth but for contributing to a truly inclusive community.
One of my favorite memories at Creative Connections happened one afternoon after lunch when we went around the room sharing our highs and lows of the morning. When it was Adrian’s turn, he looked at me and said that the high of his day was how he hadn’t been feeling great earlier, but seeing the students, and receiving their smiles and laughter, made him feel better. Hearing that made me realize how even the smallest gesture, like a smile, can really brighten someone’s day — a heartwarming reminder of the impact we can have on each other.
I’m excited to create even more memories at Creative Connections over the next two months and to continue building lifelong friendships filled with smiles and laughter!
Maddy Keyes
Nursing Student in Community Clinical Placement at Creative Connections