Aug. 25, 2026
Twelve-year-old Noel Tesfayohannes never misses a chance to attend his weekly Movin’ & Groovin’ program.
He’s even created a song about the program, offered by the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (SLCHC) at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo campus, and happily performs it for anyone who will listen.
Tesfayohannes, 12, lives with Down syndrome and has participated in the centre’s adapted programs since 2019, including Movin’ & Groovin’ and, more recently, House of Hockey.
“He loves it here,” says Elsa Tesfayohannes, Noel’s mother. “He looks forward to coming to Laurier every week and seeing the student volunteers. He won’t miss it.”
The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities is one of many Laurier initiatives that offer inclusive programs for children and youth living with developmental disabilities in the university’s host communities.
“I’m thrilled to see the many ways Laurier students, faculty and staff empower children and youth living with developmental disabilities,” says Andrea Davis, Laurier’s associate vice-president: equity, diversity and inclusion. “Laurier is proud to foster a university community where everyone can experience a sense of belonging, and community partnerships like these help our students further develop the skills and social empathy needed to succeed in the complex world beyond university.”
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Noel Tesfayohannes with former Laurier student and SLCHC volunteer Sarah.
“Giving young people the opportunity to voice their experiences is empowering. It also gives educators and support workers the chance to hear exactly what neurodivergent youth need..."
Katie Reid, Laurier doctoral student and CARE Lab community outreach assistant.
Light House member Madison Seppala finds a soft landing for a touch down after breaking through Laurier's defensive line.
What began in 2017 as a request to connect Alex Morrison, an emerging football fan living in Kitchener, with the head coach of Laurier’s men’s football team has grown into a cherished annual tradition.
Each August, members of Light House, a Kitchener organization that supports young adults living with developmental disabilities, join Laurier’s men’s football team for an afternoon of preseason training activities, camaraderie and lunch at University Stadium.
“Laurier’s football program is like a big family that has welcomed us in,” says Kyle Craig, Light House co-founder. “Our group loves coming to Laurier and being included in this way. They’re all beaming from ear to ear at the end of the day. It’s just great.”
Light House returned to Laurier on Aug. 18, marking 10 years of football-inspired friendship. Participants showcased their offensive skills, breaking through Laurier’s defensive line and celebrating their touchdowns with high-energy dance moves in the end zone. The cheers that erupted on the field rivaled those heard during Golden Hawks’ home games.
“Having the Light House group join us for some on-field fun is a great way to boost everyone’s energy after four hard days of training,” says Todd Galloway, manager of men’s football operations and head coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks. “This is a meaningful relationship for us, and we enjoy giving back to the community in this way.”
“I love working with the kids in this program. They bring so much energy and excitement, and it’s incredible to see their skills grow."
Callum Chisholm, Laurier student-athlete and Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities volunteer.
Top: First Last addresses guests at Community Connections Conference. Bottom: Members of Laurier's CARE Lab.
“Laurier’s football program is like a big family that has welcomed us in. Our group loves coming to Laurier and being included in this way."
Kyle Craig, Light House co-founder (left).
Arts Express participants and student staff create props for the camp's concluding performance.
For more than 30 years, Arts Express has provided youth living with disabilities an opportunity to explore the visual and performing arts through a week-long day camp held each July. Activities are adapted to meet participants’ interests and abilities, with siblings, friends and caregivers invited to join.
The program is supported by faculty, staff and students from Laurier’s Music Therapy program. Students registered in the Laurier course MU353: Inclusive Arts for Children design the camp curriculum, lead daily activities in visual art, song and dance, and support participants in their artistic journeys.
“The beautiful thing about Arts Express is that it is built with inclusion at the forefront,” says Emily Carruthers, instructor in the Faculty of Music and Arts Express program lead at Laurier. “We are intentionally creating an experience where everyone’s needs are considered and cared for. That’s impactful for our student leaders, our campers and their families.”
Registration for the summer 2027 offering of Arts Express opens in February.
