The future’s daunting, when you’re the parent of a child with a disability. But there’s so much more life out there for Rufus, and an exploration of this incredible world.

L’Arche offers hope to parents like Dan and Lucy, whose story features in the video below.

Like so many parents of children with a learning disability, they are asking what the future holds for their twelve-year old son, Rufus. Will he be independent? Will he make friends of his own? Does anyone else really care about him?

In L’Arche, they have discovered a vision for a full and vibrant life, surrounded by friendship and real care. 

Your gift this Advent will help L’Arche be a beacon of hope to more families like Rufus, Dan and Lucy.

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Rufus was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome before his first birthday. It threw Dan and Lucy into turmoil. But as Rufus grew up, they discovered a real joy bringer, a boy who knit their family together and whose disarming smile lit up the day of complete strangers. However, things were less bright when it came to thinking about Rufus’ future. His parents want Rufus to have a life of his own beyond their family, but they can see the day approaching when the support they need and receive will drop off.

That changed when Dan started working for L’Arche as a graphic designer. He and Lucy discovered a vision for a different kind of future for adults with learning disability. Dan describes it as “life plus”: not just outstanding support, where assistants genuinely want to spend time with people they support, but real community opening up a bigger world, a fuller life. They can see that Rufus would thrive in a place like L’Arche.

Over half of disabled people report feeling lonely, rising to over three quarters (77%) for those aged 18-34. This Christmas, many adults with learning disabilities will be on their own, and feeling isolated. Not so in L’Arche. In our Communities, there’s always a seat at the table: people with and without learning disability look out for each other, and seek every opportunity for fun and celebration and enjoying the good things on offer in everyday life.