What Creates the Best Environment for People with Autism?

What is the best environment for people with autism? Much has been written on this subject, but one thing is certain. People with autism thrive in serene surroundings that take into consideration lighting, color, sound, and other positive sensory experiences. Cultivating Dreams Farm is such a place. For example, individuals in our programs work, play, and learn on ten rolling acres of greenery under an open sky. The calming greens and blues are punctuated by the stimulating reds and yellows of flowering plants. Natural light filters through the leaves of the trees, dappling the fields and paths, and warming the greenhouses. The crooning of happily nesting hens, bird song, and romping squirrels can be heard. Scents from the herb and flower gardens, and fresh dug earth are delightful to the senses.

New Spaces Support Fitness, Vocational & Life Skills Programs

While the physical property of Cultivating Dreams Farm naturally creates the best environment for people with autism, newly constructed recreational and learning spaces further enhance it for everyone. These new spaces actively support the fitness, vocational and life skills programs offered at Cultivating Dreams Farm. They include:

• - A second greenhouse that creates more space for participants in our vocational horticultural program.
• - A new wheelchair accessible entrance to the existing greenhouse, made from locust wood cut from the property.

• -Newly constructed basketball, pickle ball, and bocce courts used for fitness and socialization.

• -A renovated barn, complete with a wheelchair accessible restroom and multipurpose space for therapeutic arts.
• -An Overlook Path that safely connects the life skills center at the farm house to the fields, courts, barn and greenhouses.

In the fall, a pavilion will be constructed offering even more shaded space in which to picnic, listen to music and socialize.

There is a need for opportunities for people with disabilities, who often thrive in a natural and serene setting, for vocational and life skills development as well as athletic and community activities. With the help of a grant and fundraising, CBS continues to provide solutions to these needs and to serve more people from the community and school districts.  

Explore Cultivating Dreams Farm

We invite you to come explore the peacefulness and beauty of Cultivating Dreams Farm and discover these new learning spaces for yourself. Community Based Services invites the community to celebrate its 40^th anniversary with a relaunch of Cultivating Dreams Farm on August 26. Register for this free event here.