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Diverse Family Roots hitting the Kootenay road to support neurodiverse children

"On the road we go," says Ben Postmus, adding that it's not an easy time for families that have sons/ daughters with neurodiverse challenges.

This season, families of neurodiverse children are tackling Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and Diverse Family Roots Society is here to support them every step of the way. 

Over the next few weeks, the society will be hosting a series of family-focused sessions aimed at helping parents feel secure and empowered in crafting their child’s unique educational path. 

“On the road we go,” says Ben Postmus, founder and executive director of Diverse Family Roots. 

“Some parents are excited by this while others are freaked out, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way they had hoped.” 

Postmus highlights that schools often face challenges in assigning sufficient support staff, leaving some students well-resourced while others struggle. 

Reflecting on parents’ concerns, he shares one family’s insight, “We moved from another school district where we had great support, now our daughter spends 60 per cent of her day in a room on her own with someone checking in, and there is not an EA (Education Assistant) for her … we do not know what we are going to do. That’s not inclusion.” 

Another parent added, “Our son is stagnated by what is offered in our community as far as adult community services and supports. We can’t keep him home, we don’t know what to do.” 

A third parent mentioned, “I can’t send my son to school anymore, it’s just not the best place for him. The school has called four times this week for me to come pick him up.” 

Throughout November, Postmus will travel across the West and East Kootenays to listen, support, and advocate for these families. 

“We’re hearing stories from all over, echoing concerns from across the province,” he says. 

Recent community meetings in Nakusp, Kaslo, and Trail have been well-attended, with more planned in the weeks to come. 

An upcoming event specifically for dads will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Ladybug Cafe on the east shore of Kootenay Lake. 

“Dads need support, too,” Postmus emphasizes. 

Upcoming family sessions 

These events offer families a chance to connect, learn, and find the support they need. 

• Monday, Nov. 4: LVR in Nelson, 6 p.m. 

• Wednesday, Nov. 6: Kootenay Family Place, Castlegar, 6 p.m. 

• Wednesday, Nov. 13: Trail FAIR, Trail, 6 p.m. 

• Monday, Nov. 25: Fernie (time TBA) 

• Tuesday, Nov. 26: Invermere (time TBA) 

• Wednesday, Nov. 27: Cranbrook (time TBA) 

• Monday, Dec. 2: JVH School, Kaslo (time TBA) 

“These are great opportunities for families to connect with other families in their own communities, sometimes meeting these folks for the first time,” Postmus explains. “Once families have the opportunity to meet and connect with other like families it immediately relieves that feeling of isolation; the feeling that, ‘we are the only family that has a kiddo with this,’ which is not the case,” he adds. 

“They just haven’t been connected, and that’s what we do.” 

The Diverse Family Roots Society has 21 dedicated volunteer family stewards across the Kootenays, ready to connect families with resources, provide mentorship, and foster community support. They share lived experiences, listen, advocate, and build lasting connections. 

“We’ve been working hard to grow our support network, and the community has embraced us,” Postmus shares. “Local businesses are supporting us, and families across the Kootenays are reaching out for connection. We’re filling a much-needed gap.” 

For more information or to donate to Diverse Family Roots Society, visit diversefamilyroots.ca or email Ben Postmus at diversefamilyroots@gmail.com. 



Sheri Regnier

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