Meaford Public Library will host local writer Kay O’Neil on Thursday, September 15 at 6:30 pm in the Meaford Public Library’s reading room.
O’Neil is the author of The Birth of Kerry’s Place, Canada’s first treatment center for persons with autism. Her sister, Kerry O’Neil, is the namesake of Kerry’s Place, and the book tells the story of how her family created Kerry’s Place.
In 1974, with the support of the Ministry of Health and the community surrounding Clarksburg, the O’Neil family was able to open the doors of Kerry’s Place to youth living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It offered new options to understand and support those with ASD. In 1984, Kerry’s Place was incorporated as a non-profit Ontario corporation and has increased its services to serve the regions of Peel/Halton, Dufferin, Durham, York/Simcoe, Toronto, and Hastings. It supports and assists over 8,000 people of all ages and their families each year.
Kay O’Neil worked as a teacher specializing in Primary Methods and Special Education. When she retired she returned to Clarksburg to assist her sisters with her father and Kerry. She now lives in Meaford and is an active member of the local Retired Women Teachers of Ontario. O’Neil also works on a committee with other retired teachers to plan and implement summer arts camps for local youth.
This is a free event with a limited space. Stop by the library to register for this informative evening event. For more information, please call the library at 519-538-1060 ext. 1123 or email info@meafordlibrary.on.ca.
