Rollerblading and snowboarding become possible for Phillip as a result of planning he did with this family.

Phillip Mackin lives an average life for a 22-year old. He has a full-time job. He plays in a band. He bowls on a bowling league. He wants to go to university. He is building his dream of owning a business.

Two years ago his outlook was not so happy. Planning made all the difference. Part of that plan involved a family move.

In the last year Phillip and his family’s lives have changed a lot. Until recently the Mackins lived on a farm where Phillip lived a fairly isolated existence. But after moving to Fort McMurray, Phillip has a full social calendar. The Mackins say they can not believe the community events, resources, opportunities, and services available to Phillip and to themselves as well. And, they are happy to make use of all that is being offered.

Phillip has a sight impairment, as well as severe epilepsy that causes him to have daily seizures. However, with the support of a personal care worker who shadows him, Phillip is now able to lead a mainly independent life.

“He is independent. Jason, his worker only has to be there if he has a seizure. It is more like guys hanging out, and it works well,” Phillip’s mother Niki-Lou explains.

Phillip agrees. “You have someone there to support and help you with certain problems. They help you with the things you can not do. You also teach them.” Phillip is talking about the give and take of his relationship with Jason.

Phillip adds, “I like the independence. I like not always having the same people in my life.”

The Mackins agree. Now that Phillip does not rely on his family so much, they can spent time doing other things. Phillip is pursuing two new interests. These are rollerblading and snowboarding…two interests Phillip’s mother never wanted to do with him.

Phillip’s social life has also improved. He is making more friends while going various events. He has joined a bowling league, and he plays guitar in a local rock bank. He also works part-time at the Salvation Army.

Phillip likes the opportunity to teach his fellow workers. He shows them how to do woodworking and sewing. Phillip has mastered these two skills and has sold some of his pieces. Phillip hopes to make this a fully operational business in the future with employees.

Niki-Lou adds, “It is nice when people approach Phillip that I’ve never met before. You can not grow and develop under your family’s thumb. You need independence and a different perspective. When you are with someone day and night, you do not experience life.”

Today the hardest part for Phillip is figuring out what he wants to do with his life, now that there are so many choices open to him. For example, lately he is thinking about taking business courses at the local college and starting his own company.

Phillip and his parents meet every three months with his support worker, the local Community Service Coordinator and other involved in his support network. They talk about how things are going and if there are any changes needed.

“So far things have worked out very well,” his mother says. “Even if there were difficulties, I am sure we could work things out to Phillip’s advantage. The relationships we have with everyone works with Phillip are fantastic.”

Phillip’s mother has some advice. She says, “The basic thing about planning is figuring out the dream. What do you want for your child? And, more important what does Phillip want? Focus on the dream, not the “how” at first.” She adds, “Where there is a will there is Phillip. He knows he can do these things and lots more. He is realistic, but for him there is no such a thing as failing. You only fail when you do not try.”