The most common way to share life with people with intellectual disabilities in our community is to become an assistant. A live-in assistant shares a home with people who have intellectual disabilities and others who do not. Together, they form a home which respects personal dignity, shapes honest relationships, and knows how to celebrate. Not all L'Arche assistant roles are live-in. Live-in or live-out, the role of the assistant is very complex, challenging and ultimately rewarding.
A house assistant supports people with intellectual disabilities to take part in community life - to cook, clean, and run a household, go to work, have a social life, and to see their friends and family. A workshop assistant supports people with intellectual disabilities in the work environment (mostly in the L'Arche workshops) and during afternoon leisure and therapy sessions.
In the beginning, all potential assistants are welcome to join the "Come & See" programme.