Gord and Tammy Leary are swinging for the fences in an effort to establish an activity day for physically and mentally disabled people in Kamloops.

The couple, who live in a soon-to-be certified assisted-living home, which they’ve dubbed A Touch of Home, will host a weekly day of T-ball and other games at the old Happyvale elementary school site for the foreseeable future.

Tammy, a nurse at Ponderosa Pines prior to its closure, initially decided to set up a home for seniors in the community after she lost her job.

However, she and Gord opted to focus on helping young adults with disabilities when they discovered a lack of programs for what they feel is an often-overlooked demographic.

“Trying to find things for them to do is really hard in this community,” Tammy said.

“Lots of people have never worked with disabled people, so they don’t want to take on that challenge.”

And a challenge it will be for the Learys, whose house is also home to 19-year-old Kayla Finney, who lives with cerebral palsy, and Andrew Embury, a 20-year-old inflicted with spina bifida.

Three more young adults with disabilities will be joining them in the near future.

But it’s a challenge that pays off when they see Kayla and Andrew enjoying themselves in an outdoor setting.

“It’s wonderful to see Kayla have a huge smile on her face when she’s able to do something new,” Tammy told KTW.

“It gives them confidence because they’re able to meet other people and get out in the community,” Gord said.

Kayla said the day will not only provide her and Andrew with an opportunity to have fun, it will also give them a chance to temporarily escape their limitations.

“I have a ton of fun,” she said. “You kind of forget that you’re in a wheelchair because people are so willing to help.”

“Being active is like having freedom.

“You forget that you have cerebral palsy and you just have fun — that’s the important part.”

Andrew echoed Kayla’s sentiments.

“It helps people like us get out there, experience it, have fun and be like everybody else.”

It’s been a challenge for the couple to attract other people in the disabled community because it’s tough for parents to find time off — and transportation for their children is never easy.

The Learys know how important it can be for parents to get some relief from their responsibilities, and that, said Gord, is another reason why this day can be so valuable.

“It’s good for them [the parents] to drop the kids off so they can get some time on their own, get some relief and get away.”

There is no cost involved for anyone wishing to participate.

The next Touch of Home activity day will be Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m. The school is located at 655 Holt St.

Volunteers are welcome.

For more information, call Tammy at 250-376-6155.