Personal Development Classes - Supported Lifestyles

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We have a variety of interesting and engaging topics designed specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities on a variety of subjects such as: relationship skills, emotional regulation, life skills, and self-advocacy. These classes are offered to individuals who receive funding from Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD).

Classes are offered two to three times per year and class size is limited to 10 participants. There is no cost to the individual.

The curriculum is developed by our team of Support Approach Consultants to meet the unique learning needs of each group participant. Classes will be customized and materials use plain language and pictures to maximize learning, including the use of videos, audio recordings, and written materials. Participants can expect a fun and positive atmosphere. Activities may include brainstorming sessions, movement and stretching, puzzles, games, worksheets, and more!

Classes Offered

Class Name	Topics Covered	Participant Criteria	Duration
BUILDING, UNDERSTANDING, AND DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS (BUDS)	Meeting new people, conversations, communication, healthy boundaries, friendships and dating	Open to all	10 weeks
DOLLARS & CENTS	Budgeting, income and expenses, banking, understanding credit, being a good consumer	Some basic understanding of money, ability or desire to be more independent with finances, strong verbal communication skills an asset, some ability to understand abstract concepts	10 weeks
EMOTIONAL REGULATION	Identifying emotions, accepting emotions, coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, managing emotions during crisis situations	Strong verbal communication skills an asset, basic relationship skills an asset, some ability to understand abstract concepts and interest in the subject matter	10 weeks
SEX EDUCATION AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS	Sexual diversity and gender identity, healthy relationships, healthy sexual decision making, boundaries and abuse, anatomy, STI’s, contraception, sex and the law	Strong verbal communication skills an asset, basic relationship skills an asset, some ability to understand abstract concepts and interest in the subject matter	10 weeks
SPEAK UP!	Self-advocacy and self-awareness, advocating while in service, abuse prevention and reporting, being involved in the community, rights and responsibilities, self-esteem	Open to all	10 weeks
CYBER SAFETY	Internet safety, online bullying, online shopping, social media awareness	Strong verbal communication skills an asset, some ability to understand basic computer skills, and experience using internet-based media	5 weeks
NUTRITION	Canada’s Food Guide, nutrients, vitamins and minerals, reading food labels and menus, mindful eating. This group is NOT a substitute for advice from a medical professional, personalized advice or guidance will not be provided	Open to all	10 weeks

Getting Started

All individuals who are interested in attending a class must first attend an interview. You will be contacted for an interview prior to the start date. This allows you to meet the facilitators and learn more about the class. Facilitators will assess your knowledge and skill levels based on class requirements.

After interviews have concluded, you will be contacted regarding the next steps.

Get in Touch

FAQ

I've never used Zoom before, can I still take the class?

Zoom is a very user-friendly program that is free and easily accessible
We recommend that participants and/or their support staff be familiar with the Zoom platform in order to get the best class experience
Participants/staff can refer to Zoom’s user guide for help

What if I do not receive supports from PDD?

As we are funded through PDD, we can only accept participants who are supported by PDD and have a PDD ID number

Where are interviews and classes held?

Interviews will be held via Zoom (we will be using a secure version of Zoom which meets FOIP and HIPPA requirements)
Interviews occur back to back, so if you are late or early to your interview, it is likely someone else will be interviewing and/or there may not be enough time to complete your full interview.
- Please ensure you are on time. When you sign in to Zoom, you will be placed in the Zoom ‘waiting room’ until the time of your scheduled interview
Applicants must attend an interview for each class applied for (e.g. if you applied for two classes you will need to attend two interviews, etc.)
Virtual classes will be held over Zoom
In person, classes are held at 1914 9th Ave SE (large bluish-grey Victorian style house)
This location is an office building that does not have a waiting area or reception, so please ensure that you arrive on time to your classes
Doors will be unlocked approximately 15 minutes prior to the class start time

How do I enter the building?

Please use the double glass doors facing 9th Avenue
The doors will be unlocked 15 minutes prior to the start of class
If you require a wheelchair ramp for access, it is located at the back of the building
There will be signs posted around the building
Please do not ring the doorbell, it does not work

How do I book an interview?

To book an interview, please include your information on the contact form, and we will get in touch with you

What can I expect during the interview?

A facilitator will reach out to you to schedule an interview
Interviews typically last approximately 15 – 30 minutes which will allow the facilitator to ask some questions, get to know you, and go over important information
Interviews are held on Zoom and are booked back-to-back so please ensure you log in on time
- If you are late, there may not be enough time to conduct the interview
Those who have applied for multiple classes must attend an interview for each class
- For example, if you apply for two classes, you will be required to attend two separate interviews

I am not able to attend the interview, can I still come to the class?

If you are unable to attend the interview date(s), please email us to see if it is possible to re-schedule
Please note, re-scheduling may not always be possible
Interviews are held during the week or two weeks prior to the classes beginning and are held on the same day of the week as the class.
- For example, if Speak Up is scheduled for Wednesday afternoons, interviews will be on a Wednesday afternoon

Can I apply if I have taken the class before?

Yes! You are welcome to apply if you have taken the class before, space permitting
If there is high demand, priority will go to those who have not taken the class recently
Please also note that subject matter and material may be the same or similar to past sessions

I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?

Late applications may still be considered for acceptance if time and space allow
If classes have already started you will not be able to join
- Please re-apply next time

The class that I want to attend isn’t on a day of the week that works for me. What can I do?

We try our best to mix up the days of the weeks that classes are on to ensure interested participants have an opportunity to attend the class they want and can still balance other commitments
You may forward your day of the week request to us and we will try to accommodate in the future

Can or should my support staff attend the classes with me?

Participants can attend classes with or without support staff
If you have staff support during the time that class is scheduled, please bring them with you
Facilitators are present to teach the material and are unable to meet specific support needs (e.g. behavioural support, personal care, supervision etc.)

I can’t cope with group settings but I could really benefit from the material. Are there other options?

Please contact us should this be a concern for you

Do the in person classes have field trips or off-site activities as part of the class?

No, all classes take place on-site at 1914 9th Ave SE