Hello,
I just wanted to let you all know about a new program that has just opened up called Checkered Door!

WHAT IS CHECKERED DOOR?

Checkered Door is a Community Based-Centre delivering a Social Development Program for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ages 18-29

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE PROGRAM?

To prepare youth with intellectual disabilities to transition to adulthood by
 supporting the development of social skills
 learning the techniques of emotional regulation
 developing skills for life
 practicing the key elements of character development
Partnered with participation in the arts, recreation and community inclusion

HOW DOES CHECKERED DOOR SUPPORT THESE GOALS?

SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Supporting the development of Social Skills will take place in a social model, day training program with age-similar peers at the Checkered Door Centre. The program offers structured, scheduled group activities both in the Centre and in the Community offering a variety of learning environments and opportunities for inclusion. An example of these activities could include group volunteering in the Community to develop teamwork and communication skills. These skills are first developed and practiced in the Centre and may include: treating others respectfully, managing emotions, following direction, choosing appropriate words, and learning social and acceptable behavior. Participating in a variety of activities in the Centre as well as the Community provides learners with endless opportunities for social growth.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Participants and Staff will benefit from continuous training on the Zones of Regulation, A Curriculum Designed to Foster Self-Regulation and Emotional Control, Leah M. Kuypers, MA Ed. OTR/L. Assisting individuals to identify emotions and develop the appropriate skills to self-regulate is key to maturing into an emotionally healthy adult. The curriculum provides selected lessons, using a cognitive behavior approach, to teach skills in Consciously Regulating Actions which results in increased control and problem solving abilities. Individuals will participate in the learning activities in a small group format and practice/transfer the learning to various environments within the Centre and Community.

SKILLS FOR LIFE

The development of Skills for Life will focus on communication skills, language development, technology and tools, personal boundaries, building healthy relationships, cultural sensitivity, and transition/change. Other topics will be introduced as needs are identified.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The key elements or virtues of Good Character are many and at Checkered Door we have chosen to align these qualities with our Values. We encourage and support the development of these characteristics. They are: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

ARTS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY INCLUSION, (examples)

Arts Recreation and Community Inclusion
Music discovery Hiking
Dance Bowling
Acting Picnics/Parks
Drawing/Painting Farms and Zoos
Sculpture Copeland Forest
Arts and Crafts Wildlife Sanctuary
McLaren Art Centre Beaches
Galleries/Museums Community Events

If you have any questions or want to discuss further, please let me know and I would be happy to help!

Chantelle Farrugia
Inclusion Associate