A coin recognition game.
A coin recognition game.
squag.com/
[skwag] is a new application designed specifically for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum.
The most exciting part of creating a plan is the opportunity to dream, develop goals and brainstorm all of the potential possibilities that motivate a person. On the flip side, and not necessarily as exciting, is having to look at the needs of a person’s day-to day life and the ways in which needs can be accommodated and obstacles overcome. Although, this does not take a lot of time during a plan, it is just as important so that supports can be identified and planned for when looking for opportunities.
Each person’s needs are unique. Here are some examples to give you an idea of things to think about.
Thinking about a person’s existing daily routine is very important when looking and planning for potential opportunities for the future.
By looking at these factors, you improve the chances that the new opportunity will compliment the existing routine.
When thinking about new opportunities, it is important to consider the person’s physical stamina and ability to focus. Maybe the person is only physically able to handle a 2-4 hour shift at a work placement as opposed to an 8 hour day. The goal is to make the chosen activities as enjoyable and successful as possible instead of just trying to fill up an entire day of activity.
Looking at how the person will be traveling from point A to B will also play a role in finding the most appropriate activity and location and should be considered before confirming the new opportunity. It may be a great opportunity, but if you don’t know how the person will get to and from the activity then it is not necessarily the right option.
Think about the kind of activity that the person is getting involved in. If it is a work placement at a large retail store, is lifting heavy boxes part of the training? If so, is the person capable of carrying heavy objects? Will there be any hazardous materials that the person may come into contact with? If so, is there training provided by the work or volunteer placement?
Another area of safety and security is related to our last topic; transportation. If the person travels in the community by themselves, do they know how to use a public telephone if something goes wrong? Does the person recognize who they can direct questions to if they are in trouble, such as police officers or public transit employees?
As you can see there are many areas of concern that need to be addressed prior to committing to a new activity. Entering the community, can be an overwhelming experience at first but by preparing for the transition and covering all bases the person will soon realize that it can be a very safe and meaningful experience.
Knowing what kind of supports the person needs before beginning the new activity is also an area that needs to be considered carefully. Often times, when going into the community and entering a work or volunteer placement initial support and coaching are needed. This is to ensure that the person is receiving one-on-one training in the area that they are working or volunteering in. Once training has begun, the support staff can also determine how long support will be needed. Some people only require initial support which is then decreased, while others will require support throughout their placement. Support may also be needed for recreational activities, either to get to and from the activity or during the activity. The need for support will be clear when an activity is decided on. Once you now what kind of support is needed you can begin to look at the kinds of resources available for this opportunity.
It is always a good idea to think about what kind of training is involved in an activity, especially if it is work or volunteer related. Some volunteer positions require volunteer orientations and police checks before beginning to work. Police checks can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completed which means it will delay the start date for the person.
Going to see the environment in which the activity is being held and asking the right questions is also very important when looking for new opportunities. A person’s place of work should be accessible in all the ways they need it to be.
When the above questions are looked at, you will have made sure that the person’s needs have been considered and met.
There is no right or wrong way to problem solve in order to overcome potential obstacles. Perhaps, you may choose to have a follow up meeting (with some or all who were involved in the planning meeting) once decisions on potential activities have been made. If this is done, create a list of possible obstacles that may arise and go around the group to see who can help ensure that the obstacles are overcome. This may just mean making a few phone calls, visiting a site or seeing if anyone within the circle can support the person at their activity. As stated earlier, you may just realize that one of the activities is just not suitable for the person. This simply means that it is time to look at an alternative. Trial and error is the best way to see what works and what does not.
Life can have many obstacles when planning for the future but with careful consideration and the assistance of a strong support network there are always ways to overcome them.
This is a series of workshops and tip sheets designed to help plan for life after school. It is important to go through all of the workshops in order as each one prepares us for the next one.
It’s never too early to start thinking about the future
Starting early will provide a person with a wider range of choices
Prepare for the planning meeting by exploring what people are interested in experiencing
Important questions to consider for a successful meeting
In this webcast we cover:
An interactive presentation on Person Directed Planning tools and resources.
Mary Ierullo, ASD Consultant, School Support Program, Surrey Place Centre
Michelle Murphy, Autism Support Teacher, Autism Programs & Services Department, TCDSB
Melanie Randall, Community Liaison Service Navigator, Development Services Ontario
MagnusCards is a free app that combines a proven method of instruction (Social Stories) with elements of game design to help people learn life skills. Read more >>
Often one of the biggest difficulties to someone becoming independent in their community is the worry about being safe. What if I get lost? What if I get hurt? What if the bus does not come? What if I am late? What if the community centre is closed when I get there? What if I can not find a pay phone to use? The “what if’s” do not need to stop you from going out and enjoying activities in your community.
A cell phone or a smart phone (Blackberry, iphone) is a tool that can give you independence while providing you with a safety net if you ever have a need for it. Phones come in all sorts of styles and colours, with a wide variety of programs including games, GPS (Global Positioning System) capability, and tools such as a calculator.
It is important to understand the particular safety issues that are of most concern to you. You should sit down with your parents and /or support worker to talk about what your worries are concerning taking the TTC or walking around in your neighbourhood. It is important to express your concerns and also to listen to the worries of others who are important to you. Once you have an understanding of the safety concerns, you can start looking at ways a cell phone can be used to address those worries. Here are some examples:
Cell phones today can be more than a safety device. Once you have determined how you want to use the cell phone for safety, think about other positive uses for your cell phone. Here are a few examples:
You will also need to decide how you are going to pay for the cell phone and service. There are various options available.
A cell phone can be a great way to give you more independence while addressing safety worries. There are a variety of features and programs you can get on a cell phone. It is important to understand the particular safety issues that are of most concern for you and the other purposes you want to use your cell phone for. Now you are ready to search for a phone that is right for you.
There are a lot of things to think about when you are trying to decide what cell phone will be good for you.
The first thing you must do is decide on the maximum amount of money you want to spend. Once the salesperson shows you the phones that are in your budget, you can begin to look at the features that you want and/or need.
Since everyone is different with unique needs and abilities, you can use this tip sheet to help you decide what features would be good for you. To keep the cost down, choose the 3-5 features the phone MUST have.
My name is Phyllis and I would like to tell you about why I got a cell phone and how it helps me.
A long time ago I was living at home with my mom and dad, and I was taking the bus to the day program. I got turned around at the subway and couldn’t find my way. I was lost! A nice lady finally noticed that I was upset and helped me to find the right bus. I had been so scared.
When I got home, I told my brother about it and he talked to my mom about getting a cell phone. It was close to Christmas and when Christmas arrived, there was a special gift for me under the tree… a brand new cell phone! My brother had helped my mom purchase the cell phone, and together they had decided which service provider to go with.
I practiced using the cell phone, as I can copy numbers and was able to call the day program, my brother or his wife, or my mom and dad! Especially if I got lost! I always carry my phone book with me.
One day my cell phone broke, and my brother contacted the service provider and they sent me another phone in the mail to replace it. We had a contract with them, so this was covered and we didn’t have to pay for the new phone! I had that phone for a while, but then my mom said it was just costing too much money. I was upset because what would I do if I got lost again? At this time, both my parents had passed away and I was living on my own.
One day when we were at a retail store, my sister-in-law suggested we check out the prices of plans there. The sales person tried to sell me and my brother all kinds of silly gadgets like, head phones, car chargers and cases. My brother helped me a lot because if I had been by myself I don’t know what I would have ended up buying! We decided on the pay as you go plan, which means that because I don’t use it all the time, I add money when it runs out. My brother and sister-in-law help me with this.
It is important to have a cell phone because if you are going to be late, not feeling safe when on the bus or if you get lost then you are able to let people know where you are. I also used it one day when I fell. I was able to get a hold of my brother and I was able to get help.
I am using it a lot right now because my home phone is not working. I can at least call my brother, sister-in-law, or my support people with my cell phone and let them know so they can call to get my home phone working.
Internet or online gaming is becoming a common activity, especially with young adults. They can be played on your computer, on a portable device such as an Ipod, or using a gaming consol such as a Playstation or X-Box. Online gaming can refer to many types of interactions online including:
These usually involve playing alone, against a pre-programmed computer opponent, or against real people via the internet. They are animated versions of traditional and favorite board games or puzzles.
Casino sites are typically for adults only (ages 18 or older). Most offer free games that allow you to practice various games that you would find at a real Casino (i.e. Roulette, Black Jack, Poker). They usually offer players a chance to bet real money by using a credit card.
Video games typically include sports, action/adventure, simulators (i.e. flight simulators, driving games), and shooting games. These games typically tell a story or involve an objective that the player is trying to achieve. Video games vary in content from stories that appeal to all ages, to adult content not suitable for children. Many of these games can be played alone, against a computer opponent, or against actual people via the internet.
Multiplayer games are a more intricate form of video game, involving an entire virtual “universe” created around many different games to be played within a specific environment. Some multiplayer games are based in fantasy, such as science fiction or “dungeons and dragons” types of environments; others are based upon real life. Whether it is a beach or a space station, these games allow people to pretend they are interacting in environments that they normally would be unable to spend time in. They also allow the player to create a character that is unique and personalized.
Most online gaming that involves playing with other people, also involves communication. Most games involve a way to “chat” with one another by sending written information back and forth – similar to having a written conversation with someone. Communication can also include using a headset. A headset allows you to physically talk to someone while you play, and hear what they have to say as well.
Online gaming provides an opportunity for people to socialize. People can interact and meet new people. For example, you can play checkers and “chat” with someone who lives in an entirely different country than you – all from the comfort of your living room.
Many games offer challenges and objectives for you to overcome. They make you think in different ways, and challenge the player to play the game more accurately.
This is the primary purpose of video games and multiplayer games. They allow you to pretend you are a different person, and pretend you are in new and exciting places, and in unique situations.
Online gaming can be a fun hobby. Playing against other people can be an exciting experience, yet like any other online resource, there are some things you need to remember to ensure your safety.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to maintain an ongoing open dialogue about what you are doing on the internet with someone you trust. This could be a parent, a staff, a friend or a volunteer. Someone else may be able to point out safety concerns that you did not think of or were not aware of. Talk about where you are going on the internet – the websites, the chat rooms, the game sites that you are going to, the people you are chatting with and the types of conversations you are having.
My name is Kirk. I am 35 years old and I want to tell you my story about how I first got a cell and why. I also want to tell you how it has helped me in two very dangerous situations.
When I went to the assessment program, which was run through Community Living Toronto, I learned how to take many different TTC routes. My dad was a little concerned about that, as he thought about the dangers on the streets and the possibility of getting lost.
That was when we sat down and talked about getting a cell phone. He had one through work. We went together and we purchased my first cell phone. I only needed this phone for emergencies so we got a basic phone and plan. My dad and my brother practised with me on dialing key numbers like the day program, my dad’s work and cell number and my brother’s numbers. You see, I can’t read or write, but I can copy. My brother and father drew pictures that represented the people so I knew what number went with whom. We made up q-cards with these numbers with pictures on them and put them in a book. I was able to carry this around in case I needed them.
One day in the winter, during a storm, I was on my way to the day program. I got on the wrong bus and when I got off the bus, I sunk deeply into a snow bank. I was stuck, couldn’t get out, and I didn’t know where I was. I thought of my cell phone. I called my staff at the day program. I told her that I didn’t know where I was, but I was stuck in a snow bank. I told her that I had taken a bus at the Islington subway, but it had gone a different way than the day program. She didn’t know where I was. Another staff at the day program contacted the police as well as the cell phone provider. Staff were driving around bus routes looking for me. The phone provider was able to track my basic location and the police officer came, got me and brought me back to the day program. You see, having a cell phone saved my life! City Pulse news heard about what happened and I told them my story!
Another time I again took the wrong bus and contacted my dad. He asked me what I saw, but nothing sounded familiar to him. He asked me if there was a gas station or store around. There was a store and while I continued to talk to him on the phone, I went there. I asked the person who worked at the store to speak to my dad. My dad was able to come and get me.
I always carry my cell phone and have learned that my dad and my support people at my apartment don’t worry so much any more because they know that I will call them if I get into trouble. My dad says that my having a cell phone gives him such Peace of Mind! I let them know when I go downtown, bowling, go to the movies, dances at the workshop or to the Queensway Cathedral.
My dad, brother and I still use the same phone provider and now we can talk for free because we have a plan that allows this. We are on the Fab Five plan. I don’t carry my book with q-cards anymore, but tucked in my wallet with my Metro Pass are all the numbers that I need!
My name is John. I am 47 years old and I would like to tell you about the financial trouble that I got into as a result of having a cell phone.
My girlfriend at the time decided one Christmas to purchase two cell phones, one for her and one for me. Both phones were in her name. It was on the Family Plan. We were tired of not being able to talk to each other during the day. She arranged it so that the bill would come to her house and I would give her the money, for my part of the bill.
We were so happy, because now we could talk to each other when we were out in the community!
As time went on, my girlfriend didn’t want to pay for her part of the bill and I kept getting a higher and higher portion. I didn’t want to argue with her, so I kept quiet not realizing that the bill was getting higher and higher. I had never been told about interest charges.
One day my support worker came to me and said that he had received a call from the provider saying that my bill was over $1000.00 and that it needed to be paid right away! I didn’t have that money, and my girlfriend didn’t either. Both my girlfriend and I were on a disability pension which does not provide a lot of money. Both of our families had to get involved. This made everyone really angry.
My girlfriend and I split up as a result of this. I was very angry at her for a long time. I ended up paying, with my family’s help, my portion of the bill. For a long time I wasn’t able to go on day trips with my friends or buy new things.
My advice to anyone who is getting a cell phone is to take someone with you who can understand how much it is going to cost you. Never buy a cell phone for someone unless you have talked to them about the amount it will cost them.