Friday, April 5, 2013

Good News Friday!


One of Imagine!’s goals is to provide individuals with one or more developmental disabilities the skills and tools they need to become contributing members of their communities.

That is why I am so pleased to share that in late March, Imagine!’s Out & About department debuted “Community Access,” a class designed for adults to increase their independence in the community. Led by veteran instructor, Raeann Smith, this new forum will host nine sessions on Thursday mornings through May.

“I know how valuable it is to feel like you could go somewhere independently and I hope to help others work towards feeling that same independence in the future,” said Raeann. Having spent a year in South Korea teaching English, Raeann has recent experience learning how to navigate through a big community and how to make the most of its resources. She is bringing that knowledge to the course.

After a month of research and preparation for this class, Raeann created a syllabus to cover a variety of topics, including:
  • How to safely carry money and personal items
  • How to be safe and appropriate around strangers
  • Checking out books and mailing letters
  • How to use public transportation and pay for the fare
In addition, class members will meet with Police Officers and Fire Fighters to discuss safety. Raeann aims to help participants learn new skills on personal safety and a better understanding about organizations that keep us safe, such as the Police and Fire Departments. “The focus of the class is to identify individual goals in regards to how they want to better access their community and start from there,” said Raeann.

I’m looking forward to hearing more about the class.

And here’s some bonus good news from Out & About. The department has recently been featured in a local newspaper and magazine.

Click here to read a story from the Broomfield Enterprise about a recent play written and performed by Out & About participants.

Click here to see a story about Out & About’s Movement and Rhythm class from Yellow Scene Magazine’s March edition.

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