Stepping Out Programme

This programme is aimed at youngsters and young adults (13 years and up) with intellectual disability and aims to facilitate their autonomy and their independent living skills which are a prerequisite for their passage into the adult world. This programme is held once a week for duration of 3 hours. There are at present 3 groups established; a younger group and 2 other groups with older members. Groups are made up of 3 - 4 persons with intellectual disability with an educator and volunteers.

This programme is designed on 'Ragazzi In Gamba' based in Italy, originated by Dott. Anna Contardi as part of the 'Assocazione Italiana Persone Down' (AIPD) and the local consultant psychologist supervising the programme liaises with Dott. Contardi for supervision. Youngsters with disability following such a programme have learnt to acquire independent skills and fully take part in the community.

Due to the great demand for this programme and the positive outcomes, we are planning on starting other programmes soon.

This programme works on five main areas of development:

• Communication and social skills
• Orientation
• Street Behaviour
• Use of money
• Use of services

Through the activities carried out to promote the development in all these areas, the members would have the opportunity to develop decision making skills, coping strategies and reasoning skills in order to further achieve their goals and eventually independence.

Apart from these basic skills towards becoming autonomous, which are achieved through hands on experience, the program also provides coping skills to manage different emotions, such as sexuality, anger, anxiety and stress. Socialization also plays an essential part in this programme, as members develop bonds and friendships with each other.

This is conducted in an inclusive setting as the educators and the volunteers are young persons who are closer in age to the users, and they also have many activities which are conducted in the community. Every activity is age appropriate and meaningful for their lives.

There are also discussions going on at the moment to develop other programmes that will help other individual with learning difficulties, like ADHD, in their social skills besides the development of learning strategies.

The Stepping Out Programme gives the youngsters the essential skills to function in higher education, in the world of work and eventually for independent or supported living.