On Zoom, Comedy Offers A Way To Teach Life Skills To Those With Down Syndrome

 When the pandemic forced local improv classes for individuals with Down syndrome onto Zoom, the idea took off, growing to dozens of sessions each week with participants from all 50 states. Read More >

With Schools Shut, Life Skills Program For Students With Disabilities Hits The Road

Unable to welcome students to the 5,000-square-foot mini-town where they practice banking, going to the movies, the salon and more, a life skills program is setting up in kids' front yards. Read More >

Coffee Shop Helping Kids With Special Needs Learn Life Skills

With a cart, a Keurig and some paper products, a group of middle school students with disabilities are becoming more independent and learning what it takes to run a business. Read More;

College program offers students life skills

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers students with special needs a two-year certificate program to provide them with a college experience and a plan for their future. Students attend life skills and academic classes, live in dorm suites with peers who are not in the program and are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.   St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Farm Eases Haircut Anxiety For Kids On The Spectrum

The drone of voices, buzz of clippers and shearing of scissors in the confined space of a beauty salon are often too much for those with autism, so one hairdresser turned to the outdoors. Read More ;

“Skills to Pay the Bills” Helps Youth Achieve Workplace Success

Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills, the curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21 in both in-school and out-of-school environments. The basic structure of the program is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.  • Learn more about “Skills to Pay the Bills”

Battery Operated Switch Scissors–It Really “Makes the Cut!”

Switch-adapted scissors from Enabling Devices will allow children and adults with varying types of disabilities participate in art and other classroom or home activities. They are easy to use. Only requirements are a switch and 2 AA batteries.  I tried them while the scissors was attached to the base unit, and then again after disconnecting the scissors from the mounting.  It easily cuts through paper, even several layers of it! The scissors were made with safety in mind too. A safety guard covers the sharp blade.   http://ndipat.org/blog/battery-operated-switch-scissors-it-really-makes-the-cut/ 

Skateboarding as a Therapy

An innovative new therapy, skateboarding is helping children with developmental disabilities build strength, balance and coordination while also overcoming social anxieties. Read More ;

Simulated Town Offers Life Skills Training

A mock town complete with a bank, salon, deli, movie theater and more is offering young people with developmental disabilities hands-on practice on the road to independence.
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/11/18/simulated-town-life-skills/21105/