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Youth Connect. Connecting young people to mainstream communities. Jessica Kain. Youth Connect Program Coordinator. About Inclusion WA. 1986 – RAP Pilot project was funded 1989 – Incorporated as Recreation Network 1990s – Sport development, PSO and ATE - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Youth ConnectConnecting young
people to mainstream communities
Jessica KainYouth Connect Program Coordinator
1986 – RAP Pilot project was funded1989 – Incorporated as Recreation Network1990s – Sport development, PSO and ATE2005 – Began offering training on inclusion2010 – Became Inclusion WA2011 – Youth Connect pilot was funded2012 – ActiveSmart and research funded
About Inclusion WA
www.inclusionwa.org.au
Individualised Service
Short term support (3 – 12months)
Take the time to get to know them with no pressure to reach certain targets
Work with the community group and the young person equally
What is Youth Connect?
Help young people connect to existing mainstream community groups
Work yourself out of a job - involve them in the whole process
Provide advice and referrals to specialist agencies and more appropriate support
What is Youth Connect?
Young people who are eligible for the program are referred to us by;• Disability Services Commission staff• ESC Teachers and Principles• Depts of Justice & Corrective Services• Parents• Other disability service organisations
What are the entry points?
What sort of things are we helping young
people connect to?
Think OUTSIDE the box!
Dr Who Fan Club
Tennis ClubArt Classes
Glee ClubVolunteering
Medieval Club
Trampolining
Quad Biking
Cricket
Swimming Lessons
Laser Tag League
Teen Fitness Classes
Dance
KnittingSkating Lessons Cadets
Film Making Classes
How do we find out what young people want and what they are interested in?
iPad Apps
Power of ten
YouTube
Community Asset Mapping
Flash Cards
Ask friends and family
Questions
Where and how do we find out about things?
Community Centres
Libraries
Rec Centres
Youth Centres
Local & State Government
Peak Sporting & Rec Organisations
Shopping Centre Pin-Up Boards
Community Newspapers
Schools and Universities
Churches
Consider Volunteering
Youth-led Organisations
So we have found a group or club...
What next?
Ask the right questions
Be honest and upfront
Be firm, not pushy
Consider pathways
Consider different roles
http://www.simonbevan.co.uk/2011/11/09/graffiti-philosophy/
Youth Connect Philosophy
We believe that inclusion in social and recreational
activities improves a young person’s wellbeing
and self-confidence.
Youth Connect Philosophy
We will use these activities as a vehicle to help young people build meaningful
social connections, develop social and self-advocacy skills, address personal goals and experience a
sense of belonging.
Youth Connect Philosophy
We will take the time to develop an understanding of
who each person is and where they’re at in life. We will then
address the barriers preventing a young person’s connection and collaborate with other
people as necessary.
Youth Connect Philosophy
We will lead by example, and be the role model for the young people we are
working with as well as the general community.
Youth Connect Philosophy
We will encourage young people to push their own boundaries in terms of
discovering who they are, what they are capable of and what they can achieve
versus their expectation of themselves or society’s expectation of them.
Youth Connect Philosophy
We will do this by giving young people the chance to have new experiences, the
opportunity to take risks and the freedom to make mistakes
and learn from them.
Youth Connect Philosophy
In doing all of this, and by working with young people and their
community equally, we hope to achieve improved long-term
outcomes for all.
Youth Connect Philosophy
We also hope to help break a cycle of
people with disabilities being
excluded and dependent on
services and others.
The Challenges
Trayen, 16
Speculative Fiction
Dr Who
Writing
Web Comics
Video Games
Maddy, 16
Helping peopleSports
Animals
Gio, 18
Electronics
Technology
Speakers
Fans
Stereos
Jess, 18
Bowling
KnittingHelping
the elderly and
children
The Challenges
Easing the transition from schoolOpportunity to contribute
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Being in mainstream settings for once
Increased skills in independence
Making friends Sense of belonging
Access to relevant role models
Developing talents & skills
The Challenges
The Challenges
Managing the waitlist
Negative community attitudes
Creating meaningful experiences
Dealing with parents
Funding
Sustainability
Finding age appropriate groups
Youth Connect