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Connecting young people to mainstream communities

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

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Connecting young people to mainstream communities

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  1. Youth Connect Connecting young people to mainstream communities

  2. Jessica Kain Youth Connect Program Coordinator

  3. About Inclusion WA 1986 – RAP Pilot project was funded 1989 – Incorporated as Recreation Network 1990s – Sport development, PSO and ATE 2005 – Began offering training on inclusion 2010 – Became Inclusion WA 2011 – Youth Connect pilot was funded 2012 – ActiveSmart and research funded

  4. www.inclusionwa.org.au

  5. What is Youth Connect? 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

  6. 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

  7. What are the entry points? 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

  8. What sort of things are we helping young people connect to?

  9. Think OUTSIDE the box!

  10. Dr Who Fan Club Laser Tag League Film Making Classes Tennis Club Cricket Art Classes Volunteering Medieval Club Glee Club Dance Trampolining Teen Fitness Classes Quad Biking Swimming Lessons Skating Lessons Knitting Cadets

  11. How do we find out what young people want and what they are interested in?

  12. Flash Cards Ask friends and family iPad Apps YouTube Community Asset Mapping Power of ten Questions

  13. Where and how do we find out about things?

  14. Local & State Government Community Centres Rec Centres Youth Centres Peak Sporting & Rec Organisations Libraries

  15. Community Newspapers Churches Schools and Universities Shopping Centre Pin-Up Boards Consider Volunteering Youth-led Organisations

  16. So we have found a group or club... What next?

  17. Ask the right questions Be honest and upfront Be firm, not pushy Consider pathways Consider different roles

  18. http://www.simonbevan.co.uk/2011/11/09/graffiti-philosophy/

  19. Youth Connect Philosophy We believe that inclusion in social and recreational activities improves a young person’s wellbeing and self-confidence.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. Youth Connect Philosophy We also hope to help break a cycle of people with disabilities being excluded and dependent on services and others.

  27. The Challenges

  28. Trayen, 16 Speculative Fiction Writing Web Comics Dr Who Video Games

  29. Maddy, 16 Animals Helping people Sports

  30. Gio, 18 Technology Stereos Electronics Fans Speakers

  31. Jess, 18 Knitting Helping the elderly and children Bowling

  32. Access to relevant role models The Challenges Being in mainstream settings for once Making friends Sense of belonging Opportunity to contribute Easing the transition from school Increased skills in independence Developing talents & skills Increased confidence and self-esteem

  33. The Challenges

  34. Sustainability The Challenges Dealing with parents Creating meaningful experiences Negative community attitudes Managing the waitlist Finding age appropriate groups Funding

  35. Youth Connect

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