How The Course Works

The course is made up of 6 sessions covering different aspects of independent living including independence at home, social activities, working, having own home/getting married. The course is designed to enable parents to come to terms with having a disabled child giving them the chance to talk about what it was like to find out their child had a disability.

The course is a time for parents to meet, be themselves and be with others in a similar position. It is a time for them to discuss together ways they can encourage their children to become independent and what they need to do that. The course is there to encourage the parents to ‘let go’ of their children and have the confidence to do this and to believe their children can be independent and that they will see that happen. It is a time for parents to come to terms with having a disabled child and what that means and entails.

An important part of the course is goal setting which enables both parents and their children to work together towards a goal for the duration of the course.

The course uses role plays, brainstorming sessions, encouraging parents to come up with answers, set goal/s for the child but with the child as well – the child needs to be involved, what does the child want to do? What can they realistically do?

There is a booklet for the parents to follow throughout the course with headings for each session and a brief description of what will be covered during that session. This is a working booklet detailing each session, questions to answer, a space to write notes, ideas and goals.

The course is run by a trainer/facilitator. There are trainer/facilitator sheets with an overview for each session and directions for what to do during each session.

At the end of each session, there is some homework for the parents to do with their children. This is important as it ensures the parents, and their children, get the most out of the course.