Autistic Citizens Residential & Resources Society of Victoria Inc.
An Affiliate of Autism Victoria

| Home |

Futures For Young Adults
Adult Training and Support Services

The Program

The aim of the service is to develop and utilise individuals skills, particularly in the area of socialisation, behaviour, communication and continuing educational development. To assist the individual to develop relevant skills which will enhance the opportunity for success in work and in the community in the future.

Individual program plans (I.P.Ps) are developed in conjunction with the client, the service, family / carer and relevant others. A contract of service is provided and updated yearly or as needs change. As a result of this process, identified areas of need will have specific programs developed and implemented.

The service also encourages carers to maintain close contact with staff to assist in transfer of programs to the home or community.

Formal client evaluations take place in liaison with the individual, with staff, with carers and as required with our professional advisory panel and Human Services. Program evaluation is ongoing at service level.

All programs are documented and recorded. Clients have access to program details as per relevant policy document.

Program Areas

Positive Change

To develop skills which will enable individuals to better monitor, control and understand his/her behaviour via comprehensive non aversive behavioural programs tailored to individual needs specifically targeting challenging behaviours that impede learning and growth. Skills training may include:-

• Self control and awareness of behaviour.
• Methods of gaining attention in an acceptable manner.
• Stress management and control.
• Motivation.
• Appropriate methods of interacting.
• Assertiveness training.
• Control of obsessive or ritualistic behaviour, identification and use of appropriate times and places for such behaviour.
• Managing change.
• Decreasing S.I.B ( Self injurious behaviour).
• Decreasing aggressive behaviour.

Social Skills

To enable individuals to interact in a socially appropriate manner. The programs aim to increase awareness of self and others in varied environments. Methods include:-

• Self awareness/Awareness of others.
• Social stories.
• Safety with strangers and others in the community.
• Human relations.
• Development of socially appropriate behaviour in varied locations.
• Interaction within groups.
• Social amenities.
• Conversation skills.

Communication

The development of skills which will enable the individual to control their environment and communicate to effectively meet their needs. Programs utilise the development of the most appropriate/ easiest modes of communication and consider the individuals preferences and styles. For example:-

• Choice/ decision making.
• Conversation skills.
• Cue cards.
• Remnant books.
• Gestural dictionaries.
• Listening skills.
• Augmentive and alternative forms of communication.
• Sensory programs.

Individual And Group Programs

Other areas of programming are as follows:-

• Independent living skills aim at providing an opportunity to learn skills at the clients own level and assist people to achieve the highest degree of independence and control over their own lives.
• Community Access programs promote the use of community facilities and participation in the everyday aspects of life and being recognised as valued members of society.
• Recreation and leisure provides the opportunity to choose and participate in activities that assist people to use their leisure time constructively and enjoyably.
• Vocational training provides an environment for people to learn and participate in a variety of vocational options and skills necessary for meaningful employment. Ranging from simple tasks to open employment, depending on the individuals preferences and goals.

Duration Of The Program

This will vary from client to client. The program is not intended to be a life long service but a program to build skills to enable individuals to move and grow. Only when the client is ready and appropriate options are available, this may take many years, Before a supported transition program be put in place. Other placement may include Employment, Pre vocational training T.A.F.E or other Adult training programs.

Size Of Service

The services we operate have a maximum intake of 25 people. Keeping the service small enhances personalised attention and consistency of programs.

Hours Of Service

Nominal hours are from 9.00am to 3.00 pm Monday to Friday 46 weeks of the year.

Cost

• Administration fee - is currently $15.00 per week.
• Transport - to be advised but not more than the mobility allowance.
• Program fees - No specific fees are charged, but costs in relation to recreation venues, community access, food purchases and personal incidentals are the clients responsibility.
• The amount clients will need to bring depends on programs chosen and generally does not exceed $20.00 per week.

Conclusion

This is just a brief outline of the primary aims of these services. The charter for A.C.R & R.S.V. A.T.S.S programs is to provide the next stage in the natural transition each individual must go through when moving from the child/adolescent phase to adulthood. Adult expectations in the form of community involvement, decision making, responsibility and independence will and should be placed upon each individual at the level appropriate to their ability, thus enhancing and enriching each persons life.