LATCH-ON Literacy Program

North Island College launched LATCH-ON Literacy this past September, a literacy program developed specifically for young adults with intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome.

LATCH-ON, which stands for Literacy and Technology Hands-On, was initiated in 1998 at the University of Queensland in Australia by Dr. Anne Jobling, a Down Syndrome researcher, with the help of Dr. Karen Moni, a lecturer in English curriculum and literacy education. LATCH-ON was developed with a socio-cultural approach to literacy that uses a combination of technology and more traditional methods of instruction to enhance literacy development.

The program’s objectives include providing opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities to continue their literacy development in a post-secondary environment, using computer technology to enhance literacy, and enhancing self-concept and life opportunities (work placement) through the expected positive outcomes of improved literacy development.

North Island College welcomed both Dr. Jobling and Dr. Moni in late August where they provided a week-long intensive training session for NIC instructors, as well as for project partners from the Down Syndrome Research Foundation in Burnaby. It is expected that the program will reach up to 30 students from the North Island region during its two-year trial, 10 at each of the regional campuses located at Campbell River, Comox Valley and Port Alberni.

“This is the first time the LATCH-ON program has been offered in Canada, and we are extremely pleased that North Island College was selected as the pilot site,” says program coordinator, Sheila Doncaster, who also serves as the Chair of the Department of Access for Students with Disabilities.

Funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, LATCH-ON is a joint project of North Island College and the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. For further information about the LATCH-ON program, please contact Sheila Doncaster at (250) 334-5079 or sheila.doncaster@nic.bc.ca.

Adapted Recreation Programs - North Vancouver

1. Adapted After School Club 7-13 yrs old
For children with a developmental disability. Participants will enjoy making new friends while participating in a variety of structured motor and social activities.
We now have 2 certified instructors (Laura and Carla) and a fantasitic volunteer who has worked with the group since the fall. Activities include swimming in the wave pool, sit-scooters, popcorn parachute & tactile ball games along with a variety of cooperative activities.
Karen Magnussen recCentre (North Vancouver), Eagle Rm.
#181531 Monday Feb 11-Mar 10 3:30-5pm
$75

2. Adapted Aquafit 15 yrs&up
Join us in the poool for this new modified fitness program for people 15 years old and up with a developmental disability. All participants extra support please attend class with a support worker or call Meh at 604-987-7529 to request a volunteer. (Please note that if you have a child wishing to participate in this class and they are not quite 15yrs, please give Jackie a call at 604-982-8331)
Karen Magnussen recCentre, Games Pool (North Vancouver)
#188250 Tuesday Jan 15-Feb 26 1:30-2:30pm
$55.13

3. Stroke By Stroke 19 yrs&up
(Adapted Painting program)
Karen Magnussen recCentre (North Vancouver), Eagle Rm.
Join Vern Montgomery, local artist and stroke survivor, to learn basic painting techniques. This program has been designed for people recovering from a CVA, all abilities are welcome.
#181529 Friday Jan 18-Feb 8 11:45-12:30m
$46.20


Contact:
Jackie Hamm
Recreation Programmer- Leisure Access, First Aid, Martial Arts, Sports & Racquets
John Braithwaite Community Centre
145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver, BC
604-982-8331
jhamm@jbcc.ca

New group for LGTB people with developmental disabilities

Time sensitive

The (LGTB) Centre and Shade Consulting Ltd. present a new monthly social support group for Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual People with Developmental Disabilities

Co-facilitated by Margaret Newbury Jones & Alan Steen

Margaret Newbury Jones operates SHADE Consulting Ltd. and specializes in working with people with disabilities and unique learning needs around sexual health. She is a teacher by training and has worked in the disability field for over 20 years.

Alan Steen is a registered social worker with experience working with people with developmental disabilities and extensive experience as a volunteer counsellor for LGTB people.

When:
the third Thursday of every month
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Starts Thursday, Sept 20th

Place:
3727 Renfrew Street (at 22nd Ave)

social, supportive & safe environment
wheelchair accessible space

Transit information:
Option 1: Renfrew Skytrain Station and then take the #16 (29th Avenue station) bus, get off at 22nd Avenue
Option 2: 29th Avenue Station and then take #16 (Arbutus) bus, get off at 22nd Avenue
Option 3: Wheelchair/mobility friendly route Nanaimo Station and then take the #25 (Brentwood), get off at Renfrew Street

If you or someone you know is interested in this group, please contact:
Chris at 604-684-8449 or email generationsproject@lgtbcentrevancouver.com or
Margaret at 604-434-9579 or email margaret@shadeconsulting.ca

Community Living Research Project

Recently announced in the North Shore Association for the Mentally Handicapped (NSAMH) Keeping In Touch (KIT) newsletter (August 2007)

The Community Living Research Project "is exploring community living supports available locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally for adults with developmental disabilities.
... Other phases of the project include interviews and focus groups with adults with developmental disabilities and their families and a province-wide survey to be distributed to adults and their families."

The Project is located at the UBC School of Social Work and Family Studies. Topic areas to be covered include:

• young adults transitioning from high school
• residential alternatives to group homes
• non-residential supports
• services for seniors

For more information about the project or to see the literature reviews, including plain language versions, visit the Community Living Research Project website at: http://www.communitylivingresearch.swfs.ubc.ca/