DSC Adults Program: Friends Learning Together
DSC Adults is a weekly interactive program that supports social connections and healthy, independent living.
Registration is OPEN!
Curriculum
The DSC Adult Program aims to assist individuals with Down syndrome aged 18 and older in developing healthy relationships, overcoming challenges, and enhancing their overall quality of life. The program instructors collaborate with adult participants to focus on learning skills such as self-empowerment, interpersonal skills and effective communication, coping strategies for common life challenges, and how to manage daily tasks in order to develop adaptive skills.
During weekly courses at the DSC Campus, adult participants have opportunities to actively partake in their educational and social enrichment through this program.
Each day will have a content area focus. Tuesday and Thursday’s focus will be the same. Participants must have a goal relevant to the focus for the day that they attend. Daily focus and example goals are:
Tuesday & Thursday: Level 1 Cooking (use of microwave or no heating appliance)
1) Following multi-step directions
2) Identifying materials and ingredients needed for a recipe
3) Kitchen safety (use of knives, microwave, identifying items that belong in the fridge versus cupboard)
4) Completing a specific number of novel recipes
Wednesday: Friendship Skills
1) Identifying potential new friends
2) Inviting classmates to activities
3) Conflict resolution
4) Responding and maintaining boundaries
5) Friendships and social media
Classroom
The in-person program is offered THREE days a week at the DSC Campus!
Instructors
Leia Steffas, Program Director
Co-instructor
A special education middle school teacher for the Bellevue School District, Leia has been immersed in inclusive school environments from the time she was in elementary school until graduation, where she supported peers with disabilities in special education classrooms and afterschool sports programs.
Guided by the reality that opportunities for work and socialization for adults with disabilities are extremely underdeveloped in our society, Leia has always seen herself working with adults with disabilities and dreams of opening a business that creates opportunities for employment and supports high quality, independent living.
At DSC, her primary goal is to help build the Adult Program and provide a space for adults with Down syndrome to experience a sense of community and purpose, guided by the ideas and feedback from the adults themselves and members of the DSC community.
Megan Kidder, BCBA
Director of Therapeutic and Family Services and Co-instructor
Megan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Washington. Prior to working with DSC, she spent 10 years supporting student growth and inclusive education in the public school setting in various roles, including as a BCBA and teacher. As a certified Special Education teacher, she previously taught in a transition services program, working with young adults aged 18-21 years. In this role, Megan discovered her passion for working alongside adults with (dis)abilities to help them achieve their goals.
DDA Specialized Habilitation funding is accepted. We also offer financial aid!
The deadline for DDA Special Habilitation funds is November 14th.
Email Megan Kidder for more information and to access this benefit.
Contact us at contact@dscpugetsound.org and a dedicated staff member will contact you with additional information on DSC’s weekly, programming for adults.
2nd Semester Schedule:
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00-6:30pm.
You may register for any, and all days. Below are the weeks that classes will be in session, Tuesday through Thursday:
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 27
March 5
March 12
March 19
April 2
April 16
April 23
April 30
May 7
May 14
May 21
May 28
Registration:
Fill out the form below to register for this program. Once the form is completed, we will contact you directly to secure your place in the program.
*There is a maximum occupancy and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
DDA Specialized Habilitation funding is accepted. We also offer financial aid!
The deadline for DDA Special Habilitation funds is November 14th.
Email Megan Kidder for more information and to access this benefit.