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Learning and Social development
Beginning in January 2022, The Nicholas Center embarked on a new endeavor with the creation of the Learning and Social Development Department. Building upon the foundations already established by the Community Inclusion and Vocational Support Programs, The Learning and Social Development Department aims to serve as another pillar of support changing the way our neurodiverse individuals learn, live, and work in our communities.
Learning and Social Development video
1. Live, Laugh, Literacy
Literacy is so much more than just reading and writing! Literacy is the key to unlocking inclusion. As adults striving for independence, it can be extremely daunting trying to navigate all of society’s twists and turns. To be an active member of society individuals must be literate in so many ways: financial literacy, social and emotional literacy, technological literacy, academic literacy just to name a few. This program aims to provide our individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully travel the different avenues of society. This program aims to reconceptualize the literate community. All too often, individuals on the autism spectrum are excluded from meaningful literacy experiences. Live, Laugh, Literacy classes challenge past assumptions about literacy and provide multiple access points to a variety of lessons that support all different types of learners. This class takes place in a hybrid format that engages individuals attending in-person classes at both locations, as well as individuals joining from home. The goal of this class is to support our individuals to participate in the Global Conversation. Live, Laugh, Literacy offers a blend of life skills, current events, social skills, discovery, reading, writing, science, and more.
Program Highlights Include:
- Targeted Daily Learning Activities
- Themed Monthly Units of Study
- Independent Research and Presentation skill building Collaboration with Speech, OT, and other internship programs
2. Creative arts
"My vision for the creative arts program is to create a space where everyone can express themselves, freely and fully. For the participants to be able to learn, grow and inspire one another. For this to be a safe space, where they can let go and allow the art that they are creating to be an outlet for their emotions. I am a strong believer in the healing powers of art, art provides an outlet when words fail. It is hard to be entangled in negative feelings and fear when you’re creating a piece of art. Instead, you are present and connecting with yourself. You are in the moment, engaged, focused with what is right in front of you, it's like a kind of meditation. In making art you get closer to yourself. " - Sara Rahbar
3. Health and wellness
In Health and Wellness our participants are introduced to a variety of fitness and movement instruction. We take the Nicholas Center’s people-first approach and find a way to help all of our participants work towards fitness goals that are tailored specifically to them. Health and Wellness is about more than just physical fitness! In this class, we work on yoga, meditation, stress management, dealing with frustration, and nutrition. It is our goal that everyone who attends health and wellness will work towards being a happy, healthy, and independent member of our community.