Students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had the opportunity to participate in the “Nuts and Bolts of Self-Determination Skill Building” workshop hosted by Luke Wilson with Family Network on Disabilities (FND). The focus of the workshop was to help students learn how to develop Self-Determination and  Self -Advocacy skills  as they begin to transition from high school to their post -secondary journey.

Luke focused on how important it is to make your own choices and decisions, while also learning how to deal with the consequences of these decisions. Luke gave the students a new way to look at the word FAIL–First Attempt in Learning. This acronym gives students the ability to make mistakes, learn from them and then move forward.

The focus on communication skills is a key element in being able to Self-Advocate. Luke spoke to the students about how important it was for them to Self-Advocate to make their needs known to others. He also stressed that Self-Advocacy can range from a small scale of events to larger ones. Several of the students gave examples of how they could Self-Advocate for things they wanted in school.

Next, Luke spoke to the students about Self-Determination. He focused on how important this skill was as they begin to transition to their post -secondary journey. He explained that Self-Determination revolved around making choices on how to live your life, such as choosing hobbies, making plans to see friends, or picking a career path. Students participated in an interactive session where they were given different scenarios and how the students would handle them.

Luke stressed to the class to plan and set realistic expectations as they begin their transition process. He also focused on having the students engage in various life skill activities at home, such as doing their own laundry and making a meal, which will help them in the future.

A special thanks to FND, Luke Wilson for attending the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class and sharing with them some very important tips on Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination! The students worked on their Development, Empowerment and Social Skills during this Community Based Instruction.

From little seeds, grow mighty trees – Here come the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Gardeners! Last week, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program had the opportunity to participate in a virtual gardening experience with their classmates!

A week prior to the Community Based Instruction (CBI), students reviewed in class how to use their budgeting skills so that they would not exceed their gift card limit when it came time to choose the correct pots and plants as well as calculating tax. At the end of that week, students drove by the school to pick up their gardening materials along with their Home Depot gift card. Students were instructed to purchase two to three plants, a pot, a trowel, and most importantly not to exceed their $20.00 limit.

Last Friday, the class came together virtually for their gardening experience. They followed specific directions on how to re-pot the plants they purchased by carefully pulling them out of the container. Once all the plants were out of the containers, students added more soil to secure the plants. Some of the students decided that using their hands was much easier than the trowel. One of the students even remarked that, “Shoveling dirt is a real work out!”

While the students were at work, facilitators Kathy and Donna spoke to the class about the importance of plant care. They emphasized that some plants needed more sun than others, and that some plants needed to be watered more frequently than others.

This gardening CBI not only focuses on gardening skills, but also focused on all aspects of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. mission – Budgeting, Resources, Independence, Development, Growth, Empowerment, and Social Skills!

Stay tuned because in a month, we will get to circle back and have the students share how their plant has been surviving under their care. We are looking forward to seeing the beautiful flowers that our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students worked so hard to put together!

Last Friday, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Builders were back at work, but this time they were building a toolbox! Students came prepared with safety googles, nails, glue wood pieces ready to hammer away. We have never seen them more excited! As facilitators Kathy Gorman-Gard and Donna Mansolillo gave step-by-step instructions, the class followed along listening to directions carefully and really took on their role as builders for the day.

Right from the start, students had to troubleshoot to find which method of hammering would work best to get the nails securely in the wood. Some students had to use small taps where others had to hit the nails much harder.  After getting the nails in and securely fastened, the students went on to complete their toolbox! They all did a great job and now can use their toolbox to keep items organized at home.

Once the activity was completed, HDS Foundation Program Manager, Liz Falk took this opportunity to speak about the HDS Foundation “Toolbox for Success”, which was created by Cristina Gilson Miranda, HDS Foundation President & Chairman. This toolbox was created to equip students, parents, and families with the necessary tools that would help them have a smooth transition from high school to their post-secondary journey. Liz emphasized the importance of utilizing the following “tools” and how they would help them plan for a self-sufficient life: Parents and Families, Support System, Self-Advocacy, Strengths and Interests, and Community Resources.

We are so proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to work on Independence, Development, Growth & Social Skills throughout their weekly Community Based Instruction activities!

Make sure to check out our Resource page, so you can begin building YOUR Toolbox for Success!