Workshop Schedule

1. Serving Children and Youths with Physical and/or Mental Disabilities“I Can Fly” Cathay Pacific Staff VolunteersJennifer SuenVocational Rehabilitation OfficerEmployment Service

2. Workshop Schedule • 2:00-2:10 p.m. Introduction • 2:10-2:20 p.m. Warm-up games • 2:20-3:00 p.m. Understanding the characteristics and needs of children/youths with mental / physical disabilities • 3:00-3:15 p.m. Group Activity • 3:15-3:45 pm Tips for activities planning and suggested activities • 3:45-4:00 p.m. Conclusion and Q&A

3. Objectives • To have a better understanding of the characteristics and needs of children and youths with mental and/ or physical disabilities • To be familiar with their strengths and limitations • To be aware of their special needs in planning activities • To be supportive, effective and helpful

4. Common Types of Mental Disabilities • Down’s Syndrome • Autism • Range of IQ score

5. Down’s Syndrome • Since 1866 by John Down. • Chromosomes: Human cells normally have 46 chromosomes which can be arranged in 23 pars. However, people with down’s syndrome have 47 chromosomes.

6. Autism Social: Difficulty in mixing with other children, litter or no eye contact, sustained odd play, prefer to be alone, may not want cuddling, inappropriate attachment to objects, etc.

7. Autism Language: Inappropriate laughing and giggling, echolalia, not responsive to verbal cues and acts as deaf, difficulty in expressing needs, use gestures or pointing instead of words, etc.

8. Autism Behavioral : Resists changes in routine, extremely overactive, spin objects, displays extreme distress for no apparent reason, no real fear of dangers, apparent insensitivity to pain, etc. • Ref: Autism-society.org

9. IQ scores 70-85: Borderline 50-69: Mild 35-49: Moderate 20-34: Severe less 20 Profound.

10. Special Needs of Children/Youths with Mental Disabilities • “New language” • More pictures, signs, demonstrations • Assisting Facilities (eg. Money vs. Octopus) • Clear and straight forward guideline • Ask before you help / Tell them what you’re going to do

11. Special Needs of Children/Youths with Physical Disabilities due to ….. • Poor walking stability • Poor sitting balance and posture • Poor hand function • Limited self-care ability and flexibility • Associated impairments

12. Group Activity

13. Background • Hospitalization: “illness, abnormal, isolated” • Developmental: Focus on limitations and skills training • Community Rehabilitation: Focus on needs, social inclusion, networking, support

14. Person Centered Approach • “Is a process whereby persons with disabilities, with the support of families, direct the planning and allocation of resources to meet their own life vision and goals.”

15. Person Centered Approach • “Is based on a person’ s preferences, dreams and needs, and discovers what the person loves and dislikes.” • Ref: John O’ Brien

16. Quality of Life • Physical well-being • Emotional well-being • Material well-being • Interpersonal Relations • Personal Development • Self-Determination • Social Inclusion • Rights

17. Tips For Activities Planning • Open-minded • Listening is the key • Less Authority, More Support • Age appropriate • Choices • Self-Determination • Acceptance and Respect

18. Conclusion I Individual C Care A Ability N Network F Freedom L Listen Y “Why not”—Be open minded

19. Thank you & have fun!