Social Skills
Good Social Skills are essential to functioning in life. They enable an individual to problem solve, make good choices and communicate positively with others. Small groups are formed intermittently throughout the year for adults focusing on various topics.
Social Skills Group are arranged on an as needed basis for :
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
Often times classroom style learning is combined with community skill practice.
Some Examples of programming to help build Social Skills for adults:
Friendship Network - The Racker Centers Friendship Network, sponsored by the Family Support Fund of the NYS OPWDD (Office of People with Developmental Disabilities), is a unique project whose aim is to facilitate relationships and friendships for people of all ages with disabilities. Participants may be paired with a volunteer who serves as a community connector, supporting each person as they make new friends. The Friendship Network also offers social relationship groups periodically which utilizes a DVD series on the differences between strangers, acquaintances, and friends.
SPEAK - This is a curriculum developed in conjunction with the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County to help teach people with disabilities about behaviors that characterize healthy relationships and how to identify abusive relationships. Small groups are formed and meet weekly for a 12 week course. The class has been successful in showing that the small group of eight participants develops close relationships, which helps to facilitate their learning and promote discussions about complexities of healthy relationships.
