Felicity Phillips 2/13/2015

“TOGETHER WE PLAY” MODELThe model that I have chosen for this assignment is the Together We Play model. Last

year, I completed my first year of the Developmental Services Worker program, where I took a course on Person Directed Plans. Person Directed Planning is the process of developing plans looking at an individual with an intellectual disability and assisting in achieving goals that suit their social, leisure and recreation interests. There are many different types of PDP process, as there are for inclusive recreation models.

As an advocate for person centered care and individualized planning, I believe that the Together We Play Model best suits my interests. Additionally, I am completing my placement in May at the Abilities Centre in Whitby; therefore, looking at this process will be able to assist in developing the skills required for person directed recreation programming.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTTo be successful in developing a program that utilizes the Together We Play Model, I

believe that it is important to make a brief case study that outlines the individual’s needs and interests.CASE STUDY

Claire is a fourteen year old girl diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Additionally, Claire struggles with a form of Congenital Heart Disease. Claire rarely has behaviours; although, she likes to complete soothing crafts when she shows signs of aggression. Claire lives with her parents, Joe and Diane, and older sister, Emily. Claire has physical limitations due to her heart and hip problems, which has led to some feelings of sadness. Claire’s dream is to attend overnight camp for one week during summer 2015. DEVELOPING THE PROGRAM

SERVICE TO CHILD

ASSESSMENT OF APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES

Although Claire may struggle with some physical limitations, she has many strengths in terms of developing programs. One thing that recreation staff could emphasize for Claire is the use of crafts. It is mentioned in the case study that Claire enjoys soothing crafts when she is agitated; therefore, they could utilized as a regular program.

When reviewing the idea of physical activities, it would need to be approved by Claire’s cardiologist. We could request that we receive the documentation from an exercise test completed by her cardiologist; or one be completed. This can also assist in the recommendations by the doctor and provide a guideline for healthy heart rates for the recreation practitioners. The program staff also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms for concern when Claire is active. These signs and symptoms are:

Dizziness or a feeling of faintness; Becomes so breathless that she is unable to speak; Complaints of palpitations; Becomes very pale of clammy;

Felicity Phillips 2/13/2015

Complains of severe tiredness or vagueness; The skin colour starts to turn blue; Develops new or unusual symptoms during or immediately after the physical activity is

completed (British Heart Foundation, n.d.).When programmers are developing programs for Claire, they will also need to look at

Claire’s cognitive ability. Individuals with Down Syndrome often have both strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their learning and developing. Strengths include social development, learning with visual supports and word reading (Down Syndrome Education International, n.d.). Weaknesses include motor development, number skills and verbal short-term memory. Additionally, individuals with Down Syndrome often have difficulties with expressive language, grammar and speech clarity (Down Syndrome Education International, n.d.). To learn about Claire’s strengths and weakness, the recreation programmer could review her IEP (Individualized Education Plan) from school.ASSISTANCE IN FINDING RECREATION PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

There are many different recreation programs available for individuals with various needs. A primary resource used now is Pinterest. For activities that are not sports-based, this would become a fantastic website to find activities that could be utilized for Claire. Utilizing Pinterest, recreation programmers can find sensory play ideas, easy games, colouring pages and tournament-style events.

When looking at sports-based programs, it depends on the results from Claire’s exercise test. One activity that is common at camps and heart-friendly is swimming. The recreation practitioners would need to review Claire’s swimming abilities with her family to ensure a safe space for her.LEISURE COMPANIONS

When researching camps, we will find organizations that provide safe and fun experiences for individuals diagnosed with various disabilities.SERVICE TO PARENT

INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Although the goal is for Claire to attend a camp, it may be beneficial to have her attend some recreation programs in her community beforehand. Some places that she could experience community recreation in the Durham region include:

Abilities Centre Community Living Durham North - Rec for Youth program Community Living Oshawa/Clarington Grandview Children's Centre Sunrise Youth Group Tania's Place Various Handicapped Sports Teams Windreach Farms

*All of these programs are located throughout the Durham region, and all have inclusive recreation programs. Resources and more information found here: http://hollandbloorview.ca/Assets/website/documents/Client%20and

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%20family%20resources%20documents/Online%20family%20resource%20centre/Fun/Durham_inclusive_recreation_guide.pdfEDUCATION FOR FAMILY

As this program is going to be emphasized in the summer, the emphasis for this section will be on funding options for the family. There are a lot of different funding options for individuals with disabilities through the government. Listed below are different forms of funding, and websites where the family could learn more.

Ontario Disability Support Program/Assistance For Children With Severe Disabilities: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/disabilities/index.aspx

Special Services At Home (SSAH): http://www.dsasc.ca/finances.html Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): http://www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca/ Disability tax credit: http://www.cra.gc.ca/disability Child Disability Benefit (CDB) – completed through taxes Assistant Devices Program (ADP):

http://www.health.gov.on.calenglish/public/program/adp/adp%20mn.htmlThere are many different forms of funding available to Claire’s family, which may be able to

assist in the funding for her trip to camp, as well as everyday funding. REFERRAL AGENCIES

At this point, the recreation practitioner needs to be reviewing with Claire what her camp preferences are and work to develop partnerships with these camps. Through the Ontario Camp Association’s Find Your Perfect Camp application, there has been a list of camp ideas for Claire developed. Below is the list of camps.

Canterbury Hills Camp - http://canterburyhillscamp.ca/ Cave Springs Camp: United Church - http://www.cavespringscamp.on.ca/ Camp Mishewah - http://www.evergreencm.org/ Camp Menesetung: United Church - http://www.campmenesetung.ca/ Project Canoe - http://www.canoe.org/ Selah Camp & Retreat Centre - http://www.selahcamp.com/ Camp Kennebec - http://www.campkennebec.com Camp Prospect - http://www.campprospect.com/ Camp Maple Leaf - http://www.campmapleleaf.net/Overall, there are about 50 camps in Ontario that would be willing to accommodate an

individual diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The recreation practitioner would need to sit down with Claire and her family to discuss more in depth what their wants and needs would be. Once completed, the practitioner could then contact the organizations to develop partnerships.SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AGENCIES

The recreation practitioner that is in charge of Claire’s case should ensure that employees of the camp have appropriate training to serve Claire in a safe and appropriate manner. This includes appropriate education and/or training in inclusion, Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease. The recreation practitioner should also ensure that the camp Claire chooses has the appropriate adaptive requirements to her needs.

SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING PROGRAM

Felicity Phillips 2/13/2015

In the beginning of my seminar activity, I explained my interest in person centered programs. I believe that utilizing the Together We Play model in the situation that I developed was extremely useful. It definitely assisted in looking at all the needs required to ensure safety, cohesiveness and goal building throughout the process. I’m extremely excited to utilize this model at my placement in the spring.

Felicity Phillips 2/13/2015

REFERENCESBritish Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Physical activity - what is my child has a congenital heart condition? Retrieved

from British Heart Foundation: https://www.bhf.org.uk/~/media/files/publications/children-and-young-people/g524-physical-activity---what-if-my-child-has-a-congenital-heart-condition.pdf

Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County. (n.d.). Finances. Retrieved from Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County: http://www.dsasc.ca/finances.html

Down Syndrome Education International. (n.d.). Development and Learning. Retrieved from Down Syndrome Education International: http://www.dseinternational.org/en-gb/about-down-syndrome/development/