EXTENSION PROGRAM
Sports Motion and Learning (SMAL)
The Sports Motion and Learning Program is a "social enrichment program" that aims to meet the needs of adolescents and adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD). SMAL's mission is to provide an engaging, safe, adaptive, and stimulating environment that promotes opportunities to enhance social skills, mental health, functional communication skills, daily exercise, and increased knowledge and practice with independent living skills. In addition, individuals learn new skills and behaviors with the implementation of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) strategies and are challenged cognitively with vocational and education skill-leveled material. SMAL helps each individual attain the highest level of independent leisure functioning by increased leisure skills, and increased awareness of and involvement in the community/with community partners.
Adaptive Social Enrichment Programs positively impact individuals with special needs in all areas of development. Enrichment programs provide opportunities to enhance their skills and maximize their potential. Research shows that individuals with special needs who participate in social enrichment programs have improved social/emotional development, higher academic achievement, better cognitive functioning, improved health and wellness, and improved behavior.
PROGRAMMING
Includes the following concepts:
Motion and Movement
individuals will explore all aspects of music. From creating their own instruments to learning popular songs, A Lead Coach will assist individuals through different multisensory strategies through music.
Weighted Exercise
Individuals will build muscle as well as increase sensory input activities by utilizing appropriate weighted objects. Individuals will have an opportunity to socially engage with peers and learn new skills. These activities are designed to help with focus and attentiveness. Proprioceptive systems are activated!
Creative Arts
Sensory art activities have been proven to produce changes in the brain that reflect improvements in attention skills and cognition. Individuals also display significant gains in emotional awareness, coping, creative thinking, communication and sensory information processing. Projects are always sensory based and unique-just like our exceptional Individuals!
Reading/ Writing groups
Individuals will explore a variety of literature aimed to strengthen their literacy abilities and oral comprehension. Adaptive tools and material will aid in writing challenges.
Mental Health Group
Individuals are led by a therapeutic social skills coach while engaging in mental wellness activities. Individuals learn to identify feelings, emotions, coping skills, and goal planning just to name a few!
Gallery
Photos from our sessions.
Sports Motion and Learning Parent Handbook
Sports Motion and Learning Enrollment Packet
