Healthy Relationships Curriculum

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How to talk to your students about dating and relationships

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Have you seen the Netflix docuseries Love on the Spectrum yet? If not, you should because it’s giving our society a glimpse into how adolescents and young adults are navigating dating and relationships as an individual on the autism spectrum. Our Healthy Relationships Curriculum offers educators with a robust program that provides them with the skills and tools they need to address topics like interpersonal interactions, dating, relationships, and sex education with their students.

As an educator, you understand that addressing these topics with your students who may have varying needs can be difficult. Not only do they process things differently, but these topics also have the potential to make them (and you) uncomfortable. At the core, these issues personal and they are a part of the fabric of who we are and how we interact with one another. You need to be able to explain and teach these issues in a way that your students can understand.

Often, students with various needs are not taught these topics in a manner that they can understand and relate to. It’s important for them to learn how to date, what appropriate personal boundaries are, and what sex is. It would be naïve for all of us to think that students are not thinking about these things. Just because they may have varying needs, does not make them any less interested in all the aspects of being a teenager.

That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum specifically addresses these issues head-on. We know that you want to be able to have appropriate and direct conversations with your students. We have designed lesson plans that provide you will the tools and resources you need to be successful in teaching these issues.

What is social distancing? How can your students practice it and stay safe during COVID?

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Social distancing, a phrase that most of us have heard and said nearly a million times over by now. But, how does it prevent the spread of COVID-19? How can schools enforce and encourage social distancing practices? And, how can teachers educate their students on how to do it?

The CDC defines social distancing as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (6 feet or more) from others whenever possible.” Given this definition, having schools return to an in-person instructional format has been a difficult task with many districts across the country deciding to shift to a virtual or hybrid model.

Social distancing can be a difficult concept for some students to understand, especially for those who may have varying needs. Social distancing is something that all students should know about and practice—whether that’s in school or out at a store.

Helping students better understand how and why to socially distance is vital as learning models continually change, and our country continues to grapple with the pandemic. Coming up with an effective method to educate students on this practice is tough. That’s why we’ve adapted our Healthy Relationships Curriculum to serve and meet the needs of the environment we’re now living in.

Included as part of our curriculum are detailed video lesson plans which visually show students why personal space is important and what physical boundaries are. As an educator, we know that you are looking for creative ways to teach your students. What we are all going through right now is difficult, and having the best tools and resources at your disposal with help both you and your students

Transition to Remote Learning: Challenges Ahead

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Video calls, digital assignments, online tests and quizzes, and not being in-person with your students—this fall looks vastly different than what we have grown accustomed to. For some students, the virtual classroom may be preferable, but for many others it is a struggle to remain engaged and focused on school.

Not only have students had to adjust to the virtual learning environment, but educators have had to completely transform their lesson plans to conform to online mediums. This change has stolen a lot of time from teachers as they scramble to convert lessons meant to be taught in-person to a virtual format. Because many students are teaching from home, it seems like the workday never ends. There is no longer a separation of space and time, and many are hoping for a return to a more normal work-life balance.

As you know, the group feeling the greatest impact of virtual learning are students with varying needs. Teaching students critical life and social skills is one of the tenets of special education. As many educators have noted, it can also be a struggle to achieve requirements under IDEA and fulfill IEP transition goals without face-to-face instruction.

We understand the challenges, frustrations, and dilemmas you are facing. Our team is comprised of individuals who know these issues inside and out, including a former special education teacher and therapist have specialized in working with adolescents on the autism spectrum.

As a part of the program, you will receive over 85 educational videos, 39 ready-to-use lessons, outcome measurement tools, and an online portal that connects you with us. Our online portal is also designed for you to connect directly with your students and their family.

That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum is made specifically for special education teachers and educators who work with students that have varying needs. We want you to know that we’re here for you. We also provide a training with educators, so they will feel confident in teaching the Healthy Curriculum. When you purchase the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, you not only receive a program that can be used virtually or in a traditional classroom setting, you have our support and can contact us with any questions or concerns at any time.

Teach Your Students How to Successfully Video Chat

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The coronavirus pandemic has forced many educators to learn new skills—like working on Zoom or Skype—in order to teach class. With an increasingly online and interconnected world we’re now living in, it’s critically important for your students with varying needs to learn how to communicate effectively through video chatting.

While video chatting is not necessarily a new concept to many, usage has skyrocketed in schools. Experts are estimating that nearly 6 in 10 Americans currently use video chat platforms, and many did not use these platforms for work prior to the pandemic.

As an educator, you more than anyone else, know that the traditional classroom setting is looking vastly different this fall than in previous years. With more schools utilizing virtual platforms to educate their students, we cannot think of a better time than now to ensure they are prepared.

Video chatting may or may not be new for your students with varying needs. Regardless of what they know already, one of our lesson plans will walk them through step-by-step how-to video chat appropriately and communicate effectively. In our lesson outlining video chatting, we explore the safety, how-to’s, and other common practices to make a successful video chat whether it be on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Our Healthy Relationships Curriculum works to overcome barriers that exist and prepare students with critical life and social skills. Video chat is not only important for school, but your students can use it to remain in touch with friends and family, as they practice social distancing to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.

Prepare Your Students to Learn in a Virtual Environment

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the education system in the United States. As schools move increasingly online, new challenges are arising for special education teachers, educators, students, and families.

We all know it is not easy for students to remain focused and engaged in virtual class and it can be an even grander undertaking for students who may have unique needs or challenges such as cognitive impairments, on the autism spectrum, or a learning disability.

Academic skills are not the only skills that these students develop in school, they also learn how to be independent which can be extremely difficult to teach virtually.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school districts are federally required to provide students with disabilities an education that ensures the child meets the standards of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Meeting IEP requirements virtually can be extremely difficult for educators because there can be a disconnect when students are not in-person to learn.

It can be tremendously frustrating for parents to watch their child struggle to learn because of inadequate virtual education strategies, and there have even been instances where parents or students left virtual sessions due to their ineffectiveness. That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum has been working so well for thousands of educators and students across the country.

We created this curriculum so it can be adapted to any learning environment – whether your students are learning in the classroom or will be learning virtual from the comfort of their home this fall – our detailed lesson plans and instructions will work regardless of the modality. Whether your students have varying needs, are on the autism spectrum, or have a learning disability, they will learn critical life and social skills.

With over 85 informative videos for students to watch, 39 ready-to-use lessons, outcome measurement tools, and an online portal that connects teachers with students and their families, our curriculum is the tool you need to effectively teach this fall.

Get the Most Out of Your CARES Funding

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We are in uncharted waters. Schools across the nation are developing entirely new methods of educating students. Some are meeting face-to-face, some are utilizing a hybrid format, and some are moving entirely to a virtual platform.

If there is one thing that is certain in a time of such uncertainty it is that schools, educators, students, and families are going through something no one has ever experienced in our lifetime.

When trying to conceptualize what this school year is going to look like, many questions arise. But, the question at the top of everyone’s minds is: how will education systems be able to afford such a drastic transformation to online learning?

In March of this year, a federal $2.2 trillion stimulus bill entitled the CARES act was passed and signed into law. Included in the bill is funding which schools can use to not only provide technology to students and sanitize schools, but also purchase curriculums.

Our Healthy Relationships curriculum does in fact qualify under multiple sections of the CARES Act. We understand that many schools and districts think that the funding has to be used on sanitization measures and technology, and rightfully so. But, within the funding requirements, the Healthy Relationships Curriculum would qualify under multiple sections of the CARES Act.

• This educational tool and resource, for your students with disabilities, is directly listed as one of the specifics allowable for use for the K-12 relief funding.

• The Healthy Relationships Curriculum would ensure appropriate guidance to achieve requirements under IDEA and will ensure offering educational services to meet IEP transition goals through both in-person AND remote learning options.

• School leaders, like special education directors and others, can use the CARES Act funding to purchase resources to address the needs of their individual schools and students.

With virtual lessons, outcome measurement tools, an online portal to easily communicate with parents and other educators, and over 85 videos to keep your students engaged, the Healthy Relationships Curriculum is the perfect remedy for the situation this fall.

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month!

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The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a “state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality”; which goes beyond disease, dysfunction, and infirmity.  Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, and needs to be free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.  Being in good sexual health means you are well informed, careful, and respectful to yourself and others.

Healthy Relationships need to begin as early as elementary/middle school.  During adolescence, young people learn how to form safe and healthy relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and educators.  Peers play a big role in identity formation, but relationships with caring adults (parents, mentors, coaches, teachers) are very important to developing healthy relationships.  Unfortunately, adolescents sometimes develop unhealthy relationships and experience or exhibit bullying or dating violence.  Students with autism and other developmental delays have an even harder time recognizing what is healthy and unhealthy.

Experts say educators need to help incorporate a Healthy Relationship program into their schools, especially for special education students.  Students need to have a clear understanding on what is healthy and what is not, in real-life time.  The earlier, and more often, they receive the information the better chance they will transition into healthy and caring adults.  This is important for both regular and special education students.

So, what is sex education?  Most schools and parents hear these words and immediately think sex, body development, and sexuality, and people become uncomfortable talking about this with young adults.  Sex education goes beyond sex and incorporates relationship development in all stages, along with the skills needed to help young adults make informed decisions.  These skills are critical throughout life to help them transition into productive and caring adults.  Research has shown that sex education is more effective when it occurs throughout the child’s school career and on a continual basis.  My experience has shown, young adults want to hear honest information, and isn’t it better to have them ask questions and learn in a safe, and trusted environment? Especially young adults with autism and developmental delays who might not know what to ask, who to ask, or realize they are being bullied.

Different states have been slowly recognizing the importance of sex education and have been putting strict guidelines in place for schools to follow.  We want young adults to build trust while providing them with the knowledge, ability, and comfort to manage their sexual health throughout their lives in a thoughtful, empowered, and responsible way.  However, society needs to provide young people with honest, age-appropriate information they need to make appropriate decisions independently.

The Healthy Relationships Curriculum is a resource that can benefit your school or organization in the areas of sex education and social relationships.  It was developed by special education teachers, therapists, and psychologists to help prepare youth to transition into adulthood.  If you want more information on how this program can fit into your existing resources, contact a representative today!

Their next steps

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Since December is the traditional time for High School Seniors to begin the college application process, this month’s HealthyRelationship Blog will focus on considerations for parents and educators related to post-secondary education for students with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The Healthy Relationships Curriculum was designed to provide instruction in the areas of hygiene, sexuality, and appropriate relationships with a goal of preparing individuals for independent living. The ability to successfully transition from high school to college is an important step for individuals hoping to move on to employment and self-sufficiency.

Research conducted by the AJ Drexel Autism Institute indicates that approximately 30 percent of students with autism will attend college, but fewer than 20 percent will graduate. The low rate of graduation is attributed to many factors that affect individuals with autism and developmental delays: limited communication skills, social deficits, anxiety, and impaired executive functioning. Many times students are advanced in their ability to comprehend and master academic challenges while struggling with the social and life-skills that are required for college success.

What can parents and educators do to improve the likelihood of post-secondary achievement for these students?

*Start early. Introducing content related to hygiene, social skills, and appropriate peer interaction provides a foundation for an individual to live independently.

*Encourage high school students to work if at all possible. The demands of employment or a regular volunteer commitment will help to prepare them for the rigorous schedule and social demands of college.

*Consider community college .Many community colleges offer student support departments that offer counseling, tutoring, and even transportation to make the college experience attainable.

*Research college options that provide comprehensive support. Thinkcollege.net offers a national listing by state of university and college programs that offer specialized programming for young adults with special education needs.

College success is attainable for individuals with autism and other developmental delays when parents and educators carefully and considerately plan for this achievement. The Healthy Relationships Curriculum is an important resource to consider in the planning process. For more information about the best ways to utilize the HRC Curriculum in a student’s transition plan, contact Rob Anderson at rob.anderson@wfspa.org .

New Features and Enhancements Coming Soon to Our Curriculum

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We are excited to share new features that being added to the Healthy Relationships Curriculum for Fall 2018 that will be provided to current and pending licensees at no additional charge!

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Progressing from Awareness to Acceptance – Incorporating Social Goals into the IEP

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This month, our blog is focusing on how to include strategies into a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that relate to healthy relationships with oneself and others.

April is recognized worldwide as Autism Awareness Month. There is a current movement within the autism community to not only continue to heighten autism awareness but to more importantly foster understanding and acceptance of individuals who identify as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Within this post, our team would like to stress the importance of including social problem-solving goals within a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), regardless of their diagnosis.

We will reiterate language from our previous post for emphasis, as we believe so strongly in this description. The IEP is truly the cornerstone of a student’s special education program and should reflect the strengths, needs and progress of an individual as they move through their school experience. An IEP should address academics, vocational planning, community engagement, domestic function, and recreation. Within the domestic domain, the IEP should examine skills needed for daily living.

Social skills connect an individual to their environment and the greater community. An important step in a student’s development is their ability to interact with both educators and peers, and to maintain appropriate relationships with family, friends, and the members of the community outside of school hours.

Parents, teachers, other team members such as speech therapists, and the student themselves as a self-advocate as much as possible, should work together to evaluate what social problem-solving skills a student currently possesses.

The IEP team should consider their ability to:

  • recognize and greet others
  • initiate a request or demonstrate need
  • respond to others’ questions and inference perspectives
  • differentiate between strangers and friends or acquaintances
  • engage in a back and forth conversation with others
  • take turns or share group efforts in a school, work or community setting
  • recognize personal space, voice modulation, and non-verbal communication techniques such as pointing and gesturing
  • understand the difference between platonic friendships and romantic relationships

Once a student’s social strengths and areas of need are thoroughly assessed, their IEP goals can be created with a goal of increasing consistent practice of these skills that will ultimately promote success.

A helpful resource for teachers to use to instruct social skills is the Healthy Relationships Curriculum. The Healthy Relationships Curriculum uses learning modules and video modeling with role-plays to teach and remediate these skills and also offer examples of both appropriate and inappropriate interactions.

This method of instruction was recently endorsed by Dr. Tammy Hughes, Chair of the Department of Education at Duquesne University as “the best method available nationwide to teach adolescents and young adults about themselves, their sexuality, and their social relationships.” A student’s social development helps them to progress towards post-secondary education, independent living, meaningful employment and possibly long-term partnerships. It is critically important for the IEP team to include social skills as part of the IEP goals and to have a comprehensive plan for how to instruct them.

As shared previously, our blog posts are written by members of our team who have first-hand experience – often family members – with autism and/or comorbidity comprised with experience working within school systems and healthcare agencies that support individuals with ID, ASD, developmental disabilities and emotional disturbance. It is our belief that individuals who are encouraged to understand the importance of developing their social problem-solving skills and given appropriate instruction will likely be more successful in being accepted by their peers and the community in which they live.

Are you thinking of bringing the Healthy Relationships Curriculum to your classroom, group or practice? Click on the Contact Us page to request a sample packet, ask a question, or to schedule a presentation for your team.