The Journeyman – Camphill New Directions Learning Event, Tullamore Court Hotel, May 18th 2016.
Making a Change Journeyman Programme was originally rural-based Camphill day service Camphill Communities were supporting school leavers with complex needs, some non-verbal Programme was always person-centred Camphill Communities of Ireland placing new ventures in towns at this time
Being in the Community From 2008 our project, and Camphill Communities of Ireland were being mentored by John O’Brien and Prof. Patricia O’Brien Recommendation to move all programmes away from central building and into the community, through the individuals choice In 2010, New Directions information encouraged more structured process to facilitate and empower young person’s transition
Resistance Met with resistance from family members who wanted a designated centre Moving totally into community based setting was scary and all stakeholders needed time to trust the new situation Change for staff roles from ‘carer’ to ‘supporter/community connector’ Staff challenge was to support young person’s choice and self-esteem, to ‘have new eyes’ and to support and chart the development of capacity
Solution Compromise was a staged process of ‘being in the community’ All stakeholders; students, staff; family and friends; local management committee; independent professionals engaged in PATH process for new programme Developing communication and capacity skills for the young people Incremental stages for everyone to trust the process Developing partnerships and our community garden Staff training and working with independent practitioners eg. S&L therapist
Change for the Young Person Move from rural based activity to ‘hub’ within the local town Personalised schedule Social roles within the community developed Partnering with other community organisations; eg. Tudor Craft Hub, Food Cloud 2/3 programme in ‘community’, 1/3 at hub
Flexible Supports SPHE programme developed: Social, Political, Health Education SPHE – our students groups are called ‘Respect and Rights Group’ and ‘Safe Voices for Adults Group’ Working in peer groups Advocating on topics that are important to the students; town planning, relationships, social media, bullying etc Being listened to Finding my own voice
Flexible Supports Circle of support Independent Advocates Sharing week between Journeyman Programme and mainstream services, eg. KCAT, WIT, Work experience placements, sports clubs Accessing other opportunities; taking part in Abhainn Ri Community Festival, Gaisce Award
Communication Tools PECS Lámh Picture timetables Social Stories Speech and Language Support iPad’s and tablets (assistive technology) Accessing information in the world that is relevant to my needs Choosing my own therapeutic learning opportunities Networking with KITE for ASD services