Working through Others: Extending and Enhancing your Service

Program Overview

This comprehensive program guides participants in recruiting, training, and supporting group facilitators for individuals with communication disabilities. Through interactive sessions and hands-on workshops, participants learn to establish, manage, and evaluate successful conversation groups, fostering person-centered learning and collaboration. The program empowers graduates to implement effective programs that enhance communication opportunities within the community.

Program Outline

Extracted Information about "Working through Others: Extending and Enhancing your Service"

Degree Overview:

• The program provides a comprehensive guide to recruiting and training group facilitators.
• Participants learn to set up, support, maintain, and evaluate successful conversation groups for individuals with communication disabilities.
• Inspired by the effective peer-led conversation groups at Aphasia Re-Connect, the course offers practical insights into successful implementation.
• Delivered by trained volunteers with and without communication disabilities, the program emphasizes person-centered learning, collaboration, and support.

Outline:

• The course is delivered in an interactive format over one full day, consisting of seven hours (including breaks).
• Participants delve into person-centered group facilitation through practical discussions, presentations, workshops, and direct interaction with trainers.
• Key modules cover:
• Recruitment:
Learn strategies to attract and select suitable individuals to participate as group facilitators.
• Training: Develop the necessary skills and knowledge for individuals with communication disabilities and volunteers to effectively work together.
• Group Development: Gain practical tools for creating and managing thriving peer-led conversation groups.
• Leadership and Support: Explore techniques to effectively supervise, manage, and support peer leaders and volunteers.
• Evaluation: Understand how to assess and report the success of groups while identifying key areas for improvement.

Assessment:

• Participants actively engage in discussions, workshops, and group activities throughout the course.
• Assessment is conducted through formative observation, encouraging participants to reflect on their learning and demonstrate their ability to apply acquired skills.
• CPD certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Teaching:

• The course utilizes a variety of interactive teaching methods to promote active engagement and knowledge acquisition.
• These include:
• Practical small-group discussions:
Facilitated discussions encourage collaboration and peer learning among participants.
• PowerPoint presentations: Visual aids and engaging content effectively convey key information and concepts.
• Video demonstrations: Real-world scenarios illustrate effective practices and group dynamics.
• Workshops: Participants gain practical skills through hands-on activities and simulations.
• Direct involvement with trainers with communication disability: This unique aspect of the program provides invaluable insights and fosters understanding.

Careers:

• The skills and knowledge acquired in the course equip graduates to effectively manage and implement successful conversation groups for individuals with communication disabilities.
• Potential career paths include:
• Group coordinator:
Lead and manage the organization and facilitation of conversation groups.
• Trainer: Develop and deliver training programs for group facilitators and volunteers.
• Project manager: Manage the development and implementation of programs supporting individuals with communication disabilities.

Other:

• Participants gain access to a comprehensive resource pack, including a detailed manual, resource booklet, and CD-ROM with additional materials to facilitate independent implementation.
• This valuable resource allows graduates to adapt and immediately apply their learnings to establish and maintain their own peer-led conversation groups.

Summary:

This course empowers participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to successfully implement and manage effective conversation groups for individuals with communication disabilities. By equipping graduates to train group facilitators, create supportive leadership structures, and evaluate program success, the program paves the way for positive and meaningful communication opportunities within the community.