Public Access Resources:

Research data from 2006 finds that 72 percent of the developmentally disabled population lives in private homes, apartments or mobile homes. People with developmental disabilities may not be able to take life saving action in a timely manner in the event of a fire. Seeds Educational Services, Inc. (Seeds) has created a fire safety curriculum designed to meet the learning needs of people with cognitive disabilities. 

This program was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Fire Administration and in partnership with Fire Protection Publications and Oklahoma State University, the leader in fire safety educational materials. Pre and post-assessments found that participants could only answer 4.6 of fire safety questions correctly before training, but after class participation, the average was 8.1.  More significantly, 22 percent of the program participants knew what to do in a room full of smoke before training; post training, 91percent of the program participants could accurately demonstrate what to do.

All of the program materials including a DVD for purchase are currently accessible and can be downloaded from Seeds Educational Services, Inc.

Imagine how your life would be if you were unable to relax. We have all learned various techniques that help us when we are stressed. Yet sometimes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have not learned how to relax when dealing with sadness, anxiety, anger and other emotions that cause stress. This training program teaches relaxation techniques.

First identified are ways to relax such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, and participating in a hobby. Then reviewed are types of situations that cause us to be stressed. For example, if an event you have been looking forward to has been changed or cancelled. Or, remembering things or people from the past that made you sad.  Taught are techniques to relax the entire body through tightening and relaxing exercises. Also taught are deep breathing techniques.

Being in a leadership role is an important responsibility. Staff are following your words and your actions. Counter intuitively, one trait of a successful leader is being a good listener. Staff will perform at a higher level if they believe that their ideas are being heard, acknowledged and ultimately utilized.

Becoming a Better Listener is an essential training program examines the importance and practice of listening skills from the managerial perspective. Key components covered are:
      - Why excellent listening skills will improve your managerial performance
      - Key traits of excellent listeners
      - Focusing on the emotional content, not just the words
      - Avoiding interrupting
      - Avoiding giving unsolicited advice
      - Being as objective as possible
      - Be aware of your filters and stereotypes, and keeping both in check

This one hour training is appropriate for all levels of managerial staff.

One of the more difficult issues facing agencies is how to deal with relationship and sexuality issues. Person-centered planning might include the desire to have a relationship with another person that could be intimate.

Agencies that have no policy often provide a negative message to people with IDD and their staff or give no message at all and then staff impose their values. The YAI policy on Relationships and Sexuality was designed based upon a model that was shared by an agency in New Zealand. We needed a much more specific policy that dealt with a myriad of issues for people with IDD and their families, as well as staff. Please feel free to adapt the policy to the needs of your agency.

Tom speaks about the Challenge and importance of supporting, guiding and assisting people who are self-advocates rather than to leading and “doing for” them and shares his Tips on how to overcome this challenge.

This multi-sensory teaching tool addresses the issues of privacy and hygiene in Relation to using the bathroom. It provides staff with excellent photos, relevant questions, and discussion topics. Topics include:

• What does privacy mean?
• What to do when the bathroom is busy?
• How do I lock the bathroom door?
• What is the right way to wash my hands?

This is the gift that keeps on giving!  Create a beautifully decorated container and gift tag using only a paper bag, colored card stock and ribbon. Fill with “get well kit” or “holiday” gift sale items.

This one simple activity is more effective than hours of training for introducing effective communication and gossip avoidance. 

All you need to play are some tubes of toothpaste and a little competition. Engaging, thoughtful and fun!

Everyone feels empowered when they can give to others. People with developmental disabilities are no exception.  Donate these great little “Pots of Gold” to Meals on Wheels as tray favors or to senior centers as table decor.
With these easy-to-follow directions, you’ll want to make several to enjoy at your program!

The Safe People Folder helps staff teach the difficult concepts of “strangers” and “safe” people through a game-like visual tool.

Sample pictures of community workers are included along with step-by-step instructions for this easy to make teaching resource. 

Are you looking for activity ideas that are user-friendly for staff and also creative, appropriate, and functional for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? YAI’s “How To” series of activity “recipes”  promote social interaction and cognitive development.

In “Making Dog Biscuits,” step-by-step instructions explain how to make this healthy canine snack. Consumers love making these at YAI and then bringing them to a local animal shelter.