A Five-Session Self-Advocacy Course in Colorado Springs for Youth with Disabilities
PEAK’s Shift Transition Project is excited to announce its new five-session Take Charge Self-Advocacy Course, beginning on Saturday, March 12, 2016 in Colorado Springs!
The Take Charge course is open to any young person with a disability, age 16 – 22. Take Charge will provide a customized learning experience designed to actively engage each participant in learning and doing. Youth who apply will each invite one family member or friend to participate in the sessions with them.
Join Take Charge if you want to:
- Hear about new possibilities for your life from people with and without disabilities.
- Learn and practice skills for speaking up to get the life you want.
- Get info about how to use adult services to help you.
- Make new connections.
- Get and use tools for life planning.
The dates and descriptions of the five Take Charge course sessions are listed below. Please note that applicants must make the commitment to attend all five sessions.
Session 1:Â Get a Life – March 12, 2016 Â
Where do you want to live? Do you want to connect with others and make friends? How do you want to spend your time? Learn how to get supports to be as independent as possible.
Session 2:Â Speak Up for Yourself (However You Communicate) – April 9, 2016
Gain advocacy skills. Learn to stand up for yourself and try new things. Learn how to ask for and get the supports you need.
Session 3:Â Get a Job – May 14, 2016
Learn how to use your strengths and interests to get a career and real work. Explore going to college and other possibilities! Learn about using support agencies like Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Centers to help you with employment.
Session 4: Get Connected – June 11, 2016
Hear stories of friendships and fun, and learn how you can make a difference for others. Explore opportunities and resources. Discover how to get involved in your community.
Session 5:Â Move On to Life! – August 13, 2016
Wrap up with a look to the future. Learn how to build your personal network and develop a portfolio. Make planning and taking steps toward your goals an ongoing part of your life.
The Take Charge Course will be held at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street, near downtown Colorado Springs. All sessions will be on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and lunch will be provided!
If you think Take Charge is for you, please complete an application (PDF 500 KB) and return it to PEAK no later than Monday, February 22, 2016. Please return completed application:
- By email to: bschaffner@peakparent.org
- By mail to: Shift Project, PEAK Parent Center, 917 East Moreno Avenue, Suite 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, or
- By fax to 719.531.9452, Attn: Shift Project.
You can also get an application by calling PEAK at 719-531-9400. On the application you will be asked to invite one family member or friend to participate in the sessions with you. Space is limited so please return your application soon! The deadline for applying is Monday, February 22, 2016. You will be notified about your participation by Monday, February 29, 2016.
You can download a marketing flyer about the Take Charge course here (PDF 400 KB).
If you have questions, please call or email Beth Schaffner at 719-531-9400, extension 117 or bschaffner@peakparent.org.
PEAK’s Shift Transition Project is funded through a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (part of the U. S. Department of Education). Shift provides transition training, support, and resources to youth with disabilities and their families to help them plan for and achieve a good life after school.
Copyright 2016 © by PEAK Parent Center, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce may be obtained from PEAK Parent Center.