CLS Workshop Overview | Healthy Community Living

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Orange flowers in a field

CLS Workshop
Overview

Community Living Skills (CLS) is a ten-week workshop within the HCL program for people who want to build their independent living skills.

Workshop participants can:

  • Build a support network with peers in the disability community
  • Explore options and possibilities for setting personal goals
  • Get information on skills and resources for living and participating in the community
  • Build confidence and comfort in decision making and problem solving

Session Overviews

The Community Living Skills workshop provides introductory information on a number of topics specific to living independently in the community, including:

Disability Identity

Disability Identity session icon: ADAPT flag waving in the wind

This session can help participants understand disability and some of the shared experiences they may have. It will help participants reflect on their unique and personal identity story. Identifying as a person with a disability does not have to be negative; it can be a step towards taking back power to make choices and lead the life participants want to lead.

Peer Support

Peer Support session icon: Two hands high-fiving

This session explores who peers are, where they can be found, and in what ways they can support someone. The session explains how peers can help someone feel heard and accepted, help solve problems, and help someone explore new options and see new possibilities.

Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy session icon: Close-up of person speaking into microphone

Self-advocacy means speaking up for what you want or need. This session will introduce participants to the concept of self-advocacy and help participants understand how they might advocate for themselves in the future.

Self-Care

Self-Care session icon: Toothbrushes in a cup

This session discusses the important ways that someone can take care of their body and be healthy in their home. Focus areas include keeping your body clean, listening to your body, and being healthy in your home.

Housing

Housing session icon: Old door knob on blue door

Living independently may mean finding housing that fits an individual and their specific needs. This session helps participants explore options and resources for housing, and plan for individual needs.

Technical Skills

Technical Skills session icon: Close up of a computer keyboard

Developing some technical skills can be an important part of community living. This session is designed to support participants in learning new technical skills, whether that is using a computer, getting online and using the internet, or using assistive technology

Budgeting & Finance

Budgeting and Finance session icon: Close-up of hand holding credit card

Budgeting means not just having some money or income, but also understanding how to use money to help meet goals. This session will help participants understand what goes into their budget to stay on track.

Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships session icon: Close-up of two people shaking hands

Everyone has experienced many different types of relationships in their lives. This session helps participants reflect on their relationships, discuss healthy communication, setting boundaries, and setting oneself up for success in healthy relationships.

Transportation

Transportation session icon: People walking across bridge

This session helps participants learn more about transportation options and resources, so that they will be able to find ways to get to where they need to go and be as independent as possible in their community.

Time Use

Time Use session icon: Watch on a wrist

Time management, or time use, means using one’s time well. Using time well allows a person to meet their goals, build stronger relationships, and lower their stress. This session helps participants think about their time and utilize tools to stay organized.

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