At the core of all of our programs
are goals for socialization, independence and communication. Children
are paired with a typically developing child who has been trained
as a social buddy and/or a staff member to facilitate social development.
Opening and closing activities involve the whole group. Children
learn new concepts and are able to rehearse and expand social
skills and language in a comfortable and familiar environment.
Social
Skills—A center-based program in which children are
engaged in social learning situations. Thematic units are integrated
in each learning center. Learning centers include games, reading,
art, motor, and cooking.
Music
& Movement—Interactive songs and activities
will provide the framework to encourage language and social skills.
Skills such as turn-taking, waiting, sharing and attending will
be practiced. Concepts such as loud/soft, fast/slow, stop/go will
be incorporated.
Music
& Pop Culture—Units will be planned around
popular music groups/themes (i.e. The Beatles, movie soundtracks)
encouraging middle and high school students to enjoy social experiences
around popular trends. Exposure is provided to different kinds
of music through activities such as “Name That Tune,”
the computer, and interaction with musical instruments.
Instructional
Swimming—Two levels of swim instruction led by
an autism specialist follow the Red Cross instructional swim guidelines.
Additionally, adaptive daily living skills (i.e. dressing independently)
and safety are stressed.
Interactive
Games—A center-based program that introduces children
to board games, card games and group games. Games are adapted
to promote socialization and communication skills. Adaptations
and prompts are faded as children become familiar with and understand
the games, enabling them to play the games in other settings.
Cooking
& Conversation—Cooking activities provide a
natural opportunity for practicing social skills, following directions,
turn taking, and reading. Games and activities, which promote
conversation, comprehension and asking/answering questions, round
out the program.
Teen
Class/Independent Living—Opportunities for teens
to develop daily living skills and independence in a structured
environment. Each program offers activities to promote social
interactions, working cooperatively, and learning new skills.
Each week involves cooking (i.e. planning a meal, shopping, cooking,
eating together, and cleaning up); units (i.e. safety, pop music,
manners, nutrition, shopping mall); exercise; and independent
/partner work activities.
Animal
Assisted Therapy – This is a cooperative program
with Have Dreams, Avenues to Independence, and Rainbow Therapy
Dogs. Located at one of Avenues’ residential facilities,
Have Dreams’ staff and AAT trainers work with Have Dreams
children, their siblings and Avenues’ adults to provide
interactive opportunities with specially trained dogs.
Have
Dreams Special Olympics program at Northwestern University
offers an opportunity for participation on a Special Olympics
team and competition at state and local levels with other Special
Olympics teams.
Reading/Breakthrough
to Literacy—A computer-based literacy program for
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade levels.
Trained staff individually supervises each session.
Have Dreams
2006 Program Dates*
